Relate Malaysia

Relate Malaysia Our mission is to make sure every Malaysian enjoys good mental health as a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, their fears were often proven to be true.
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Relate Malaysia was founded by Dr. Chua Sook Ning, a clinical psychologist born and bred in DJ in 2016. She started the organization when she realized how little mental health resources there were in Malaysia. There was little information on the mental health status in Malaysia, and the few reports that are available were unpublicized and untalked about. She also noticed that people were embarrassed and scared to talk about their mental health struggles. They were afraid of being stigmatized and discriminated against. People lost jobs and the support of friends and family members when they shared their mental health struggles. The final push to start an organization came when she was told that she should not run a public awareness campaign because people will become too aware of mental health and somehow that would worsen the mental health state in Malaysia. Dr. Chua realized that people are afraid of mental illness because of the lack of knowledge, and that the only way to change the status quo was to speak up. She said: "If we knew that 30% of people contracted the Zika virus in Malaysia, it would make the news. Even if there were not enough medication to treat the symptoms. But when 30% of people suffer a mental health condition, we are silent. How can that be?". With that, she established Relate Therapy, which is now known as Relate Malaysia. As a Clinical Psychologist, her initial focus was on raising public awareness that psychotherapy is an effective evidence-based treatment for mental illness. But from that initial focus, Relate Malaysia expanded its mission to:
1. Raising public awareness on mental health.
2. Developing effective and accessible mental health intervention and prevention programs.
3. Advocating for patients' rights in national and institutional policies. This organization is now supported by medical doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists. But most of all, it hopes to be a voice for patients and their caregivers, dispelling myths about mental illness, decreasing the stigma of mental illness and sharing their stories with the rest of Malaysia. Find out more about Dr. Chua here:
https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Chua-Sook-Ning-1670443749915905/

Bullying prevention goes far beyond posters and slogans 📢Real change happens when schools, families, and communities wor...
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/

Su***de is one of the leading causes of death among young people, yet many in the helping professions receive limited tr...
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

🌿 Mental health is a human right – not a luxury. This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that everyone deserves acc...
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

When your child struggles, it can stir up fear, guilt, or the urge to fix everything. But what they often need isn’t a s...
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. 👂❤️

23/09/2025

As part of our Therapists' Corner series, Dr. Chua Sook NIng shares her thoughts on a therapist who contacted us to share their concerns about their self-doubt and effectiveness.

It's a common fear, for new therapists especially, and Dr. Chua offers some helpful tips on how to manage self-doubt as we begin developing as a mental health professional.

Read more here: https://relate.com.my/therapist-feeling-lost/

It’s not what you say – it’s how you stay.The most powerful thing we can offer someone isn’t advice or solutions – it’s ...
18/09/2025

It’s not what you say – it’s how you stay.

The most powerful thing we can offer someone isn’t advice or solutions – it’s our presence.

This Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on what it really means to listen with care and without judgement. 💛🫶

You don’t need the perfect words. You just need to stay with someone and let them know they’re not alone.

Read our article to learn more: https://relate.com.my/listening-can-save-lives/

On Malaysia Day, we honour the cultures, languages, and rich histories that make up our shared home. It’s a day to celeb...
16/09/2025

On Malaysia Day, we honour the cultures, languages, and rich histories that make up our shared home.

It’s a day to celebrate unity through the respect and values that unite us all.

Whether you're near or far, may we all continue to build our proud nation that holds space for every voice, every story, and every hope for the future.

Selamat Hari Malaysia 🇲🇾

Relate Malaysia has been one of Malaysia’s foremost and trusted online therapy providers since 2017 💻💛 But for those who...
11/09/2025

Relate Malaysia has been one of Malaysia’s foremost and trusted online therapy providers since 2017 💻💛

But for those who prefer face-to-face connection, we also offer in-person therapy at our Bangsar centre. 🌸

From full diagnostic assessments to ongoing sessions, we’re here to support you in a way that gets you back on track. ✨

Come in, take a seat, and let’s talk. 💬 https://relate.com.my/relate-therapy-centre/

04/09/2025

“How can we support people with suicidal thoughts?”

September is Su***de Prevention Month – a time to check in, speak up, and be reminded that help is available.

In this throwback episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning speaks with clinical psychologist Pheh Kai Shuen, who shares insights from the four-step su***de prevention framework, C.A.R.E.

The initiative is designed to guide professionals and the public in offering support that’s practical, compassionate, and effective.⁠

Tune in to learn how each of us can play a role in being there for family, friends, and loved ones who might be struggling: https://ow.ly/Mza950WzbJa

Merdeka is our proud nation’s celebration of resilience, unity, and hope. 🇲🇾 It reminds us of the courage it took to sha...
31/08/2025

Merdeka is our proud nation’s celebration of resilience, unity, and hope. 🇲🇾

It reminds us of the courage it took to shape a nation and the shared responsibility we carry to honour that spirit as we look to the future.

However you’re marking the day, may it be one of pride, and connection with loved ones, as we celebrate this country we all call home.

28/08/2025

🎥 Therapists' Corner: "What do you do when a client talks about everything and everyone but themselves?"

Dr. Chua Sook Ning shares her thoughts on how to shift the focus back to the client’s inner world without pushing too hard, and understanding why clients might talk excessively about external events.

Read our Therapists' Corner article for Dr. Chua's full response: https://relate.com.my/client-focus/

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