May 2025 - Page 2 of 2 - Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO)

6 Benefits of Therapy Services in Singapore for Busy Professionals

Posted on May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 by Prath

Did you know that nearly half of the employees in Singapore feel mentally and physically exhausted due to work?

Let’s be honest – the working life in Singapore can be busy. While your short coffee breaks and getaways can help a little, they don’t really solve issues like burnout and work stress.

In fact, exhaustion is one of the three main symptoms of burnout. You may feel like you can take on more work, but you never know when the signs start to worsen.

That’s where therapy services in Singapore come in.

Professional support is not reserved for those in crisis. It’s a powerful intervention for employees to successfully achieve a good work-life balance.

In this article, we’ll look into the common issues people face at work, explore six benefits of therapy, and share practical tips on how to find the right Therapist in Singapore.

This Article Contains:

3 Issues Professionals Face at Work

We believe giving employees access to talk therapy is one of the most valuable benefits a company can offer in exchange for a thriving workplace.

Why?

Because people at work are struggling. Especially in Singapore, as it’s the most overworked country in the Asia Pacific Region.

Being overworked can affect not only your health and relationships but also your psychological well-being. Most issues can be narrowed down into three categories, which we will explore in this section.

1) Dealing With Work Stress

Stress is almost invisible until it significantly impairs your daily functioning.

Remember when you took on the extra work? You were probably swamped but thought, ‘This is how I can grow, so it should be fine to take on more than I can handle.’

Think back to how you pushed through even when you felt torn to pieces. Maybe you skipped meals to attend calls, handled unreasonable requests from your manager, or sacrificed your personal time to do more work.

These moments may feel small and appear unrelated to each other. But in reality, you may be stacking up stress every time you say ‘yes’ regardless of the lack of bandwidth.

Dealing with work stress is hard. Some signs may include:

Trouble sleeping or having a good rest

Irritability or lack of interest in things that previously gave you joy

Difficulty focusing or paying attention

Feeling ‘on edge’ (ie like things may go wrong at any moment)

Struggling with physical health issues like heartburn, headaches, and autoimmune diseases

If this feels familiar, you are not alone. We offer stress management for professionals through therapy services in Singapore. Alternatively, your company may also provide an employee assistance program (EAP) that may benefit you.

2) Managing Anxiety at Work

Anxiety can co-exist with stress or show up on its own in subtle ways.

Although identifying anxiety symptoms can be easy, managing anxiety at work is challenging.

For most people, the symptoms may not always look like panic attacks or breakdowns. Sometimes, the signs are quieter.

For example, people with anxiety may struggle with perfectionism. Do you notice yourself reading an email multiple times (more than what’s considered ‘normal’) before sending it? Do you second-guess every sentence, make multiple edits, and still feel like it’s just not ‘right’?

The need to get everything right can stem from a fear of failure. This, in turn, can develop into symptoms like:

Constant self-doubt, even if there’s positive proof of your work ethic and performance

A strong fear of judgement or being seen as incompetent

Difficulty to turn off your ‘work mode’ even during vacations or holidays

Physical symptoms like stomachaches or tense muscles

Over-preparing or procrastinating due to a fear of not doing a good job

If these sound familiar, it may be time to pause and check in with yourself.

Ask yourself this question: Are these temporary signs due to a last-minute project, or have I been experiencing this all the time?

If your answer leans towards the latter, therapy services in Singapore can help you.

3) Overcoming Burnout

Every job may have moments of high pressure and heavy workloads. Some are temporary, but most jobs may incorporate negative patterns into their work culture. This is usually done in hopes of increasing revenue or improving business.

But here’s the truth: A stressful work environment not only results in employee burnout but also imposes a significant surge in expenses for the organisation.

Have you ever been to work but gone through the entire day in a haze? Maybe you replied to emails without reading them, zoned out during meetings, dreaded Monday mornings, and gave up on your hobbies and interests.

People often think that it happens due to laziness. But the signs indicate burnout.

And here’s the hard part: burnout can feel like you’re the problem. Can’t handle more tasks? ‘Maybe I’m incompetent.’ Struggle to work on weekends? ‘I need to learn to set priorities.’

Burnout involves a lot of self-blame, which can negatively affect your mental health. Some other signs include:

Feeling too emotional or numb

Thinking negatively and feeling detached from work, college, and career

Performing poorly or struggling with motivation

Feeling like nothing you do is ever enough

Wanting to quit work or take a long break

Crying easily and sometimes for no reason

No longer feel a sense of achievement for your work

If you relate to the above signs, we’re here to help you. Burnout recovery for professionals is possible.

Seek talk therapy services for work stress, burnout, and anxiety.

6 Benefits of Therapy Services in Singapore

You might be wondering: Do I really need therapy, or can I just handle everything on my own?

It’s fair to ask the question. If work is impairing your ability to function at your full potential, then yes, you might benefit from therapy.

However, therapy services in Singapore can help you even if things don’t seem ‘too bad’.

Let’s look into the six benefits of seeking help.

1) Reduces Absenteeism

When you’re stressed, anxious, or burned out, it can be hard to show up at work. Not because you’re lazy or unproductive but because your brain is trying to protect you from bad stress.

As you start to feel exhausted, you may apply for more sick leaves, start late at work, and your performance in general may get choppy.

By using the therapy services in Singapore, you can address and manage your issues before they spiral into serious conditions.

2) Improves Communication

Dealing with work stress can directly affect your ability to communicate effectively.

You may struggle to be assertive, stand up for yourself, and say no to people. Having difficult conversations at work can also become challenging, especially with managers and teammates.

And when you avoid having difficult conversations, it could lead to a detachment from your team.

Talking to a therapist can help you explore:

What’s holding you back

Communication tools from cognitive behavioural therapy

Your past experiences that may contribute to your anxiety

The team relationships and understanding power dynamics at work

Your inner confidence and self-esteem

How to set effective boundaries

3) Builds Psychological Safety

You may spend too much time in your head at work, leading to a lack of psychological safety.

For example, you may worry about being judged, feel like your ideas are not good, struggle to make mistakes, learn from them, and struggle to accept constructive feedback.

Feeling unsafe at work can lead to social isolation.

However, researchers found that the primary benefit of therapy for working professionals is to improve their ability to relate to others (ie psychological safety).

A Therapist can help you:

Build social sensitivity

Improve emotional intelligence

Strengthen interpersonal relationships at work

Feel more secure and supported

4) Builds Confidence

Issues like low self-esteem or impostor syndrome in the workplace can affect your confidence.

You might constantly doubt your abilities, even when there’s clear evidence that you’re doing well. For example, do you feel like you’re faking your skills, and someone will find out you’re ‘not actually capable’ in no time?

That’s not the truth. It’s actually how the inner voice of impostor syndrome sounds.

When this happens, you may shy away from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone or bringing up ideas that may reflect positively on your profile.

However, when emotional support from professionals becomes available, you can build your confidence.

Approaches like dialectical behavioural therapy can help you:

Address negative thoughts, and replace them with positive ones

Set boundaries in a confident way

Take up the space you need without feeling like an impostor

Improve your self-worth, value, and self-esteem

5) Supports Professional Development

Therapy for working professionals is not only about managing mental health issues, but it’s also about focusing on your professional development.

Some people may struggle to identify their needs and preferences regarding their careers.

There are times when employees may struggle to set realistic goals.

Through therapy in Singapore, you can:

Discover your personal and professional values

Focus on growing your professional skills

Develop clarity of thought in terms of your profession

Improve the trajectory of your career

6) Provides Work-Life Balance Solutions

Aren’t we all aware of the negative effects of working late hours and ignoring our health?

Some habits, like skipping meals or sleeping, may feel like a necessity in a high-pressure job. But they often lead to burnout. These patterns are less of a necessity and more of a habit that’s hard to break or step out of.

And the longer you stick to the negative habits, the harder it can be to separate work from life.

Therapy services in Singapore can help you:

Explore the root causes of why you feel stuck in negative or maladaptive habits

Develop a sustainable routine

Fix the balance between work and life

Show up for yourself with self-compassion and love when you’re struggling

Finding the Right Therapy Services as a Working Professional

Not all therapy services are the same, and not all therapists are the same. What works for one employee may not work for someone else.

Hence, it becomes important to invest time and energy into finding someone who truly understands what you’re going through.

Here’s how to get started:

Know What You're Looking For

Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, or burnout? Or, perhaps all three? Are you more concerned about interpersonal issues in the workplace?

Knowing what you need help with can make narrowing your search easier. Some simple ways to explore your issues include:

Journaling your thoughts and mood swings daily

Writing down a comprehensive list of problems you struggle with and narrowing it down to a couple

Talking to your friends or loved ones to seek their input

Look for Flexibility

If you are a busy professional, consider looking into therapists who offer:

After work hours or weekend sessions

Online therapy (video or audio)

Short-term in-person therapy

At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we provide therapy sessions online or in person. Visit our app to find a Therapist who best suits your needs.

Check Credentials and Fit

It’s okay to take your time to find someone. Sometimes, you may need to talk to a couple of professionals before you find a good therapist.

Check the TYHO Therapist’s credentials and watch their introductory videos to gauge if they match your energy. Don’t hesitate to switch Therapists if it doesn’t feel like a good match.

Remember that the most important criterion for therapy to work is to develop a healthy relationship with your Therapist.

Conclusion

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as meeting your deadlines.

When you invest in therapy, you’re not just coping at work but also creating a space to enjoy it again.

Therapy services in Singapore can be an effective intervention to:

Deal with work stress

Manage anxiety at work

Overcome burnout

Therapy has lots of benefits. Some of these include reduced absenteeism, increased confidence, communication skills, and achieving professional growth.

So consider this article a gentle nudge if you feel off at work. You may not have all the answers right now, but you do have a safe space to explore them. Book a session today!

Dear Women, Here are 7 Ways Therapy Can Help You Heal

Posted on May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 by Manassa Shrikanth

Dear women,

Did you know that women are more likely than men to face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and burnout – yet are often less likely to seek therapy until it becomes too much?

Why? Because, from a young age, many of us are taught to endure, adjust, be nice and prioritise the needs of others.

You, too, may be carrying many such heavy bags, passed through generations like unwanted societal heirlooms.

But we’re here to remind you that therapy can help you find your way to a life that’s not burdened by these invisible bags.

Our blog explores seven common types of emotional baggage that women carry and how therapy for emotional healing can help. Read along, dear women, and give yourself the permission to speak, feel, and heal.

This Article Contains:

7 Types of Emotional Baggage Women Often Carry (& How Therapy Helps Put Them Down)

Being a woman in a patriarchal world is a challenging whirlwind of unfair expectations, silenced voices, denied opportunities and invisible labour. Right from childhood, society conditions women (directly or indirectly) to accept this unfairness silently.

However, the world is changing, albeit slowly. Today, women are waking up, taking up space, breaking out of shackles and putting down burdens that were never theirs to carry.

Therapy is a powerful tool that can help women understand these issues and unlearn years of conditioning. This section explores seven common types of such emotional baggage and how therapy helps women unpack them.

1) The Bag of Being ‘Nice’ & Putting Yourself Last

Women are subtly conditioned to be agreeable, smiling and gentle – often at the cost of their own emotional well-being.

Growing up in a world that tells you to always be ‘nice’ can leave you pushing down your own needs. You may:

Hold space for and anticipate other people’s needs
Take it upon yourself to cool down arguments and absorb unspoken tension
Internalise and mirror what you saw your mothers and grandmothers do growing up
Quietly tend to the needs of others – be it family, friends, or colleagues – while ignoring your own

Thus, women often end up carrying all this invisible emotional labour. Consequently, speaking up, disagreeing, or asking for space may feel risky, rude, and overwhelming.

The question then arises, who provides emotional support for women when they need it? Therapy can. It can also teach you how to ask for help from your loved ones.

How Therapy Helps

Therapy gives you the nurturing space to reconnect with your needs and voice. Additionally, you learn that your needs matter too, even when it may feel uncomfortable to voice them at first.

Therapists help you understand that being kind doesn’t have to come at the cost of losing yourself. That setting boundaries and voicing needs doesn’t make you unkind or selfish – it makes you self-respecting and strong.

2) The Bag of Guilt & Emotional Suppression

Feeling guilty for resting. For saying no. For taking up space. For feeling an emotion. Many women carry so much guilt within themselves without ever realising it.

This guilt may, in turn, cause you to push down emotions and needs and keep pushing forward like nothing happened – until it spills over.

How Therapy Helps

Mental health therapy for women can help you learn to name what you feel, acknowledge and validate your feelings. You’ll also learn to process them in a healthy manner and let go of guilt that was never yours to carry.

Therapy provides safe and non-judgmental emotional support for women through the guidance of a trained therapist.

95% Of our clients would recommend TYHO

3) The Bag of Comparison & Perfectionism

Women are conditioned to measure themselves constantly – against timelines, societal standards and success markers. You’re either seen as doing too much or not enough. Judged for being too invested in your career or for not having a job and being a stay-at-home mom.

You may thus end up comparing yourself to other women around you based on factors like the following:

Marriage: ‘Most of my friends are married, but I’m not. Am I a failure?’ or ‘I don’t want to get married, but my family believes that’s the only point to my life.’
Career: ‘I wish I could start my own business like Sara’ or ‘I’m unable to spend as much time with my kids as stay-at-home moms do because of my career. Am I a bad mom?’
Children: ‘I don’t want to have kids, but everyone makes me feel like I’m supposed to want to. I’m afraid I’ll be judged and ostracised because of my choice.’

These are just a few examples from the thousands of expectations that are placed on women.

As a result of internalising such expectations, you may compare yourself to those who seem to tick society’s boxes. Comparison, in turn, leads to perfectionism and pushing yourself too much.

How Therapy Helps

Mental health therapy for women offers a safe and neutral space to challenge these internalised expectations. Slowly, you learn to accept yourself as you are, love yourself and treat yourself with compassion.

Through therapy, you’ll grow to understand that you’re valuable and perfect just the way you are. Therapists in Singapore can equip you with the tools and support needed to live life on your own terms and at your own pace.

4) The Bag of Generational Trauma

More often than not, women carry baggage that didn’t start with them. The effects of violence, trauma, oppression, and societal beliefs can echo through generations, from mother to daughter.

In addition to this, intergenerational trauma often festers on the inside silently, shaping many areas of your life, including self-esteem, behavioural patterns, physical and mental health.

How Therapy Helps

Therapy helps you unravel the layers of generational trauma, understand their origin, explore how they manifest, and ultimately unlearn and heal.

By engaging in therapy for emotional healing, you can put a stop to this unseen chain of trauma.

5) The Bag of Playing By Gender Roles

You may feel caged in by the boxes you’re expected to fit into and the roles that you’re expected to fill. Daughter, partner, wife, mother, caregiver.

The rules society lays out for women are often unspoken and contradictory. Lead, but not too assertively. Be attractive, but don’t seek attention. The list is very long.

Below are some examples of gender roles that patriarchal cultures expect women to fill:

The ‘nurturing mother’ who sacrifices everything for her family
The ‘dutiful daughter’ who obeys, compromises and never questions
The ‘loving wife’ who supports her husband without expecting support back
The ‘emotional caretaker’ & ‘selfless giver’ of the family who puts others first, always
The ‘modest woman’ who’s attractive but not too much
The ‘career woman’ who manages her career, household and children single-handedly
The ‘nice woman’ who never raises her voice, doesn’t laugh loudly and always has a smile on her face

How Therapy Helps

Therapists can help you explore your authentic self, away from the constricting nature of these labels. You learn to connect with your true values, interests, beliefs and goals.

Slowly, you may start honouring the roles that feel right to you and stepping away from the ones that don’t align with you.

Therapy can provide emotional support for women, helping you understand that you don’t have to fulfil anyone’s roles or expectations but your own!

6) The Bag of Double Standards & Discrimination

Double standards against women are everywhere. Right from the way your mother is expected to cook dinner to the cost of women’s consumer products being higher than men’s (the pink tax).

If you’re a woman, odds are you’ve likely been called too loud, emotional or weak at least a handful of times in your life. You may also have experienced the following:

Unwarranted comments about body hair and clothing while men’s body hair and clothing aren’t measured by a moral compass
Being overlooked in professional settings, while male colleagues receive attention for the same action
Having to work twice as hard for a promotion that pays you half what your male colleague earns

Such instances of double standards, gender bias and subtle (or blatant) discrimination fill the everyday lives of women in Singapore and beyond.

How Therapy Helps

Therapy offers a judgment-free space to unpack, affirm and heal from such experiences.

Your therapist can help validate your lived experiences and approach them with empathy and understanding. That ‘yes, this is unfair’ and ‘no, it’s not just the norm’.

Through therapy for emotional healing, you learn to set boundaries and process anger and frustration in healthy ways.

7) The Bag of Male Validation

From a young age, women internalise, through mass media, social media, societal and family dynamics, that their value is tied to male validation. That the love, appreciation, admiration and desire of men are the ultimate proof of their worth.

When such validation becomes an integral part of your self-worth, it can quietly shape your choices throughout life.

Therapy helps you remind yourself that your worth isn’t dependent on anyone else. It never was and never will be.

How Therapy Helps

Therapists in Singapore can help you understand the source of this belief and explore ways to challenge it gently.

You learn to tune into yourself, define the terms of your life and find validation from within and not outside.

Over time, therapy can help you stop shrinking to feel wanted and start expanding into your true, authentic self.

Conclusion

Dear women,

Remember that most of the weight you carry is not something you picked up intentionally – it’s been passed down or pushed on you. When you’re not taught to ask for help, breaking that cycle to seek therapy can be very challenging.

But remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Therapy offers a confidential, supportive and empathetic space to understand, unlearn and rebuild, finding your way back to yourself.

If you’re ready to challenge long-held beliefs, ask much-needed questions and shed the baggage, explore therapy at Talk Your Heart Out.

Take this as your sign to start your healing journey – book your therapy session today!

How Does Online Couples Therapy Work?

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Manassa Shrikanth

Thinking about online couples therapy, but not sure if it’s effective?

You’re not alone. Many couples are curious, albeit a little sceptical, about how virtual couples therapy works. You might be holding back due to myths, misconceptions and stigma around therapy.

We come bearing good news! Online couples therapy is not just effective, but can also be an accessible, affordable, and convenient means of therapy.

In this blog, we break down the step-by-step process of what happens in a virtual couples therapy session and the top four benefits of online couples counselling.

This Article Contains:

What to Expect from Online Couples Therapy

Online couples therapy offers you and your partner(s) a safe, secure, confidential and professional environment to connect with a licensed therapist.

Sessions usually last between 45 and 60 minutes.

Couples may choose to see a couples therapist for various reasons and goals, including:

Understanding each other better
Working through individual issues that may be affecting relationships
Navigating challenges and transitions
Discussing shared goals and future plans
Strengthening emotional connection

One unique benefit of online couples therapy is that you can attend sessions from anywhere in the world, ie, you can log in together from the same place, or attend sessions from different locations. Hence, it’s especially ideal for couples in long-distance relationships.

Online couples therapy thus provides a structured, guided and supportive space to work on shared relationship goals, guided by a trained mental health professional.

The following section dives deep into the step-by-step process of online couples counselling.

Step-By-Step Process of Online Couples Counselling

Starting couples therapy, especially in a virtual format where you’re meeting someone new over the internet, can be overwhelming at first. Here’s something that can help ease the anxiety and uncertainty – knowing what to expect!

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the online couples therapy process, starting from choosing your therapist to integrating therapy learnings into your relationship:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Therapist

Your journey begins with a search for the right therapist.

Finding a therapist aligned with your needs is crucial to the success of therapy. When it comes to couples therapy in particular, it’s essential to ensure the therapist is the right fit for both partners.

At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we offer easy-to-use filters that let you browse through therapists based on various criteria such as language, specialisation, approach, mode, etc.

Step 2: Scheduling & Preparing for Your First Online Couples Therapy Session

Once you’ve circled in on the right fit, the next step is to schedule your first couples therapy session.

TYHO’s user-friendly interface makes this a quick and simple 3-step process! All you have to do is find a slot (that works for you and your partner) from the options on your therapist’s profile.

After booking your first session, set aside some time for preparation. Sit with your partner to research and understand what happens in a virtual couples therapy session.

Doing this can help you enter your first session with the comforting knowledge of how online couples therapy works.

Step 3: Attending Your First Session

Your first session will usually be all about laying the groundwork. Your therapist may ask questions to get to know you and your partner, as well as your relationship dynamics and challenges that you wish to address.

While your therapist may ask most of the questions, you can too! Feel free to put forth any queries or concerns about the process.

Step 4: Setting Goals & Getting Started

Together with your therapist, you will go on to set your goals for couples therapy. These may include areas you wish to address in couples therapy, such as:

Improving communication
Rebuilding trust after a setback
Feeling stuck or misaligned on values, beliefs and expectations
Navigating a life transition together, eg marriage, having children, moving in together, etc
Dealing with frequent arguments, misunderstandings and conflicts
Feeling like you’ve ‘grown apart’ or a lack of emotional intimacy
Working on relationship goals, shared finances and future plans
Dealing with physical intimacy issues
Feeling unseen, unheard or undervalued by your partner

Step 5: Attending Regular Online Couples Therapy Sessions

Having set your goals, you may then plan a couples therapy schedule with your therapist. You can choose to meet your therapist weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly, based on your needs.

During these online couples therapy sessions, you’ll work towards your goals, learn practical tools, unlearn harmful patterns, understand your partner better and improve your emotional intimacy.

Step 6: Integrating Tools & Learnings into Everyday Life

Therapy isn’t just about what happens during sessions – it’s also about what you do in between them.

Your therapist may encourage you to reflect, communicate and practise what you learn in couples therapy in your daily life. Incorporating therapeutic learnings into your relationship outside of therapy is key to reaching your goals faster.

Couples Therapy Tools in Action

Wondering what kind of techniques you may learn in couples therapy? Here are a few:

Daily check-ins: A set time period each day for brief emotional check-ins.
I-statements: Expressing feelings with a focus on your own experience instead of blaming your partner.
Time-outs: Hitting pause for a pre-agreed period when things get heated up.
Active listening: Focused listening, where you reflect and engage rather than just listen passively.
Boundary setting: Learning to say no, voicing one’s needs and creating personal space in relationships.

Step 7: Checking for Progress & Eventual Closure

Over the course of couples therapy sessions, your therapist may check in with you to track progress. Eventually, they’ll guide you towards closure when you and your partner feel confident that you’ve achieved your goals.

Remember to take some time after each session to reflect on your experience and note any feedback you may have. Sharing these with your therapist can help make couples therapy much more effective.

Top 4 Benefits of Online Couples Counselling

You may still wonder, ‘Is online couples therapy effective?’ or ‘Does online therapy help relationships?’.

The answer is a resounding yes! It can be all the more effective when both partners step into therapy with an open mind, commitment and consistency.

As per a recent survey, 94% of respondents say couples therapy is worth the investment.

Below are four meaningful ways in which online couples therapy can strengthen your relationship:

1) Improves Communication & Connection

Many couples seek therapy because they struggle to communicate effectively – whether it’s setting boundaries, conveying their needs or getting stuck in repetitive conflicts.

Online couples therapy equips you and your partner with proven tools and techniques to express yourself clearly and listen actively.

Better communication → Fewer conflicts + Better resolution + Improved empathy, understanding & connection!

2) Strengthens Emotional Intimacy & Builds Trust

Emotional distance can slowly build up in long-term relationships. Through couples therapy, couples can begin to have difficult conversations, share more openly, rebuild trust, and reconnect emotionally.

Therapists help couples unpack the root causes of emotional disconnection and offer non-judgmental support to improve trust and strengthen your bond.

3) Creates a Safe Space for Honest Conversations

Online couples therapy creates a neutral, structured and secure space to talk about sensitive or tricky topics – without fear of judgment or escalation.

No matter whether you’re discussing unmet needs, long-standing conflicts or future plans, a couples therapist can facilitate these conversations in a way that nurtures honesty, mutual respect and relationship growth.

The neutral guidance of a couples therapist can be especially valuable for couples who find it challenging to have difficult conversations or tend to avoid them altogether.

4) Makes Couples Therapy More Convenient & Accessible

Busy schedules, long commutes, professional commitments or long-distance relationships can make it difficult to attend couples therapy together physically.

Online couples therapy removes many such logistical barriers by allowing you and your partner to connect with your therapist from anywhere in the world. Thus, you can be more consistent with your sessions and relationship goals.

Key Takeaways

While couples therapy does help address relationship struggles, many couples invest in therapy as a proactive measure to strengthen their relationship and ensure a happier and emotionally healthier life together.

Here’s a quick recap of how couples therapy works:

Couples therapy involves guided, goal-oriented sessions with a trained couples therapist.
The process is structured to help identify patterns, learn tools, deepen your bond and grow together.
Many couples see improvements in communication, emotional intimacy, conflict resolution skills, trust and overall happiness.
Online couples therapy is accessible, affordable, flexible, and just as effective as in-person couples therapy.
Online couples therapy is the ideal choice for couples living far away from each other.

If you’re wondering how to bring up couples therapy to your partner, read our blog here.

When you’re ready to explore couples Therapists at TYHO, click here to get started!

6 Benefits of Online Therapy for Expats

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Prath

Expatriate life can be fun. But let’s be honest here: adjusting to a new environment, handling all chores alone, and finding a community to fit into is all hard. The journey doesn’t end when you settle in, either.

After a time, you may start to feel lonely or stuck. Some common emotions you may feel include emotional exhaustion, sadness, anger, distress, or anxiety.

It’s not just in your personal lives that you may struggle. For example, research shows that nearly 80% of expat employees struggle with negative mental health symptoms as a direct result of their work.

But here’s the good news: Online therapy in Singapore can be a great way to manage your mental health.

In this article, we’ll dive into the six benefits of online therapy for expats and answer some commonly asked questions about the expat journey and mental health support.

This Article Contains:

The 6 Key Benefits of Online Therapy for Expats

1) Convenient and Accessible

Expats may prefer to seek therapy without leaving their homes. For example, finding a Therapist nearby can be challenging if you’ve just moved to a new country.

Moreover, stepping outside the house to go to an unfamiliar environment within a few days of the move can also be challenging. Where do you go? How do you travel? What is the travel etiquette of the country? There are so many questions.

In countries like Singapore, finding time for in-person therapy is not always easy. This is especially true if you have a busy schedule or lack resources.

In such cases, online therapy in Singapore can be a great option for you.

Some benefits of the convenience of online therapy include:

No commute

Flexible hours (eg you can book a therapy session during a lunch break or even after work hours)

Accessible from any location

2) Familiar Environment

Booking therapy sessions in an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating. For many expats, the lack of cultural awareness of the particular country can add more stress to the process. Many give up seeking mental health support due to such reasons.

For example, let’s assume a person called Max moved to Singapore for work and has been feeling homesick. Talking about his issues with a Therapist from a different culture makes him feel more lonely and excluded.

If you relate to the above example, you are not alone. As an expat, you can try online therapy in Singapore and talk to someone who’s from the same cultural background as you.

You can attend online sessions from a familiar environment. For example, some places of familiarity may include your house, work room, a park you visit daily, or a quiet cafe you’re already used to.

Tip: If you have yet to make the new place your home, try bringing all your comfort items to the place. Surround yourself with familiar objects that carry sentimental value or that make you feel at ease.

For example, family photos, favourite books, or even a cosy blanket can make you feel comfortable.

Additionally, you can add elements that remind you of your culture or home country, like local artwork, souvenirs, or foods that bring back fond memories.

3) Choice of Therapists

One of the major advantages of online therapy is the diverse choices of Therapists you can choose from.

At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we have Therapists:

Who lived in multiple countries, such as Australia and America

From other countries like Malaysia or India, who live and offer mental health support in Singapore

Who’ve worked with clients from several different cultural and social backgrounds

If you visit our website, you can filter Therapists by country, gender, language, and issues. The filter option allows you to look for a professional with specialisations in specific issues you want to address.

Moreover, you can choose Therapists based on their therapy style and approach.

For example, let’s assume you are a critical thinker and are drawn more towards therapy approaches that are scientific and practical in nature. In this case, you can choose a professional who has training in solution-focused brief therapy.

You can also share your preferences with the Therapist during your first session. Most professionals may offer a combination of approaches (ie eclectic) to best meet your needs.

4) Cultural Understanding

Living in a country with a vastly different culture can leave you feeling isolated or confused. Culture shock is real and, if not addressed properly, can lead to psychological distress.

Expatriates may also struggle with issues like social anxiety or depression due to these cultural differences.

Take Wei, for example. An expat from China living in the UK, he sought therapy to cope with family pressure. His therapist, from a Western background, suggested that Wei move out to gain independence, as this is common in Western cultures.

However, in Chinese culture, it’s typical for adult children to live with their parents, making the suggestion feel out of place for Wei. This misalignment left him frustrated and misunderstood.

Online therapy can help prevent such cultural friction. Here are some key benefits:

Culturally competent therapists: A therapist who understands your cultural background and adjusts their approach to suit your needs.

Relevant support: A therapist who provides tools and techniques that respect and incorporate your cultural values.

Avoiding misunderstandings: A therapist who considers cultural factors before tailoring a therapeutic plan.

5) Expat Therapists

In addition to cultural understanding, some expats may feel more comfortable talking to a therapist who’s also an expat.

Expat Therapists can provide insights that are unique to living abroad as a foreigner. At TYHO, we have several expat Therapists who offer online therapy sessions. Simply reading their descriptions or watching their introductory videos can give you an idea of where they’ve lived and where they’re from!

Here’s how an expat Therapist can help:

In your personal life:

Navigating homesickness or missing loved ones back home

Managing and working on long-distance relationships

Adjusting to local cultural etiquette

Dealing with identity shifts or feeling ‘in-between’ cultures

Coping with the stress that may occur due to relocation

In your professional life:

Adapting to a new work culture or different leadership styles

Dealing with isolation in remote or hybrid work settings

Handling imposter syndrome in competitive international environments

Managing career transitions, uncertainty, or burnout abroad

Setting boundaries in culturally diverse workplaces

96% Find our platform convenient to use

6) Long-Term Therapy Support

Seeking long-term mental health support is essential for all people, let alone expats.

As an expat, many things in your life may be uncertain. Perhaps you’re staying in the new country for a long time. Maybe you’re planning to move countries every few years.

With all these uncertainties, it can be hard to start your mental health journey if you’re unsure how long it’ll serve you.

However, online therapy can be a great way to start your journey and stay consistent for a long time.

You can continue to talk to the same Therapist from any location you prefer. Additionally, having a reliable Therapist in Singapore can provide a sense of emotional stability during major life transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are the common mental health issues that expats may face?

Expats often face unique challenges that can affect the quality of their lives. Some of the common issues include:

Stress and anxiety: Adapting to a new culture, learning a language in a stressful environment, and a lack of a stable support system can feel overwhelming. These pressures, combined with the emotional labour of maintaining long-term relationships with loved ones back home, can also lead to symptoms of generalised social anxiety.

Depression: The initial excitement of living abroad may usually be followed by feelings of homesickness, sadness, and even depression. The unfamiliarity of the environment, culture, and people can make expats feel lonely. These emotions may eventually lead to symptoms of depression.

Social isolation: Living in a foreign country can take time to adapt and adjust. Not knowing how to interact with new people in the country can make expats feel isolated.

All the issues may or may not exist in isolation. For example, some people can feel depressed and anxious at the same time. In contrast, others may specifically struggle with depression.

2) What are some coping strategies for expats?

Living a happy life in a foreign country is possible. Through several therapeutic and self-care activities, expats can improve their emotional well-being.

Some common and simple strategies are:

Learning the language: If you live in a country like Germany or the Netherlands, learning the language can help you connect with the local community. Languages are also a great outlet for building strong relationships.

Building a routine: Creating a new and comfortable routine for yourself can help you manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Staying connected with loved ones: Maintaining long-distance relationships can be challenging, but they also offer a great way to manage your mental health. Try to schedule calls with your friends or family back home, and remember to keep in touch with your loved ones in a way that feels most comfortable to you.

Maintaining physical health: Incorporating exercise or movement can also improve emotional symptoms. Sometimes, joining a running or walking club can keep you fit while also exposing you to new relationships.

3) How to start therapy in Singapore with TYHO?

Visit our app to start online therapy in Singapore.

You will find a comprehensive list of diverse Therapists in Singapore on the app. Use filter options like gender, language, issues, and approaches to find the best Therapist for your needs.

After filtering, review the shortlisted therapist profiles. Watch their introductory videos, read their descriptions, and look at the list of issues they can help with.

Once you find someone you like, book an online audio or video session with them. Make the payment and access the video link on your TYHO Dashboard.

If you need help selecting a Therapist, feel free to reach out to us here: [email protected]

4) What if therapy is not making progress?

If you feel like online therapy in Singapore is not progressing, it may be time to have an honest discussion with your Therapist.

Sometimes, talking about the setback with a professional can help you understand why a lack of progress exists.

For example, you may not notice progress due to some of the common reasons below:

You’re not applying the skills you learn in real-life situations

The therapeutic approach does not meet your needs

You’re not actively addressing the issue you need help with

The Therapist is not the right match for you

Remember that finding a good online Therapist can take time and effort, but it’s worth the investment.

If you’re struggling to progress even after talking to your Therapist, it may be time to look for someone new.

Changing Therapists is normal and required if things are not progressing. Reach out to us if you need help changing your Therapist!

Key Takeaways

Online therapy provides a convenient, accessible, and flexible way for expats to receive support.

Talking to a Therapist from a familiar environment can directly result in positive therapy outcomes.

The wide choice of therapists and availability of expat therapists ensure that you can find the right match for your needs.

Understanding cultural differences and offering long-term support make online therapy an ideal solution for managing mental health while living abroad.

You deserve high-quality support, no matter where you live. If you’re ready to start your mental health journey, find an online Therapist at TYHO today.

10 Reasons To Consider Therapy, Even If You’re Feeling ‘Fine’

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by Prath

As someone actively involved in the mental health industry, we often get the question, ‘Why do I need therapy?’

It’s a valid one. After all, many still believe that therapy in Singapore is required only for those with ‘serious’ mental health issues.

That’s not quite the whole picture. Therapy can be helpful even when everything feels ‘fine’. But here’s a question: how would you know the difference between feeling ‘fine’ and struggling with something beneath the surface?

When you’re struggling, it’s easy to slip into autopilot—going through your usual routines while quietly carrying stress or sadness beneath the surface.

This is where therapy can help. Your Therapist may notice the small changes in your moods and behaviour before they worsen into severe symptoms.

In fact, therapy in Singapore gives us abundant chances to live and feel better. Read ahead to understand why you may need therapy even when you feel ‘fine’.

This Article Contains:

1) Building Resilience

Therapy in Singapore can be a space to build your resilience. You may not be in a crisis situation right now, but you can still learn skills that can equip you to handle any future challenges.

For example, imagine you were not chosen for a promotion you’d worked hard for. You start questioning your abilities, new projects make you doubt yourself, and you start losing confidence in your work.

Although not a major crisis, the situation can still cause significant distress. If left unaddressed, your lack of confidence can lead to poor work performance or affect your motivation.

In such cases, Therapists in Singapore may use approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you:

Identify and reframe negative thoughts (eg, ‘I’m not good enough’ to ‘One setback does not define or measure my capabilities’)

Challenge maladaptive beliefs about yourself (eg, learning to separate facts from your assumptions)

Learn emotional regulation skills to prevent your feelings from taking control of your actions

Improve problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills (eg, setting realistic goals to aim for a promotion)

2) Improving Self-Esteem

Most of us may have insecurities in one or more areas of our lives. But can you identify their origins and how to work through them?

For example, let’s imagine a character called Blee. Blee has a negative body image and refuses to step outside the house without wearing makeup, even if it’s a short trip to a nearby supermarket.

Over time, her insecurity prevents her from engaging in social events, including work seminars and personal gatherings. She constantly second-guesses her appearance, and her low self-esteem affects her mood and emotions.

Through therapy in Singapore, Blee may be able to unpack where these feelings come from. Perhaps she was often teased in school for her looks, or maybe she’d internalised the belief that she wasn’t attractive to people without makeup.

In such cases, online or in-person therapy can help her:

Explore and reflect on negative self-beliefs and how they’re impacting her mood

Explore her self-worth beyond her appearance

Grab hold of opportunities through practical tools like exposure therapy or emotionally focused therapy

Build self-esteem through positive self-talk and affirmations

3) Learning Coping Skills

How do you manage your feelings when you’re too emotional? How do you handle conflicts when you’re angry with your partner?

Most emotions you feel daily are very normal. However, you may start engaging in harmful or unhelpful behaviours if you are unaware of how to process or regulate these emotions.

For example, let’s say you’re angry with your partner because they forgot to buy groceries for the week. It’s night, and the supermarkets are all closed for the day. You’re angry because you feel like your partner didn’t take you seriously.

Imagine if you give your partner the silent treatment or say hurtful things to them during this situation. The outburst may give you temporary relief, but in the long run, your relationship may become strained and stuck in negative patterns of interaction.

Hence, even if you feel ‘fine’, Therapists can teach you:

How to interact healthily with your partner, friends, or family members

Distress tolerance skills, like deep breathing, to control anger (commonly used in dialectical behavioural therapy)

How to identify the triggers that cause you emotional outbursts

Communication tools to prevent the argument from escalating

How to improve interpersonal bonds, especially after a heated argument or a difficult interaction

4) Navigating Life Transitions

Any major life transitions cause a lot of psychological distress, confusion, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion.

After all, the only constant is change. And therapy is the best place to prepare for these big changes.

For example, imagine you’ve spent a decade building a career in finance, but you’ve always been more drawn to creative fields, like graphic design. Making a career change at this point can be scary.

You may ask yourself, ‘What if I fail?’ or ‘Am I throwing away everything I’ve worked for?’

In such cases, a Therapist in Singapore can help you:

Identify and focus on your personal and professional values before making a decision

Explore your identity loss related to career change

Build confidence and prepare yourself with life skills

Develop a structured action plan with manageable steps to make the transition smoother

Manage symptoms of generalised anxiety by teaching mindfulness techniques

Improve your decision-making skills, which might contribute positively to the life transition

5) Strengthening Relationships

Good relationships don’t happen because of luck. They happens because the bond is built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and open communication.

Experiencing arguments or conflicts in any relationship is normal. But it’s important to learn how to navigate these issues to ensure that we can maintain the relationship for a long time.

For example, let’s say you and your partner often argue about how much time you spend together. You feel neglected, while they feel overwhelmed with work.

These repeated misunderstandings start to create distance and resentment.

In couples therapy, you can learn:

How to have healthy arguments

Conflict-resolution skills

How to identify and communicate your feelings without feeling guilty

How to express your feelings and thoughts in an articulate way

Boundary setting skills

Assertiveness techniques to express your opinions without fear of conflict

6) Having a Safe Space to Talk

Not everything needs a hard and fast rule. Sometimes, you may want to talk to someone because you feel:

Stuck

Nervous

Upset

Angry

Overwhelmed

For example, let’s say you’re a new mom who’s juggling everything at home and work. You’re doing the household chores, caring for your kids, cooking for your partner, and trying to go to work every day.

It’s hard, and managing everything alone can get lonely very quickly. You might be thinking about a thousand things in a minute, and your thoughts feel like a tornado. You believe that you should have it all together, so you don’t know whom to confide in.

In such cases, talking to a Therapist in Singapore can be a great idea!

Therapists can use scientific approaches to help you:

Make sense of your thoughts and feelings

Open up about your deepest vulnerabilities in a safe space

Think constructively

Gain fresh perspectives on yourself and the world around you

7) Achieving Goals

Do you know what goals you want to achieve in 5 years? Do you have any personal or relationship goals?

Setting goals is a great way to focus on personal development. Having a goal reminds you of the why of everything: Why do you want to wake up in the morning? Why do you want to exercise? Why do you want to seek counselling sessions?

For example, let’s say Arun has started a new job and has set a personal goal to build his network. However, Arun procrastinates about getting started as he feels overwhelmed by the process. He doesn’t know where to start or what steps to take.

If you’re stuck in a similar situation, talking to a Therapist can be helpful. Not only will they help you stay accountable to your goals, but the professional will also work with you to identify what goals are serving you the best.

95% of our clients would recommend TYHO to others

8) Learning Communication Skills

Are you looking to be more assertive but don’t know where to start?

If yes, you’re not alone. Communication is something we use on a daily basis, yet there’s so much about it that we’re unsure of.

How do you say no without hurting the other person? What if your people-pleasing tendencies surface when you have to say no to a project?

Assertiveness can be learned, but it can be hard to understand it all by yourself.

For example, imagine someone named Blue. Blue has a close friend who often makes last-minute plans and expects them to always say yes. Even when Blue is tired or has other commitments, they find it hard to say no because they don’t want to disappoint their friend.

Deep down, Blue worries that setting boundaries might make them seem selfish or cause conflict.

If you resonate with the example, seeking therapy may be the best option. Therapists can help you:

Recognise and overcome people-pleasing patterns

Understand why you engage in people-pleasing

Learn assertiveness and boundary-setting

Practice communication skills that meet your needs

9) Navigating Poor Physical Health

A strong connection exists between trauma and poor physical health. In general, chronic illnesses and any other physical health issues can also lead to psychological distress.

In such cases, talking to a mental health therapist can give you a holistic treatment plan.

Sometimes, mental health issues may also lead to chronic muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Talking to a Therapist in Singapore means that you can:

Identify if any mental health issues are triggering your physical symptoms

Identify if physical symptoms are triggering mental health issues

Identify mental and physical triggers that may be worsening your condition

Learn therapeutic tools to regulate your emotions connected to your physical health

Prioritise your mental well-being while you receive any medical treatment

10) Exploring Self-Identity

How well do you know yourself? Some people struggle to identify their likes, dislikes, preferences, and emotional needs.

Lack of self-awareness can lead to conflicts in a relationship, poor mental health, and generalised anxiety.

People exploring their gender or sexual identity may also face distress during the process.

Talking to a Therapist means that you can:

Explore your identity in a safe, non-judgmental environment

Discover your emotional, physical, and sexual needs

Learn to live more authentically

Identify the needs that may serve you best in a personal or professional situation

Key Takeaways

You don’t have to wait for things to worsen to benefit from therapy in Singapore.

There are many reasons to seek professional help, and no reason is right or wrong.

Therapy focuses on personal development even when things may feel ‘fine’ to you on the surface.

Therapists in Singapore are experts in multiple areas, including personal, relationships, professional, and family situations.

Investing in your mental well-being now can ensure that you live the best life possible in the future.

If you’re curious about therapy or want to get started, review our expert pool of TYHO Therapists.

We have diverse professionals on our platform. Rest assured that you will find someone who truly understands your needs.

Try therapy today. You might be surprised by how much more there is to discover about yourself.