Benedict Tan

I have been working since 2013 in the counselling and mental health industry. I started out working with offenders and ex-offenders, and their families to support them through counselling. Being involved and able to see my clients change and better their lives have made my work really meaningful. While they may not have a great head start in life, and unforeseen circumstances have made them turn to offending to survive, through proper guidance, they are inspired for change. 

I also have experiences working with the student and staff population in a university setting. The clients come from diverse background, different needs and struggles. Through the work, I was really able to expand on my experiences and made us of different psychological intervention approaches to help support my clients. I have experiences managing mental health concerns, suicide management, trauma, grief and loss and relationship issues. In my current work, the client groups are more diverse, people coming in from all walks of life, with different presenting struggles. I also conduct mental health trainings. 

I have always enjoyed my work in the counselling field. While there are some days that will be tough and I do feel defeated, I continue to find a lot of meaning in the learning process and always striving to support clients through struggles and helping them find meaning in their lives. My long term goal has always been to reach out to as many people as possible and do my part in reducing mental health stigma that is still very prevalent and stops people from seeking help.

• Correctional Rehab Specialist (Counselling) with Singapore Prison Service (2013 to 2017)
• Recovery coach and counsellor (Addictions and shelter) with Highpoint Halfway House (2017 to 2018)
• Case Manager and Counsellor (forensic psych and addictions) with Singapore Aftercare Assoc (2018-2019)
• Counsellor/Senior Asst Manager with NTU (2019-2021)
• Professional Counsellor and Trainer with Singapore Counselling Centre (2021-2023)

• BA in Psychology (NUS)
• Masters of Counselling (Monash University)