A heartfelt testimonial from a client

On the morning of first day of 2025, I was deeply touched to receive this heartfelt testimonial from a client. With his consent, I am sharing his beautifully written testimonial about our therapy journey. Given its length, I felt it may be more apt to share it in a post. I hope that the testimonial can provide anyone reading this with a glimpse into how therapy is like with me and/or how therapy can potentially do for an individual who decided to embark on this collaborative journey.

It is with much gratitude that I share the testimonial here:

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Heart to Heart, From One Therapist to Another

As a newly minted mental health counsellor, I was eager to embrace the challenges of the profession, yet nothing could have prepared me for the heartbreak of the passing of a client so early in my career. The experience left my confidence in tatters and emotionally heavy. While I knew such tragedies, however unfortunate, were part of the profession, it was still deeply unsettling.

It was during this dark chapter that I sought the guidance of Ms. Jeanice, whom I first met in December 2021. I recall vividly the feeling of unfamiliarity as I sat on the opposite side of the counselling room—a position I was unaccustomed to. From the outset, I requested she engage with me “person to person, therapist to therapist.” I had grown familiar with therapy conventions, but Ms. Jeanice transcended those boundaries. Soft-spoken and infinitely patient, she honoured my preferences, crafting sessions that never felt rehearsed or formulaic. Her approach was filled with genuine warmth, natural empathy, and an unwavering sense of positive regard.

Each session unfolded at my own pace, with Ms. Jeanice intuitively sensing when I was ready to delve into difficult topics. There were moments when she encouraged me to explore uncomfortable truths, gently pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Yet, I never felt alone in those moments because her presence provided security and reassurance. Over time, we uncovered more profound, more personal struggles, always maintaining a delicate balance of power and respect. She provided me the space to decide what was most pressing, fostering an empowering dynamic of collaboration rather than directive guidance.

What touched me most was her consistent dedication where she went beyond our formal sessions to check in with a thoughtful email or a supportive call. In those gestures, I felt her professionalism, genuine care, and humanity. It was a profound reminder that therapists, too, are human, with their own emotions, vulnerabilities, and complexities. Navigating the therapeutic journey is far from easy, but through her example, Ms. Jeanice has inspired me to rise from the ashes of that dark time, rekindling my passion for my work. I’ve learned so much from her, and I’m grateful to have integrated some of her wisdom into my practice.

As we step into the new year, I want to express my most profound appreciation to Ms. Jeanice. Her unwavering support, compassion, and belief in me helped restore my confidence as a therapist and my sense of self. She saw me not as a client or a colleague but as an individual—heart to heart.

And so, I offer my heartfelt gratitude from one therapist to another. This journey has been a testament to the power of authentic human connection, and I am profoundly grateful to have shared it with you.

- N

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I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to N and all the individuals whom I have honour of working with so far.  It is my honour to have been let in to all your worlds and to have witnessed your pain, courage and growth in our respective therapeutic journeys.

Keep well and Happy New year to all of you!

I captured this during the Studio Ghibli exhibition in SIngapore. I thought this is apt in exemplifying the importance of trust and safety that makes for conducive environment in a therapeutic journey.

As always, rooting for you!

Jeanice