My birth-place - MUAR !

Muar (also referred to as Bandar Maharani) is a town in northwestern Johor, Malaysia. The name "Muar" is also used for the name of its district, which is further sub-divided between the Town of Muar and the sub-district of Tangkak. Muar district borders Malacca on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. However, both administrative regions are still collectively called Muar by their residents.
Muar district is 2346.12 km², with a population of 328,695 (2000). The name originated from the word Muara or estuary in Malay. The other possible origin is Indian influence which comes from two words; ‘Muna’ and ‘Ar’. ‘Muna’ means three and ‘Ar’ means river, denoting the Muar River, which flows through Muar.




Geography

The town of Muar is located at 2°3′N, 102°34′E, at the mouth of the Muar River. The town is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, and about the same distance(179 km) northwest of Singapore . It is 45km south of Malacca Town and 50 km north of Batu Pahat.

Climate

2006-2007 floods

On 19 December 2006, unusually heavy rainfall in the states of Johor and Melaka resulted in the worst flooding in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Muar was not spared from this dreadful disaster which lasted almost a month. Many areas of Muar such as Pagoh, Lenga, Kundang Ulu, Bukit Gambir and Sawah Ring were seriously flooded with some areas up to 10 feet. About 22,933 people were evacuated to relief centres (reported by The Star, 25 Dec 2006). Flood waters also damaged freshwater pumps and electric generators. Consequently, in an ironic twist, water supply was cut off in Muar for almost one week. During that period which coincided with the Christmas and the Aidil Adha celebrations, most of the residents in Muar could not obtain clean fresh water supply and people had to resort to collecting rain water. Overall, the flood resulted in huge losses in Muar where many possessions and infrastructure were destroyed.

History

Muar is rich in history but due to the absence of proper historical record and archeological evidence, Muar's history mostly remains in oblivion. It is believed that the history of Muar started much earlier than the Sultanate of Malacca. In 1361, there was an account that claimed Muar as part of the Majapahit empire. Another account had also stated that Parameswara, founder of the Malacca empire, had established a settlement at Pagoh, Ulu Muar upon his exile from Temasik before proceeding to Melaka. Muar is also the home for the one and only tomb of the Malacca Sultanate, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah (1477 - 1488). Other tombs were brutally destroyed by the Portuguese during their occupation of Malacca. Muar played a role in resisting the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in 1511. In response to attacks from the Portuguese fleet, the Bentayan fort was built by the Sultan of Malacca to repel seaborne invasions.
Muar, during the Portuguese era, had been a site for a Portuguese fort named Fortaleza de Muar to defend the colony against the Dutch and Acheh attack.
Muar was the royal town of northern Johor. It had in fact been an independent kingdom ruled by Sultan Ali for a short period, when control of the state of Johor (except Muar) was formally ceded to Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim under the terms of a treaty between the British in Singapore and Sultan Ali. He was in fact the real heir of the Johor Sultanate but due to his weakness, the Temenggong was the de facto ruler, instead.
Upon his death in 1877, his 11-year-old son, Tengku Mahmood, was named his successor, fueling anger and dissatisfaction of Tengku Alam. Colonel Archibald Anson's action of returning Muar to Sultan Abu Bakar made him even more dissatisfied. Therefore, Tengku Alam launched Jementah Civil War to force the government of Johor to return Muar to him but the government refused. After Johor government's victory in Jementah Civil War on 30 December 1879, Muar was finally annexed as part of the Johor state. Muar was also known as 'Bandar Maharani' (Empress'Town), a name given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884. Muar for many years has been the second largest town (in terms of population) in Johor but that spot has now been taken over by the neighbouring town of Batu Pahat. Nonetheless, Muar still remains the second most important town administratively after the state capital, Johor Bahru.
Muar Town was founded by Lim Tong Lian[1] who was leader of Muar Straits, called Kangchu, during the 19th century. During that period, most Chinese were involved in the plantation of gambier, a type of spice. Subsequently, Muar town developed into a commercial center.

Muar State Railway

Muar is the only town in Malaysia that had been served by its own railway network, known as Muar State Railways (MSR), operating just 4 years after the first railway line of the country from Taiping to Port Weld was inaugurated in 1885. The railway operated from 1889 to 1925 linking Jalan Sulaiman in Bandar Maharani and Sungai Pulai for a distance of 22.5 km. Being the local light railway, MSR was isolated from the national railway network but there was a plan in 1916 to extend the line to Batu Pahat. However, the project has never taken off due to financial and geographical constraints. The railway was profitable and had facilitated the mobility of people and goods besides promoting the economic development through opening of new coconut plantations along the railway corridor. However, its prominence had dwindled upon the opening of Jalan Abdul Rahman in 1918 that linked Bandar Maharani and Parit Jawa. In addition, maintenance of the dilapidated infrastructure was very limited. The track was often neglected to the extent that poor drainage had damaged the track substructure. Moreover, the absence of ballast stone in the track construction had also contributed to the fast deterioration of the track that ground settlements were common and had caused several derailments. Huge fund was required to rehabilitate the railway. Being saddled with financial constraints and declining popularity, MSR's glorious existence of 36 years finally came to an end in 1925. Remnants of the track has disappeared since the track had been replaced by Jalan Temenggung Ahmad. The display of MSR locomotive at Taman Tanjung Emas is the only relic that proves the presence of MSR in the past. It is believed that the locomotive is the oldest in the country that can be seen intact since the steam locomotive on display at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur is of a later model. Considering that Muar has never been a state capital nor largest town of the state, it was a remarkable feat for Muar to have its own and exclusive railway network comparable to the present day LRT system, a facility that even Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital, did not have at that time.

Administration

Muar District is currently divided into two entities, administratively, Muar town and Tangkak. Muar town is administered by Muar Municipal Council, while Tangkak is administered by Tangkak District Council.
A new administration centre, called Muar Two, is being planned for Muar town. The new administration centre which will house all the federal and state administrative buildings will be situated on the inner ring road of Muar town.

Future development

The sub-districts of Muar and Tangkak will be separated and each upgraded to full-fledged districts in 2007. Tangkak will not be called Tangkak district but Ledang district.
Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the new Ledang district would cover Tangkak town, Tanjung Agas, Kesang, Sungai Mati, Serom, Sagil and Bukit Gambir.
“We are looking for a suitable site to build the administrative centre. When Ledang is a district, those from here can say they are from Ledang, not Muar,” he told reporters at the Ledang Umno Hari Raya gathering on November 18, 2006.

Commerce & Industry

Muar is known as the furniture capital of Malaysia. It has more furniture factories than any other towns or cities in Malaysia. In addition, Muar is also the home of two factories belonging to multinational companies, i.e., SGS-Thomson (ST) Microelectronic and Pioneer. Industrial estates within Muar district are located at Tanjung Agas, Pagoh and Tangkak, Parit Bakar.

There are many supermarkets in Muar, such as The Store, One-Stop, Astaka and K-Mart. Wetex Parade (housing The Store) is the only shopping mall available in Muar at present, located at Jalan Ali, in the heart of the business and shopping district. In the past five years, a new business centre has sprung up along Jalan Bakri at the junction of Jalan Haji Jaib, Jalan Bakri and Kampung Kenangan Tun Dr. Ismail, where the Econsave Hypermarket has just opened for business (03/10/2006).
Besides, new commercial development which is expected to house a private hospital and shopping centre, including Giant Hypermarket is ongoing on the northern bank of Muar River, on a site reclaimed from a mangrove forest.

Towns in Muar

The following are some of the small towns in Muar:
• Parit Bakar
• Parit Jawa
• Bukit Bakri
• Bukit Pasir
• Pagoh
• Bukit Gambir
• Sungai Mati


Infrastructure

The 14 km Muar Bypass highway (2 lane dual carriageway) inclusive of a picturesque Muar Second Bridge that was completed in 2005 is the latest landmark of the town.



The highway that traverses through the outskirts of the town would ease the journey by diverting the traffic from Muar town, and thus, alleviating the congestion at the older Sultan Ismail Bridge. Such highway (or ring road) is normally a feature for Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Malacca and Seremban which are all state capitals. Although Muar does not enjoy the status of a major city, its provision in Muar has illustrated the economic importance of Muar and would enable Muar to regain its former spot as the second largest town in Johor.
Besides federal roads, Muar is also accessible via the North-South Expressway through the Tangkak and Pagoh interchanges which are located 20 km and 30 km from the town, respectively.
Ferry services to Dumai, Sumatra, Indonesia is also available on regular basis, departing from the Custom Jetty.

Tourism

Gunung Ledang National Park

One of the main tourist attractions in Muar is the Gunung Ledang National Park. The park is situated 170 km from Johor Bahru and has an area of 107 km². The park has two entry points, one in Sagil, Johor and the other in Asahan, Melaka. Gunung Ledang's peak, which is 1276 m above sea level is the highest point in the park and Johor. Gunung Ledang is also the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia and arguably the most climbed mountain in the country. Sagil waterfall, which is also in the park is a famous picnic site.




Food

Otak-otak at Jalan Haji Abu
Muar is also famous for its food. The most well-known local food are "Otak-otak" and "Mee Bandung Muar". Muar is also known for being one of the few places where satay (a Malaysian delicacy of skewered grilled chicken or beef) is served for breakfast.
Visiting some restaurants and coffee shops in Muar would give nostalgic experience since the environment and food/beverage being served have not changed since the 60s and 70s. Coffee served by these restaurants has its unique taste which is believed to be comparable to the famed Kluang coffee.
Muar has a famous street, "Jalan Haji Abu", known as "Dham Chia Kuey" in Hokkien, which is well known for it variety of food. Many local Chinese food are available here, including wanton mee, otak-otak, "Õ jian" (Fried Oyster Omelette), and etc.
Besides that, Muar has two well-known Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball shops located at Jalan Meriam. The chicken rice is made into sphere shapes, which look like tennis balls.


Accommodation

There are also a few hotels which cater to tourists who wish to stay overnight in Muar town. These include:
• Apartel Maharani
• Classic Hotel
• Riverview Hotel
• Embassy Hotel
• Hotel Sri Pelangi
• Kingdom Hotel
• Leewa Hotel
• Nam Yang Hotel
• Muar Trader's Hotel (opened in 2007, located at the building formerly owned by Muar/Pagoh UMNO division).

Local Attractions

Rows of well preserved pre-war buildings still dominate the town’s architecture. These buildings still house various shops along Jalan Abdullah, dubbed as Muar’s central business district. Prominent heritage buildings, among others, are the Abu Bakar Building (completed in 1929) that houses the town’s administrative offices and the Custom building (completed in 1909). The age of most buildings can be easily identified since the date of completion (ranging from 1930s to 1950s) were cast on the buildings’ exterior. These buildings are the priceless heritage that portrays Muar’s prosperous past and appreciating this splendour would bring one’s memory back to the nostalgic yesteryears.
Another attraction of Muar town is Taman Tanjung Emas, the town’s park, which is located at the estuary of Muar river. It is outlined by a picturesque esplanade overlooking the scenic river. The park, which is much visited during the weekends, also houses a 9-hole golf course. A 45 minute to one hour river cruise departing from this park is also available to offer tourists views of Muar town from the river.



The Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque is one of the major landmarks of Muar town. Completed in 1927, its architectural design has British influence. The mosque is noted for its four-storey minaret in its backyard. The latest icon of the town is the Sultan Ismail Mosque, located at the northern bank of Muar River in Tanjung Agas. Its design is similar to the first mosque. Completed in 2002, it is the biggest mosque in town. Both mosques offer a breathtaking scenery when viewed from the Muar River mouth, while on a river cruise.


Education

Education of Muar's younger generation is adequately provided by the schools in Muar. This is an incomplete list of schools in Muar.

Secondary Schools
• SMK St. Andrew (SAS)
• SMK(A) Ma'ahad Muar
• Muar High School
• SMK Convent
• SMK Bandar Maharani (SMKBM)
• SMK Dato' Sri Amar Diraja (SEDAR)
• SMK(P) Sultan Abu Bakar (SAB)
• SMK Tengku Mahkota (SMTM)
• SMK Jalan Junid
• SMK Sri Muar (The Secondary School I attended 1970 - 1975)
• MRSM Muar (full boarding school)
• Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar (full boarding school)
• SMK Tun Mamat (half boarding school)
• SMK Bukit Pasir
• Chung Hwa High School
• SM Teknik Muar ( formerly known as Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Muar)
Muar High School (Bob was the Head Prefect)




Muar High School (麻坡高级中学) was established in 1904 and the majestic building built in 1915 is still standing. During the Second World War, the school was used as a Japanese concentration camp. Its alumni include national and state leaders, high-ranking government officials and industrialists, such as Tan Sri Osman Saat, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Dato Seri Abdul Ghani Othman and human rights activist Rahul Doraisamy.

National Primary Schools

• SK Ismail 1
• SK Ismail 2
• SK Convent Infant Jesus
• SK Sawah ring
• SK Bukit Gambir
• SK Simpang Lima
• SK Serom 3[1]
•
Chinese Primary Schools

• SRJK Chung Hwa 1A (中化一小) (The Primary School I attended)
• SRJK Chung Hwa 1B
• SRJK Chung Hwa 2A (中化二小)
• SRJK Chung Hwa 2B
• SRJK Chung Hwa 3 (中化三小)
• SRJK Chung Hwa Presbyterian (中化基小)
• SRJK Sing Hwa (醒华小学)
• SRJK Chian Kuo
• SRJK Hwa Ming (华明小学)
• SRJK Pu Nan
• SRJK Pei Yang

Hospitals

• Muar and Tangkak are served by two government hospitals as well as numerous primary health centres. The two hospitals are:
• Muar General Hospital, which has recently been upgraded to specialist hospital status and renamed Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah.
• Tangkak District Hospital
• Currently, both hospitals also serve as teaching hospitals for Melaka Manipal Medical College.

Culture

• Muar is the birthplace of ‘Ghazal', Johor’s traditional musical heritage, which has a Persian origin.
• It is generally acknowledged that the local dialect of Malay spoken here (and throughout the state of Johor) is the standard version of the language adopted by the country.
• Other than the above, the Muar Chinese community is well known for their lion dance. Muar "Guan Sheng Temple" had been world champion for 10 times consecutively in the International Championship for Lion Dance.


Notable people from Muar

• This is an incomplete list of famous current and former residents of Muar.
• Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.
• Former Johor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Osman Saat.
• Minister of Agriculture and Agro Based Industry who was also a former Johor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
• Former Health Minister of Malaysia, Chua Jui Meng. (He is my uncle! )
• Famous singer/celebrity, Ramlah Ram, Nash, Zainal Abidin,TRO Group and Jaafar Onn.
• Malaysia top badminton player, Yap Kim Hock.
• Former Minister of Law and the Judiciary, Lord President of the Supreme Court and Attorney General of Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusuf was born in Parit Sakai.
• The former Minister of Home Affairs and first Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Mohammad Noah.
• Former UMNO meeting chairman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah.
• Former Acting President of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Datuk Dr. Neo Yee Pan.
• Former Managing Director of NEC Infrontia Asia Pacific, Dave Chong Min Kuin.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muar extracted on 30 May, 2007.)
Visit http://www.geocities.com/jazlany/history.htm for more information on Muar.

Purpose Driven Life

What on earth am I here for? Today I completed 8 weeks of studies on Rick Warren’s book consisting of 40 chapters of daily reading and 8 weekly small group discussions. It has been an exciting journey of discovering the purposes of my life here on earth.

THE TRUTH IS … IT’S NOT ABOUT ME! The purpose of my life is far greater than my own personal fulfillment, my peace of mind or even my happiness.

How do I see my life? I used to view life as a journey to nowhere. After having known God the Creator and Sustainer of life, the journey I am on now has a destination. The Bible says, `Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God.’

The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God’s view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment.

Life on earth is a Test and I will always be tested. This understanding made me realize that nothing is insignificant in my life. Even the smallest incident has significance for my character building. The good news is that God wants me to pass the tests of life. The Bible says, `God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm, at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.’

Life on earth is a Trust. My time, energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts that God has entrusted to my care and management. I am a steward of whatever God gives me. The Bible says, `Those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust.’

Life is a Temporary Assignment. The Bible says, `For we were born but yesterday… Our days on earth are as transient as a shadow.’ St. Peter said, `Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.’

The fact that the earth is not our ultimate home explains why we experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection in this world. It also explains why some of God’s promises seem unfulfilled, some prayers seem unanswered, and some circumstances seem unfair. C. S. Lewis observed, `All that is not eternal is eternally useless.’ This is not the end of the story.

The problem with kids (parents)! @ Wesley Methodist church

I signed up for this workshop in an attempt to understand the PIU – Pathological Internet User. The definitions for PIU are Technological Addiction (Griffiths, 1996), Non chemical (behavioural) addiction, which involve human-machine interaction passive (TV) and active (puter games). Unlike substance dependence, computer addiction is basically impulse control problem (Young, 1999). Possible reasons for attraction of the Internet will be dissociation (low commitment), sensation seeking, anonymity and disinhibition (fantasies). The effects of PIU are pleasure, excitement & relief (e.g. accelerate the passage of time).

Some samples of diagnosis of PIU were given and symptoms explored. The psychological ones include having a sense of well-being or euphoric while at the computer and feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer. Physical symptoms include carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, migraine, backaches, eating and sleeping irregularities, failure to attend to proper hygiene.

Treatment for PIU –

1. Behavioural – to develop a time-table for internet usage; use reward and reinforcement approach to keeping internet discipline; change patterns of routines; CBT; weaning, if necessary and accountability.

2. Physiological - Neuro-transmitters/chemical changes.

3. Spiritual - renewing of the mind (Romans 12:1 & 2); sensitization to the Spirit (John 16:8-11) & fleeing from temptation (2 Tim 2:22)

Danny shared that the PIU is of major concern because todate there is still no concrete treatment available to help this growing population. I am looking forward to equip myself with CBT as this is probably an approach that may help to a good extent.

Come end of May, I will be attending another workshop on the thrills and ills of gaming the digital way. I hope more ways can be learnt to help the desperate parents who battle with their young PIU at home.

Child Guidance Clinic @ Health Promotion Board

I arrived at the SGH early enough to have a quick bite at the Café. I was disappointed with the quality of food. The clinic was quite deserted when I arrived. The ECTA students were all looking excited to take on the day at the Clinic. By 8 am, we, together with some medical interns, were crammed into a small room. It was a special room in that there was a one-way mirror that allowed us to view the life-demo going on in the next room.

The medical team took us through Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a psychophysiologic condition with marked disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness in most contexts that begins before five years of age and is associated with grossly pathological care. This pathological caregiving behaviour may consist of any form of neglect, abuse, mistreatment or abandonment.

Due to maltreatment by caregivers, RAD sufferers have difficulty forming healthy relationships with their caregivers, peers and families. In the treatment modality, the concept of `goodness of fit’ applies to caregiver and child.

Following the talk on RAD, a medical intern conducted a live-demo on a fresh case of school-refusal (unlike truancy, patient’s refusal to go to school is known to his family members.) It was a complex case and the intern took more than an hour to elicit useful information. A year-long school-refusal surprised Dr Fung. Children with such behaviour should have been brought in within two weeks, he lamented. Dr Fung is an advocate of multidisciplinary treatment. He mobilized the other medical team members to look into additional findings, such as co-morbidity and possible organic cause. His personal choice of action on such behaviour would be to send the patient back to school the next day or soonest possible. (Early Return.) This is a `flooding’ process whereby the patient is compelled to face the anxiety or whatever that is making him/her shun school immediately. However, there is also a place for graded exposure, he commented, so as to address anxiety or etiology excavation (such as learning difficulty).

We watched 3 live-demo by Dr Fung, out of which 2 were follow-up cases. He demonstrated the compassionate and caring side of a medical professional. I could see the therapeutic alliance he established and maintained through out all the sessions. He was also very effective as an instructor in that he briefed us on the case and gave a tentative prognosis on it in between sessions.

It was time well-spent for me indeed as I gained insights into children cases.

Practicum Sites

My practicum at Northlight Secondary School did not materialize and I could understand why. The counseling setting did not seem to match what I am trained for. The resident counselor counsels on his feet. And he provides a lot of social support too.

I felt supported when ECTA endorsed Queenstown Baptist Church as a practicum site for Helena and myself. One of our church pastors who is graduating from the Singapore Bible College in Master of Pastoral Counselling this May will be spearheading the Lay Counselling Ministry. I was encouraged to learn the counseling corner was going to be set up in one of rooms downstairs at church.

The room is easily accessible and counselees will not need to show up at the church office (2nd floor). This is ideal setting for confidentiality reason. As the church has yet to come out with a structure pertaining to counseling protocol and data record, I have been advised to use whatever format ECTA has provided me. Todate I have used the room twice and my clients have commented that the room is rather cozy. I was happy for the client too in that there is no charge for use of it.

I am currently also following up a case at Paragon clinic. The client finds the location convenient. I have seen him one on one over 5 sessions.

Mt E Charter is another site I go to provide counseling support to outpatient. Although convenient I took a while to get used to the environment.

Siglap Free clinic is the furthest from home but I find the clinic rather conducive and the environment quiet and private.

Presently my clients who need counseling follow-up have 3 sites to choose from and that is indeed a great thing. Gone were the days when I would worry over the distance and cost for clients who cannot afford to pay. 

With greater exposure to counseling and training, I noticed changes in my self-relationship. There is an increased self-awareness, greater openness to experience (e.g. speaking in group setting), greater self-acceptance, improved self-esteem, increased capacities to self-comfort and to receive and give affection. More wonderfully, a greater sense of personal agency or empowerment and a more hopeful or grateful engagement with life ! 

The Practical Issues of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

We have just completed the 22 hours of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy module by Dr Lyn Chua. I must say it was a very enriching learning experience. Dr Lyn is very knowledgeable. She is organized in her approach yet opened to intuition. The class felt drawn to her as she seemed approachable and whole-hearted in her dedication to impart knowledge and skills to us in a short time.


I learnt that, as a psychodynamic psychotherapist, I will have to convey information about patterns of client’s thinking, feeling and behaviors. Like a good teacher, I will have to exert profound effect by my impact as a person. As always, client’s cultural orientation needs to be factored in.

Not all clients are suited for psychodynamic psychotherapy. The class came up with a list of clients who are potential candidates for psychodynamic psychotherapy. And they are perfectionistic patients who are bright and suffering from panic attack, senior manager putting on an indifferent façade at work, substance abuse addicts, PTSD patients, and terminally ill patients, homosexual, angry, egoistic and narcissistic clients….


In addition to the assessment and selection, techniques and basic concepts of psychodynamic psychotherapy, I learnt the practical problems as well. Dr Lyn highlighted that gifts from clients are not to be accepted, ideally. And there’s a place to explore reason behind client’s desire to give gift. However, small gifts to establish relationship or mark important occasion can be appropriate. Secondly, telephone call from client should be kept brief and to avoid giving `interpretations’ on the phone so that client will not be kept in suspense or go into distress. 

As a psychotherapist, I need to be aware of power imbalance between client and myself. I have to ensure that there is no manipulation of transference. Instead to use the trust of the client to serve the latter’s own needs, so that fiduciary duty will not be breached.
I need to be aware of what emotions make me uncomfortable. It will really help if I begin to reflect on own strengths, weaknesses, feelings and issues. I need to be able to accept client’s critiques of me and acknowledge my own limits. Supervision too opens my mind to explore options and possibilities, and bring out awareness of my own blind spots.




I visited Freud’s home-turned-museum last December but have come to know Freud better through Dr Lyn Chua.




I Am by temperament nothing
but a Conquistador - An Adventurer…
with all the curiosity, daring, and tenacity
characteristic of a man of this sort.
~ Sigmund Freud to Wilhelm Flieβ
1 February 1900

Prayer Labyrinth @ QBC

Dr R talked about the `higher self’ – the spiritual (actualized) self in some of us. To help achieve it, I believe Dr M Mahoney’s centering exercises certainly steer one to recover a sense of meaningful order and to maintain it. The feeling of being in a safe base irrespective of where we are can be derived from exercises that emphasize on breathing, bodily balance, and meditation.

The Prayer Labyrinth set up in church recently provided me the opportunity to exercise what I learnt in module one about the art of `being’.

Labyrinths are found in many cultures dating back as much as 3,500 years. The Labyrinth has appeared as a form of sacred wisdom. Its patterns are said to express an archetypal in the shape of a mandala. Although its origins are unknown, the Labyrinth was used in Europe by medieval Christians and pilgrims to replace the longer journey to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Historically Christian pilgrims walked a symbolic spiritual journey to and through Jerusalem, following the footsteps of Jesus. By walking the Labyrinth they experienced that journey metaphorically.

Walking through the Labyrinth was simply being in deep meditative and symbolic discipline of setting one foot in front of another, paying attention to the body, the wisdom of the heart and the graces of `being’ rather than `doing’.

Walking the Prayer Labyrinth fulfilled 6 important contemporary needs:

σ Deepening spirituality
σ Inwardness and connection to the soul
σ Access to intuition and creativity
σ Simplicity
σ Integration of body and spirit
σ Intimacy and community

The prayer journey was divided into 3 rooms:

σ The Majesty Room
σ The Grace Room
σ The Faith Room



After unloaded my `physical baggage’ (handbag etc), I took a deep breath and began the journey. I did not feel rushed, set my own pace and listened to my breath. I meditated on specific word or passage, prayed, honoring the sacred sense within myself.

I was led to meditate on God’s creation of the universe, mankind and specifically me. I was reminded that God has left His fingerprints on me. I am precious and special in God’s heart.

The Labyrinth was a sacred space and I felt safe to process my emotions and be open to new insight. My emotions grew intense at one point and I found myself sobbing my heart out. I felt a surge of cleansing power running through me, as if God was addressing the very wound and hurt that was deep inside me.

I was reminded of His saving grace. He may be silent but He is still watching over me in that `silent’ space. Am I willing to let God’s silence do His work in my life? Silence does not mean nothing is happening. Like the way the seed grows, things are happening in ways that we cannot see. I may not see His hands at work but He is in control. God asked, `Child, are you wiling to move beyond trusting Me for what I can do, to just trusting in Me? Trust that I am good and my intentions are always favourable to you, even when it is not what you expect?’

As I left the Labyrinth, the lyrics of `He who began a good work in you’ strengthened me further.

“He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
If the struggle you’re facing is slowly replacing your hope with despair,
Or the process is long, and you’re losing your song in the night,
You can be sure that the Lord has his hand on you.
Safe and secure, he will never abandon you.”

Constructive Psychotherapy II

Artwork (c)2006, www.psychotherapy.net

The themes and principles of CP were being digested but not fully internalized. By now I have grown used to Dr R’s `Consider this….’ I find it imperatively effective in drawing attention.

Compassionate human presence is the central emphasis of a counseling session. It is the art of being humanly present to another person. The 3 interwoven levels of focus in a session are PROBLEM, PATTERN & PROCESSES.

Problems are often attempts at solutions. The Client needs to develop skills set to bridge the difference between immediate and delayed consequences.

Problems are usually expressions of patterns. A client working at pattern levels may be trying to solve specific problems. He/she is trying to make sense of the patterns of distress/dysfunction. Ultimately self-forgiveness and more constructive ways of coping have to take place.

Problems and problematic patterns are the expressions of processes. Processes are the engines of our experiencing. Process work is work in the immediate, such as meditative practices and stream of consciousness.

Dr R took us through the Basic Centering Techniques (Breathing exercises, Body balancing exercises & Relaxation). The different techniques are Movement Therapy and we were kept awake even after a big lunch.

The mindfulness meditation is directed in a secured environment. Metaphors are being used by the Therapist to help Client finds stability in relationships, places and patterns.
Empathy coming from the Therapist enables the Client to be rightfully supported. It does not equate agreeing to Client’s reality. It is not a reality check.

Problem solving & cognitive restructuring are selected techniques in CP. The acronym SCIENCE is used to organize the essence of problem-solving skills.

Self-talk is an important domain for awareness and change. Evaluate the merits of thought - Does it make sense? If not, imagine counterarguments to thoughts.

Other techniques include Pattern Work (bibliotherapy), Basic Process Work (meditation), Fantasy (role-playing), Self-relationship (mirror time) & spiritual skills.

Constructive Psychotherapy

CP module kicked off last evening. The first impression Dr R gave me during the Insertion Class last year was a very hazy one. I could not remember a single thing he lectured on. It was with much apprehension when I made my way to TS Building last evening. What if I still could not tune in to him??

The 3rd batch of Master students (March intake) is a welcoming sight, in terms of numbers and faces. I found myself sitting rather near Dr R (hoping to tune in better). It turned out to be a rewarding action. From time to time, he `confronted’ me with challenging & thought-provoking questions and therefore kept me captivated and tuned in major part of the sessions.

CP is a framework/modality using constructivist principles to assess clients and implement interventions such as centering techniques, problem solving, pattern work, meditation and self-care exercises, drama & dream work. The principles used are aimed at transforming emotional experiencing positively.

I managed to read the first 6 chapters of CP by Dr M J Mahoney before class and that helped me somewhat in my grappling with the Constructive process during the class. Dr R presented the module in his own unique style. Only towards end of the whole module, I saw the light - the big picture. But I was happy coz if it were to happen in the process, I might wander off carelessly.

Dr R reminded us that during counseling the Client must increase while the Therapist decreases in prominence. However, sharing of the dark secrets is a monumental task, therefore, the client must be given time to share his/her unique experiences. In the same light, Client must be allowed to cry/weep. Offering the tissue box too soon may result in a foreclosure prematurely.

Dr R challenged us to develop our higher (spiritual) self. The best therapist has been helped in the process of helping others, in a substantial way. The `child’ & `critic’ inside us has to be diffused. As the Therapist shifts from the adult self to the higher self, he is able to help bring the humanness of the darker side into the light.

This weekend we covered the 5 organizing themes (R.O.A.D.S.), the basic therapy principles (R.R.R.P.), constructive assessment/core ordering principles (C.O.Ps) (R.S.V.P.)

We were led into an indepth understanding of the themes R.O.A.D.S. - Relationships, Order, Activity, Development & Self. These themes suggest that a constructive view of human experiencing is one that emphasizes meaningful action by a developing self in relationship.

1. Self-organization is fundamentally shaped by social bonds (human relatedness) and symbolic processes (our form & structure of thinking is itself relational - thru stories – Bruner.) In a counseling relationship, the Therapist is also being shaped as he/she interprets the Client.

2. We actively seek order and create meanings so as to achieve a sense of balance. Ironically, challenges to our order are essential to all learning & development. As a counselor, I will remain a `technician’ if I do not evolve. And in my attempt to change or help Client regain a sense of order, meaning, or balance in life, I have to refrain from being intrusive. I have to help Client recognize the triggers that bring out the default, negative reactions. We long to change, yet there is a powerful momentum to the ways we have come to be.

3. Both Therapist & Client are active agents of choice & change. We choose, often reactive, proactive, at times unreflective, anticipate, pay attention, select, move, lean, fall…

4. Equilibration (balance) reflects our attempts to deal with the contrasts between old and new pattern. We experience opening and closing in development. We literally shut down when the challenge to our ordering capacities is overwhelming. Therapist needs to encourage patience, persistence and instill hope in the client. For the first time, I fully understand the purpose of Centering Skill (finding and regaining balance) as well as exploratory decentering (risking excursions into new possibilities for experiencing).

5. The sense of self is crucial to healthy human development. It is intimately related to the sense of reality. The self relationship will determine the quality of my life – self-concept, body image, self-esteem, self- comfort & self reflection. Counselling can provide a secure base for examining and changing self and interpersonal relationships. I have to be careful foreclosure on the complexity of the self does not set in because this will result in the Client walking away from growth.

The first basic principle of Constructive Practice (R.R.R.P.) addresses the co-created human bond between the Therapist & Client. The therapeutic (compassionate) relationship provides a secure base in which the Client can both explore and experiment with new ways of experiencing. The Therapist is a consistent & trustworthy source of affirmation, encouragement, & hope.

(Collaboration & action) Rationale - When people go through changes in life, they experience a sense of confusion coupled with strong negative emotions. These emotions are natural response & expression of people’s attempts to regain meaning and functionality in life. Clients are expert on their own experiences. Therapist is to honor the `felt experience’ of the Client. Client will attempt to rethink emotionally (revise) his or her life story.

Rituals (affirmation & hope) are an important expression of people’s intention to change and their active participation in that pursuit. Rituals are aimed at developing skills such as self-comforting & emotional regulation. Rituals involving supportive groups or significant others can be powerful in influencing developmental pace.

Processes of Change (Balancing Skills & cycles of experiencing) - The reorganization of life patterns occurs in oscillations of success and failure, and expansion and contraction. The changes in the patterns of experiencing are usually non-linear. Resistance to change is most intense when core ordering processes are involved. Such resistance is an expression of self-protection.

Psychological development is reflected in shifts of attention, changes in perceptions and personal meanings, changes in interpersonal relationships, improved capacities to rebound from setbacks, and changes in self-relationships - increased self-awareness, greater self-acceptance, etc.

Constructive assessment/Core Organizing principles (COPs) R.S.V.P.

Reality - Try to enter Client’s world, momentarily. Listen for the meaning systems by which she is living. Is she seeking more meaningful structure? Real-fake?

Self - Focus on the client’s presentation of herself. Seek to understand her general patterns of self-relationship. Is she skilled in self-comforting? Body-world?

Values - A distorted cognition will affect the values (the emotional judgments) of the Client. Positive-negative?

Power - Is Client overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness? In-out of control?

*COPs are conservative and self-perpetuating and not easy to change.

Gambling Addictions: Assessment, Brief Interventions & Community

Jessica okayed the Counselling Related 15-hour Workshop organized by the Social Service Training Institute & Community Addictions Management Programme.

Very often I come across gambler clients at the Maintenance Mediation Chamber where I mediate cases. My experience with gambling addict as I grew up made me view them with a degree of disrespect. My maternal grandmother gambled all her life. Nasty words were hurled at me whenever I cried or showed up at her home. I was a jinx in her eyes. I was disgusted when I was older and learnt that she had gambled away most of money inherited from great-grandparents. To me gambling was a horrible habit a person adopted as a life-style. Well, the workshop I attended did change my perception to a large extent.

The Disease Model of Addiction came as a surprise. It views addiction as a biological illness that requires medical & psycho-social intervention. According to the model, addiction involves biochemical processes in the brain. It involves the mid-brain and parts of the pre-frontal cortex. It is a medical illness, chronic, relapsing, genetic, environmental, psychological, though no `cure’ is treatable. The addicts may not be responsible for the disease but they definitely are responsible for the recovery.

Addiction is a family disease. For every person with addiction, 5 family members are affected. And gambling addiction has the highest risk of suicide.

Ms Marjorie Nixon the trainer described the different types of gamblers, i.e., professional gambler, anti-social gambler, social gambler, serious social gambler & problem gambler. The National Prevalence Survey on Problem Gambling (2004) indicated that an estimated 2.1% of Spore’s population were probable pathological gamblers (PPGs). And 1/3 to ½ of all problem gamblers are women with 89 – 95% of WPG are escapist gamblers and most often favour EGM’s (Electronic gaming machine).

I learnt that compulsive gambling may be due to the following factors: Family history of addiction; growing up in a family with extremely critical, rejecting or emotionally unavailable parents; family that emphasizes status or overvalues of money.

We went through the DSM-IV for Pathological Gambling. Some of the behaviors include restless/irritability when attempting to cut down/stop/withdraw, return another day to get even after losing money (chasing losses), relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial problems….

The therapist and addict need to work on treatment goals of returning the addicted individual to his/her best level of functioning and avoid damage/dysfunction to the individual and society. Also for the addict to maintain sobriety and actively work on preventing relapse.

The paradigms of Addiction Treatment include Motivating Interviewing (Tailoring interventions to stages of change); CBT; Behavior Modification; Psychodynamic Therapy; Family Systems Therapy; Pharmacotherapy; 12 Step Recovery Programme & Other Self-Help Groups & Sponsorship.

Ms Marjorie went over the 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous in greater depth. There seems a lot of conscientious effort required on the part of the gamblers to admit loss of control, to believe in a Power greater than them, to submit to God, to make a moral inventory of self, to humbly ask for God’s intervention, make a list of all persons harmed in the process and make amends to them all.

Basically the 12-Step is about changing ONE thing, i.e., EVERYTHING.

It is a life-long process to change from a gambler to a NON-gambler. It is difficult and it may mean forsaking a brother who is a gambler. The path to a new way of life for the addict is paved with HOPE, responsible thinking/living, self-acceptance, trust from others, improved behaviour and insight into self…

I wish someone was there to offer my grandma the help she needed to recover.

As a therapist, my task is to release that potential for change in the addict, to facilitate the natural process already inherent in the individual. (Miller & Rollnick, 1991)

The 5 basic principles of Motivational Therapy to help elicit change include expressing empathy (identify with feelings/human yearnings), develop discrepancy (to create and amplify, in the client’s mind, a discrepancy between the present behaviour and broader goals), avoid argumentation/roll with resistance (resistance is a signal for the therapist to change strategies), support self-efficacy (acknowledge progress, no matter how small).

According to Mrs Marjorie, `in the final analysis, it is our clients who ultimately choose to maintain or change their problematic behaviour. We must not only accept this reality but when working with clients who want to change, we must also respect and protect their right to freely choose the type and intensity of treatment that they believe will best meet their need.’

Moving on to Master's (March 2007)

The day finally arrived for me to head to EC Road for the Master’s Orientation. The commitment to complete the 12-month Master Program was strengthened by the upfront full payment of the total course fee so that the 2% hike in GST will not affect me. I felt a great sense of peace as well as passion as I journeyed on to the next level of academic pursuit.

Why am I pursuing? What is there for me after the Master? Come to think of it, there is really no BIG plan.

2007 started with a BIG Bang. Husband took up the Lab Tech Directorship of CCIC Group. I hope he would not need to travel to China in the next 12 months. Older son will be enlisted into NS in April. Younger son is waiting for the Poly course placement in April. Both are gainfully employed currently and I fantasize about retirement!

Dr Tan C T gave a warm welcome speech. As there was a couple of new coursemates, Jessica gave the long version of the Orientation which benefited my short-term memory bank.

The time-table for the next 12 months indicated much learning to do. I am pleased with the improvement and enhancement ECTA is doing to the Master programme to benefit the students in new intake. I am pleased to be part of a progressive and innovative training institute.

I decided to stick to previous supervisor Mr Augustine Tan as he has been a source of encouragement. I have benefited greatly from his mentoring and supervision.

I realized I need positive energy to stay on the course and that will also mean having peers that are upbeat and forthcoming. I have proposed to Helena & Timothy to form a study group as we are staying close to one another. I am looking forward to varied group dynamics and synergies.

The text books are thick and heavy. But I am all ready to read what M J Mahoney has to say about Constructive Psychotherapy. I sensed positiveness in his approach. 