Empowering Lives
By Empowering Lives
Empowering LivesAug 22, 2020
What is Motivational Interviewing? (in conversation with Dr. William Miller)
Motivational Interviewing is a counselling approach created to treat addiction problems by strengthening a person's motivation and commitment to change, and guiding them to overcome any resistance to treatment.
Since it was first developed by Drs. William Miller and Steven Rollnick, MI has been effectively applied across industries including the medical field, organisational leadership, sports performance, and several others.
In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke welcomes Dr. William Miller as he shares his insights into MI and how it works to maximise a person's motivation to change where other approaches might fall short. He also talks about the importance of ambivalence in the change process, as well as what clients can expect from a session with an MI practitioner.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
The Unbreakable Student (feat. Dr. Nic Hooper)
University life can be a challenging experience (especially during the current pandemic) calling on students to be more independent, take on more responsibility, and have their life's goals and ambitions figured out.
Unsurprisingly, this can lead to stress and feelings of overwhelm as students adjust to a significant new chapter of their lives. In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Dr. Nic Hooper to talk about how his latest book, The Unbreakable Student, can help people navigate the demands of uni life.
Dr. Nic Hooper is an expert in clinical psychology and a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England in Bristol. To find out more about him and his work visit: www.nichooper.co.uk
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
The problem with stress management: emotions aren't your enemy (feat. Dr. Jon Abramowitz)
When we think about dealing with anxiety, many of us will (understandably) think of stress management techniques to ease our anxiety and feel more calm and relaxed. But are those stress management exercises really as helpful as we think?
According to one of the world's leading experts on anxiety and OCD, our reflexive response to immediately seek relief from uncomfortable emotions can actually add to the problem more than it helps.
In this episode of Empowering Lives, Dr. Jon Abramowitz - a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - joins host Sandy Clarke to share his thoughts on why learning to coexist with our emotions is the key to managing them effectively.
He also talks about the contexts in which stress management is helpful, and why avoidance of unpleasant emotions can lead to less resilience and increased stress and anxiety.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How to step up, create change, and inspire progress (feat. Y.B. Hannah Yeoh)
"Never give up. Changing course can take a long time... Identify your cause, reassess your conviction, and remain steadfast." ~ Y.B. Hannah Yeoh
In this episode of Empowering Lives, former Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Y.B. Hannah Yeoh, joins senior psychology lecturer, Elaine Fernandez, to discuss her life in politics, the progress of women's rights in Malaysia, and how we can play our part to create change and inspire progress.
They also explore what leaders in business and education can do to support the well-being of their people. As Hannah says, "Employers who promote work-life balance show employees that they actually do care for their well-being... When employees see that care, it takes a long process for them to even consider leaving their roles."
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
What makes psychotherapy work? (feat. Prof. Bruce Wampold)
What does it take to be an effective counsellor or psychotherapist?
In the first episode of Empowering Lives for 2021, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Bruce Wampold - Emeritus Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Prof. Wampold is a world-renowned authority on what makes psychotherapy work, having spent decades researching the key qualities, skills and knowledge of effective therapists.
Bruce has authored several influential works, including The Great Psychotherapy Debate, that continue to inspire new and experienced mental health professionals throughout the world and, in this podcast, he shares valuable insights into how therapists can enhance their practice and better serve their clients.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Turning the tide on Malaysia's youth mental health problem (feat. Kathleeya Richard)
Life might be easier for today's youth when it comes to material convenience and comfort, but over the last ten years, depression, anxiety and suicide rates have been on the rise among young people in Malaysia.
In light of this worrying trend, Empowering Lives host Sandy Clarke is joined by Kathleeya Richard, president and co-founder of Connect - a student-led initiative supporting youth mental health - to shine a light on some of the struggles she and her team hear from young people.
Kath also shares her views on how collaborative efforts in mental health can work to turn the tide on a growing problem within Malaysia.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
What is Psychodynamic Therapy? (feat. Bashir Bashardoost)
The psychoanalyst Erich Fromm wrote, "Man is the only animal for whom his own existence is a problem which he has to solve."
Counselling or psychotherapy often invokes an image of going to someone with an issue that they help us fix or put right - but is therapy so straightforward?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Bashir Bashardoost, a psychodynamic therapist and lecturer at HELP University, to discuss this century-old approach most associated with Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung - and whether it is still effective and relevant to the challenges we face today.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How to support children with learning difficulties (feat. Allistair Adam)
There are several forms of learning difficulties that affect the lives of children and their parents, and it's important to know the signs and seek help as early as possible.
How can we distinguish between everyday behaviours of children and behaviours indicating that a child might have a disorder?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Allistair Adam - a clinical psychologist at HELP University. Allistair has extensive experience in helping children and adults with developmental and psychiatric issues, and he shares his advice on how to spot the signs of learning difficulties and what parents and teachers can do to support children with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and ASD.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Suicide Prevention Day Feature: Understanding and supporting someone who's suicidal (feat. Grace Chan)
Over the past 10 years, suicide rates have been increasing in Malaysia, particularly among young people between the ages of 13-to-17.
That said, feeling suicidal can happen at any point in life, regardless of our life situation, and as today marks World Suicide Prevention Day, this special feature of Empowering Lives focuses on how we can develop a better understanding of suicide and support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Sharing her insights on the topic is Grace Chan, a licensed and registered counsellor at HELP University. Grace's counselling experience includes working with people who have struggled with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal impulses, and she believes that how we offer support is the key to preventing people from acting on their suicidal thoughts.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How can we connect better with others? (feat. Kim Barthel)
Why do we sometimes find it difficult to connect to others – and ourselves – in a way that fulfills our desire for connection and belonging?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, international speaker, educator and award-winning occupational therapist, Kim Barthel, joins host Sandy Clarke to talk about how we can nurture relationships through attunement, compassion, humour, and mindfulness.
She also highlights some of the challenges that can make it difficult to form connections and how we can overcome those barriers.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How to understand racism and heal social division (feat. Prof. Steven C. Hayes)
Events throughout this year have shown us that injustice and social division continue to be fuelled by racism and xenophobia across the world.
What drives racism? What maintains its momentum? And what can we do on an individual and societal level to understand racism and heal divisions that have brought so much conflict and grief to so many?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, Elaine Fernandez - Head of Psychology at HELP University - is joined by Prof. Steven C. Hayes, one of the most influential behavioural psychologists in the world. Prof. Hayes shares his insights into the processes that lead us to create psychological distance from and control over people we judge as "other". He also provides practical guidance on how we can take notice of (and reduce) our automatic judgements that we apply to people we perceive as different to ourselves.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors in Malaysia (feat. Lochna Menon)
The safest place for anyone should be their home. But for many women and men, the MCO period earlier this year turned their home into a hell as cases of domestic violence soared in Malaysia throughout the lockdown period.
During the MCO, our head of psychology, Elaine Fernandez, spoke to Lochna Menon, who is the Information and Communications Officer at the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM). In this episode of Empowering Lives, they discuss the many forms of domestic violence and why it's often so difficult for survivors to report their experience.
Lochna also shares her insights on how family and friends of domestic violence survivors can offer their support to ensure that people in abusive relationships receive the help and guidance they and their families need.
If you - or someone you know - is in need of help, you can contact AWAM on their emergency hotline on 016 237 4221 (7am-7pm). AWAM supports anyone experiencing domestic violence, regardless of gender, providing counselling and other support services. You can also find out more information by visiting www.awam.org.my
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
What does it mean to live a values-drawn life? (feat. Martin Wilks)
Why does knowing our values matter? How do they affect our lives, and what happens when we don't have a clear sense of what we stand for?
Answering these questions and more is Martin Wilks - a chartered counselling psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society. In this episode of Empowering Lives Martin joins Sandy Clarke to discuss the power of values, how they help us to do what matters, and how we can discover values that resonate strongly with us.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
The happiness of pursuit (feat. Eugene Tee)
According to Prof. Martin Seligman - a pioneer of positive psychology - over the past 60 years, psychology has been "not good enough". While it has focused on treating problems and issues, psychology has, according to Prof. Seligman, neglected to show us how to live purposeful and meaningful lives.
In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined be Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eugene Tee - an emotions researcher and lecturer at HELP University - to discuss what is meant by positive psychology, what we misunderstand about it, and how we can use positive psychology in our own lives to enrich ourselves, our relationships, and develop greater life satisfaction.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Busting health myths and fitness fears (feat. world record holder, Jordan Syatt)
The fitness industry is a billion-dollar industry - and for good reason. Many of feel inadequate or "not good enough" and so turn to the latest diet or fitness to turn things around. in the hopes of a quick-fix solution.
Sometimes, we find that no matter what we try, it doesn't seem to stick or work. How can we approach fitness in a way that's right for our needs? And how do we achieve consistency in our efforts without being too hard on ourselves?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, our head of psychology, Elaine Fernandez, is joined by world-renowned strength training and nutritional consultant, Jordan Syatt. Jordan is a five-time World Record Powerlifter and holds several powerlifting world records. He is also the personal trainer, strength & nutrition coach for athletes and celebrities around the world, including social media influencer and digital media mogul, Gary Vaynerchuk.
Jordan shares his expertise and insights on what holds us back from exercising and maintaining healthy habits, and how we can overcome misconceptions and self-doubts to build the kind of lifestyle habits that we truly value.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Spot the difference: clinical psychologists, counsellors & psychiatrists (feat. Magtum Aen)
When we think about mental health support, the three main types of professionals that come to mind are counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists.
But how do we tell which one can best support our needs? What role do each of these professionals play, and how do they work together?
Answering these questions in this episode of Empowering Lives is Magtum Aen - a clinical psychologist at HELP University with experience in working with people living with a wide range of psychiatric issues. He shares his insights into the differences between the three types of mental health professionals, and advises how to make sure we receive the support of legitimate, qualified professionals.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Stepping into the counselling room (feat. Evone Phoo)
What's it like to go for counselling? What happens when you step into the counsellor's room for the first time? What can you expect as the sessions unfold?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, Sandy Clarke is joined by Evone Phoo - clinical psychologist and chair of the Master of Clinical Psychology programme at HELP University. Evone shares insights from her years of clinical experience into what people can expect from their first session onward, and also addresses some of the concerns and misconceptions that exist around seeing a counsellor or psychologist.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Laying strong foundations for a meaningful career (feat. Sydnede Lim)
How can university students best prepare for work life while they're still in university, and what can they do to make sure the transition from university to work goes smoothly?
Answering these questions is Sydnede Lim - a counsellor and lecturer here at HELP, who provides career-related support to students and the wider community. Sydnede joins host Sandy Clarke as they discuss how students can lay strong foundations prior to building their career. Sydnede also shares some helpful insights for parents on how they can support their children as they consider their career options.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Building bridges, celebrating differences (feat. Rev. Neil Urquhart & Fr. Willie Boyd)
It can be challenging to connect with people different to ourselves; often, differences lead to division rather than connection. So, how do we bridge the gap that helps us understand people of different cultures, races, and beliefs?
Kicking off Series 3 of Empowering Lives, Sandy Clarke is joined from Scotland by Reverend Neil Urquhart and Father Willie Boyd who discuss their work together as "The Shoes Brothers" in building bridges and bringing people together. They also talk about the importance of embracing differences, rather than ignoring them, if we hope to overcome division.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Building better mental health (feat. Sarah Yung)
Why is mental health so important, and what can we do to take care of our mental well-being? In this episode, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Sarah Yung who is a counsellor and the head of HELP University's Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services. Sarah shares her insights into good mental health practices, and discusses the various reasons for and benefits of seeing a counsellor or mental health professional.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Why you need a personal brand (feat. Eric Bryan)
Whether we're aware of it or not, we all develop our 'personal brand' that communicates who we are to the people around us. With the world connected like never before, cultivating an authentic personal brand has become increasingly important, particularly when it comes to starting out in our careers. In this Episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Eric Bryan, director of CAREERsense at Help University. Eric talks about the importance of personal branding and shares his advice on how we can develop a powerful personal brand, whether we're just starting out or in the process of a career change.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Let's talk about mental health (feat. Dr. Chua Sook Ning)
In Malaysia, it's estimated that 1-in-3 people will struggle with a mental health issue at some point in their lives. And yet, the stigma surrounding mental health means that people often wait years before they finally get help. In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by researcher, educator and clinical psychologist Dr. Chua Sook Ning who talks about her own experience with depression and why conversations about mental health are vital to help overcome the stigma.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Why does conflict happen in relationships? (feat. Bawany Chinapan)
We know problems arise and fester in relationships when we struggle to communicate with each other - but why does this happen? How can we communicate better to understand each other within our relationships? Answering these questions in this episode is Bawany Chinapan - a marriage and family therapist and senior lecturer in the counselling programme at HELP University. Bawany joins Empowering Lives host, Sandy Clarke, to share her insights into what it takes to maintain a strong relationship and overcome challenges together.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Connecting to different perspectives (feat. Usha Ponnudurai)
How can we communicate with and connect to people who see the world differently to us? In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by HELP University's counselling program chair, Usha Ponnudurai, who explores the differences (and similarities) between introverts and extroverts. Usha also shares some insights into how we can communicate our need for alone time whenever we're feeling overwhelmed.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Mindfulness...what does it really mean? (feat. Ajahn Brahmali)
From meditation and mindful eating to mindful dog-walking (yes, really!), we're constantly hearing about the benefits of mindfulness. But what does it actually mean to be mindful? Answering this question, Empowering Lives host Sandy Clarke is joined by Ajahn Brahmali. Ajahn Brahmali has been a Buddhist monk for 25 years, and is widely-respected for his teachings on meditation and mindfulness. He shares his thoughts on what mindfulness is all about and how we can benefit from the practice. Ajahn Brahmali also talks about some of the misconceptions of mindfulness.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Taking a step back from stress (feat. Dr. Gerard Louis)
When we're feeling overwhelmed and stressed, what can we do to take a step back, gain some perspective, and reduce those unpleasant feelings?
In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Dr. Gerard Louis - Dean for the Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, Education and Languages at HELP University. Dr. Gerard shares his insights from over 30 years as a counselling psychologist and educator on how we can manage difficult times and gain the kind of perspective that helps relieve the tension that stress brings.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
The problem with problem-solving (feat. Prof. Steven C. Hayes)
People yearn for meaning and purpose in their lives, and yet the rigid problem-solving rules we all create in our minds that we must follow often hold us back from living a life we desire according to what we value. In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Professor Steven C. Hayes - creator of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and one of the most influential behavioural psychologists over the past 40 years.
Professor Hayes discusses the problem with our problem-solving mind, and offers his insights and practical guidance on how we can better understand our mind and take value-driven action toward creating a rich and meaningful life.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
We need to draw a line between work and home life (feat. Dr. Eugene Tee)
Why do we find it difficult to switch off from work - even when we're not physically there? In Malaysia, work-related stress is a growing problem, as people feel compelled to work harder, often at the expense of their free time. While this can seem like a productive approach to work, it's more likely to lead to stress, anxiety and burnout. In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Assoc. Professor Dr. Eugene Tee, as they discuss the benefits - for individuals and organisations - of establishing boundaries between our work and home lives, and how to put them in place.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How to make healthy habits last (feat. Ronald Lee)
Many of us think about making positive changes in our lives. After the initial inspiration, our motivation can sometimes dip and it becomes difficult to maintain the changes we desire. In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by Ronald Lee - a counsellor at HELP University - as they discuss how to overcome the challenges of forming healthy habits. Ronald has interests in health psychology and behavioural changes, and shares regular videos on his Instagram account 'eatwithronald', providing tips on cooking recipes and healthy living.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Labour Day Podcast: Looking at the 'new normal' beyond MCO (feat. Elaine Fernandez)
On Labour Day, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced measures to ease the Movement Control Order in Malaysia from May 4 onward, as he talked about the need for finding a balance between "healing the nation’s economy and addressing Covid-19."
Measures might be easing, but the Covid-19 virus remains active - so how can we play our part to continue protecting our own safety and the safety of others? In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by head of the psychology department at HELP University, Elaine Fernandez, who shares her thoughts on the 'new normal' as we begin to move beyond the MCO.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Coping with your inner-critic and dealing with negative thoughts (feat. Joel Low)
How do we deal with our inner-critic, that negative self-talk we all experience? Kicking off Series 2 of Empowering Lives, host Sandy Clarke is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Joel Low, who specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Joel shares helpful and practical insights from his years of clinical experience on why negative thoughts arise and how we can manage unhelpful thinking patterns.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
SPECIAL FEATURE: Help and support for women in abusive relationships (feat. Alicia Lee)
The Movement Control Order in Malaysia has seen a rise in the number of domestic violence cases, with women reaching out for support and guidance. In this special episode of Empowering Lives, Elaine Fernandez - Head of Psychology at HELP University - talks to Alicia Lee from the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) about the resources available for women in abusive relationships, and what they can do to help themselves and their children.
If you are in an abusive relationship - or know someone who might be - please contact the WAO 24-hour hotline on +603 7956 3488 or their 24-hour WhatsApp number on +6018 988 8058
For more information on the Women's Aid Organisation, visit their website at www.wao.org.my
What does it mean to 'flatten the curve' of COVID-19? (feat. Timothy Liew)
'Flatten the curve', 'exponential growth', 'statistical modelling'...these impressive phrases can sound abstract, but they have a key part to play in how we all understand and deal with health crises. In this enlightening final episode of Series 1 of Empowering Lives, research lecturer Timothy Liew joins host Dr. Eugene Tee, expertly transforming complex terms into accessible insights to help us understand how a virus spreads, how we can track its movement, and prepare accordingly.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Why does it matter that we matter to people? (feat. Dr. Prihadi Ditto Kususanto)
The psychology of mattering aims to understand the human need to be significant. Whether it's through our work, relationships, creative talents, or simply being present with others, most of us want to be valued and respected, to feel significant. In this episode, Dr. Eugene Tee hosts Dr. Prihadi Ditto Kususanto (Dr. Ditto) to discuss the psychology of mattering and how it effects our lives, how we see ourselves and each other.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Exploring racism and xenophobia during COVID-19 outbreak (feat. Elaine Fernandez)
In times of uncertainty, fear and anxiety drive us toward misguided answers to urgent questions. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, racism and xenophobia have escalated primarily towards Asian people, causing them significant stress and anxiety. In this episode of Empowering Lives, Dr. Eugene Tee talks to Elaine Fernandez - social psychologist and the Head of Psychology at HELP University - about the rise of racism and xenophobia over the past few months. They discuss the fear-based origin of racism and what we can all do to be more understanding and supportive toward others.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Why do we make irrational decisions (feat. Wong Hoo Keat & Lai Ho Yan)
Why do we make decisions that sometimes go against the interests of ourselves and others? Following the COVID-19 outbreak, what drove many people to buy hand sanitiser and toilet rolls in bulk? In this episode, Dr. Eugene Tee is joined by cognitive psychologists Dr. Wong Hoo Keat and Lai Ho Yan to discuss the psychology behind panic buying and hoarding. They also share some practical tips that help reduce these behaviours and our anxieties during a crisis.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How much should we tell children about the coronavirus? (Melissa Chua & Puan Fatimah)
One of the challenges parents have faced during the COVID-19 outbreak is knowing how much to tell their children about the current health crisis. What information should we share with them? How can parents keep their children engaged? And how can children be encouraged to help their parents? Joining Dr. Eugene Tee in this episode of Empowering Lives are developmental psychologists Melissa Chua & Puan Fatimah, as they discuss how parents can communicate effectively with their children during periods of restricted movement.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Exploring the 'new normal' after the coronavirus outbreak (feat. TamilSelvan Ramis)
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, what will be the 'new normal' for educators and institutions? Will it be "business as usual" or will we see a shift in the way education is delivered? In this episode of Empowering Lives, Dr. Eugene Tee hosts TamilSelvan Ramis - lecturer specialising in educational psychology - to discuss potential changes in education to come.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Making sense of chaos in times of crisis (feat. Evone Phoo)
What does it mean to be in a crisis, and how can we manage the initial chaos that comes with it? As we find ourselves confined to our homes more than normal, many of us will be asking questions about the meaning of this health crisis and where we fit into these unprecedented circumstances. Evone Phoo, clinical psychologist and lecturer, is Dr. Eugene Tee's guest for this episode of Empowering Lives as she guides us on how to deal with these strange times and make sense of the collective challenge that we're facing. (**Our apologies for the audio interference from 2:55-3:00**)
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www,help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Being productive at home and managing boundaries (feat. Yap Wai Meng)
Working from home has a number of benefits. It saves us time commuting to and from work; we have fewer distractions; and we often feel more comfortable at home. That said, it can also mean that it gets difficult to manage our boundaries as home and work life become housed under the same roof. In this episode, Dr. Eugene Tee speaks to Yap Wai Meng, a management psychologist and lecturer at HELP University. Wai Meng shares his thoughts and practical tips to help us stay productive at home while we work, and maintain boundaries that allow us to switch off when our work day is done.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
How to help slow the spread of fake news (feat. Sandy Clarke)
Since the advent of social media, "fake news" has been able to spread at a rapid rate. When sharing information related to our health and well-being, it's crucial that we take care to share accurate information from reputable sources. In this episode of Empowering Lives, Dr. Eugene Tee speaks to Sandy Clarke - psychotherapist, journalist and author - on the importance of responsible social media use, and the consequences of sharing misinformation and contributing to the spread of fake news.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
The websites for the list of reputable sources Sandy mentions in this episode are: The World Health Organisation (www.who.int); Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 site (www.coronavirus.gov); UK National Health Service (www.nhs.uk); Harvard Health Publishing (www.health.harvard.edu); and BBC Health News (www.bbc.com/news/health)
How to take care of our relationships (feat. Karuna Sarah Thomas)
During the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, many of us are either in isolation with our family or from our family. Both circumstances come with unique challenges that we're all learning to deal with. In this episode of Empowering Lives, Dr. Eugene Tee talks to Karuna Sarah Thomas, a lecturer at HELP University and gerontologist (an expert in the study of aging), about how we can manage and take care of our relationships whatever situation we find ourselves in.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
Maintaining good hygiene and mental health during health crises (feat. Lavanya Selvaratnam)
When facing a health crisis, how can we maintain good hygiene and look after our mental health? In this episode of Empowering Lives, host Dr. Eugene Tee speaks to Lavanya Selvaratnam, a lecturer in biopsychology at HELP University, who shares some practical Dos and Don'ts when it comes to keeping good hygiene. Eugene and Lavanya also discuss various myths surrounding the COVID-19 virus and how we can keep our mental health in good shape, which will help reduce any stress and worry we might feel.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!
The psychology of fear, panic and anxiety (feat. Dr Ng Siew Li)
In times of crisis, why do panic, fear and anxiety spread so quickly?
In the first episode of Empowering Lives, host Dr. Eugene Tee is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Ng Siew Li as they discuss the mental health impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Ng shares her insights on why we react the way we do in challenging times, providing some practical tips to help us make the most of our situation and develop a sense of calm and well-being.
This podcast comes to you from the Department of Psychology at HELP University: the university of achievers. For more information on our psychology and other programmes, please visit www.help.edu.my
Thank you for listening to Empowering Lives!