Counselling FAQs

How Can Counselling Help Me?

Counselling can offer many benefits to you:

Emotional Support: Counselling offers a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment. This support can be crucial during difficult times, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and distress.

Improved Mental Health: Counselling can effectively treat various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Research shows that psychological treatments are often more effective than medication alone for many individuals.

Coping Strategies: Counsellors help individuals develop new coping skills to manage overwhelming emotions and destructive behaviors. This can lead to healthier responses to life's challenges and improved resilience.

Self-Discovery and Insight: Counselling encourages self-reflection, helping individuals understand their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This process can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Relationship Improvement: Counselling can enhance communication skills and help individuals navigate relationship issues, whether with family, friends, or partners. It provides tools to build healthier, more meaningful connections.

Behavioral Changes: Through various therapeutic techniques, counselling can assist individuals in changing unhelpful patterns of behavior, leading to more fulfilling lives.

Crisis Management: For those experiencing crises or significant life changes, Counselling can provide immediate support and strategies to cope effectively.

Long-Term Benefits: Regular counselling sessions contribute to long-term mental health benefits, fostering resilience and better emotional regulation in the face of future challenges.

Who are the staff at the NIE Wellness Centre?

NIE Wellness Centre is a practicum site for our trainees who are enrolled in the Master of Arts (Applied Psychology) and Master of Arts (Counselling & Guidance) programmes at NIE. The team consists of trainee counsellors/psychologists, you can be assured of the highest possible quality of service.

What happens during counselling?

During your initial meeting with your assigned trainee counsellor, you will be asked to sign some documents, including a confidentiality agreement. Your counsellor will get to know you and find out what you want to achieve during your sessions. During subsequent sessions, you and your counsellor will guide you in achieving those goals that you have set out during your initial session.

Will my counsellor share what I say with other people, for example my NIE tutors or supervisors?

No. Your information and whatever you say during your sessions will be kept confidential, with the file under lock and key in the NIE Wellness Centre. The only exceptions are when you express an intention to harm yourself or others.

Will what I say be used for research purposes by my counsellor?

As our team of counsellors are trainees on MA programmes in NIE, you may be used as case studies in research work conducted by your assigned counsellor. However, this will not happen without your consent, and your anonymity will be preserved.

How many sessions of counselling are there? How long is each session?

A typical counselling programme lasts between 6 – 12 sessions, but this depends on various factors, such as how well you think you are progressing towards the goals that you set in your initial session. Each session can range from about 50 min to 90 min.

What if I feel I don't like my counsellor?

In the rare case that you feel you do not get along with your counsellor, you can email Mr Bernard Mackenzie (Benz) at [email protected] to make alternative arrangements.

What if I cry?

Crying is an expression of our emotions which is a natural human reaction. In addition, crying is also a form of strength. The NIE Wellness Centre is a safe space for anyone to express their emotional struggles/issues and discuss possible strategies to better manage their emotions.

How do I make an appointment?

>You can email [email protected], or call (65) 6790 3318. Alternatively, you could visit the NIE Wellness Centre and complete the NWC Online Registration Form (https://webapps.nie.edu.sg/PublicForms/RegistrationNIEWellness.aspx)