We Are Called to be Responsible For Our Voices.
I’m so glad this CNA commentary came up. It says something about our voices. As we find our voices as Asians, we also need to think about taking responsibility for our voices. Rightfully pointed out by Jonathan Kuek, there is “a fine line between trolling and calling someone out.” Existentialism challenges us to confront the […]
We Can Have Many Different Ways of Living
Tan Kheng Hua was a familiar face in my younger years and for many Singaporean millennials. I remember growing up and watching her on TV in Masters of the Sea and Phua Chu Kang. She was also in some of my all-time favourite productions by Wild Rice and TheatreWorks: Animal Farm, The Eleanor Wong Trilogy: […]
Your Presence Matters
How does this gorilla appear to you? The first time I saw Shabani, I felt a connection; his gaze conveyed an understanding of the person taking the photo and their existence. The eyes seemed so soulful, expressing emotions, intentions, and empathy. Notice the whites of Shabani’s eyes? He has that distinct white sclera, exactly how […]
Existential Therapy: Finding the Light in the Darkness
You may be thinking, from what I know about existential therapy, it sounds negative, dark, heavy, pessimistic and/or depressing. I’m not sure if it will make my life more depressed and anxious than I already am. It’s true that existential psychology acknowledges the inherent suffering in human existence, but this is not a call to […]
What It’s Like to Visit an Existential Therapist
There is something deeply human about wanting to be seen. Not just for what we do or what we struggle with, but for the simple fact that we exist. That our lives, in whatever form they take, hold meaning. That who we are matters, even when nothing can be changed. In many ways, this is […]
Therapist Reflection: Am I Doing it Right in my Chemistry Sessions?
I came across this recent study by an existential therapist that sheds light on what effective therapists do in their first client sessions, and it got me reflecting on my own client-therapy approach. There are two key research findings that deeply resonates with me: Effective therapists see the clients as experts on themselves. Effective therapists […]
Working with Stuckness in the Room
I stare at the clock as the minutes crawl by, feeling trapped in a groundhog day. No matter what doors I try to open, each one leads to a dead end or resistance. I want to do something yet feel powerless, any momentum halted by a wall I cannot seem to break through. Self-doubt creeps […]
Finding My Voice: Navigating Authenticity as an Asian
As an Asian raised with collectivist values, I struggled to find my voice. Expressing my true thoughts and feelings didn’t always align with keeping harmony. I often wondered, “Can I really be my authentic self if I do not openly assert my individuality?” Pop culture frequently equates authenticity with freely articulating your inner world. But […]
How to Find the Right Therapist for Yourself
There are decisions you want to make in life but have been stuck making them. You are prepared to embark on your own therapy journey and find a professional who can support you as you make these decisions. However, there are many therapists out there and it’s difficult finding the right one! Some of you […]
What Does an Existential Crisis Look Like?
Existential crisis is like a call from our soul. It is calling out to us to live more meaningfully. As long as we are humans, we can’t avoid going through an existential crisis. Even psychotherapists do. In fact, I went through one myself in 2020. Let’s walk down memory lane. Lockdown in Singapore 2 weeks […]