Relate Malaysia

19/08/2025

We often forget how much energy goes into keeping it together for others: staying polite, calm, or upbeat even when we’re tired or stressed.

Emotional labour happens in our personal and professional lives, but it can drain us over time. Noticing it is the first step to protecting your well-being.

Give yourself permission to set limits, be honest about how you feel, and remember that caring for yourself is part of showing up for others.

12/08/2025

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning is joined by Dr. Lou Cooper to explore one of the most vital emotional skills: knowing when to regulate feelings – and when to sit with them.

They discuss emotional presence, the role of self-compassion, and why bearing witness to our emotions matters.

Listen to the full conversation: https://ow.ly/GvmR50WshWk

07/08/2025

“Why does therapy sometimes feel difficult?” This is a common question people ask when discomfort arises in their therapy sessions.

Dr. Chua Sook Ning explains how discomfort in therapy isn’t always a bad sign – it can mean you’re finally facing what’s been buried or avoided.

But if the pain feels too much or doesn’t ease with time, it’s important to speak with your therapist. Discomfort can be part of healing, but it shouldn’t feel unmanageable.

31/07/2025

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get stuck in the noise – so many tasks, thoughts, and responsibilities pulling us in different directions. Sometimes, we don’t even know where to begin.

In those moments, it helps to pause and narrow the focus. What’s one thing I can do right now? Not everything – just one thing. One email. One part of the task. One small decision.

It might feel too simple to matter, but it does matter. Each small step carries its own weight. And over time, those steps add up to real movement and geniune progress.

We’re not built to carry the whole load at once. We’re meant to move through life moment by moment. You don’t need to fix it all today; you just need to take the next step you can manage.

And if you're doing that – showing up, trying, taking that one step forward – you’re already doing enough. Keep going. You’ll get there.

24/07/2025

As International Day of Friendship approaches, it’s worth remembering just how vital our friendships are – not just emotionally, but physically too!

From better sleep and lower stress to a reduced risk of illness, social ties are powerful. Whether it’s a deep bond or a friendly face at the coffee shop, connection has several mental and physical health benefits.

Check out our article to learn more: https://ow.ly/HE0N50Wj0Ix

As the International Day of Friendship approaches on July 30, it’s a good time to reflect on what our friendships mean to us. Beyond companionship and laughter, friendships offer a wealth of health benefits that rival the effects of exercise, diet, and sleep. Research consistently shows that stro

22/07/2025

We might turn to AI or scroll through social media for support – but genuine healing comes from human connection 🤝

A therapist offers presence, warmth, and attunement. They notice what’s unsaid, sit with discomfort, and walk beside you through what hurts ❤️‍🩹

AI can help us think things through but healing and self-understanding grow through human connection, where we feel seen, heard, and truly met.

17/07/2025

Are you a therapist who's struggling to help clients set goals for therapy?

In this reel, Dr. Chua Sook Ning shares some advice on how you can focus the work in a way that's collaborative and sets a clear direction for what the client wants to achieve.

Read her full response on this topic here: https://ow.ly/jRNu50WhfFV

15/07/2025

International Day of Friendship is coming soon! 💛

It’s the perfect time to pause and think about the people who bring meaning to your life.

A quick message, a shared memory, or even a “How are you doing?” can go further than you think. Friendships don’t need grand gestures, just presence, consistency, and care 🌱

08/07/2025

It's a question most clients will ask, and it really depends on a number of factors such as what we're dealing with, the severity of problems, and each person's needs.

Here, Dr. Chua Sook Ning gives her thoughts about when we might start to feel some progress is being made...

03/07/2025

Do you sometimes find yourself stuck in a loop of regret, thinking, “If only…”?

In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Chua Sook Ning speaks with psychologist and author Dr. Robert Leahy about regret, perfectionism, and what he calls “adaptive humility.”

Drawing from his book 'If Only', Dr. Leahy explores how we can move beyond self-blame, embrace imperfection, and live with greater authenticity. This episode is a thought-provoking conversation for anyone feeling weighed down by past mistakes or the pressure to be perfect.

Listen to the full conversation: https://ow.ly/UWjb50WhfrL

26/06/2025

We’re almost at the end of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and so we thought we’d shine a light on an age-old debate…

Are you really left-brained or right-brained? 🧠

The idea sounds catchy – but neuroscience research says our brains don’t work in halves.

Logic and creativity aren’t opposites, and we use both sides of the brain for just about everything.

You're more flexible, capable, and connected than the myth suggests! Check out our latest article to learn more: https://ow.ly/cqmL50VUk41