Growing up, I got into plenty of trouble as many a teenage boy would. Because of that, it would often leave me alienated, and I resorted to trying to please those around me to garner some positive attention from them. I eventually came across a counselor that became a safe harbour of sorts, where I experienced empathy and understanding. As I grew older, I noticed myself taking a quieter role, observing different situations and people to see how they would react. All these experiences planted a seed within me, eager to understand behavior as I grew older in life. That eventually sprouted and became my dream to pursue studies in understanding human behavior and providing support to others.

My dream crystalised, and I enrolled in the Bachelor of Education in Guidance and Counselling degree from University Tun Abdul Razak. In addition to that, I became more and more involved in my local church that not only provided various platforms for me to develop my skills, but also contributed to my growing interest and passion towards providing mental health support to those around me.

A few years after completing my studies, I worked in various places both local and international, such as in educational institutions, and local churches to name a few, I found myself in a conundrum. Whilst my desire to help my fellow men was as strong as ever, I was only ever able to do so in an informal manner, and I also recognised that I lacked the training to be an effective helper. Local legislation also meant that I needed to be trained formally, and all of this culminated in my pursuit of my Masters in Counselling from Monash University Malaysia.

During my masters, Monash’s internal site, my local church, and also NGOs such as MMHA, have provided me with experiences working with teens, young adults, adults, the elderly, and also those from various ethnic groups by conducting various mental health workshops and also therapy with them. All these have contributed towards building the therapist that I am, and hopefully one day the therapist I aspire to be.

At present I am currently attached to The Mind, servicing some of their corporate partners. I carry out individual coaching sessions, conduct and facilitate group and training sessions for those that I attend too. In my spare time, I am also serving as a volunteer in-house therapist in my local church.

The approach that I take would be value-focused as I believe that is what motivates one to keep moving forward. I incorporate therapeutic techniques from various approaches that I see fit after building connections with my clients. Sometimes we just need someone that is willing to come alongside to show us the hope in the light that the sun comes to bring after the dark clouds, today let me be that person for you.

“Behind every dark cloud there is an every-shining sun. Just wait. In time, the cloud will pass.” – Marianne Williamson