Looking of a suitable counsellor that will fit your needs can take some time; and based on my experience in the field, i will share a little of the options and considerations you may find useful. I will only discuss options that are available to most people.
Home visits/ Out of office sessions
Many counsellors or centres may not provide home visits depending on their philosophy towards this issue. As i subscribe to a post-modern philosophy, i believe that there are many ways that home visits can be very helpful. a) when you would like to attend counselling with a family member who feels more comfortable having the counsellor meet them at the home, b) when people have anxiety or difficulty in leaving their home or familiar places. Or you may want to involve someone who is not so mobile or has a disability. c) The counselling room can feel very unnatural to many, and there are some therapists which swear on having their therapeutic moments while gardening together, during waiting or travelling times, or sharing a meal at the hawker centre or coffee shop. d) there are times when due to safety or discretion, you may want to have a session during an extended lunch break.
Time
Depending on the Family Service Centre that serves your estate, it may be difficult to schedule an appointment with the social service professionals, and most centres only open several evenings a week. However, for most centres, counsellors are rostered to work on Saturdays. It may be easier to arrange for an appointment with counselling centres on the other hand, but popular ones may have a waiting list, and the first appointment may take longer than you hope.
Working with other "systems"
Although most therapists think systemically, i.e. Understand that people lives are intrinsically linked to their families, school/ workplace/ communities and other institutions, some therapists may not be comfortable in working with different parties, but as a social worker, this is a role that I have performed on many occasions. We can collaborate about ways to work with those whom you would like to involve in your goals. Do you need to work closely with the school or hospital to discuss plans for your or others' needs? Do you want to join a club or engage your relatives of friends?
Culture, race and class conscious
I have many years of experience working in a diverse environment. I listen carefully to each person's background in relation to their struggles, skills, values and hopes. I understand that people often experience discomfort in their sessions while trying to find a good fit in terms of Counselling. If you would like to speak to someone of a similar cultural background as you who has worked with me previously about their experience or check with them something, feel free to let me know! Your assurance is my priority.
Not affiliated to religious institutions
This can feel very liberating to many people seeking counselling. If spirituality or religion is important to you, this could be brought up during our sessions together.
Mental Conditions
Over the years I have worked closely with many people experiencing mental conditions that affects their lives and those around them. They may feel great distress. Many of them may receive formal support with hospitals but many do not. Let's evaluate together ways of dealing with life, and figure out ways to be your "preferred self" in line with your values and hopes.
Disabilities
I have collaborated with many people who have disabilities to pursue their hopes for themselves. We can work together holistically and systemically to do with your loved ones or yourself. Home visits addresses accessibility issues.
