Patrick Cheng
Licensed and Registered Counselor (Malaysia)
Life Coach
Addictions Counselor
Many Malaysians have no qualms in seeing a doctor when they are physically ill, but there are much misgiving and hesitation in seeking help when they are emotionally and mentally distressed. Furthermore, they do not know who to see or what therapy would involve. Below are some information about my training, experience and practice, which I hope it would make it less intimidating for you to consider doing therapy with me.
I have been involved in the helping profession for the past three decades. An unexpected encounter with a drug addict led me to work in a drug rehabilitation centre as a live-in staff for about two years. My subsequent pastoral training and experience have equipped me to work with individuals, couples and families facing mental, emotional and spiritual health issues and also interpersonal problems at home and in the office.
I have a keen interest to work with men, both as a life coach and a therapist. I have previously undergone a two-month training in drug addiction rehabilitation with Teens Challenge Singapore, and have worked with men who are struggling with drug addiction. I also work with male clients with other addiction issues – alcohol, gambling and sexual addiction, as well as on anger management, control and relationship coaching.
I enjoy working with couples as a marriage educator and counsellor. Having been married to my wife (and best friend) for more than 30 years, I have learn much in practical communication and conflict resolution skills. I have conducted training and workshops on marriage, parenting and family issues, as well as served on the board of Focus on the Family (Malaysia). I am also a father of two grown-up children and am very interested in providing support to younger parents and parents of teenagers.
I see my role as a therapist as one of helping you to move towards optimal functions in your emotions and relationships so that you can be effective in your personal life as well as your family, workplace and social settings.
I am mainly guided by the theories of Person-Centred Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. I incorporate Gestalt Therapy in group counselling and Family Systems Therapy in marriage and family therapy.
I speak English, Malay, Cantonese and basic Mandarin.
Education
Masters in Counseling (HELP University, Malaysia)
Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Alpha Omega International College)
Bachelor of Theology (Malaysia Bible Seminary)
Other qualifications/trainings
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Basic Externship and Core Skills I & 2)
Certificate in Mediation & Conflict Resolution (Eagles Mediation and Counseling Center, Singapore)
Critical Incident Stress Management (University of Maryland Baltimore Country, USA)
Certified PREPARE-ENRICH facilitator
LPI Licensed Facilitator (Leonard Personality Inventory)
Life Coach (International Association for Continuing Education & Training)
Premier on Addictions (Asia Pacific Certification Board)
Certified Sexual Recovery Therapist (American Association of Sexual Addiction Therapy)
Professional Affiliations
President, National Association of Christian Counselors, Malaysia.
patrick@kinandkids.com
