CHIA SENG

Registered Counsellor (K.B.; P.A.)
Master of Counselling, Open University Malaysia
Master of Science (Brain and Mind Sciences), National Taiwan University
Bachelor in Pharmacy, National Taiwan University

LICENSE / PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Registered & Licensed Counsellor, Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia (KB10198; PA09802)

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
8 years

AREA OF FOCUS
Parenting, Family, Psychological Disorders, Work-Related Issues, Management Consultation, Anger Management, Trauma, Self-Esteem, Interpersonal Conflict, Emotional Distress

THERAPY APPROACHES
Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Coaching, Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy

MORE ABOUT ME
During my university years, I was fascinated by the lessons of psychology that seemed to answer most of my doubts. At that time, I had a full schedule of classes every semester since I took as many psychology subjects as possible in addition to my pharmacy studies. As I had wished, I switched my major after completing my bachelor’s degree to Brain and Mind Sciences. I had conducted brain imaging studies for children with ADHD under the supervision of the Director of Psychiatry at National Taiwan University Hospital. After returning to Malaysia, I went through a period of struggle. I eventually gave up a higher income job as a pharmacist and chose to work for an NGO, hoping to contribute to promoting mental health in Malaysia at an organizational level.

Working for an NGO for more than 7 years has given me opportunities to work with clients from all walks of life. In addition, I have extensive experience of volunteer training. I believe that everyone should have a basic understanding of psychology, thus I engaged myself in a number of psychological education works. I was a part-time psychology lecturer at a university, and I am currently a certified HRDCorp accredited trainer for corporates. I am also often invited to share psychological perspectives on particular social phenomena in the media.

Due to my personal experience, I work frequently with families with ADHD and Schizophrenia, which is a less common area for many counsellors. Following the outbreak of the pandemic, the prolonged period of learning from home has largely exacerbated internet addiction in Malaysia compared to other countries. With the previous experience gained from working with ADHD families, I devoted a lot of effort to the issue of internet addiction during the MCO, providing over 40 seminars, workshops, and support groups.

I believe that human growth is like that of a plant. Given a supportive environment, everyone can resolve difficulties and achieve self-actualization through their own strengths. Therefore, inside the counselling room, I am not an expert in “fixing” people. Rather, I am privileged to sit next to my clients, encountering the struggles together, seeing the world through their eyes, discovering their strengths and resources, finding short-term and long-term solutions, and ultimately gaining a better understanding of the gift of life these sufferings bring.

I love to travel and to be inspired by local cultures and stories. I also volunteered as a museum guide for a few years. I enjoy watching television programs, traditional Chinese opera, and theatres of all kinds.

LANGUAGES
Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, English, Malay

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