How Can Counselling Help Me?
Counselling can offer many benefits to you:
You can:
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Talk about things that are troubling you, that you find difficult to share even with your friends, family and supervisors;
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Learn more about yourself and your relationships with others;
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Find out ways to manage stress;
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Have a safe space to try and increase your confidence and self-esteem.
I'm not mentally ill! Why would I need counselling?
Lots of people go to counselling for reasons other than psychiatric illness. Some people find it useful to have a listening ear as they try and talk through difficulties they are experiencing; others want to find out more about their personalities and the way they can deal with others.
How do I make an appointment?
You can email nie.wellness@nie.edu.sg, or call (65) 6790 3318. You will be asked to fill in form with your particulars, suitable times for counselling sessions, and to briefly outline what your goals for counselling are.
I would like to refer a friend of mine for counselling. How do I do so?
Refer to our Referral Tab right above for some tips on making a referral.
How much does it all cost?
Our services are free for all NIE and NTU students. For unemployed adults and students, we charge $15 per hour, while employed adults are charged $30 per hour. Pyschological assessments, including reports, are $300.
Who are the staff at the NIE Wellness Centre?
The Wellness Centre is staffed by trainees enrolled in the Master of Arts (Applied Psychology) and Master of Arts (Counselling & Guidance) programmes at NIE. While the staff are trainees, you can be assured of the highest possible quality of service.
What happens during counselling?
During your initial meeting with your 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 staff are trainees on MA programmes in NIE, you might be used as case studies in research work conducted by your 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 Dr Anu Dutt at anuradha.dutt@nie.edu.sg to make alternative arrangements.
What if I cry?
Crying is a normal human reaction, especially when talking about difficult issues. Your counsellor will not judge you for crying, and neither should you feel ashamed. NIE Wellness Centre rooms are all stocked with tissue boxes to help you gather yourself should you cry.
What else can I use the Wellness Centre for apart from counselling?
We have some literature on stress management and mental wellbeing in the form of brochures for you to take home. We also conduct personality tests and compile psychological reports. Finally, we have a massage chair for you to de-stress should you need it!
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