Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling

What is a counselling session like?

Counselling sessions are held at SJSM church. Sessions are from 60 to 90 minutes in length and scheduled weekly or every two weeks, and then gradually spaced out over time based on your needs and progress.

A session for an individual is usually around 1 hour and longer for couples and families. To keep momentum, weekly sessions are advised but the frequency can be discussed with the counsellor.

We receive counselling clients both from within the SJSM Community, including members, non-members, cross-parish referrals and from the public. Whether you are interested in counselling for yourself or you are referring someone, we require the individual seeking counselling to submit the brief online Request for Counselling Form. In the event that the person is a minor, the parent or legal guardian needs to submit the request and also be on hand to give consent. The request will be reviewed by our Lead Counsellor, and then assigned to the appropriate counsellor. Your assigned counsellor will then contact you within the week to schedule your first appointment.

Our counsellors hold a Master of Counselling degree from a Singapore Association of Counselling accredited institution, supervised and committed to provide quality clinical support. All counsellors are Christians who offer care based on Christian values.

Your privacy is important to us. All personal data – including your name, contact information, and sessions details – is kept strictly confidential. We do not disclose information to third parties without your consent. At your first session, your counsellor will explain the informed consent form which both of you will sign. This is a contract between you and your counsellor on how confidentiality will be kept and the exceptions to it.

If someone recommended or suggested counselling, including a church leader, they will not be given updates unless consent is given. As a part of due diligence, counsellors discuss cases without disclosing details, including names, for supervision, learning and accountability.

If you’re feeling stuck or struggling with challenges impacting your daily life, counselling may help. If you have a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition, counselling can be part of your therapeutic journey. It would be helpful to let your doctor know you are receiving counselling. It would be helpful for us to know if you have a diagnosed condition.

If you’re not making the progress you expected, talk with your counsellor first about your options. With your input, they can offer a shift in your treatment plan, otherwise, you may request for another counsellor through your counsellor, or through the lead counsellor (email: counselling@sjsm.org.sg). In discussion with you, you may then be referred to another counsellor on the team, or to an external party.

Counselling at SJSM is free of charge. If you choose to be referred out, then fees will be based on that counsellor and practice

All our counsellors are Christians and clinically trained. Our practice integrates both Christian values with clinical counselling models for a holistic approach to healing. If you do wish to integrate your faith and spiritual practices into the counselling process, we will include that in our conversations. However, we will not impose our faith or values on you, but instead help you find meaning in what you are going through.