Psychology and Counselling ChatterBlog

Great physical health disgnotics tool

2011-06-22T16:41:00.001+08:00

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom.html

Batam 2D/1N Free n Easy (2010)

2010-11-04T12:58:00.004+08:00

Basic information:

2 way ferry+tax+insurance from Habourfront to Batam center via penguin = $50 per person.

Accomodation at iHotel @Nagoya = twin sharing $90/night, include breakfast (Good if you intend to go shopping and massage because it is within walking distance.)

Accomodation at Harmoni Hotel@Nagoya = twin sharing $80/night, include breakfast (Good if you intend to go pubbing and massage because downstairs the hotel has plenty of pub, after drinking just need to walk up to the hotel), beer at S$3 per bottle.

Accomodation at Harris Resort = twin sharing $90/night, include breakfast (Good if you intend to go for Go-Karting, theme park and sea sports)

Cab from batam centre to ihotel and Harmoni hotel per taxi is S$6 (Rupiah 40,000)

Exchange rate S$ 1 = rupiah 6750

Things we can do at Batam:

Seafood: (about S$20 per person)

Harbour bay Seafood

Wey Wey seafood

A1 Foodcourt Haisan seafood

Delima @waterfront side near Harris hotel

Golden Prawn 933

Golden Prawn 555

Rejeki @Batu Besar

Spa: (about S$15 an hour per person), Foot reflexology S$10 an hour)

Isabella @5 min walk from iHotel

Eska @5 mins walk from iHotel

Everyday massage and Spa @opposite Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall - 2.5 hours massage, body scrub, milk bath, jacuzzi for S$45 per pax.

Sport Massage spa @opposite Harmoni hotel

Shopping:

Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall @nagoya center

Megamall @batam center

Sightseeing:

Vihara Budhi Bharkti (Tua Pek Kong Bio) Temple. This is one of the most famous Buddhist temple in Batam and it is conveniently located at the Nagoya town area. A must visit when you are at Batam.

Dewi Kuong Imra Monument. Largest Kwan Yin Statue at KTM Resort. Another attraction at this place is the largest Kwan Yin Statue, the largest in Indonesia.

Aathi Vinayagar Balinese Hindu Temple. The only Balinese Hindu Temple on Batam Island. Just ask any cab driver to send you to this place. You would not be able to miss this place.

Sri Thirupurasundari Hindu Temple. This is the only South Indian Style temple on Batam Island. It is located right beside the Balinese Temple and worth a visit too.

Waterworld at Dutamas. This adventure theme park offers a variety of water-sport activities, near Batam center.

Go-Karting. For adventurous junkies, there is go-karting. Batam has discovered its affection for go-karting; the city is now equipped with a number of racing tracks. The go-kart track located next to Harris Resort on the Waterfront City is a popular one. Prices charged are reasonable. Go-karting is a stress busting sport and are popular among children as well as adult tourists.

Ocearina Theme Park. This theme park was built just recently facing the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal. A fun place for children.

Vietnamese Refugee Camp, Galang Island. At waterfront. This is another must visit place. FOr this, you need to hire a cab and drive out of Batam to another island which is interconnected by bridges. A great historical place which has records of the Vietnamese Migrants that came to Batam looking for a new life.

The Pagoda, Galang Island. The Pagoda is located on the same island as the Refugee Camp and you cant miss it as the directions are pretty good.

Best Beach at Rembang Island. From Galang Island, drive on straight and pass another two islands until you reach the final island which is called Rembang Island. This is a beautiful island with crystal clear waters. You may have to pay a small fee of 5000 rupiah to enter the beach.

Barelang Bridge. The landmark structure of Batam Island. This is the first bridge which you would cross over when you head to Galang Island of Rembang Island.

Belakang Padang Island (Beepee Island). Another remote island which could only be reached by small boats, but worth the visit. This island is near the petroleum hub for Sumatra. Visit this place to get an understanding of the local customs and lifestyle.

Sambu Island. Visit the sites of Old Dutch houses, trees and gardens. You will be impressed by the gracious lifestyle of locals here. There are hardly any cars here - people prefer to walk for most part.

Ho Chi Minh City 12-15 Oct 2010

2010-11-01T15:20:00.003+08:00

Recommended Hotel:

Tan Hai Long Hotel

14-16 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Currency:

Change Vietnamese Dong at the local banks in Ho Chi Minh for higher rates. Be careful when changing your currency at Ho Chi Minh airport because I was short changed there. And later found out that the banks at Ho Chi Minh city rates are higher as well.

Taxi:

Exit airport turn to the right and go towards the end, plenty of meter taxi there. And please look out for taxi vinasun or taxi mai linh only. Taxi from airport should cost around S$6 or Dong 150,000.

Shopping:

Ben Thanh market @District 1

Binh Tay market @Chinatown

Vinh Long market @Mekong

Diamond Plaza

Spa:

Jolly Spa @ 38 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1

Food:

Pho2000 @near Ben Thanh Market - local beef noodle and spring rolls

Pho24 - @Near Ben Thanh Market - local beef noodle and spring rolls

Lotteria - @Diamond Plaza - Korean beef burger

Mon Hue Restaurant @ District

Marine Seafood Cuisine @172, Nguyen Dinh District 3 - seafood

Highland coffee @De Tham street - vietnamese coffee

Quan An Ngon @41/1 Pham Ngoc Thac, District 3 -Foodcourt

Crazy Buffalo Saigon - 24hours cafe

To book sightseeing, go to Sinh Tourist

Sightseeing:

Day 1: Half day tour

War museum

Reunification Palace

Saigon Post office

Notre Dame cathedral

Cao Dai Temple

Water puppet show

Day 2: half day tour

Mekong River

Day 3: Half day tour

Cu Chi Tunnel

Night tour:

Saigon dinner cruise

The Solution to End Suffering

2010-10-01T15:14:00.002+08:00

The Cause of Suffering

According to Buddhist's perspective, below are the cause of sufferings:

1) Birth

2) Sickness

3) Old age

4) Death

5) Desire

6) Craving

7) Greed

8) Hatred

The End of Suffering

According to Buddhist's perspective, once we follow the five precepts and eight foldpaths we would be able to overcome sufferings.

The five percepts are as follows:

1) Avoid killings

2) Avoid sexual misconduct

3) Avoid ill speech

4) Avoid stealing

5) Avoid intoxication

The eight foldpaths are as follows:

1) Right views

2) Right intentions

3) Right speech

4) Right actions

5) Right mindfulness

6) Right concentration

7) Right livelihood

8) Right effort

Explanation of five precepts:

1) Avoid killing indicates direct killing and indirect killing of all living beings. Direct killing is obvious, thus one should avoid intentional killing of any living beings. Indirect killing is less implicit. An example would be working in a pub selling alcohol.

2) Avoid stealing and cheating indicates that we should not take whatever that does not belong to us. For example, cheating on the car park coupons.

3) Avoid ill speech indicates that we should not use harsh speech, no gossiping, no lying, no shouting, no arguing, no quarrelling. For example, we should not tell others what our friend tell us about, we should not be rude to others, we should not even tell white lies. We have to keep conscious of our speech at all times, meant every word that we say, keep all our promises and to speak positively at all times.

4) Avoid sexual misconduct indicates that we should not commit rape, sexual abuse, one-night stand, prostitution, promiscuous and adultery. We should always be faithful to our partner.

5) Avoid intoxication indicates that we should not take alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and avoid amusement places because after the consumption of intoxication we will not be mindful of our action and speech, thus leading us to commit mistakes that we will regret later on.

Thus, in order to lead a happy life, follow closely the five precepts.

Family happiness

2010-08-05T12:40:00.002+08:00

From a buddhist perspectives:-

End of family happiness

1) Womanizing

2) Drinking

3) Gambling

4) Evil friendship

Establishment of family happiness

1) Must have a skill

2) Must have the ability to take care of ownself

3) Must guard and protect family wealth

4) Must select friends carefully

5) Must spend within the means

6) Must income high and expenditure low

Staying together forever

2010-08-05T12:35:00.002+08:00

From a buddhist perspectives:-

Couples that change in the opposite way, the relationship will fall apart. Therefore, couple have to make effort to change in the same direction in order to last forever, as follows:-

1) Same faith

2) Same moral discipline

3) Same generosity

4) Same wisdom

5) Same observance

6) Equal in virtues

Spouses Obligation and Responsibilities

2010-08-05T12:29:00.004+08:00

From a buddhist perspectives:-

Husband to Wife:

1) Honour her

2) Never disparage her

3) Faithful to her

4) Give her authority

5) Provide her with adornments

Wife to Husband:

1) Properly organised her work

2) Kind to servants

3) Faithful to him

4) Protect and stores his assets

5) Responsible, skillful and diligent in her work

Recommended Counselling Books

2010-07-17T17:47:00.006+08:00

Most of the counselling books are written based on western culture. I particularly enjoy reading Anthony Yeo's books. He is the 'Father of counselling' in Singapore. His books were written in Singapore context and many case studies presented in his books were relevant to our culture.

Anthony Yeo

1) A helping hand

2) Counselling: A problem-solving approach

3) In the shadow of death

4) Partners in life

5) If tomorrow never comes

6) When mourning breaks: Tales of hope and healing

7) On wings of storm: healing beyond traumas of life

8) Labyrinth of therapeutic encounters: collected essays on counselling and psychotherapy

What's the starting salary for psychologists, counsellors and social workers?

2010-07-08T17:00:00.002+08:00

Psychologists, starting salary range $2,300 - $2,800

Counsellors and social workers, starting salary range $1,800 - $2,300

Tuition for Research Methods and Statistics

2010-07-07T14:14:00.003+08:00

Students who need tuition for Research Methods and Statistics in psychology can contact me khimgoh2411@gmail.com or khimgoh@singnet.com.sg

I cover theories and practical work for the following :

(1) Normal distribution

(2) Variances

(3) Central tendency

(4) Graphs

(4) Probability

(5) z score

(6) z test

(7) t test single

(8) t test independent

(9) Anova

(10) chi square good for fitness

(11) chi square independent

(12) regression

(13) correlation

(14) confidence interval

(15) complex designs

(16) Ethical considerations

1-2 persons tuition $100/hour

3 - 6 persons group tuition $100 per person for 3 hours

Please bring all your research methods and statistics textbooks, learning materials and calculator during the tutorial sessions.

What are the modules offered in Psychology programmes?

2010-07-07T14:01:00.003+08:00

(1) Research methods and statistics

(2) Brain and body anatomy

(3) Assessment of behavior

(4) Health psychology

(5) Social psychology

(6) Developmental psychology

(7) Educational psychology

(8) Counselling psychology

(9) Marriages and family systems

(10) Introduction to psychology

(11) Emotion and motivation

(12) Learning psychology

(13) Industrial organization psychology

(14) Scientific writing

(15) Human information processing

(16) Abnormal psychology

(17) Forensic psychology

(18) Sport psychology

(19) Cognition

(20) Individual differences

some self-improvement websites that I like

2010-07-07T09:38:00.002+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/alkistisTV

http://www.selfgrowth.com/

http://www.ted.com/

http://www.ehow.com/videos.html

http://www.howstuffworks.com/

http://www.howcast.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/BuddhistSocietyWA

http://www.buddhistfellowship.org/cms/index.php?/23-Dharma-Talk/View-category.html

Some recommended psychology websites

2010-07-07T08:38:00.003+08:00

http://www.sciencedaily.com/

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/channeln/

http://www.psychmovies.com/

http://www.psychology.org/

http://www.apa.org/

http://www.socialpsychology.org/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

http://kspope.com/index.php

http://psychology.about.com/

http://www.psychologytoday.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/index.shtml

http://allpsych.com/

http://freevideolectures.com/Subject/Psychology

http://freescienceonline.blogspot.com/2007/02/psychology-education-video-and-audio.html

Some Psychology Books to read

2010-07-07T08:33:00.001+08:00

Well-known Psychology Books

Behavior,biology, and genes: A science of the brain

1) Louann Brizendine, “The Female Brain”

2) William James, “The principles of psychology”

3) Alfred Kinsey, “Sexual Behavior in the human Female”

4) Jean Paiget, “The Language and Thought of the Child”

5) Steven Pinker, “The Blank Slate”

6) V.S. Ramachandran, “Phantoms in the Brain”

7) Oliver Sacks, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”

Violence

1) Gavin de Becker, “The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals that Protect Us from Violence”

2) John Monahan, “Predicting Violent Behavior”

3) Robert D. Hare, “Without Conscience”

Tapping the unconscious mind: Wisdom of a different kind

4) Milton Erikson (by Sidney Rosen), “My Voice Will Go With You”

5) Sigmund Freud, “The Interpretation of Dreams”

6) Malcolm Galdwell,”Blink”

7) Carl Jung, “The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious”

8) Alfred Adler, “Study of Organ Inferiority and Its Physical Compensation”

9) Alfred Adler, “What life Could Mean To You”

10) Alfred Adler, “The Science of Living”

11) Alfred Adler, “The Practice and Theory of Individual Psychology”

Thinking better, feeling better: Happiness and mental health

1) Nathaniel Branden, “The Psychology of Self-Esteem”

2) David D. Burns, “Feeling Good”

3) Albert Ellis, & Robert Harper, “A Guide to Rational Living”

4) Fritz Perls, “Gelstat Therapy”

5) Barry Schwartz, “The Paradox of Choice”

6) Martin Seligman, “Authentic Happiness”

7) William Styron, “Darkness Visible”

8) Robert E. Thayer, “The Origin of Everyday Moods”

Why we are how we are: The study of personality and the self

1) Isabel Briggs Myers, “Gifts Differing”

2) Erik Erikson, “Young Man Luther”

3) Hans Eysenck, “Dimensions of Personality”

4) Anna Freud, “The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defence”

5) Karen Horney, “Our Inner Conflicts”

6) Melanie Klein, “Envy and Gratitude”

7) R. D. Laing, “The Divided Self”

8) Gail Sheehy, “Passages”

Why we do what we do: Great thinkers on human motivation

1) Alfred Adler, “Understanding Human Nature”

2) Viktor Frankl, “The Will To Meaning”

3) Eric Hoffer, “The True Believer”

4) Abraham Maslow, “The Farther Reaches of Human Nature”

5) Stanley Milgram, “Obedience To Authority”

6) Ivan Pavlov, “Conditioned Reflexes”

7) B. F. Skinner, “Beyond Freedom and Dignity”

Why we love the way we do: The dynamics of relationships

1) Eric Berne, “Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationship”

2) Eric Berne, “Transactional Analysis in Psyhcotherapy”

3) Susan Forward, “Emotional Blackmail”

4) John M, Gottman, “The Seven Principles of making Marriage Work”

5) Harry Harlow, “The Nature of Love”

6) Thomas A. Harris, “I’m ok-You ok”

7) Carl Rogers, “On Becoming a Person”

Working at our peak: creative power and communication skills

1) Robert Bolton, “People skills”

2) Edward de Bono, “Lateral Thinking”

3) Robert Cialdini, “Influence”

4) Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, “Creativity”

5) Howard Gardner, “Frames of Mind”

6) Daniel Goleman, “Working with Emotional Intelligence”

7) Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, & Sheila Heen, “Difficult Conversations”

How can I become a hypnotist?

2010-07-07T00:32:00.000+08:00

I suggest you go to an accreditated hypnosis school, such as The London College of Clinical Hypnosis that is jointly with Tan Tock Seng Hospital. You can refer to their website www.hypnosis-singapore.com

I know there many spurious schools and private organizations that offer hypnosis courses and they offer short time frame for graduation and recognized certification. I advice you not to take these courses without checking their backgrounds and reliability.

How can I become a registered counsellor?

2010-07-07T00:27:00.000+08:00

Go to www.sac-counsel.org.sg/career2.html

Please note that you need to choose an university with an accreditated counselling degrees as well, Please refer to my earlier post on becoming a registered psychologist. The advices are more or less the same.

What are the career opportunities for psychology, counselling, and social work graduates?

2010-07-07T00:16:00.000+08:00

For psychology and counselling individuals, go to www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/employment.cfm and www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/employment_archive.cfm

www.sac-counsel.org.sg/job.html

For social work individuals, go to

www.sasw.org.sg/site/job-vacancies/index.php

Good luck!

How can I check if the psychology degree offered to me is accreditated?

2010-07-07T00:13:00.000+08:00

refer to www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/faq.cfm

What are the differences among psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and psychiatrists?

2010-07-06T23:56:00.000+08:00

Psychologists - refer to www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/code.cfm

From the list of code of professional ethics in the website, you will get an idea of the psychologists job scope. Also refer to www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/psychologists.cfm to understand the different types career choices of psychologists in Singapore.

As for counsellors - refer to www.sac-counsel.org.sg/ethics.html and www.sac-counsel.org.sg/career.html

As for social workers - refer to www.sasw.org.sg

As for psychiatrists, they are medical doctors that has a specialization on mental illness. They prescribe medication to mentally ill patients. Please note psychologists, counsellors and social workers do not prescribe medication.

Why must we study research methods and statistics in psychology?

2010-07-06T23:51:00.000+08:00

Yes, it is a compulsory module for all psychology students beginning from year 1 until you graduate and until you move to Master level and PhD level.

Psychologists must study statistics and research methods because as psychologists, we are interested in human behaviors, and so how do we understand these human behavior? and how can we correctly analyse and predict human behaviors? Yes, we need statistics and research methods to do that!

What are the differences among the bachelor titles "Bachelor of Arts in Psychology", "Bachelor of Science in Psychology" and "Bachelor of Psychology"

2010-07-06T23:45:00.000+08:00

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology usually has more Arts modules, such as counselling, social psychology, marriages and family systems, etc. apart from the core modules of science, such as statistics, and human body systems, etc

Bachelor of Science in Psychology obviously means more science modules, such as health psychology, assessment of behavior, human body anatomy, etc than arts modules, such as counselling, social psychology, etc.

Bachelor of Psychology has half science modules and half arts modules, and focus more on psychology essential modules.

What are my choices of work after completion of my diploma in psychology?

2010-07-06T20:56:00.000+08:00

Honestly, nothing much you can do if you want to further into the helping industry. In order to start off working in the counselling sector, social work sector or psychology sector, you must at least have a basic first degree in psychology, social work or counselling.

What can I do if my psychology degree is not accreditated?

2010-07-06T20:53:00.000+08:00

Well, you can still branch into other fields, such as teaching, social works, counselling, or coaching if your psychology degrees are not accreditated. The only problem of unaccreditated psychology degrees is that you cannot become a registered psychologist.

Why psychology degrees so troublesome that need accrediation?

2010-07-06T20:02:00.000+08:00

Yes, psychology degrees are very different from management degrees, business degrees, etc. That is because psychologists' work involve largely ethical and moral consideration issues, and very complex psychological knowledge and research. Nobody would want to take the risk to seek a psychologist for their complex psychological issues if the psychologist's degrees are only validated and not accrediated that has statutory regulation

What are the differences between accrediated, validated, and recognised psychology degrees?

2010-07-06T19:56:00.000+08:00

Accrediated means The Australian Psychological Society (APS), The British Psychological Society (APS), The Singapore Psychological Society (SPS), The American Psychological Association (APA) recognize your degrees certifications so that they may approved your application for the registered psychologists.

Validated and Recognized means not recognized by APS, BPS, SPS, APA.

What are the pathways for me to become a registered Psychologist in Singapore?

2010-07-06T18:38:00.000+08:00

If you are an 'O' Level graduate, then you have to take a 3 years diploma course in Psychology at these various schools:
(1) Ngee Ann Polytechnics
(2) Singapore Polytechnics
(3) Temasek Polytechnics
For those taking private diploma candidates, you must know that that all private schools diploma in psychology are not accrediated or recognised. You have to further into an university that offers accrediated psychology degrees. I suggest you make sure the private schools ensure you (with evidences) that they offer full-track ACCREDITATED psychology programmes. Otherwise, whatever you pay for will end up as "toilet paper". Please note that alot of private schools diploma does not guarantee you a place at an university that offer ACCREDIATED psychology degrees. Below are some private schools that offer diploma in psychology:
(1) MDIS
(2) Raffles Education College
(3) Kaplan
(4) TMC
(5) Sma
(6) Parkway college
And after completion enrol with an university that offers ACCREDITED psychology degrees. Please note that you have to choose a PURE psychology degree. Some accredited psychology degrees programmes in Singapore are as follows:
(1)NUS
(2)NTU
(3)SMU
(4) SIM university
(5) James Cook University (Singapore @Upper Thomson Road)
(6) The Universities of Western Australia - Bachelor of Science in Psychology(PSB Academy)
(7) Murdoch University - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Kaplan)
(8) Edith Cowan University - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Sma)
(9) Edith Cowan University - Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Sma)
After these first degrees that usually take you about 2 - 4 years, you have to move on to honours degree (1 year) that again must be accrediated. It can be the same university from your first degree or another university. After that you can call yourself "probationary psychologist".
After that you should move on to a Master degree that again must be accrediated in order to qualify as a registered psychologist in Singapore with Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). You can visit SPS website www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/psychologists.cfm
Various accrediated Master Degrees in psychology :
(1) NIE
(2) NUS
(3) NTU
(4) SMU
(5) James Cook University
If you do well at your honours degree with a first class degree, you can either move on to do a Masters degree (2-3 years) or a PhD degrees (3-4 years). But if you has a second class than you can do a Master degree only, and if you score pass, then sorry, out you go or you can try overseas universities.
Lastly, once you completed your Master or PhD, then go to Singapore Psychological Society and load their registered psychologist form and wait for approval from the board.
Good Luck!!!

Psychology and Counselling Services since 2007

2008-05-03T17:55:00.000+08:00

Email: khimgoh@singnet.com.sg

Email: khimgoh2411@gmail.com

MSN: khim_goh@hotmail.com

skype: khimgoh

Credentials:
PhD Candidature (Monash University) 2009 - 2011

Master of Guidance & Counselling (James Cook University) 2009
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (University of Southern Queensland) 2007
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Ottawa University) 2003
Certified Hypnotist (National Guild of Hypnosis, USA) 2008
Associate Member of Singapore Psychological Society
Associate Member of Singapore Association of Counselling

Some areas I can help with include:
*Marital issues *Family and relationship issues *Emotional distress *Addiction *Depression *Grief and loss *Anxiety *Low self esteem *Loneliness *Suicidal thoughts *Stress *Anger & Guilt *Aggression *Credit Management *Career Counselling *Psychological Disorder *Personality Disorder

I offer assistance in the above mentioned areas through :
*Individual Counselling *Marriage & Family Counselling *Couple Counselling *Career Counselling *Group Counselling *Support group *Workshops & Seminars *Hypnosis *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy *Emotional Freedom Technique *Solution Focus Therapy *Family Systems Therapy *Person-Centred Therapy *Gestalt Therapy *Forgiveness Therapy *PsychoTherapy

Counselling Fee : $80/hr
Venue: Wisma Atria Level 11