MSc Psychology, GMBPsS
About Me
I’m Janak, a British Mental Health Counsellor and Psychologist who has lived and worked in Vietnam for the past 20 years. I hold a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Regent’s University London, and am a Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) whose professional and ethical guidelines I adhere to.
Originally from England, I started as a community mental health professional in London in 2000, working with clients with severe and enduring issues such as schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, bi-polar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic depression. These experiences brought me into contact with clients from many different nationalities and backgrounds, including refugees, victims of torture, and those with alcohol and substance abuse problems. The job left a deep impression upon me, and I retain an active interest in community mental health provision to this day.
With regard to my current practice: my clients come to see me for many different reasons, such as depression and anxiety, suicidal feelings, trauma, finding meaning and purpose in life, cultural adjustment, stress, and simply ‘needing someone to talk to’. I’m very happy to see clients of any nationality or cultural background, as long as they can speak English.
Background
Mental Health Counsellor & Psychologist
Janak Counselling, HCMC, 2020-Present
Online counselling practice based in HCMC, and serving clients from across Vietnam and South East Asia.
Mental Health Counsellor & Psychologist
Mental Health Vietnam, Hanoi, 2019-2020
Member of the counselling team at Hanoi's first specialised community mental health centre for both expatriate and local clients.
Member of the Hanoi Counseling Psychology Group (HCPG)
2017-2020
Membership as counsellor in private practice. Responsible for organising and facilitating HCPG group meetings, mental health community outreach and liaison, and group policy development.
Co-Trainer and Organiser of Hanoi Social Support Network
Hanoi Counseling Psychology Group, 2017-2018
Co-developed and ran a volunteer befriending scheme to support those living in the Hanoi community with enduring mental health issues.
Mental Health Consultant and Trainer
Vietnamese Women’s Union (UNAIDS and AusAID funded program), Hanoi, 2009
Designed and delivered training workshops for front line HIV/AIDS workers at Compassion House community centre, and the Centre for Women & Development.
Master of Science (MSc) Psychology
Regent's University, London, UK, 2016
Fully accredited Master's qualification conferring membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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Foundation in Psychotherapy & Counselling
Regent's University, London, UK, 2003
Pre-master's level qualification completed while working as Mental Health Supported Housing & Community Outreach Worker for Mind in Camden.
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Mental Health Supported Housing & Community Outreach Worker
Mind in Camden, London, UK, 2002-2005
Working across the Messina Road and St. Cuthbert's Road supported housing projects, as well as providing community outreach to clients own homes. This included, supporting clients with ongoing mental health issues, 24hr emergency crisis response, working with clients with substance addiction, and with clients in prison.
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Live-In Mental Health Supported Housing Worker
Umbrella, London, UK, 2000-2002
I lived on-site for 2 years at this community housing project for those living with serious long-term mental health issues, supporting them with day-to-day living. This included '24 hour on-call' emergency crisis response and phone support duties.
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My Approach
This is primarily existential and ‘client-centred’. My goal is not to direct or advise my clients, but rather to help them to discover the possibilities available to them in their lives, and support them to find a more contented way to be themselves through making their own personal choices.
To do this, I try to understand how my clients see themselves and the world around them in order to help them to better understand their problems. Generally, I view my main role as a facilitator, creating a safe space in which my clients can feel freer to explore the issues that are troubling them, as well as helping them to process their situations through highlighting problematic ways of perceiving and thinking about themselves, their relationships to others, and the world. Through this new awareness and self-empowerment, I hope that they can find their own solutions or ways of moving forward.