I interviewed Evonne Lek who is a dedicated family therapist who left public service so as to better serve her clients.

1)    What do you do?
I am a family therapist, more specifically a systemic psychotherapist. I help couples, families, parents and individuals resolve their relationship issues. I run my own practice providing this therapeutic service to both children and adults. I provide mainly ‘talking therapy’, though sometimes I use drawings, play, puppets and the space in my room, to create difference that makes a difference (light-bulb moment). Rather than localise a problem in a person, I help a couple/family look at the patterns of interaction that is happening between them and how each can take steps to create a new cycle of behaviour. I also help partners express and hear the other’s deeper feelings and fears to create powerful moments which help couples bond.

Work is not the only thing I do. I am also a wife, daughter, sister, dog owner, learner, teacher, friend, traveller, snowboarder, among many other things. My systemic training has taught me that we should also realise the multiplicity of life and embrace the many roles we have.

2)    Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about improving mental health for our community and feel that I can make a difference by fostering better relationships. I have seen the positive transformation of my clients’ journeys and feel privileged that I have been part of their growth. I love what I do, not only because I can help, but also because I always learn something from my clients.

3)    How do you find the time for all that?
There is always time if you place priority on it. At the moment, my time is given to helping others and also finding space for personal growth.

4)    What does the future hold for you?
At the moment, I am planning workshops for parenting emotionally resilient children. There are endless possibilities for the future and I am optimistic that mental health will continue to rise in its prominence in Singapore. I have many dreams and one of them is to set up a social enterprise to help families who are coping with autism and special needs.

5)    What advice would you give for us?
Value your relationships, be it with your parents, partner, sibling, friend, neighbour or colleague. It is our empathy and the attachments we have with others that make us human and give our lives meaning. We have a paradoxical situation now where people think that they are more connected with social media, but they might actually be feeling lonelier. So, put your phone down and make a connection with the person beside you. I will endeavour to do the same!

Website: reconnect.com.sg

Email: evonne@reconnect.com.sg

Phone: (65) 90749912