Many people assume communication begins with words, but meaningful connection often starts much earlier. Intensive Interaction is a relationship-based approach that uses shared attention, body language, sounds, and emotional attunement to build trust and communication, particularly for individuals with autism and complex communication needs. In this article, Integrative Psychotherapist, Calista Goh-Therond, explores what Intensive Interaction is, why behaviour is communication, and how its principles can strengthen relationships between children, teenagers, adults, parents, partners, and caregivers.

Many parents wonder why their child suddenly becomes withdrawn, emotional, anxious, or constantly attached to screens. Often, these behaviours make more sense when we understand what is happening inside the developing brain says psychologist & supervised counsellor, Ewelina Sawicka.

When a child loses a pet, adults often underestimate the depth of the grief. But for many children, this is their first experience of loss — and it can shape how they understand love, attachment, and death. In Singapore, where pets often become emotional anchors in busy or expatriate families, this loss can feel even more significant than adults realize. Psychologist & Supervised Counsellor, Ewelina Sawicka, explains why.

Research shows that children’s ability to wait is strongly influenced by trust and predictability in their environment. When children trust that promises will be kept, they are more likely to delay gratification. Research shows that children’s ability to wait is strongly influenced by trust and predictability in their environment. When children trust that promises will be kept, they are more likely to delay gratification.