Seeing a therapist in person can offer several benefits compared to other forms of therapy such as zoom:

1. Nonverbal Cues: In-person sessions allow therapists to observe your body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues, which can provide valuable insights into your emotional state and help them tailor their approach more effectively.

2. Deeper Connection: Face-to-face interactions often lead to a deeper sense of connection and trust between you and your therapist, which can enhance the therapeutic process.

3. Immediate Feedback: Being in the same room allows for more immediate feedback from both the therapist and the client. This can facilitate real-time exploration and processing of emotions and thoughts.

4. Physical Presence: Some therapeutic techniques, such as touch or physical activities, may be more feasible in an in-person setting. Additionally, the physical presence of the therapist can provide a sense of safety and security for some clients.

5. Environment: The therapy room itself can be a supportive and safe environment conducive to the therapeutic process. Being in the same physical space can help create a sense of containment and confidentiality.

6. Reduced Distractions: In-person sessions can minimize distractions compared to online or telephone therapy, where interruptions from technology or environmental factors may occur.

7. Crisis Management: In-person sessions may be better suited for handling crises or intense emotional situations, as therapists can provide immediate support and intervention if needed.

8. Personalized Approach: Therapists can adapt their therapeutic approach based on your individual needs and preferences more effectively when they can observe your reactions and responses in person.

9. Building Rapport: Face-to-face interaction often facilitates the development of rapport between therapist and client, which is essential for effective therapy.

10. Cultural Considerations: In some cultures, meeting in person may be more culturally appropriate or preferred, leading to better engagement and adherence to therapy.

 While in-person therapy has many advantages, it’s essential to recognize that therapy via Zoom or Walk-therapy, can also be effective depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

When beginning therapy, I believe in laying a strong foundation. That’s why it is recommended to start with two face-to-face counseling sessions before transitioning to Zoom. Here’s why:

1. Getting Acquainted
In the first session, you’ll meet your therapist in person. It’s a chance to introduce yourself, share your goals, and get comfortable.

2. Building Trust
The second session is about deepening our connection. We’ll dive into your experiences, and you’ll start feeling more at ease sharing your thoughts and feelings.

Transitioning to Zoom:
Once we’ve built a solid rapport, we’ll smoothly transition to Zoom sessions. By then, you’ll feel more confident and ready to continue your journey online.

Benefits:

• Personal Connection: Face-to-face meetings help us understand each other better.
• Trust: Meeting in person builds trust, making therapy more effective.
• Nonverbal Cues: In-person sessions let us pick up on nonverbal cues, enhancing communication.

Conclusion:
Starting with in-person sessions sets the stage for effective online therapy. I am here to support you every step of the way.

Of course, you can discuss your concerns about coming out with me. It’s entirely your decision whether or not to come out, and I’ll support you regardless of what you choose. Your well-being and comfort are my top priorities, and I’m here to help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Whether you decide to come out or not, I’ll support you every step of the way and help you navigate this process according to your own needs and timeline.

It is safe to disclose your LGBTQI identity to me, and I will keep it confidential. Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of our counseling relationship, and your privacy is of utmost importance.

Any information you share with me will be kept strictly confidential, unless there are legal or ethical obligations to disclose, such as if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others.

Your trust in me is essential, and I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can be open and honest about your identity without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Therapy provides a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore and understand your feelings, thoughts, and experiences more deeply.

Together, we can work on building self-acceptance, coping with societal pressures, managing relationships, exploring identity, and developing strategies for addressing any challenges you may face.

Therapy can also offer support in navigating family dynamics, and accessing resources within the LGBTQ+ community.

Ultimately, therapy is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and I’m here to support you every step of the way on your journey toward greater understanding, acceptance, and well-being.

As a 52-year-old queer counselor, I deeply understand and empathize with the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQI people of color, different cultural backgrounds, and varying religious beliefs.

I’ve dedicated my career to addressing these unique challenges and creating a safe, inclusive space for individuals to explore their identities and experiences.

I continuously educate myself on the diverse experiences within the LGBTQI community, and I approach each client’s journey with sensitivity, cultural humility, and respect.

I recognize the importance of acknowledging and validating the complexities of identity and the impact of systemic inequalities.

Together, we can explore how your cultural, racial, and religious background intersects with your LGBTQI identity and navigate any challenges or conflicts that may arise.

My goal is to provide you with the support, validation, and empowerment you need to navigate these intersections and thrive authentically.

As a queer counselor, I have the lived experience to understand firsthand the complexities of navigating family acceptance and rejection.

I’m here to provide you with the support, guidance, and tools you need to address these concerns in therapy. Together, we can explore your feelings, experiences, and relationship dynamics, and develop strategies to cope with family reactions.

Whether you’re seeking acceptance, understanding, or ways to set boundaries, I’m dedicated to helping you navigate this journey with compassion and empowerment.

As a queer person, I’m deeply familiar with the unique dynamics and challenges that can arise in LGBTQI relationships and dating. I’m here to offer guidance, support, and a safe space to explore these issues.

Whether you’re navigating communication, intimacy, identity, or external pressures, I’m dedicated to helping you navigate your relationships authentically and confidently.

Together, we can explore your goals, concerns, and strategies for building healthy and fulfilling connections within the LGBTQI community.

Counselling is a confidential process involving sharing sensitive concerns and issues that may reveal personal and private information.

Information shared with me during the session will be kept private and confidential, except for the following situations:

• If you suggest and/or disclose a plan to hurt yourself or hurt others (I will need to inform your next-of-kin and/or call emergency services)
• If you suggest and/or disclose a plan for suicide (I will need to inform your next-of-kin and/or call emergency services)

As a counselling professional, I am legally bound by the law of Singapore to report at-risk behaviours to the relevant authorities to ensure your safety and others who may directly or indirectly be involved.

I am NOT able to provide documentation to your school or other organisations to prove your absence in their activities.

I will NOT be able to provide a psychological report to your school or other organisations (e.g. lawyer, court, etc.).

The email and business Whatsapp are NOT meant for emergency use.

If the issue is out of my depth, or there is a more suitable service for the presenting issue, I may provide a referral for you.

Your well-being is my priority.