Being Human

In this fascinating episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua hosts author and therapist, Jon Frederickson, to discuss the process of therapy and the challenges we face in relating to ourselves and others.

Jon teaches, practices and supervises in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and is an international author of several books including 'Co-creating Change', 'The Lies We Tell Ourselves', and 'Healing Through Relating.'

He also maintains a popular Facebook Page, 'Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy' where he shares his insights on a wide range of questions about the therapy process.

To find out more about Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

Grief is something we'll all come to experience at different stages in life, whether it be coping with the death of a loved one, or any significant loss such as the end of a marriage, the death of a pet, being made redundant, and so on.

And yet, despite the universality of grief, it's a topic of conversation that's often avoided as we prefer to look on the "bright side" of things or "look ahead" rather than deal with uncomfortable or devastating realities.

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning talks to Dr. John Wilson - Director of the Bereavement Service at the Communities Centre, York St. John University. John has specialised in bereavement counselling for over 25 years and shares his insights into grief, the process of grieving, and how we can support others through their bereavement.

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For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

We often hear about the importance of mental health literacy and how it can improve our ability to take care of our mental health...but what does it mean, exactly?

Exploring this question, licensed counsellor and author, Sandy Clarke, is joined by Prof. Alvin Ng of Sunway University to get his thoughts on the importance of mental health literacy.

Alvin is Associate Dean for Sunway's School of Medical and Life Sciences and he was the founding president of the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology.

He's also a prominent voice of mental health advocacy in Malaysia, and shares his knowledge and valuable insights on this important topic.

To learn more about Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

In this episode of Being Human, mindfulness author and Star columnist Sandy Clarke discusses the concept of acceptance with Ajahn Brahmali - a Buddhist monk from Bodhinyana monastery, Perth.

They discuss why acceptance can be difficult to work toward and how to overcome the obstacles that get in our way.

Ajahn Brahmali also shares his thoughts on the value of self-compassion as part of acceptance, and how it can help us foster compassion for and understanding toward others.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

As 'Being Human' marks its 50th episode, Dr. Chua Sook Ning invited the podcast's first ever guest, Prof. Jeanne Watson, for this special episode.

Jeanne is a professor at the University of Toronto and was a co-developer of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) alongside Profs. Leslie Greenberg and Robert Elliott. In recent years, she has been a supervisor and mentor to Dr. Chua who received support and guidance from Jeanne in her journey toward being a fully-certified EFT practitioner and supervisor.

In this episode, Jeanne talks about her beginnings as a fresh psychologist, under the wing of Dr. Laura Rice - former colleague of Carl Rogers - and how EFT has evolved since its early days.

She and Dr. Chua also share an illuminating conversation on the process of therapy and how it can guide people to create and navigate their process of life and living.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

From an award-winning music star, to radio announcer and TV host, Sarimah Ibrahim's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode of Being Human, she joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning and opens up about her life and struggles with peripartum depression - a crucial issue in women's mental health in Malaysia.

A passionate mental health advocate, Sarimah shares her personal experiences, shedding light on the pressing need for greater awareness and intervention for the 1 in 8 mothers facing peripartum depression in the country today.

She also shares her thoughts in advocating for change in Malaysia's healthcare system, where less than 30% of maternity providers screen for peripartum depression.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning hosts Dr. Laura Dietz - a a leading expert in Family Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for depressed preadolescents aged 8-12 years.

They discuss what makes IPT effective in treating mental health problems in young people, and how it can also help to enable families to improve communication and strengthen their bonds.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

Would you say you lived life in pursuit of existential perfection? Are you the kind of person who might dwell and ruminate on mistakes made in the past as proof that you're a bad or unworthy person?

If these questions stir something deep inside, then this enlightening podcast episode is for you!

Dr. Chua Sook Ning hosts Dr. Robert Leahy - psychologist and author whose book, If Only...Finding Freedom From Regret, helps us to develop what he calls "adaptive humility" that helps us accept our imperfections and humans who always have the capacity to learn and grow.

Robert is the author of numberous books that guides people to gain valuable insights into who they are and how to move away from idealism and toward living a life that's authentic and real.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my

In this episode of the Being Human podcast, Dr. Chua Sook Ning sits down with Syed Saddiq, a prominent Malaysian politician and the founding member of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA).

As a young and dynamic leader, Saddiq has been actively involved in youth empowerment and has a deep passion for addressing the mental health struggles faced by young people in Malaysia. Dr. Chua and Saddiq delve into various topics, including his journey into public service, the challenges he faced as a young MP, and his thoughts on youth mental health in Malaysia.

Saddiq also shares insights into how he takes care of himself physically and mentally, offering valuable advice for listeners who might be hesitant to seek help.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and its services, visit www.relate.com.my

With a goal to be "the busiest man in showbusiness", Keanu Azman is a media maverick with a tireless drive and passion for learning about people, events, and just about everything else he encounters.

On the one hand, many in Malaysia will know Keanu as the suave, charming and energetic media personality he is. On the other hand, in this episode of Being Human, he joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning to share his struggles with anxiety starting in 2019 and how he learned to cope with - and learn from - his experience with anxiety.

To find out more about Relate Malaysia, its services and work, visit: www.relate.com.my

Emotional pain is something we all experience, but why is it so hard to sit with our feelings?

This episode of Being Human examines the transformative power of core emotional pain with Dr. Ladislav Timulak, a renowned expert and Professor in Counselling Psychology at Trinity College Dublin.

Hosted by Dr. Chua Sook Ning, she and Dr. Timulak explore the messages our emotions send us, and how we can use that knowledge to cultivate a more self-compassionate perspective.

To find out more about Relate Malaysia, its services and work, visit: www.relate.com.my

What do we do when a storm comes our way?

In this episode of Being Human, mental health counsellor and mindfulness author Sandy Clarke sat down with Dr. Ray Owen, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and author of 'Facing the Storm', a powerful guide to coping with life's toughest challenges.

Together, they explore the difficult but important questions we all face: how can we navigate pain and despair, loss and uncertainty? Drawing on over 30 years of experience working in the UK's NHS, Ray shares practical strategies and insights based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help us cope with life-changing events such as bereavement, health problems, and relationship breakdowns.

To find out more about Relate Malaysia, visit www.relate.com.my

Dr. Chua Sook Ning interviews Anthea Ong, a former Nominated Member of Parliament for Singapore, and full-time entrepreneur and social advocate.

Anthea shares openly about the setbacks, challenges, and difficulties she has faced in life and how she has used these experiences to connect with and serve others in deep and meaningful ways through her various passions.

As an experienced leadership and executive coach, Anthea brings curiosity, tenderness, and gentle irreverence to each coaching relationship, approaching each client with compassion and a commitment to supporting their growth and change.

In this conversation, Anthea discusses her understanding of what it means to be human, her approach to overcoming challenges and setbacks, and effective strategies for personal growth, resilience, and finding joy in life.

“We need to look at who are the people who end up killing themselves, and why they are doing that. It isn’t because they’ve become negativistic; it’s because they have ended up on a road that doesn’t lead anywhere and they feel there is no good possibility in sight…”

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning hosts renowned existential philosopher and psychotherapist, Prof. Emmy van Deurzen, to discuss the personal, social, and existential factors that can contribute to having suicidal thoughts and feelings. Emmy shares her insights into the challenges people both young and old face in today's world, and how we can begin to cultivate meaning and purpose from a place of suffering or despair.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"Recovery is so important, but recovery from what? Often, the missing question is 'What are you recovering from?' Sometimes, people are recovering from injustice, poverty, abuse, systemic harm...not an illness."

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Lisa Archibald, co-director of Intentional Peer Support, to talk about the importance of peer support within mental health and the role it can play in helping to build stronger, connected, and healthier communities.

Lisa shares her thoughts on how peer support complements clinical and psychiatric treatments in helping people nevigate and overcome their struggles, and how sharing our stories with each other can reduce any sense of isolation and empower us to develop a better understanding of ourselves and each other. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"If a health service is supposed to benefit me, why aren't I part of the development of that service?"

When we think of mental health, we typically think about individual efforts and responsibility toward our health. However, many social and environmental factors contribute to our overall health, making mental health as much a collective as an individual responsibility. 

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning hosts Dr. Rayner Tan to discuss the importance of taking a wider perspective on mental health, and how including the insights and contributions of those with lived experience across a variety of health issues can inform, transform, and improve existing health services in terms of accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"You have to fundamentally appreciate that everyone is different and so, invariably, that's going to bring in clashes..."

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Christopher Muran to discuss therapeutic alliance, the common ruptures that arise in therapy sessions, and how to repair those ruptures.

Dr. Muran is an Associate Dean and Professor at the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, where he previously served as training director for the doctoral program in clinical psychology. He has published over 160 papers and 10 books, including 'Therapist Performance under Pressure: Negotiating Emotion, Difference and Rupture', with Catherine Eubanks, and 'The Therapeutic Alliance: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice', with Jacques Barber.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"We have to remember we're not working with machines - we're working with human beings."

Dr Allen Miller oversees the training and clinical services at Beck Institute as the CBT Program Director. In this episode of Being Human, he joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning to discuss the importance of the relationship between therapists and their clients in order for effective CBT to take place.

Dr Miller shares insights into his relationship with the late Dr. Aaron Beck and the original vision he had for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and demonstrates the relational aspect of CBT in a short role play with Dr. Chua. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"A life not felt is one that doesn't know what it needs..."

In this episode of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning is joined by the creator and co-developer of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dr. Leslie Greenberg.

When Dr. Greenberg first appeared on Being Human, he talked about the wisdom of our emotions and the importance of listening to what they try to tell us. 

In this discussion, he shares his insights on why we often reject and recoil from what we feel, and leads Dr. Chua in a short role-play exercise that demonstrates the value of focusing on and sitting with emotions that are present.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

With a rise in suicide cases over the past decade (particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown periods), the media has played an important role in reporting this sensitive topic to the public. 

In some cases, suicide is reported in ways that add to the problem rather than educate people and help reverse the worrying trend of suicide rates. In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by political analyst, producer, and former independent journalist Norman Goh to discuss the importance of ethical reporting when addressing suicide.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to do something over and over again (compulsions).

It is estimated that around 100 to 150 million people throughout the world live with OCD, with the most common treatment being ERP (exposure with response prevention). In this episode, Dr Chua Sook Ning talks to Dr. Reid Wilson about the nature of OCD and "The 6-Moment Game" he shares to help people overcome OCD, moment-by-moment.

Dr. Wilson is a clinical psychologist who directs the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center in Chapel Hill and Durham, NC. He is also the author of several books including "Stopping the Noise in Your Head: The New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry" and "Don't Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks." To find out more about this approach, visit: www.anxieties.com

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

What does it mean to be present with ourselves and others? How does being present enrich our connections, whether we're in session with clients or spending time with loved ones? 

How can we learn to be more present? 

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Shari Geller, to explore these questions and more. Shari teaches at York University in Toronto, Ontario, and is the founder and creator of the Therapeutic Rhythm and Mindfulness (TRM™) program. 

She shares her thoughts on the power of presence in psychotherapy and talks about how we can begin to be more present in a way that enlivens our personal and professional relationships. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Every client or patient who seeks mental health support comes with unique needs, perspectives, and preferences. As a result, it's unlikely that any single therapy approach can work for every person who encounters it. 

According to Dr. John C. Norcross, therapists have greater success working with clients when they take an integrative approach that draws from different techniques and models to suit each person's needs and preferences. John is Distinguished Professor & Chair of Psychology at the University of Scranton and is recognised as a leading authority on psychotherapy integration.

In this episode of Being Human, John joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning to talk about the nature and importance of psychotherapy integration, and they discuss what therapists can do to better understand and help their clients, and cut therapy drop-out rates by up to 50%. John also shares insights on the key ingredients new therapists should develop if they want to become effective practitioners.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

What do daily routines and taking care of our body clocks have to do with mental health and the quality of our relationships?

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Holly Swartz to explore the role of circadian rhythms and how they affect important aspects of our lives. They also discuss steps we can take to improve our mental health by establishing routines, and how relationships play an important function in the rhythm of our lives. 

Dr. Holly Swartz is professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is well-known for her work in evaluating Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) as treatments for depression and bipolar disorder, as well as understanding and optimising psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions for mood disorders.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

What makes some people believe in conspiracy theories while others don't? And how do conspiracy theories affect how we see and deal with public health issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic?

In this illuminating episode of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning discusses these questions and more with Frederick Philippe - a professor and researcher in personality and social psychology at the University of Quebec at Montreal.

Prof. Phillipe shares his thoughts on the attraction of conspiracy theories and the protective function they serve to help people deal with uncertainty and instability. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, he also shares three key points of focus for governments and authorities to help etablish and maintain trust when managing public health crises. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Since her election in 2018 to serve as Member of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly for Kampung Tunku, Y.B. Lim Yi Wei has been a strong advocate for youth and women empowerment, as well as improved mental health in Malaysia. 

In this episode of Being Human, she talks to host Dr. Chua Sook Ning about her journey from corporate life into politics and why the cause of increasing mental health support and services is close to her heart. 

They also discuss the importance of youth and women empowerment, and what actions people can take if they want to effect positive change in Malaysia on important social issues.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Struggles with body image are common and complex. People who have a negative body image can engage in self-critical talk about their appearance, scrutinising themselves in front of a mirror, and comparing themselves unfavourably to what they perceive as the "ideal" body image. 

A negative body image can lead to social anxiety, depression, impaired relationships, eating disorders, and other health issues. In this episode of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning speaks to Dr Lisa Linardatos as they explore what it means to have a negative body image and what people can do to relate to themselves in healthier ways and cultivate acceptance of their bodies. 

Dr Linardatos is a clinical psychologist based in Canada and holds several research interests including developing a positive body image and decreasing self-criticism. In this illuminating conversation, she shares her insights on what it means to be body-positive and how it can help people lead healthier and happier lives. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Is is possible for children to have mental health struggles, or are they just "acting out"? 

How should parents and caregivers handle social media when it comes to the kids they care for?

How does a child psychologist work with parents and children to provide mental health support?

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Katyana Azman to discuss these questions and more. Katyana is a Consultant Child Psychologist at Pantai Hospital, specialising in supporting children and adolescents with psychological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

They also discuss the impact on children's mental health as they adjusted to the 'new norms' of Covid-19 including extended lockdown periods, and how parents and caregivers can get help if they feel a child they support might have mental health issues.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Irvin Yalom is an existential psychiatrist and pioneer of humanistic psychology, with a career spanning 60 years as an educator, writer, and psychotherapist. 

An expert on grief, the emeritus professor of psychiatry at Stanford University spent 2019 writing 'A Matter of Death and Life' with his wife, Marylin, as each described their perspective on her terminal illness. Marylin died in November 2019, ending their 73-year relationship. 

In this episode of Being Human, counsellor and Star columnist, Sandy Clarke, talks to Irvin Yalom about his relationship with Marylin and their journey together through her illness. 

They also discuss how Irvin's grief came to inform his work with clients, and Irvin shares his thoughts, reflecting on 90 years of life, on what really matters in the end. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

When it comes to studying addictions and mental health, psychology has traditionally relied on researchers and clinicians to measure, observe, and collect data from which they offer their professional conclusions. 

While this is an important part of understanding why people suffer - and what we can do to help them - there's a missing piece of the puzzle that can help us better understand these problems: the inclusion of people with lived experience.

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Larry Davidson - Professor of Psychology and Director of the Program for Recovery & Community Health in the Department of Psychiatry of the School of Medicine at Yale University.

Larry shares his insights into how adopting a community-inclusive approach to mental health can transform lives by providing recovery-oriented, person-centered, and culturally-responsive care. He also discusses the need to understand addictions and mental health problems beyond the individual, bringing into focus people's environments, social relationships, and other components that have implications for mental health. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Most of us will have heard of eating disorders – but what does it mean to have an atypical eating disorder, and why is the distinction important?

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Jennifer Thomas to discuss what it means to have an atypical eating disorder, and some of the myths that surround eating disorders in general. They also talk about the steps people can take if they suspect they or someone they know has an eating disorder.

Dr. Jennifer Thomas is the co-director of the Eating Disorders Center and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. 

She is the author of 'Almost Anorexic: Is My (or My Loved One’s) Relationship with Food a Problem?' and 'Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Children, Adolescents, and Adults', and is also an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"If you find some goals that you're interested in and that are personally meaningful, what you'll find is the effort comes naturally to pursuing these - you don't have to rely on self-control." ~ Richard Koestner

When we try to motivate ourselves, why doesn't self-control work as well as we'd hoped? And how can autonomy and playfulness help us to succeed where self-control and willpower fall short?

In this enlightening episode of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning is joined by Richard Koestner - a professor of psychology at McGill University and expert on successful goal-setting, self-regulation, and internalising processes that motivate us in meaningful, lasting ways.

Prof. Koestner shares his insights on what motivation is really all about - and why pushing ourselves to do more, achieve more, and be better might work against us rather than for us...and what we can do instead to achieve a sense of purpose and success in life.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was initially developed as an effective intervention to treat depression. Pioneered by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, it has since been successfully adapted to treat many issues such as anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, chronic pain, and more.

In this episode of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr Norman Cotterell of The Beck Institute, who completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania under the supervision of Dr. Beck. They discuss the benefits of CBT, some of the misconceptions people hold about CBT, and how CBT can help us become our own therapists as we learn new skills and strategies to deal with the challenges and curve balls life can throw our way.

For more information on CBT and the training and resources offered by The Beck Institute, visit: www.beckinstitute.org

"People with even the most serious mental illnesses are not broken or fundamentally different than we are. In fact, if you could really do a deep dive, they share much, much, much more with us... The best way to change stigma is contact: interactions between people with lived experience and the rest of the population." ~ Prof. Pat Corrigan  

What does it mean to show prejudice toward people with mental health issues? How can we understand and overcome stereotypes? What does is mean to challenge the stigma of mental health - and how can we play our part?  

Dr. Chua Sook Ning hosts Pat Corrigan in this episode of Being Human to discuss these questions and more. Pat is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Currently, he is principal investigator of the National Consortium for Stigma and Empowerment (NCSE), a collaboration of investigators and advocates from more than a dozen institutions.  

Dr. Chua and Prof. Corrigan also talk about their own experiences of mental health issues and highlight the importance of seeing people beyond the struggles they face. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"We know more than we can say, and what we know is given to us in our bodies...we're wiser than our intellect or our rational mind alone. Our body has a wisdom and it gives us direction." ~ Leslie Greenberg

When we deal with our past and present issues, we might try to rationalise what has happened and how we've been affected. In the process, we miss out on a lot of important wisdom that comes from our emotions, which often offer clues about what needs attention. 

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Leslie Greenberg - professor emeritus of psychology at York University in Toronto, and director of the Emotion-Focused Therapy Clinic in Toronto. Leslie is also one of the originators and primary developers of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). 

They discuss the inherent wisdom found in our emotions, and how we can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy emotional responses to help us better understand ourselves and foster deep and meaningful connections with others. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

"I really want to see the day when people talk about counselling, when people talk about mental health and getting help." ~ Hannah Yeoh

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Y.B. Hannah Yeoh as she discusses her journey from lawyer to politician, discovering her faith, and the struggles she encountered along the way. Hannah also talks about the importance of mental health in Malaysia and her hopes that we can build on the progress made, moving forward toward a time when everyone has access to the help they need without fear, stigma, or shame.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Since 2017, Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan has been a refreshing advocate for mental health in Malaysia, founding her Green Ribbon Group in 2020 to raise awareness and break the stigma of mental health.

In this episode of Being Human, Tengku Iman joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning, speaking candidly about her experience with anxiety and what inspired her to become a mental health advocate. She also offers her thoughts on how we can support each other in caring for and maintaining our emotional and psychological well-being.

Tengku Iman is currently the international patron for World Mental Health Day and you can find more about her patronage of the World Federation for Mental Health by visiting www.wfmh.global/malaysia

You can also keep up-to-date with her Green Ribbon Group by following the team on Instagram @greenribbongroup.my

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

They describe themselves as "just five guys from Malaysia, looking to (try) grow the most lush moustaches for a worthy Movember cause: mental health."

These five guys - Ariff, Haris, Kaiza, Seth and Sul - are collectively known as the Movembros, and they have been putting their creative minds together to pull off some amazing fundraising work to support Relate Malaysia's work and mission.

These marvellous mental health advocates have been working tirelessly to raise awareness in Malaysia, and in this episode of Being Human, the fantastic five join Dr. Chua Sook Ning to discuss their work and why supporting mental health is a cause close to their hearts.

To find out more about the Movembros, you can follow them on Instagram @mymovembros

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Kavin Jay is one of Southeast Asia's finest comedians, and his 2019 Netflix special, Let’s Get Ready to Grumble!, took him to even greater heights as he showed off his talents to a worldwide audience.

Onstage, Kavin struts his stuff as a force of nature, a funnyman in control of the room and his audience. And yet, he has found difficulty for much of his life with navigating the anxious struggles of being a people-pleaser. 

In this episode of Being Human, Kavin joins host Dr Chua Sook Ning as they discuss his life as a comedian, the challenges that come with people-pleasing, and how to overcome the compulsion to tend to others' needs, often at the expense of our own well-being.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

As we get settled into the New Year, Dr Chua Sook Ning - founder of Relate Malaysia and host of the Being Human podcast - joins mindfulness author, Star columnist, and counsellor, Sandy Clarke, as she reflects on her journey as a psychologist, and the journey of mental health in Malaysia.

The three-time TEDx Speaker talks about what attracted her to pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist, why she chose to publicly share her struggles with depression, and what needs to be done to raise the standard of mental health services in Malaysia. 

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Self-harm (or self-injury) has been defined as the "intentional direct injury of one's own tissues without a suicidal intention", and is more common than we realise, primarily among young people who self-harm as a means of emotional release.

A 2019 survey by YouGov (a British market research company) found that a quarter of Malaysians surveyed experienced suicidal thoughts, and 26% disclosed self-harm behaviours. The data showed one in 10 young Malaysians (aged 18-24) engaged in self-harm "frequently".

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Nancy Heath - a James McGill Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University - who is a renowned researcher in emotion regulatory difficulties, stress, coping, mindfulness, and non-suicidal self-injury.

Their enlightening discussion explores what motivates people to use self-harm as a coping mechanism, and what we need to understand about the behaviour in order to better support people who self-harm.

If you (or anyone you know) engages in self-harming behaviours, Dr. Heath's website provides free coping strategy resources and insightful information on why people self-harm and how to reach out for support. You can visit the website at: http://sioutreach.org

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on the idea that our personal relationships are at the heart of our psychological problems.

Although issues themselves might not be caused by relationships, our problems affect our connections with others and can worsen our situation. By learning to communicate better with people, IPT helps clients to address relational issues that contribute to problems such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

In this episode of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr John Markowitz - Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons - to discuss the role relationships play in the issues we face, and how we can improve our relationships as a means to lessen our suffering and strengthen our connections and social support.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Suicide rates in Malaysia over the past 10 years have been rising, particularly among young people...but what drives them to such pain in the first place?

In this informative episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Frederick Leong, a professor of psychology at Michigan State University. An eminent psychologist with an illustrious career spanning 40 years, he is the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of Counselling, and the APA Handbook of Multicultural Psychology. Dr. Fred is also the founding editor of the Asian-American Journal of Psychology.

The discussion explores suicide beyond mental health, examining the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to suicide rates among young people in Asian cultures. Dr. Fred also shares his insights on why educating young people and their parents on emotion regulation is key to reducing future suicide rates.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

What thoughts come to mind when you look at yourself in the mirror?
We all have a body image - a sense of how we see and feel about our physical self - and many people feel they're not good enough, strong enough, or pretty enough compared to others.
What affects our body image? What happens to us if we have a negative body image? And what role do our parents, friends, and the media play in shaping how we see ourselves?
Answering these questions and more is Prof. Viren Swami, a social psychologist and expert on body image and human appearance.
In this episode of Being Human, he joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning to discuss the factors that influence our body image, and what we can do to support ourselves and each other to rise above social and cultural ideals of physical appearance.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

There has been a growing awareness of the need to understand suicide prevention in Malaysia, due to the rise in suicide rates over the past ten years - but what are some of the practical ways that we can offer our help and support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings?

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Pheh Kai Shuen - a clinical psychologist and the Head of Programme at the Department of Psychology and Counselling, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
Kai Shuen pioneered and piloted a four-step suicide prevention programme known as "C.A.R.E.", providing guidance to mental health professionals and members of the public on how to understand, support and help those who are struggling with suicidal ideation. 

If anyone is in need of immediate emotional support, they can call the Befrienders 24-hour hotline on 03-762-72929.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

It's a question all good counsellors and clinicians ask themselves: What can I do to make my practice more effective for my clients?
People seeking mental health support have a similar question in mind. They wonder what good therapy - and a good therapist - looks like.
Answering these questions and more in this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Prof. Bruce Wampold, Emeritus Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
Prof. Wampold has dedicated his illustrious career to discovering the common factors of effective therapy, which are explored in his books, 'The Great Psychotherapy Debate' and 'The Basics of Psychotherapy'. For clinicians and clients alike, this episode shines a light on the most important aspects of counselling and psychotherapy.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

Did you know that 1 in 13 people around the world experience anxiety? When we think about being anxious, it can be something we want to avoid or get rid of - but is anxiety really the bad guy it's made out to be?

In this illuminating episode of Being Human, host Dr. Chua Sook Ning speaks to Jon Abramowitz who is a professor in the department of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an expert on anxiety and OCD. Prof. Abramowitz shines a light on the modern-day factors that have made anxiety a growing problem, and shares his insights on why trying to get rid of anxiety tends to make us more anxious. He also offers advice to mental health professionals and people experiencing anxiety on how to effectively manage what is often a powerful emotion.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

When we want to make changes, we often rely on goals alone to take our lives in a positive direction. According to Prof. Steven C. Hayes, that's not enough - our goals need to be driven by values if we want to live a meaningful life.

In Episode seven of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning and Prof. Hayes discuss the importance of going beyond goal setting to create values that empower us to live life in a way that's purposeful and engaged.

But how do we discover our values? As the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and one of the world's most influential behavioural psychologists, Prof. Hayes talks about how we can open up to our reality and shares four ways that can help us learn and act on what really matters to us.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70 million people worldwide have an eating disorder. And yet, many people throughout the world don't receive effective treatment for these complex issues.

In episode six of Being Human, Dr Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft - a prominent researcher in eating disorders from the Washington University School of Medicine - as they discuss the causes and potential treatments of eating disorders. Dr Ellen also shares her insights into app-based technology that has been used in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and obesity.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my

What motivates us to do our best in some areas of life, while in others we only give the bare minimum to get the job done? And how can individuals, as well as business leaders and coaches, develop environments that inspire people to give and be at their best?

In this insightful episode of Being Human, Prof. Richard Ryan joins host Dr. Chua Sook Ning to talk about three fundamental needs that drive our motivation (relatedness, competence, and autonomy) and what life looks like when those needs are fulfilled compared to when one or more is lacking. 

Richard Ryan is the University of Rochester Professor Emeritus of Psychology, and also a clinical psychologist and co-developer with Edward Deci of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), one of the most influential theories of human motivation.

For more information on Relate Malaysia and our services, visit www.relate.com.my or email us at: inquiries@relate.com.my