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Month: October 2025

Understanding Employee Assistance Programs in Singapore (And Why Your Company Needs One)

Posted on by Manassa Shrikanth
  • Published on 6 October 2025

Take a moment to picture this: an employee’s performance is dropping, they seem withdrawn in meetings, and they’ve taken more sick days than usual. You want to help, but as an HR professional or manager, you wonder what your options are.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are one of the most common HR mental wellbeing initiatives used by employers in Singapore to improve workplace mental health.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is, why your company needs one, top EAP benefits, and additional HR mental wellbeing initiatives to help create a truly supportive workplace.

This Article Contains:

What Is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a company-sponsored mental health service that provides confidential corporate counselling and other forms of support to employees. It typically includes access to professional talk therapy, as well as resources such as workshops, wellness seminars, and support groups.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) aim to prevent issues and support employees before workplace stress escalates into something bigger. Often, employees may turn to EAP services for support with issues like burnout, stress, anxiety, improving workplace communication, setting healthy boundaries, dealing with toxic colleagues or bosses, struggles with work-life balance, etc.

In Singapore, an increasing number of companies are adopting Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) as part of their HR mental wellbeing initiatives. 

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Key Features of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Here’s what a typical EAP in Singapore may include:

a) Confidential corporate counselling in Singapore

Usually consists of several free talk therapy sessions with a qualified mental health professional (in-person, online, or over the phone).

b) Support for personal & work issues

Mental health support is provided for a range of issues, including emotional distress, relationship struggles, job stress, conflict at work, grief, etc.

c) Support groups & group counselling sessions

Many EAPs also offer support groups (within the organisation or external) as well as group counselling sessions. These can help employees explore shared forms of support and bonding with those going through similar experiences.

d) Workplace mental health seminars and workshops

Mental health workshops and seminars (whether hands-on, theoretical, in-person or online) are also a usual part of EAPs in Singapore. These help equip employees with practical strategies for everyday work life.

e) Manager referrals and support

HR teams and managers can refer employees and also seek guidance on handling team mental health concerns.

f) Crisis intervention

EAPs may also provide on-ground or online support for events like layoffs, retrenchments, workplace accidents, or sudden bereavement.

A corporate team engaged in a workshop through their company's Employee Assistance Program.

Who Delivers EAP Services?

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are usually delivered through external mental health providers and platforms. At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we offer end-to-end EAP services in Singapore. Our circle of expert counsellors and psychologists ensure confidential, professional, and high-quality care for your employees.

TYHO’s EAP services include the following:

  • One-on-one talk therapy sessions
  • Empathy circles (facilitated group discussions)
  • Wellness seminars
  • On-site support
  • Workshops (guided skills training)

5 Reasons Why Your Company Needs an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Did you know? Every year, SGD 15.7 billion is lost due to employee anxiety and depression in Singapore. 

The truth is that much of this is preventable with the right resources and proactive measures. A strong Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help your organisation prioritise employee wellbeing and stay ahead of the curve. 

Here are five reasons why your company should consider an Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

1) Rising Workplace Mental Health Costs in Singapore

As we saw earlier in this section, workplace-related anxiety, burnout, and depression are costing Singapore employers billions every year.

Without intervention through workplace mental health support such as EAPs, these costs can continue to rise, especially in fast-paced industries like finance, technology, and healthcare.

Tip

Track your company’s productivity over time, especially noting high-stress periods like launches, month-ends, etc. If you notice recurring negative trends, it may be time to invest in preventive mental health strategies like EAPs.

2) Increasing Risk of Absenteeism, Presenteeism & Burnout

While absenteeism and burnout are easily identifiable struggles that many companies face, presenteeism hides in plain daylight. 

Sometimes, when work stress hasn’t reached the point of burnout yet, it can show up as presenteeism – working, but not at full capacity. It’s often more expensive than absenteeism and can quickly escalate into more significant issues.

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) gives employees direct access to mental health support, providing early intervention before stress turns into full-blown burnout. 

When employees are offered much-needed workplace mental health support and care, productivity increases multifold. EAPs in Singapore can also help employees feel seen, heard and cared for, thus increasing loyalty, trust and job satisfaction.

Tip

Train team leads to recognise early signs of burnout, such as withdrawal, cynicism, or sudden dips in output, and refer employees to the EAP services before issues escalate.

3) Employee Retention Challenges in High-Stress Industries

High employee turnover is not only expensive but also affects a company’s image in the eyes of potential talent. Work stress is one of the leading reasons employees leave companies. 

As an employer or HR team, this can be quite something tricky to navigate, especially in industries that are high-stress by nature. This is where Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) come in.

HR mental wellbeing initiatives, such as EAPs, help employees who may be struggling while also preventing issues like burnout from happening in the first place. They also increase trust and loyalty, which in turn boosts employee retention. 

In addition to this, young talent today values positive work cultures and looks for workplaces that put employee mental health first. EAPs show that your company takes employee mental well-being seriously, thus attracting top talent your way.

Tip

Ensure your EAP partner includes multi-language and online options. This increases accessibility across a diverse workforce.

At TYHO, our Therapists provide in-person and online counselling in a range of languages, including English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Malay, Tagalog, Tamil and Hindi. 

4) Meeting ESG, D&I, and Other Workplace Wellness Standards

In Singapore and beyond, companies are now accountable not just for environmental standards and financial regulations, but also employee wellbeing. 

SGX-listed businesses are expected to report on social aspects of ESG, including employee wellbeing, mental health initiatives, and inclusive measures.

EAPs can help you meet these expectations in a structured way. They support diversity and inclusion by offering confidential help for neurodivergent staff, caregivers, and employees navigating through tough life transitions. At the same time, they also signal to both talent and stakeholders that your company takes mental wellness seriously.

5) Lack of Training for HRs & People Managers

Most HR professionals and team leads aren’t mental health experts, and that’s okay. But given that they are the first line of contact for most employees, they need basic tools and referral pathways to manage conversations around workplace mental health.

EAPs can provide training modules, manager toolkits, and specialised workshops, helping your people leaders gain confidence and clarity about when and how to step in to help out employees.

Tip

Consider organising quarterly mental health training workshops for HRs and people managers, in collaboration with your EAP provider.

A HR professional explaining the benefits of their Employee Assistance Program to the team.

Key Takeaways: Top 8 EAP Benefits

HR mental wellbeing initiatives, such as EAPs, provide a host of benefits to both employers and employees. 

Here’s a quick recap of the top eight benefits of adopting an Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 

  1. EAPs help employees manage stress, anxiety, and burnout before they affect health or performance.
  2. Managers and HRs get expert-backed support to navigate sensitive employee situations more effectively.
  3. Workplace mental health initiatives like EAPs help employees stay focused, productive, and engaged at work.
  4. A supportive work environment built through EAPs encourages loyalty and reduces employee turnover.
  5. EAPs help spot early signs of mental health issues, preventing long-term complications like burnout and absenteeism.
  6. EAPs can equip employees with healthier communication styles and can help reduce workplace conflict through counselling and coaching.
  7. Employees feel more valued and satisfied when their employer prioritises their mental health.
  8. EAPs also support broader company goals like ESG compliance and building a truly inclusive workplace.

Ready to explore EAP services for your company? Click here to get started with TYHO’s services!

A Therapist’s Guide to Setting Boundaries with Parents

Posted on by Manassa Shrikanth
  • Published on 3 October 2025
Avanti - TYHO Therapist

Avanti - Professional Counsellor

Master of Counselling (Advanced) (Swinburne University of Technology, Australia); Sexual Assault First Response Workshop (AWARE)

Avanti’s main goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space and a non-judgmental listening ear to all her clients.

She has experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, infidelity, marital troubles, communication failures, stress and burnout, boundary setting in complex familial relationships, and demystifying relationships in their lives, both with themselves and with others. 

Using Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) as a base, she develops therapeutic interventions tailored to her clients’ issues and desired outcomes, incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Transactional Analysis (TA), and Family Therapy, among other approaches. She also finds mindfulness to be a wonderfully effective tool for many clients.

She currently works as a Therapist with Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO). Her complete profile can be found here.

Talk to Avanti

Imagine this: It’s Friday evening, and you’ve just logged off after a long and tiring week at work. You’ve made plans to go out with friends. Just as you start to mentally check out and relax, the phone rings – it’s your mom.

You don’t really want to pick up the call, but you feel immensely guilty about not answering. You also know your mom might make a big deal out of it. You’re left feeling tired, conflicted, angry and guilty.

Does that sound relatable? If you answered yes, almost all young Asian adults are with you!

Many of us struggle with different types of boundary broaching by parents on a near-daily basis. These can include:

  • Parent asking about marriage
  • Parent wanting to know where you are and what you’re doing all the time
  • Parent wanting daily calls, but you feel drained
  • Parent makes unsolicited comments about body, career, lifestyle, parenting, etc

In this blog, TYHO Therapist Avanti answers questions from the audience on how to identify, set and maintain boundaries with your parents (especially in the Asian context). Following that, we also take you through a therapist-vetted step-by-step guide on how you can actually set those boundaries. Let’s get started!

1) I’m a parent, and my mother is very involved in my son’s education, especially since my husband isn’t from Singapore and isn’t familiar with the school system. While I appreciate her support, it sometimes leads to conflict between them because of their different opinions and parenting styles. How can I talk to her about stepping back a little without offending her?

Here’s what a conversation starter can look like in this situation: 

‘Mom, I love how much you care about your grandson, and I’m always happy to hear your opinion, but please understand that I also have to consider my husband’s view on important things like education, even if he doesn’t share our thoughts every time.’

2) How do you deal with the guilt that comes from setting boundaries, especially when your family doesn’t understand or believe in boundaries to begin with?

The guilt doesn’t always go away immediately, so it’s important to understand where the feeling comes from. 

If you’re actively hurting someone or doing something you inherently believe is wrong, then the guilt is there to alert you to a problem. 

If you’re setting a boundary that is designed to improve the relationship, know the guilt is probably misplaced, and will lessen over time when you see the boundary working.

A Singaporean woman moving to a different place to live independently, away from her parents.

3) I want to live independently in a different city, just for myself, but I know my parents would be upset because they want me to live nearby. I ended up lying and saying it was for work, just to avoid hurting them. How can I cope with the guilt of not being honest with them about what I truly want?

Be gentle with yourself – sometimes you’re raised feeling unsafe to be honest. If you feel ready, you could slowly correct the story: 

‘I want to be honest about something. While work was part of the reason I moved, the bigger reason was that I needed to explore who I am on my own terms. I was afraid to tell you that before, but I hope you can understand it’s not about distancing from you, it’s about exploring myself.’

Even if they don’t fully accept it, you’ve chosen authenticity, which is an important step.

4) I find it hard to speak up when my parents cross a boundary. In the moment, I get overwhelmed and react emotionally, which makes me worry I’m not coming across clearly. But when some time passes, I start to rationalise their actions or even forget what upset me in the first place. How do I have a calm and productive conversation with my parents when a boundary has been crossed?

Take a break, process, and then return. 

You can say something like ‘I need a minute to gather my thoughts or go to the restroom,’ then, when you’re more emotionally regulated, come back in and express that your boundary was crossed, and what you would prefer to happen instead in the future.

Counselling can teach you how to set healthy boundaries with parents

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5) I’m in my early twenties and recently started earning, but my parents still expect to be involved in how I spend or save my money. I understand they want what’s best for me, but it feels like I don’t have full control over my own financial decisions. How can I set boundaries around money?

Here’s something you can try: 

‘Mom and Dad, I know you have so much more experience than I do with financial matters, but I worry that I’ll never learn if I keep looking to you for advice. Please know I’ll keep in mind everything you’ve already taught me, but I would love the opportunity to start being more responsible for myself.’

6) Growing up, things like mental health or personal space weren’t really talked about in my family. It was seen as disrespectful to say no or ask for space. Now that I’m older, I’m trying to set boundaries, but my parents think I’m just following a trend or being difficult. How do I explain that boundaries aren’t a trend?

It can help to acknowledge their side of things while also letting them know that you’re open to having further conversations around it patiently. Here’s an example:

‘Boundaries are more topical now, and I know they’re a very new concept to you, as you didn’t have the same accessibility to create your own. 

They are a way to keep us feeling connected, without any resentment or feeling of being drained on either side, and I’m happy to explain why I need certain things, and am always open to conversations around it.’

A Singaporean couple having a heartful conversation at home.

7) My partner and I don’t plan to get married, but my parents are very traditional and insist that we do. We’re from different faiths, and they’ve said they won’t give their blessing unless my partner renounces his religion. Now my partner’s upset too and refuses to talk to them. I feel stuck in the middle. How do I handle this without damaging either relationship?

This is difficult because it involves not just emotions but also religion, which is a very sensitive point for many people. 

I think boundary setting here could go like this: 

‘I love both of you deeply, but I can’t force either of you to change your values. What I need is space to make decisions that honour both where I come from and where I’m going. I hope that over time, we can find common ground or at least mutual respect, even if we don’t agree.’

You don’t always have to come up with a solution immediately, and sometimes just communicating how a situation makes you feel is enough for the moment.

Let’s Get Practical: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Boundaries

Boundary setting, especially in Asian families, can be an ordeal. Cultural norms and value systems fuel narratives such as:

  • Filial piety and that saying no is unfilial
  • Love means sacrifice, and boundaries are selfish
  • Parents always know best

Such narratives make it all the harder to establish healthy and lasting boundaries with parents. We may also:

  • Be afraid of conflict, upsetting parents or hurting their feelings
  • Feel selfish and guilty
  • Feel afraid of losing their love or support
  • Not know the right words
  • Doubt if we deserve it

We sat down with a professional therapist to bring you a step-by-step guide on how you can do that while being sensitive to their feelings and also protecting your own mental peace.

An illustration explaining five steps to set healthy boundaries with parents.

Step 1: Get Clear with Yourself First

Clarity is always the first step. Take some time by yourself to understand the following:

  • What boundary do you want to set?
  • What type of boundary is it? (Physical, emotional, time-based, decision-making related)
  • Why do you want to set this boundary?
  • How do you want it to look like (what outcomes do you expect out of this boundary)?
  • How have your parents disrespected or broached this boundary in the past?

Once you get clear about these crucial aspects, try to gauge how your parents might react. Think about possible retorts and replies, and practise how you want to react to that beforehand.

Step 2: Use ‘I’ Statements

Now we come to actually communicating and setting the boundaries. 

One of the most effective communication tools that’s often prescribed by therapists is learning to use ‘I’ statements.

I statements help you gently move from a blame-based approach to a grounded and objective approach. Focus on conveying what you’re feeling and how their actions are making you feel, rather than talking about them and their actions.

The shift is simple → ‘Why do you never understand I need my weekends?’ → ‘I need some rest this weekend, so I can’t join dinner, but I’d love to see you next week.’

Step 3: Offer Alternatives Where Possible

Here’s another communication tool that works wonderfully when setting boundaries.

Picture this: You’re at work and a colleague wants to schedule a meeting with you tomorrow. Your calendar is packed to the brim. What would you do?

Odds are you’d respectfully let them know that you don’t have an open slot that day AND provide an alternative slot after checking your schedule.

Offering alternatives tells the other person that they matter and that you’re willing to reach a middle ground. 

For instance, if your father keeps making unsolicited comments about your career choice, here’s how you can offer an alternative:

‘I understand that you care about me and want to offer your advice on what you believe to be practical career choices. But I don’t share the same views, and this is what makes me happy. However, there are areas of my life that I’d like your help with, like investments. Do you think you can help me out with that instead?’

Step 4: Stay Consistent (Don’t Say Yes If You Mean No)

Consistency is, without a doubt, key to setting boundaries that last. 

Saying something and then going back on it, or doing something that goes against it, is as good as, if not worse than, not setting the boundary in the first place.

Remember to be clear, respectful and consistent when you talk to your parents. 

Tip: Spend quite some time on Step 1. It’s only when you’re clear with yourself that you can stay consistent with someone else!

Step 5: Handle Pushback Calmly

Pushback is often inevitable during difficult conversations.

What matters is how you handle them. Below are some practical strategies to help you stay calm during such moments, without being carried away by strong emotions:

1) Ground Your Body 

  • Breathe intentionally (slow, deep breaths)
  • Relax your posture (notice where you’re holding stiffness in your body)
  • Feel your feet on the ground (or even the wind on your skin, the sounds around, etc)

2) Anchor Your Mind

  • Pause before responding (even a five-second pause can help a lot)
  • Name your emotion (are you feeling angry? Guilty? Ashamed? Apathetic?)
  • Reframe the goal (gently guide yourself back to your goal)

3) Protect Your Energy

  • Know your boundaries (within the conversation, how far are you willing to go right now)
  • Give yourself an exit (plan this in advance)
  • Practice beforehand (before the mirror, with a friend, or a therapist)

Key Takeaways

“Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me at the same time.”

This beautiful quote summarises what boundaries really are. They’re often misunderstood as putting up walls around yourself, but in reality, they’re more like fences with gates.

Boundaries give us greater control when we clarify and are intentional with what we can and cannot handle. They ensure you’re able to love others and yourself without resentment building up over time.

If you’ve been struggling with setting boundaries with your parents, here are some quick reframes to help you along:

  • Discomfort = growth
  • Honesty builds trust
  • Self-respect ≠ selfish
  • Healthy love allows space
  • Everyone deserves respect

Once again, we’d like to acknowledge that boundary setting is especially difficult when it’s within the family and even more so in Asian families. Many Asians seek therapy to better navigate family relationships, communication problems, people-pleasing, guilt and shame.

Avanti is a professional counsellor at TYHO. She is experienced in guiding clients with boundary setting in complex familial relationships. Click here to book a session with Avanti and start your own journey. 💜

Anger Management in Singapore: Top 6 Benefits

Posted on by Manassa Shrikanth
  • Published on 3 October 2025

Anger is a natural human emotion that we all experience from time to time. However, if anger starts getting out of control and in the way of relationships, work and everyday life, it might be time to take a step back.

Often, we may bottle up our needs, emotions, and challenges, pushing them down until they burst out. One way this can happen is through anger. And when anger takes over, we lose control, saying and doing things we may regret later on.

This is where anger management in Singapore comes in. Therapists are trained to guide you in understanding the roots of your anger issues, undoing the knots, unlearning the patterns and developing anger management skills. Two common ways they may do this are through behavioural therapy techniques and emotional regulation tools.

In the sections below, we explore what anger management is, why emotional regulation matters and the top six benefits of seeking anger management therapy in Singapore. Finally, we take a quick look at how therapists may use behavioural therapy for anger management.

This Article Contains:

What is Anger Management?

The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines anger as:

“an emotion characterised by tension and hostility arising from frustration, real or imagined injury by another, or perceived injustice.”

Anger management, then, is a structured approach to recognising, understanding, managing and responding to anger in healthier ways. 

Anger management is an area of mental health support that’s frequently misunderstood. People tend to think of it as suppressing anger or never being angry. Here’s a quick differentiator explaining what anger management is vs what it’s not about:

Anger Management Is:

  • Learning to recognise your triggers
  • Responding to anger with awareness and conscious intention
  • Building emotional regulation and healthy communication skills
  • Understanding the root causes of your anger
  • Learning and using healthy outlets to express frustration

Anger Management Is Not

  • Pretending you’re never angry
  • Suppressing or bottling up your emotions
  • ‘Fixing’ or removing anger entirely
  • Trying to avoid conflict altogether
  • A quick fix or one-size-fits-all solution

Through anger management therapy, you can explore what your triggers are, how anger shows up in your body and behaviour, and how to build new (and healthier) coping mechanisms. 

Anger management counselling in Singapore may combine emotional regulation strategies, behavioural therapy techniques, and communication tools to help you manage challenging situations without losing control.

A person struggling with anger and emotional regulation, considers starting anger management counselling in Singapore.

Why Seeking Support for Emotional Regulation Matters

When left unchecked, intense emotions like anger can affect not just our mental health but also our relationships, work life, and physical health. 

During anger management therapy in Singapore, you can develop better emotional regulation with the help of a therapist.

Here’s why professional support for anger management and emotional regulation can make a real difference:

  • Helps reduce impulsive outbursts and aggressive behaviour
  • Helps you take better and more rational decisions in emotionally charged situations
  • Strengthens relationships through better communication and being in control of your emotions
  • Lowers stress, anxiety, and physical tension
  • Improves your confidence in handling conflict or criticism
  • Encourages long-term mental wellness, self-awareness and helps with personal growth

Anger management therapy helps you learn emotional regulation skills

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Top 5 Benefits of Anger Management Therapy in Singapore

If you’ve been dealing with anger issues, you may be wondering whether anger management therapy really helps. The short answer: it does!

Below are the five most significant benefits of engaging in anger therapy in Singapore:

1) Better Emotional Regulation Skills

As we saw in the previous section, emotional regulation is the ultimate aim of anger management therapy. 

An anger management therapist can help you recognise what triggers your anger and how it manifests. You may also work towards understanding the ‘why’ behind your anger. 

These, coupled with practical coping strategies such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, and thought reframing, can help you stay grounded and calm in the face of triggers. Slowly, you’ll learn to respond with intention instead of reacting with anger.

2) Healthier Relationships at Work and Home

Unaddressed anger issues can start affecting all areas of your life, including your relationships (at work, at home, with extended family and with friends), your productivity, and even your overall routine. 

Anger management therapy in Singapore helps you understand and manage your anger issues, thus improving previously strained relationships. 

Anger management therapists can teach you to express frustration without hurting others, resolve any disagreements calmly, and repair trust after a blow-up. 

3) Improved Mental & Physical Health

Long-term anger issues have been linked to high blood pressure, tension headaches, digestive problems, anxiety, and even depression. 

Anger management therapy in Singapore breaks this cycle by helping you manage stress more effectively, thus improving your overall mental and physical health.

4) Practical Behavioural Therapy Tools You Can Use Daily

Behavioural therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhealthy behaviours and learning healthier coping mechanisms. 

Due to this reason, many anger management therapists in Singapore may prefer to employ techniques and tools from behavioural therapy, such as:

  • Cognitive restructuring
  • Assertive communication
  • Timeouts and pauses
  • Behavioural rehearsals and role-playing
  • Anger logs and journaling
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Mindfulness and other grounding techniques
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

We take a deeper look at behavioural therapy for anger management in a later section.

5) Increased Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

Therapy is a safe space for you to explore and reflect on the reasons and root causes behind your anger. These can include past experiences, childhood trauma, unmet needs, unresolved conflicts, or a lack of healthy communication.

Anger management therapy can thus help you increase your self-awareness, which in turn improves emotional maturity. As you begin making intentional changes in your life, you also start growing as a person. 

Behavioural Therapy for Anger Management in Singapore

Behavioural therapy is one of the most effective and evidence-based approaches to managing anger issues. In Singapore, therapists often draw from behavioural approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to help you recognise, unlearn, reframe, and respond to anger in healthier ways.

You may be used to avoiding or suppressing anger or losing control when it gets too much. Anger management therapists in Singapore use behavioural therapy to help you:

  • Understand your anger triggers: What situations, people, or thoughts seem to spark your anger?
  • Notice your early warning signs: Physical symptoms like a racing heart, clenched jaw, muscle tension, excess sweat and shaky hands can be easy to notice if you look out for them.
  • Interrupt the anger cycle: Anger management therapy can equip you with tools like grounding techniques, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation exercises.
  • Practise new (healthier) responses: Through role-playing and behavioural rehearsal, you build confidence in handling real-life situations differently.
  • Track your progress: Many therapists encourage you to use anger logs or emotion journals to monitor patterns and track progress over time.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it can be hard to keep anger in check. If you’re struggling with anger issues, remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 

Anger management therapy in Singapore is a safe space where you can learn the art of emotional regulation at your own pace. 

When you feel ready, click here to explore anger management therapists at TYHO. 💜

A person engaging in anger management counselling in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anger Management in Singapore

1) What does anger management therapy in Singapore involve?

Anger management therapy in Singapore often includes talk therapy and practical behavioural therapy techniques like cognitive restructuring, role-play, emotional regulation training, and stress management tools to help you better understand and manage your anger.

2) Do I need anger management therapy if I only get angry sometimes?

Even occasional anger can strain relationships or affect your well-being if it’s intense or poorly managed. Anger therapy helps you build healthier coping strategies, even if your anger isn’t extreme.

A good rule of thumb would be to ask yourself, ‘Do I wish I could handle conflict or anger better?’. Try answering this question on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being strongly disagree and 10 being strongly agree). If your answer lies anywhere above 5, therapy can definitely help you work towards your goals.

3) How long does anger management therapy in Singapore usually take to see effects?

The duration of therapy can depend on your goals and challenges. Some people benefit from short-term anger therapy over a few sessions, while others prefer longer support for deeper work and personal growth.

4) Can anger management therapy really help with anger, or is it just about talking?

Therapy for anger isn’t just about talking; it includes structured behavioural exercises, emotional regulation skills, and real-life practice scenarios designed to help you respond differently when triggered.

If you’re asking this question, it’s important to understand why talking is a major part of therapy in the first place. Although it may seem like talking isn’t giving you any immediate practical solutions or tools, it’s where the deeper work lies.

In the case of anger management, it’s through talk therapy that your therapist can help you unearth and understand your trigger and explore the root causes behind your anger, among other things.

5) Can I try managing anger on my own? Do I really need anger therapy in Singapore?

Self-help tools, such as anger management books, are a great way to manage your anger. If your anger issues are not too frequent or are not affecting your life significantly, it can be a rewarding choice.

However, if you find yourself struggling even after trying self-help tools and resources, anger therapy can be immensely helpful. 

Having said that, remember that you don’t need to reach the point of ‘struggle’ in order to seek help. A trained anger therapist in Singapore can provide personalised support, evidence-based tools and professional guidance to help you at any point in your journey.

Individual vs Group Counselling in Singapore: What’s Right for You?

Posted on by Prath
  • Published on 3 October 2025

So, you’ve decided to start counselling in Singapore. What now?  

From the type of therapy to the modality of sessions, there’s often a lot to consider when it comes to caring for your mental wellness. Some people prefer talking to a therapist online, while others feel more comfortable with in-person sessions. 

Beyond that, you may also wonder whether to speak with a therapist one-on-one or explore the support that comes from a group setting. 

In this article, we’re looking specifically at the type of mental health service you may most benefit from. The two most common formats are individual counselling and group therapy. The best part about both types is that they’re equally effective and can lead to positive outcomes. 

Understanding Your Counselling Options

The two types of counselling in Singapore that most people opt for include: 

  1. Individual counselling 
  1. Group counselling 

While both these types can help you manage most mental health challenges, the format and the dynamics may differ.  

Understanding the basics about the two types of services can help you make an informed decision about what suits you best.  

Let’s look at what each format entails. 

1) Individual Counselling 101

Individual counselling is a private one-on-one exchange between you and a trained counsellor in Singapore. With this option, you may meet the professional either online or in-person and focus entirely on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.  

Each session at Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO) lasts approximately 60 minutes and can be booked on a weekly, monthly, or package basis. Package sessions may also include discounts.  

TYHO counsellors are trained in a diverse range of therapeutic approaches. Based on your presenting problems and requirements, the counsellor may work with you to: 

  • Address negative childhood experiences 
  • Build your emotional regulation skills 
  • Equip you with scientific therapeutic tools 
  • Improve your overall life and well-being 

For example, imagine you’re struggling with imposter syndrome at work (ie having self-doubts on your skills/intelligence). This is starting to affect your sleep, self-esteem, and confidence.  

In individual counselling in Singapore, your Therapist will help you identify the root causes of your beliefs, challenge your negative thoughts, and provide practical tools to help you cope better in high-pressure situations.  

A client talking to a counsellor in Singapore.

2) Group Counselling 101

Group therapy may involve one or two counsellors facilitating a session with a small group of people (usually around 6 to 10).  

People involved in the session may be dealing with similar issues such as grief or addiction. In fact, the group therapy session may have a specific theme each time.  

While it may seem intimidating to share your personal thoughts in a group setting, it can actually be an enriching experience. The core of group therapy lies in the shared human experience.  

The two types of group therapy formats are:  

  • Psychoeducational groups (with a focus on building mental health awareness) 
  • Process-oriented groups (open-ended discussions) 

For instance, in a group centred on stress management, you might learn mindfulness techniques while hearing how others manage similar challenges.  

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

1) Nature of the Issue

On the one hand, some issues are better managed through individual counselling in Singapore, in comparison to a group setting.  

For example, if you’re dealing with unresolved trauma and are seeking help for the first time, you may not immediately feel comfortable opening up with a group. In such cases, individual counselling might be a good starting point.  

On the other hand, group therapy can be a great space for issues that can be better managed through shared understanding.  

For example, if you have social anxiety or low self-esteem, hearing other people share their experiences in a group is healing in itself.  

Tip: Try writing down the main presenting issues you’re currently struggling with. Does it feel deeply private, or does it have a social component? Think about these prompts to identify which type of service can be helpful: 

  • Am I dealing with something I’ve never spoken about before, even with close friends or family? 
  • Do I often feel misunderstood or judged when I talk about this issue? 
  • Would it help me to hear how others are managing similar challenges, or would that feel overwhelming right now? 
  • Does this issue involve my interactions with others, like conflict, rejection, or people-pleasing patterns? 
  • If I picture myself talking about this in a group, does it make me feel curious, anxious, relieved, or all three? 

Use these reflections to identify which service may suit you better.  

2) Comfort with Sharing in a Group

The process of counselling may require you to be honest and vulnerable with yourself and with the professional.  

However, the question is, how vulnerable can you be in front of others?  

Some people may prefer talking in the presence of strangers, while others start with individual sessions where they can build trust with a single person.  

For example, if you’re someone who tends to shut down or freeze in group conversations, you may benefit more from individual counselling in Singapore.  

But for those who are extroverted and thrive among other people, group therapy can be a starting point!  

You can also begin by testing the waters. Book individual counselling in Singapore and attend a couple of sessions. If you’re confused, talking to a professional counsellor may give you some clarity on your needs. 

3) Need for Peer Support or Shared Experiences

The most important benefit of group therapy is knowing you’re not alone in this journey. Group sessions specifically provide space for: 

  • Empathy 
  • Perspective 
  • Relatable examples 
  • Community-driven healing 

For example, let’s say Ana is dealing with parental stress. Her children won’t listen to her, and she feels like a ‘bad mom’. In this case, hearing how other parents manage their guilt or pressure to be perfect can be emotionally reassuring and provide hope to carry on. 

If you’re thinking along the lines of community support and feel isolated from your support system, group therapy may be the right choice for you.  

However, if you have good peer support but are struggling with personal issues from your childhood, relationships, or workplace, individual counselling can be helpful. 

4) Budget and Accessibility

Counselling in Singapore starts from SGD 120 at TYHO. You can buy sessions in bulk for a discount. For instance, we offer a 6% discount for packages costing between S$360 and S$959, and an 8% discount for packages costing between S$960 and S$5,000. 

NGOs, universities, or your workplace may also offer low-cost or subsidised options. If you are an employee, your workplace may have an employee assistance program.  

If you are on a tight budget, group therapy may be an affordable option.  

Alternatively, opting for a mix of occasional individual sessions alongside group therapy sessions to supplement the therapy journey could help balance both the cost and accessibility issues.  

If you are confused, try online therapy in Singapore. Online sessions are cheaper than in-person counselling, but are just as effective. As you attend sessions and become consistent in showing up for yourself, you may have a better idea of how to manage your finances.  

5) Flexibility and Scheduling

We’re constantly juggling a lot daily. Work, self-care, exercise, friends, and family time probably consume most of your time in the first place. 

In such a fast-paced world, it can be hard to commit to a new endeavour like counselling in Singapore.  

However, here’s the key to managing your time more effectively: planning. Planning ahead of time and scheduling sessions can help you cross a big to-do.  

On the one hand, individual counselling allows for more flexibility in scheduling. You can reschedule or adjust the frequency of your sessions with your therapist as needed.  

At TYHO, we also have a new feature on the dashboard called ‘Messages’. Here, you can use the chat box to coordinate the session timings and scheduling with your Therapist personally. This makes scheduling quick and easy.  

Group therapy, however, tends to be more structured. Sessions often run at fixed times (eg every Wednesday at 7 pm), which can either be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your lifestyle.  

If you travel frequently or are often busy with multiple tasks, you may find individual sessions easier to manage. 

Benefits of Counselling in Different Settings

Both individual counselling and group therapy have several benefits. Let’s look at some of them in the two sections below.  

1) Benefits of Individual Counselling

Individual counselling is an ideal choice if you prefer: 

  • Introspective work 
  • Exploration of your thoughts and emotions 
  • In-depth inner work to improve your daily life 

Some major benefits of this type of counselling in Singapore are: 

  • Depth and privacy: You can explore each presenting issue in-depth and without any judgment or bias from the professional. 
  • Personalised therapeutic plan: Every session is tailored to your needs and focused on achieving your life and therapy goals. If you prefer a solution-oriented approach, individual counselling is ideal for you.  
  • Faster progress: With the full attention of an expert Therapist, it’s easier to make progress sooner and stay consistent with your therapy journey.  
  • Emotional safety: There are no potential risks of encountering problematic individuals, conflicts, or judgements in individual counselling. 

2) Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy is a great choice if you’re looking for: 

  • Peer support and shared experiences 
  • A sense of belonging and connection 
  • Real-life practice in communication and emotional expression 

Some major benefits of this type of counselling in Singapore are: 

  • Shared experiences: It’s often easy to feel like you’re alone in the struggle…until someone in the group therapy session describes exactly what you’re going through. The shared experiences and thoughts can be validating and make you feel seen and heard. 
  • Multiple perspectives: In group therapy, everyone is encouraged to share their opinion and thoughts after someone shares their problems. Hence, you may get multiple fresh perspectives that may help you better cope with the issue.  
  • Skill practice: Group therapy sessions are an excellent way to practice therapeutic skills in real-time. For example, you may be involved in a role play to set boundaries or improve your confidence. 

Final Thoughts

There’s no universal rule for choosing between individual and group counselling. Each format offers something meaningful. What matters most is how supported and seen you feel within that therapy space. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself to decide on a service: 

  • Do I need to explore deeper, more personal issues or would I like to engage within a community? 
  • Do I want a fixed structure aan scheduling option or am I okay to book sessions whenever they come up? 
  • What do I need the most right now? Which option makes me feel safe? 

Remember, the decision isn’t permanent. You can start with one and explore the other later. Many in Singapore find value in doing both at different stages of their journey. 

Get started with counselling in Singapore today.  

Thinking of Switching Your Therapist in Singapore? Read This First

Posted on by Prath
  • Published on 3 October 2025

What truly makes the therapy experience effective is identifying good professionals, and conversely, knowing when to find someone better. 

Sometimes, the signs to switch therapists are clear. But what happens when you’re in the grey: The sessions aren’t too bad, but they’re also not…great?  

Hence, in this article, we’re delving into the green and yellow flags of the professional, as well as how to change and find new therapists in Singapore.  

The Therapy Experience

Therapy, at its best, is a space where you learn how to advocate for yourself. As it turns out, this means that the therapist is not the only person speaking during sessions.  

Instead, you explore your own thoughts, speak up for yourself, request things you need (emotionally or otherwise), and make empowered decisions about the type and intensity of care you receive.  

Here’s an example of self-advocacy in therapy:  

Purple, a 24-year-old woman with social anxiety, finds a new therapist in Singapore. To help Purple manage symptoms, the professional recommends trying out exposure therapy. During exposure therapy, Purple may be exposed to certain situations or triggers that are causing the anxiety. The entire approach is done in a safe and controlled manner.  

However, Purple struggles to improve even after attending six therapy sessions. Exposure is making their symptoms worse, and directly facing the triggers has a negative impact on Purple’s work life. To better suit their preferences, Purple opens up about their discomfort and explains that the negative impact of this particular approach on their work is disproportionate to the positive effects on their overall life.  

By advocating for themselves, Purple used their voice and made a conscious choice in their therapy experience when they realised things weren’t going the way they wanted.  

Green Flags of Therapists in Singapore

How do you know when things are working out for you in therapy?  

To understand if you’re talking to a good therapist in Singapore, you may want to look out for some common themes. These are listed below: 

  • You feel the therapist’s presence: This means that you don’t need to explain yourself twice (unless probed deeper) or provide a context every time you talk about your presenting problems.  
  • You sense unconditional support: Even when you feel challenged or pushed out of your comfort zone, you’re able to sense that it’s from a place of growth, rather than discomfort.  
  • Your therapist adapts: You feel supported and aligned with your therapist. The pace and intensity of the sessions change depending on your values and goals, rather than being based on what the therapist thinks is best for you.  
  • You feel valued: The therapist takes your feedback sincerely, and you’re starting to open up more during sessions.  

Now, let’s focus on the yellow flags: the moments that actually indicate your desire to change therapists.  

A therapist in Singapore and client during a talk therapy session.

Yellow Flags: 3 Signs You May Need a New Therapist

A yellow flag is an opportunity; a sign where you can pause and decide whether you want to take a chance (ie leaning into the therapy process is beneficial to you) or make a change.  

Not all yellow flags are obvious. Sometimes, you may feel a vague sense of disappointment or discomfort. Other times, the sign is clear enough for you to make a firm decision.  

If you’ve noticed a yellow flag and are unsure how to proceed, look out for conversational prompts below that may help you self-advocate during therapy! 

1) Dissatisfaction

After therapy sessions, you leave feeling disappointed, and like your therapist in Singapore doesn’t ‘get’ you. Perhaps the conversations fall short, or the insights are generic.  

At first, you may dismiss it. But eventually, the dissatisfaction grows and change becomes stagnant.  

For example, you wanted to improve your bond with your partner, yet you continued to have the same arguments you had six months ago. Maybe you’ve been trying to reduce work-related burnout, yet even after 12 therapy sessions, you feel exhausted and unable to improve your work life.  

Below are some thoughts you may think that could potentially indicate a yellow flag: 

  • ‘My therapist is nice, but it’s actually like talking to a friend.’ 
  • ‘Somehow, I never get the chance to talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while.’ 
  • ‘Nothing’s really working out here. Why do I keep showing up to sessions?’ 

Conversation prompts to try with your therapist

  • Can we take a session to go over what we’ve been working on and whether it’s helping? 
  • I’m not sure I’m making much progress. Can we talk about whether we should change the therapy type, goals, or the roadmap?  
  • Sometimes I leave sessions feeling unsure about what we accomplished. Can we structure them a bit more? 
  • Would you be open to adjusting our approach to better suit how I learn or process things? 
  • I’ve been thinking about trying a different therapy style. Can we talk about what other options exist? 

Your next action plan: Remember that you only need to advocate for yourself, but you’re not responsible for actually making therapy ‘work’. Try to show up to sessions, note down what isn’t working, and let your therapist in Singapore guide you. It’s okay to change therapists if the results aren’t satisfactory.  

2) Hesitation

You started therapy with something particular in mind. You think about bringing it up during every session, but something’s holding you back. 

Even after 3-4 sessions, you either shut down or are distracted by other areas explored by the therapist.  

For example, let’s assume Sarah sought therapy to address childhood trauma and bullying. However, she often ends up talking about other daily stressors like procrastination or lack of confidence. Sarah struggles to trust the therapist in Singapore and is unable to find a solution to overcome her hesitation.  

Below are some examples of what hesitation may look like in therapy:  

  • ‘I want to talk about this, but I’m not really sure if the therapist will understand.’ 
  • ‘The therapist probably thinks I’m too much. I should just keep this to myself.’ 
  • ‘I feel like I always dodge the actual problem and talk about random things instead.’ 
  • ‘I’m not even sure if I can trust the therapist with this information.’ 

Conversation prompts to try with your therapist

  • I notice I hold back during sessions. Can we talk about why that might be? 
  • I find it hard to bring up certain topics. How can we address those during sessions? 
  • Sometimes I feel like I need more emotional support. Can we explore what that could look like? 
  • There are some things that I haven’t previously discussed. But I feel like these are the topics that indicate an actual problem. Whenever I try to bring it up, I shut down instead. Is there any way we can navigate this together?  

Your next action plan: It’s normal for you to be hesitant at the beginning of therapy. However, it can become a yellow flag if it continues even after several sessions. If you get stuck because of hesitation, try not to be too hard on yourself. Jot down your thoughts in a written format and email the therapist. If, after all this, you still struggle to open up, you may want to consider other options like art or group therapy.  

3) Boredom or Lack of Motivation

Therapy sessions feel boring or repetitive. You’re not excited or motivated to make changes in your life.  

If a session feels particularly challenging, your first instinct might be to cancel or postpone rather than sit with the discomfort and work through it.  

For example, if you find yourself feeling bored, you might disengage and only respond to your therapist in Singapore when prompted. At times, you might also fall into the trap of trying to be a ‘good client’ (ie thinking that means not questioning the process or avoiding difficult conversations).  

Ironically, skipping a session can feel like a relief, even if part of you knows that the emotional discomfort might lead to a positive change.  

Here’s how boredom can show up: 

  • ‘I already know how this session will go.’ 
  • ‘Every week feels the same.’ 
  • ‘I’m not getting anything new out of this.’ 
  • ‘Maybe I’ve outgrown this process.’ 

Conversation prompts to try with your therapist

  • Can we try something different during sessions? I think I need to work with new tools to keep things exciting.  
  • I feel like I need to go back to the basics; something doesn’t seem to be working for me. Can we revisit my therapy goals? 
  • Are there alternative tools or exercises we can incorporate to make therapy more engaging? 
  • I’m finding it hard to finish my therapy homework and follow through with the therapeutic approaches. Can we explore why that might be happening? 

4 Tips to Switch Counsellors

1) Talk To Your Current Therapist in Singapore

While addressing the topic of finding a new therapist in Singapore can feel uncomfortable, the change can be rewarding.  

Many professionals are trained to navigate and deal with the change. Hence, all you need to take the first step is to be honest with your current therapist.  

Here’s a prompt to help you initiate the conversation:  

‘I appreciate your inputs during therapy, and a lot of the tools have helped me in my life. I’m thinking of continuing sessions with someone else who might be a better fit for my needs right now. I’m specifically looking to work with someone who has experience in [therapy type] and can help me with [specific problem]. Would you be able to help me with the transition?’ 

If you’re having trouble switching therapists at TYHO, reach out to us at [email protected].  

A client sharing their thoughts during therapy in Singapore.

2) Journal

Before you start the search for a new therapist in Singapore, you may want to journal your thoughts, presenting problems, and therapy goals.  

Journaling can also be used to reflect on what didn’t work for you with the previous therapist and what you’re looking for in the new professional.  

Below are some prompts for you to try:  

  • When did I feel most supported in therapy? 
  • What was one of the best things about my previous therapist?  
  • What was one thing that made me feel uncomfortable with my therapist? 
  • What am I hoping for from a new therapist? 
  • What kind of approach or energy do I need right now? 

This step is especially helpful if you’ve never worked with more than one therapist before. 

3) Explore Therapy Options

Similar to reflecting on your therapy goals, you may also want to research the types of therapy available. 

Worry not, your new therapist in Singapore will brief you on the types and benefits of each therapeutic approach. However, it can be helpful to educate yourself. After all, you are the best judge of what works best for you.  

Once you have an idea of the different types, you can bring it up during the first therapy session and discuss the pros and cons with the professional.  

Below are some ways you can explore therapy options: 

  • Use Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO) to filter by language, therapeutic approach, specialisation, and availability. 
  • Think about your preferences: Do you want someone who’s trauma-informed? LGBTQ+ affirming? Familiar with corporate burnout? 
  • Consider logistics: Do you prefer online or in-person sessions? How frequently would you like the sessions to be scheduled? Are you planning to book sessions as and when you require them, or do you prefer to buy them in bulk? 

4) Prepare for the First Session

Your first session with the new therapist in Singapore does not have to be scary. Preparing for it beforehand can give you clarity on what you want to discuss.  

For example, try to prepare the following information before your first session: 

  • A brief summary of why you left your last therapist (optional) 
  • What do you hope to focus on now 
  • Any specific concerns or themes you want to explore 
  • Your expectations for the new therapist and the pace/type of therapy 

Our Final Word

Change is sometimes the best progress you can make.  

You deserve someone who makes you feel safe, understood, and empowered.  

So if you’re thinking about changing therapists, visit our app here: https://app.talkyourheartout.com/.  

How Counselling in Singapore Can Help You Overcome Dating Anxiety

Posted on by Manassa Shrikanth
  • Published on 2 October 2025

Dating is supposed to be exciting, right? Everyone talks of butterflies in the stomach, bells in the air and fireworks in the sky. 

But what if it leaves you anxious, self-critical, overwhelmed or exhausted? We’re here to tell you that you’re definitely not the only one.

Dating anxiety is very real. Recent studies show that dating anxiety is more prevalent in today’s digital age of online dating.

If you’ve been thinking about starting counselling in Singapore to overcome dating anxiety, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this blog, we take a look at what dating anxiety is, five ways in which counselling can help and some practical benefits of counselling for dating anxiety.

This Article Contains:

What Is Dating Anxiety and Why It’s More Common Than You Think

Some amount of anxiety around dating or any kind of social interaction is inevitable. At least in the early stages of a relationship, most people experience signs of anxiety like a fluttery stomach and nervous jitters.

However, if you experience anxiety that is prolonged, excessive, or so severe that it doesn’t let you enjoy or even participate in dating, it could be dating anxiety. 

Dating anxiety is a type of social anxiety. Here are some underlying reasons why people may face dating anxiety:

  • Fear of rejection or abandonment that prevents emotional intimacy
  • Persistent low self-esteem or self-worth in romantic contexts
  • Overthinking every text, message, or interaction in early or ongoing dating
  • Difficulty opening up or being vulnerable with new people
  • People-pleasing tendencies or trouble setting healthy boundaries
  • Lingering anxiety from past relationship trauma or heartbreak
  • Social anxiety that makes first dates or casual meetups feel overwhelming
  • Feeling confused or anxious about modern dating norms and societal expectations
  • Struggling with jealousy, overattachment, abandonment issues or emotional overreactions

But the reassuring news is that dating anxiety is quite common and can be overcome through guided support, such as exposure therapy and counselling in Singapore.

Counselling helps manage and overcome dating anxiety

Talk to a TYHO Therapist

5 Ways Counselling in Singapore Can Help

When dating starts to feel more stressful than exciting, it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on. 

Dating anxiety can stem from past experiences, low self-worth, perfectionism, or just the sheer pressure to ‘get it right.’ Over time, these struggles can turn even simple social interactions into overwhelming tasks.

If you resonated with any of the above, we’re here to tell you it’s very much possible to get past dating anxiety and back into the playing field! 

Counselling in Singapore can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to understand the whys behind your anxiety and regain confidence. Below are five ways in which counselling helps you overcome dating anxiety:

1) Talk Through What’s Been Holding You Back (Root Causes)

Anxiety isn’t random, it’s your body’s response to perceived threat. Sometimes this threat is real and present, sometimes it’s anticipatory, and sometimes it’s due to past trauma and other root causes we may not be aware of. 

Maybe you fear abandonment because of a childhood experience, or perhaps you’ve internalised rejection from a past relationship. 

Counselling in Singapore can help you identify and understand these root causes without blame or shame. Instead of just managing surface-level symptoms like nervousness or avoidance, therapy enables you to get to the ‘why’, so that you can truly move forward.

2) Make Sense of Why Dating Feels So Overwhelming (Identify & Understand Your Triggers)

Often, it’s not just the date – it can be the lead-up, the anticipation, the texting, the fear of saying the wrong thing, or the silence afterwards. If left unidentified, small triggers like these can build up and snowball into overwhelming anxiety. 

Counselling in Singapore can help you slow down and circle out your triggers, learning to notice what sets off your anxiety. 

  • Do you get triggered by late text replies? 
  • Or is it the other person’s body language? 
  • Do you feel uncomfortable doing certain activities or going to certain places?

Through sessions with a trained counsellor, you can learn to identify such triggers and understand why they make you spiral. Understanding, in turn, can help you face your triggers, unlearn patterns and respond with healthy coping mechanisms. 

3) Learn Tools to Calm Your Nerves (Even on First Dates!)

As we already saw, feeling nervous before a new date is normal. But the constant simmering of anxiety can sabotage your ability to be present in the moment.   

During counselling in Singapore, a counsellor will help you learn evidence-based techniques to manage anxiety before, during, and after dates. These could include:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Visualisation strategies
  • Reframing negative thoughts
  • Creating anchoring pre-date rituals 

Slowly, you’ll learn how to regulate your emotions in the moment instead of spiralling into self-doubt or avoidance.

4) Heal from and Reframe Past Experiences (That Still Sting)

Pain from the past can stay on and affect your present life. This is especially true when it comes to past relationship experiences and trauma. Maybe your ex ghosted you, cheated, or made you feel like you weren’t enough, and now, even small red flags feel like alarm bells.

That’s just your brain’s way of protecting (perhaps overprotecting) you. However, such emotional wounds can stop you from having authentic experiences if left unaddressed. And counselling in Singapore can help you do just that – identify, address and reframe past negative experiences.

With the support of a counsellor, you can start seeing these experiences as chapters in your life, not definitions of your worth or future. With time, you can even learn from them, making space for hope, trust, and emotional risk-taking.

5) Gain Clarity on Your Needs and Relationship Goals (Feel In Control & Ready for Connection)

Dating gets much easier when you know what you want, what your non-negotiables are, and how to express your boundaries. 

Singapore counsellors can help you realise and articulate your needs, not just for a partner, but for how you want to be treated and how you want to feel in the relationship. Finding clarity about relationship goals can help you go from chasing relationships to pursuing true alignment and connection. You’ll feel less like you’re guessing in desperation, and more like you’re choosing, with confidence and intention.

A person engaging in counselling in Singapore for dating anxiety.

5 Practical Benefits of Counselling for Dating Anxiety

1) Reduced Overthinking, Anxious Thoughts & Assumptions

Counselling in Singapore can help you break free from the exhausting mental loops that come with dating anxiety, including overanalysing texts, second-guessing interactions, or spiralling after a bit of silence. 

With time, you’ll start to trust your judgment more and feel calmer about meeting new people.

What this can look like:

  • Not needing constant reassurance or clarity from the person you’re dating
  • Resisting the urge to stalk them on social media or reread messages
  • No longer assuming the worst when someone doesn’t reply right away
  • Feeling more present and grounded during and after dates

2) Healthier Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence & Boundaries

Counselling in Singapore helps create a space to rebuild your self-worth and set boundaries based on what feels right for you, rather than what others want. 

With regular sessions, you’re less likely to shrink yourself or settle for relationships that leave you drained, neglected or unseen.

What this can look like:

  • Being clear about your deal-breakers, values and love languages early on
  • Saying no without guilt when you’re uncomfortable
  • Not chasing validation or ‘fixing’ things that aren’t your responsibility
  • Feeling worthy of love without needing to earn it

3) Improved Communication Skills

Dating involves various tricky social interactions, such as navigating awkward conversations, expressing interest respectfully, and stating your needs without coming across as overbearing. 

Through counselling in Singapore, you can learn to have difficult conversations without shutting down, withdrawing, or people-pleasing.

What this can look like:

  • Being upfront about your intentions or goals without fear of rejection
  • Asking questions confidently instead of making assumptions
  • Sharing your thoughts and feelings in a way that invites connection

4) Lesser Fear Around Vulnerability, Uncertainty & Rejection

Over the course of counselling in Singapore, you may begin to feel less afraid of being seen or getting hurt. You don’t shut people out or sabotage connections to avoid pain. Instead, you start becoming more open to the process, even when it’s messy or unpredictable.

What this can look like:

  • Letting your guard down without overthinking every word
  • Accepting that rejection doesn’t reflect your worth
  • Staying present even if the future of the relationship is unclear
  • Not taking it personally when someone isn’t on the same page
  • Sharing personal or vulnerable parts of yourself

5) Ability to Identify & Walk Away from Unhealthy Patterns Sooner

Counselling in Singapore can also increase your awareness of your dating history and patterns, such as who you’re drawn to and any negative experiences from the past. With this clarity, you can stop repeating the same cycles and start protecting your peace much earlier.

What this can look like:

  • Noticing red flags before you get too emotionally invested
  • Leaving relationships that aren’t aligned with your needs or values
  • Avoiding emotionally unavailable or inconsistent people
  • Choosing healthy relationships, where connection feels safe, consistent, and mutual
A person in a happy and loving relationship after overcoming dating anxiety through counselling in Singapore.

Conclusion

Do you remember the first friend you made in kindergarten? Wide-eyed and excited, but also dragging around a stomach full of nerves? Within just a few days or weeks, you’d talked to half the class and had a bunch of friends to call yours. 

Dating anxiety is just the same, except it’s a lot stronger and a little harder to overcome. Counsellors are trained mental health professionals who can help you navigate this challenge and regain confidence in the dating arena.

Counselling in Singapore can help you identify triggers, understand root causes, learn practical tools, heal from past trauma, reframe thought patterns and feel ready for connection again.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, confused or afraid about dating, remind yourself that you’re not alone. 

Click here to explore TYHO counsellors in Singapore who can support you with dating anxiety. 💜