Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Achieving a positive outcome would take about 8 to 10 weekly sessions. However, there is no fixed number of sessions for which you need to see your clinician. Also, the number of sessions depends on the individual and the case’s complexity.

Generally, it will start with weekly sessions. Depending on the progress, we will adjust the frequency to fortnightly, monthly, bimonthly, or bi-annually. Feel free to discuss the comfortable frequency with your clinician, as we are mindful that there are individuals with financial or scheduling constraints.

Please be early for your first session as you need to go through the registration process. You will have to fill up the registration form, read through and sign the consent form.

After that, your first session will commence. The first session is an intake session, and it is for our clinician to know more about you, the issues you are facing, and what your needs are. You are encouraged to share any problems or concerns in the session, as that would be useful for our clinicians to assess your condition.

No, counselling is not for life. However, you need to follow through with the counselling processes to ensure the necessary psychoeducation for relapse prevention is covered.

While it seems frightening, be assured that this reaction is common to some individuals. Discovering or revealing particular thoughts and feelings, specifically deep and uncomfortable ones, can be emotional or exhausting, leading you to feel worse after the session. This feeling is sometimes known as a therapy hangover.

Please take note of the feelings you encountered and inform your clinician in your next session for them to process it with you.

You can highlight this during the session so that our clinician can find ways to work with you better.

Alternatively, you can request a change in clinician. You can notify the allocated clinician or contact us through our enquiry channels.

Please inform your clinician as soon as possible so they can address this promptly. While there are many reasons for therapy to stall, please be assured that our clinician will work with you to achieve the progress you need.

Any feedback, good or bad, is welcomed! Please share any feedback with us, as this would allow us to improve ourselves. Also, complaints are vital for us to know how you feel and make things right again.

Coaching is a collaborative and goal-focused process that supports individuals in achieving specific personal, professional, or developmental goals. Unlike counselling or psychotherapy, coaching does not focus on mental health concerns, but instead helps individuals clarify goals, overcome obstacles, and maximise their potential.

Your coach works alongside you as a thought partner — helping you gain insight, set actionable steps, and stay accountable in your progress. Coaching is particularly effective for areas such as career direction, life transitions, productivity, and personal effectiveness.

Counselling, also commonly known as “therapy”, is a form of talk therapy. It provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore emotional difficulties, stressors, and life challenges. It focuses on helping individuals gain clarity, build coping skills, and make informed decisions to manage their well-being.

Psychotherapy, also known as psychological therapy, is a deeper therapeutic process aimed at helping individuals address more complex emotional, behavioural, or psychological concerns. It may involve working through past experiences, identifying recurring patterns, and supporting long-term personal growth and healing.

Counselling typically addresses specific, present-day issues such as relationship challenges, workplace stress, or decision-making. It is usually short-term and wellness-focused, supporting clients in developing practical strategies for change.

Psychotherapy delves deeper into long-standing emotional or psychological patterns, often rooted in past experiences. It is suited for individuals managing more complex mental health concerns and may be longer-term in nature.

At The Lion Mind, our clinicians may integrate both counselling and psychotherapeutic approaches depending on your unique needs.

We mainly administer Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). CBT is the most Evidence-Based Psychological Practice (EBPP) effective in managing various mental health disorders. We may use other forms of psychotherapy to complement the session depending on the case’s suitability.

Any mental health professional with specialised postgraduate training in a specific psychotherapy skill set can provide psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is not limited to any particular mental health profession.

Anyone! A common misconception about attending therapy sessions is that only individuals with severe mental health issues need them. While Counselling is commonly associated with mental health, it can be for individuals who wish to explore their self and thoughts.

You do not have to. Our clinician will administer them according to your needs and case suitability. Leave the worrying to us and enjoy the session.

Yes, and please inform us of your preferred clinician for our arrangement. It is essential for you to feel comfortable with the person you are speaking with.

Coaches (Mental Health) are trained professionals who support individuals in building emotional resilience, improving mental wellness, and achieving personal goals. Mental Health Coaches typically undergo certification programmes accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and are registered with ICF Singapore. They do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and their focus is on goal-setting, personal development, and behavioural change.

Counsellors are trained mental health clinicians who provide counselling services to clients. Most counsellors in Singapore hold at least a master’s degree in counselling and are registered with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). While some counsellors may have a background in psychology or counselling at the bachelor’s level, this is not a prerequisite. It is important to verify a counsellor’s qualifications and training credentials.

Psychologists (Applied) are trained in psychological science to conduct psychological assessments, provide diagnoses, and deliver psychological interventions. In Singapore, most applied psychologists have a bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by a master’s degree in applied psychology. They are registered with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) under the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP). There are five main subfields in applied psychology in Singapore: clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, and organisational psychology. Additional subfields may include coaching psychology, developmental psychology, and sport psychology.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with advanced training in psychiatry and the use of psychiatric medication. They are licensed under the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Psychiatrists are qualified to conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe psychiatric medication, and issue medical certificates (MCs). They are the only mental health professionals in Singapore legally allowed to prescribe medication.

Psychotherapists are mental health clinicians trained in specific psychotherapeutic modalities or tools (e.g. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy [CBT], Hypnotherapy). The title “Psychotherapist” is not a protected or regulated designation in Singapore. Counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists may also identify as psychotherapists based on their specialised training. As such, it is important to review a psychotherapist’s credentials and training background to understand their scope of practice.

No, Coach / Counsellor/ Psychologist is not a medical doctor. Hence, they cannot prescribe medication.

As we do not have an in-house psychiatrist, we are unable to prescribe medication. Clients who may require medication are advised to consult a registered psychiatrist independently.

Coaching, counselling, or psychotherapy does not provide a mental health diagnosis. You will require a psychological diagnosis or psychiatric evaluation to have a diagnosis.

No, we are unable to issue medical certificates as we do not have an in-house medical doctor or psychiatrist. If you require an MC, you are advised to consult a registered general practitioner or psychiatrist.

It is completely normal for a session — whether coaching, counselling, or psychotherapy — to feel like a casual conversation at times. In fact, this “chit-chat” style is often intentional and forms a core part of the therapeutic or coaching process.

The relaxed nature of the conversation helps build rapport and trust, which are essential for deeper, more meaningful work to take place. As you grow more comfortable, your clinician or coach will gradually guide the conversation to explore underlying thoughts, emotions, patterns, or goals — often in subtle and non-intrusive ways.

It is also important to understand that change does not always happen through dramatic breakthroughs. Sometimes, it occurs through small insights, gentle shifts in perspective, or consistent reflection — all of which can emerge through what seems like a simple conversation.

If you are unsure about the direction or focus of your sessions, feel free to raise it with your clinician. We value open communication and will be happy to discuss your concerns and align the sessions with your expectations and goals.