FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is counselling?

Counselling is a process that focuses on enhancing the psychological well-being of an individual. Coming for counselling allows an individual to reach his full potential and live an enriching life.

How does counselling work?

During counselling, your personal growth, development and self-understanding is facilitated by a counsellor who guides you in developing an action plan to cope with and even overcome your issues. This empowers you to adopt more constructive life practices for a happier and more meaningful life.

Who is counselling for?

A common misconception about counselling is that only people with severe mental health issues need counselling. In reality, many people who attend counselling are bright and stable individuals who are looking for solutions to everyday issues like stress and relationship problems.

When to seek counselling?

Counselling is about strengthening oneself and seeking personal growth and development. If you find yourself experiencing troubling thoughts and emotions, it is extremely important to take the crucial step forward and seek professional help.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and counsellor?

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor, who can prescribe medications and spend much of their time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment.

Clinical Psychologist 

A clinical psychologist is a trained personnel focusing extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in patients with behavioral intervention.

Counsellor 

A counsellor is a person trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems.

Are all counselling sessions confidential?

All information and written records disclosed during and pertaining to sessions are confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without the client’s written permission, except where disclosure is required by law.

Click here to read more about SCC’s counselling policies.

How can I be assured of the professionalism of a Singapore Counselling Centre practitioner?

Here at the Singapore Counselling Centre (SCC), we are committed to providing a high quality of care and professional service. Practitioners at SCC are experienced and qualified professionals, and all practitioners hold at least a relevant Masters Degree in Counselling.

Read more about SCC’s practitioners here.

Do I need to sign up for a package straightaway?

No, you do not have to. You can opt for a single session first and at the end of it, decide whether you’d like to make a top-up for a counselling package. Kindly note that the option to top-up for a counselling package (inclusive of your first session) is valid only on the same day of your first session.

Does your organisation provide any government subsidies, grants or financial aid for the counselling sessions?

No, we do not provide any government subsidies, grants or financial aids.

How will the couple counselling sessions be held?

The counsellor will meet the couple together for the first session and the duration of the session is 1 hour long.

After the first session, the couple can then decide to either

1) continue meeting the counsellor as a couple, or

2) opt to meet the counsellor individually first, before arranging for further couple sessions

We have counselling packages available for both types of arrangements.

How will child/youth counselling sessions be held?

We would recommend that either both parents or at least one parent see the counsellor for a couple or individual session first, respectively. However, this is not compulsory and our counsellors may see the child/youth directly. The parents should preferably be around after the session in the event that the counsellor wishes to speak with them after meeting with the child/youth.

How long will I need to see my counsellor for?

There is no fixed recommended number of sessions that we would recommend for individuals to see the counsellors. It varies from person to person depending on factors such as the individual’s progress and what the counsellor feels would be suitable for him/her. You may discuss this with your counsellor during your sessions.

What should I expect for the first session?

Our counsellors will generally find out more about you and the issue that you are currently facing.

Can the counsellor write a progress report for me at the end of the session?

No, we are only able to provide you with an attendance letter. All requests must be written to counselling@scc.sg.

How do I make payment?

You can pay by NETS, credit card (subject to an additional 5% credit card processing fee for payments below $500) or transfer to our bank account number (whatsapp us for more details) before the start of each session. Kindly take note that we do not accept cash. Your counselling session will only commence after payment has been made.

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