“I have been seeking support from Xinyi for the past 8 years. When I first met Xinyi, I was battling symptoms of depression and anxiety, including self-harm and panic attacks. I was also struggling to cope with grief from loss of a loved one, and had significant difficulty managing personal relationships with people around me.

I speak to Xinyi about the adverse childhood events that I’ve experienced, and we discuss how these experiences shape the way I perceive the world, my triggers, and my deep-rooted habits. I also speak to Xinyi about my relationship with substance use, and the impulsive urges that I struggle to overcome. Recently, I also noticed features of autism spectrum disorder; I’m in the process of learning ways to cope and adapt to this, and we discuss how to capitalise on some of these features to enhance my productivity and efficiency at work. Additionally, Xinyi has supported me in my journey to improve my sleep hygiene, as I struggle with nocturnal panic attacks and recurrent nightmares due to stress and anxiety I experience during the day.

In my sessions with Xinyi, I feel understood, validated, and seen. She continues to guide me through any adversities I experience in a non-judgemental, honest, and empathetic manner, and I leave our therapy sessions feeling motivated to continue working on myself. Xinyi has helped me gain a better understanding of myself, and not only have I grown more confident in my strengths, but I have also gained the courage to improve on my weaknesses. In achieving a greater understanding of myself, I have also become more aware of my triggers, unhealthy thought patterns, and reactive behaviours. I use this knowledge to reflect on myself outside of our sessions, enhancing the gains that I receive from therapy.

Importantly, I learned the skills needed to cope with distressing emotions and overcome impulsive urges, as well as tools to manage my relationships with loved ones. The skills I have picked up through therapy with Xinyi are tailored to my needs so that I can effectively problem-solve and go through difficult life situations in a healthier manner. Over the years, Xinyi has journeyed with me through many ups and downs and we have discussed many interesting topics. At each stage of my life, Xinyi has supported me to actualise my goals and motivated me to make positive changes in all aspects of my life.

While I first met Xinyi in order to cope with depression and anxiety, through our time working together I have also learned how to manage moments of stress and burnout, and received coaching to excel in my educational and career goals. I have learned how to cope with the sensory difficulties I experience and improve my sleep hygiene. I trust Xinyi to be open, empathetic, and knowledgeable regardless of the issues I am facing, and know that I can always seek her support whenever I am facing any difficulties. I look forward to continue learning more about myself through our partnership, showing myself more self-compassion, and overcoming my maladaptive coping mechanisms.”