Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling is a space to talk things through with someone trained to listen and help you make sense of what you're going through. It's different from talking to a friend or family member: it's confidential, and the focus stays on you throughout.

Once we understand what's happening, we set goals together and work towards them. That might mean looking at patterns that keep repeating, practising new ways of responding to difficult thoughts and feelings, or reconnecting with what matters to you when it's been crowded out by everything else. We review how it's going as we go, and adjust the pace to suit you.

In Singapore, “counselling” and “therapy” are often used interchangeably. Some reserve “psychotherapy” for longer-term work with deeper-rooted patterns and “counselling” for more present-focused support, but in practice they overlap.

What matters more than the label is whether the approach, and the fit between us, is right for you.

All three support mental health, in different ways. A psychiatrist is a medical professional who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. A psychologist may conduct psychological assessments and diagnose conditions alongside therapy. A counsellor is trained in talk therapy: creating a safe, structured space to work through difficulties such as grief, stress, burnout, relationships and life transitions.

The roles often work alongside one another. If our work suggests you would also benefit from seeing a medical or other professional, I'll discuss it with you openly and support you in taking that step.

Most people go through periods where life feels harder to manage: grief, stress, transitions, or a sense that something isn't right. Counselling gives you space to understand what's happening and work through it with support.

Through our work together, you'll develop a clearer understanding of how you think, what you feel, and what you value. That self-awareness tends to change how you make decisions and how you show up in your life.

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. It's worth paying attention when difficult feelings persist rather than pass: nights you lie awake, a heaviness that doesn't lift, worry that keeps circling. It also matters when what you're carrying starts to affect your work, your health or the people close to you.

If you're unsure, that's a normal place to start, and a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call can help you decide.

It's common to be unsure, and you don't need the answer before reaching out.

Counselling helps if you're carrying emotional distress or working through difficult experiences such as grief, anxiety, relationship challenges or major life transitions. The focus is healing, understanding yourself more deeply and supporting your emotional wellbeing.

Coaching suits those who are emotionally steady and ready to invest in their growth: a leadership transition, greater clarity in your career, or the self-awareness and confidence to move forward with intention.

If you're unsure, we can explore it together in a Discovery Call. If I believe one approach would serve you better, I'll say so openly.

I'll walk you through how counselling works and how your confidentiality is protected. You'll have space to ask any questions before we begin.

The main aim of the first session is for me to understand what brought you in — your concerns, how they started, and how they're affecting you. The more you're able to share, the better I can shape how we work together.

There's no fixed number. It depends on what you're working through and how the process unfolds for you.

Early on, we'll set goals together and review them regularly. When you're ready to close, we'll prepare for that together too.

Yes. Both in-person and online sessions are available. Online sessions are conducted on secure, confidential platforms.

Online counselling may not be appropriate for all clients or concerns. Your counsellor will advise you if an alternative arrangement is recommended.

Both. Coaching is held in person in Singapore, or online. Online sessions are conducted on secure, confidential platforms.

Start on the Book a Session page, where the intake form is the first step. It tells me a little about what's bringing you in, so our first session isn't spent on paperwork. I'll read it, reply by email to confirm how we'll work together, and send you a link to choose a time that suits you.

If helpful, I may suggest a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call to answer any questions and confirm we're a good fit before scheduling your first session.

After each session, we'll agree on the next appointment together. Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly at the start, and may space out over time.

All appointments must be arranged in advance. Walk-in appointments are not available.

No. You can book directly with a private counsellor; no GP referral or diagnosis is needed. Referrals generally apply only to subsidised routes through polyclinics and public hospitals.

To begin at The Rooted Way, simply write in through the Book a Session page.

Kindly read through this FAQ to see if your queries are covered. You may submit enquiries through the Contact page.

If helpful, a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call can be scheduled to address any other queries you may have. Discovery Calls will be held via Microsoft Teams, which provides secure, encrypted communication.

Discovery calls are meant to clarify your queries on the counselling or coaching process. No counselling or coaching will be conducted on Discovery Calls, and no notes or records are kept from these calls.

You'll receive a reminder 3 days before your session. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours' notice.

A cancellation fee of 100% of the session fee applies for cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice and for no-shows. This is because the slot cannot be offered to another client at short notice.

For late cancellations due to medical emergencies or exceptional circumstances, please reach out and I will consider these on a case-by-case basis. No exceptions are made for no-shows.

You'll be asked to sign a consent form before your first session.

All personal data is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with third parties without your consent. This applies to both counselling and coaching. Online sessions are conducted on secure, confidential platforms.

The Rooted Way's Data Protection & Privacy Policy is available here.

Fees vary across practices and practitioners in Singapore. At The Rooted Way, individual counselling is S$200 for a 60-minute session, in person or online.

If you'd like to be sure it's the right fit before committing, a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call is available.

A community rate for counselling is available for students at institutes of higher learning, staff of social service agencies, schools, hospitals and religious organisations, and those who have recently lost their job.

Drop me a note at support@therootedway.com.sg to ask, and I’ll arrange a brief verification. See the Rates page for more.

Counselling at The Rooted Way is a private service, and sessions are paid for directly by clients.

Some insurance plans and employer wellness benefits may reimburse counselling, so it's worth checking your policy or asking HR. I'll provide an invoice you can submit if your plan allows claims.

Payment is accepted via bank transfer, PayNow, or PayPal.

Payment is required at least 48 hours before your session to confirm your appointment. If payment is not received by then, the slot will be released.

Wednesday, Thursday: 12pm to 8pm
Friday, Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Monday, Tuesday, Sunday: Closed