Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling and psychotherapy?
It is a process where individuals, couples or even groups of people come together to explore with an objective professional. Counselling gives people a safe and private space to come learn more about themselves and make sense of what is happening to them. It offers an opportunity for people to learn alternative coping methods to face the difficulties they are experiencing in their lives.
The purpose of counselling varies for each person. Counselling often involves helping people with developmental issues, life crisis, inner conflicts, adjusting to changes, making decisions and improving relationship with others. Counselling can also help those who are managing well in their lives to strengthen their resilience and moving towards growth.
What is somatic?
The term "soma" means body in Greek.
Integrating soma into the context of counselling and psychotherapy is about allowing oneself to sense through sensations. The capacity to feel one's present body through emotions, sensations and different body states is called interoception. Accessing the soma allows us to get in touch with the primal experiences in us and through that, it gives us an opportunity to uncouple from the traumatic, stressful or haunting experiences we have.
Somatic psychotherapy uses a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, breath awareness and body-oriented tools to guide the person towards inner and outer resources for regulation. With that, individuals can mindfully explore options for resolving emotional and physiological patterns.
"Somatic awareness is at the cutting edge...and represents a way to truly empower individuals in their efforts to maintain or restore good health. Somatic awareness constitutes an innate wisdom that people have about their own psychological health...Somatic awareness represents the next state of evolution of holistic care." - Donald Bakal
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
People generally use the term counselling and psychotherapy interchangeably. Psychotherapy may entail more specialised forms of treatment(s) for a certain concern, thus, psychotherapists often have additional trainings and certifications to provide those services.
How can counselling help?
Professional counselling and psychotherapy provides a safe and confidential space to explore the issues which we experience in life. The process of talking and discussing your concerns help you to have a clearer understanding of your problem, explore options, develop solutions and increase self-awareness.
Depending on personal needs, the therapeutic process can be short term or long term. The sessions can be one-to-one, couple or even group settings where individuals facing the same concern come together to support one another.
What happens during psychotherapy?
Every session is different for each person as everyone comes to therapy for different reasons. However, with therapy, it gives us the space to explore your experiences, feelings and thoughts in safe, conducive and structured space.
In Soulmatics, a more somatic and body-based approach is often used but depending on your need(s), the therapist may integrate other therapeutic approaches to help you in your process and for you to have a fuller experience.
How long does each therapy session take?
Each session can lasts between 50 to 90 minutes depending on the needs of the individual and the type of services engaged. A typical counselling session usually takes about 60 minutes. It is common that the first session usually takes longer as there are some administrative matters that need to be attended to.
Should you be interested to engage in individual Tension/Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) only, usually the first session takes 90minutes for someone who is new to TRE. Duration of subsequent TRE sessions may vary based on the needs of your body during the session.
What are your rates?
Generally, each 50-75 mins session is SGD180 for both in-person and tele-therapy session. Charges will be pro-rated for additional duration. Payment can be made by cash, bank transfer, PayNow and GooglePay. You can read more on this page.
Soulmatics offer a scaling rate for students and those with financial difficulties. We do not offer packages so individuals do not feel bound by the need to commit as we believe that therapy is based on the person's free will at all times.
Do you accept insurance?
Soulmatics would be able to provide you with a receipt to make your claims when requested. Most importantly, do check with your respective insurance provider(s) regarding the requirements to make a claim. We do not process client's claims on their behalf.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply drop me an email at soulmatics.info@gmail.com or contact me at +65 8851 0439 via WhatsApp.
Where will sessions be held?
Appointments would be held at 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace #03-06 0r #03-52 S'pore 168976
Do you provide tele-therapy services?
Yes. Tele-therapy services are available via Zoom or Doxy.me or phone (WhatsApp Video/Audio call). For your safety, a free intake screening would be conducted prior to the first counselling session to assess the suitability of tele-therapy.
What happens after I have made my first appointment?
Once you have arranged your first appointment, Soulmatics will follow up with a registration form and office policy. You are strongly encouraged to read through the documents and fill up your details prior to the first session. Thereafter, we will send you the address and direction of the venue (for face-to-face session) or the meeting link (for tele-therapy session). You are all set for your first session!
What is Home-Based Therapy (HBT)?
HBT is counselling and therapy services conducted at the comfort of your own homes. Presently, Soulmatics is only extending such services to clients experiencing end-of-life/palliative care, immobility, anxiety with agoraphobia as well as for babies/children. Upon getting in touch with us, a video call assessment will be arranged to see the suitability of HBT for the client.
What if I am not sure what services I need?
At Soulmatics, we offer a 15-30 mins “hello” session via in-person, phone call or video call. Through this “hello” session, clients would be able to speak with the therapist and find out more about the therapeutic process. The “hello” session is not meant to be a counselling/psychotherapy or intake session, it is more for clients who are unsure about what services they should engage. It is an inquiry or Q&A call.
Can’t find the answer to your question? Contact us today and we’ll get back to you.