Relate Malaysia

13/11/2025

We’re flooded with health claims, “facts,” and warnings every day, but not all of them are true.

Some are emotional, misleading, or shared so often they start to feel believable. Misinformation isn’t just harmless noise, it shapes how we think, trust, and make decisions. 🤔

Check out our latest article as we unpack why misinformation spreads so easily and how to protect yourself without becoming cynical:

Every day we scroll past dozens of claims about health, politics, psychology, or lifestyle “hacks”. Some are useful, some are harmless, and some are completely untrue yet still shared thousands of times. Misinformation isn’t just “fake news” in the dramatic sense. It can be any claim that ...

04/11/2025

Feeling down on occasion is part of being human – but how do you know when it’s more than that?

Clinical psychologist Sarah Zehan shares how to tell the difference between low mood and depression.

She explains how factors like time, intensity, and daily impact help us recognise when feeling low might indicate a deeper struggle.

04/11/2025

Our relationship with our body can shape how we see ourselves, and it often changes across different stages of life.

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Gemma Sharp joins Dr. Chua Sook Ning to talk about body image, eating concerns, and why stigma is difficult to overcome.

They also discuss how appearance gets tied to self-worth, how life transitions impact our bodies, and how collective voices and accounts of lived experience are crucial to better understanding, recovery, and healing.

Listen to the full conversation: https://ow.ly/P7IQ50XflZc

30/10/2025

We all have moments when self-doubt and self-criticism creep in.

A healthy dose of self-doubt can keep us grounded and focused, but when it becomes excessive and constant, it often carries voices that aren’t really ours. They're messages we’ve absorbed from authority figures and people of influence in our lives.

When that harsh voice takes over, it rarely feels helpful. Think about what you say to yourself at your lowest – would you ever speak to a close friend that way? Most of us wouldn’t. And yet, we forget that the same compassion, patience, and encouragement we’d freely offer others can be extended inward.

Self-criticism isn’t something we chose, it’s something shaped by conditioning.

As a result, we often lose sight of our strengths, capabilities, and qualities that others can see in us, even when we struggle to see them ourselves. With that in mind, we invite you to pause and notice those good points, to allow yourself – even in small ways – to be on your own side.

Encouraging yourself isn’t arrogance or indulgence, it’s self-respect. It’s about treating yourself as someone worthy of kindness and someone who deserves support.

If you’d like to hear more about befriending your emotions and inner dialogue, tune into our first episode of Being Human with Prof. Jeanne Watson, co-developer of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), who shares her invaluable wisdom on this important topic.

Listen to the episode here: https://ow.ly/UMkR50WKTJL

23/10/2025

Part of a therapist's job is to witness and be with their clients' emotions...but how can therapists deal with strong emotions in session that arise within themselves?

Here, Dr. Chua Sook Ning shares her thoughts on this common experience among therapists, reminding us that we're all humans first, regardless of our jobs, and what matters is how we manage our inner experiences.

Check out some additional insights here: https://ow.ly/rlvc50WZSIS

23/10/2025

"While parents play a central role, they cannot and should not be expected to carry this responsibility alone. Many are working long hours, lack digital literacy, or feel outpaced by constantly evolving technology.

"They need clear guidance, accessible tools, and a supportive community to help them set boundaries, supervise use, and rebuild connection at home."

As tragedy impacts Malaysian youth, we examine how social media and smartphone usage affects our young, and how parents, schools, and society should intervene.

16/10/2025

Silence in therapy 🤫 can feel strange at first, but it often serves an important purpose.

In everyday life, we rarely pause long enough to notice our thoughts and feelings. A therapist’s silence allows space for emotions to surface, for thoughts to form, and for insights to emerge ✨

In those quiet moments, patterns can become clearer, and self-understanding grows 🌱

Sometimes, the most meaningful parts of therapy arise in the spaces between what’s said…

Schedule an appointment with us today: https://relate.com.my/relate-therapy-centre/

14/10/2025

Bullying prevention goes far beyond posters and slogans 📢

Real change happens when schools, families, and communities work together 🤝 to create environments built on respect, empathy, and accountability.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Let’s remember that every voice matters, and every action counts in making classrooms and campuses places where young people feel safe to learn, grow, and be respected 🌱✨

Check out our latest article to learn more: https://relate.com.my/end-bullying/

14/10/2025

Su***de is one of the leading causes of death among young people, yet many in the helping professions receive limited training in how to assess and manage suicidal clients.

This two-part CPD webinar, led by Phen Kai Shuen, Clinical Psychologist and Head of Psychology & Counselling at UTAR, will focus on building practical su***de prevention skills.

Across both sessions, participants will learn to identify risk and protective factors, use reliable screening tools, apply evidence-based models for risk management, and work collaboratively with other professionals and organisations. Ethical and legal issues in su***de prevention will also be covered.

📅 Dates:
Sunday, 16 November (2–5pm)
Sunday, 23 November (2–5pm)

💡CPD: 2 points per session (for LKM-registered counsellors)

🎓 Student offer: Current students receive a RM50 discount. Email sandy.clarke@relate.com.my to arrange separate sign-up.

For details and sign-up:

Each year, more than 720,000 people die by su***de globally and it is one of the leading causes of death among young people. Suicidal behaviours refer to a range of actions including suicidal ideation, su***de attempts, and completed su***de. The causes of suicidal behaviours are multifactorial and

10/10/2025

🌿 Mental health is a human right – not a luxury. This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that everyone deserves access to care, compassion, and support when they need it.

Together, we can build a community where seeking help is normal, services are accessible, and no one is left behind 💚

Relate Malaysia has been committed to providing affordable, accessible and quality therapy services since we started in 2017. Whether it's in person or online, we're here for you https://relate.com.my/relate-therapy-centre/

02/10/2025

Being an effective therapist is more than the years spent in the job – it’s about how we grow 🌱✨.

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning speaks with Dr. Scott Miller, founder of the International Centre for Clinical Excellence.

They talk about the art of deliberate practise in psychotherapy, why experience alone doesn’t always mean better outcomes, and how therapists can refine their skills to create lasting change 💬

Listen to the full conversation: https://ow.ly/xXqW50WZSub

30/09/2025

When your child struggles, it can stir up fear, guilt, or the urge to fix everything.

But what they often need isn’t a solution – it’s your presence, your listening ear, and your willingness to sit with discomfort without rushing to advise.

You don’t have to be perfect. Showing up with curiosity, care, and compassion is what counts. 👂❤️