The Mindcare Space
Servicing Hong Kong and other regions | Providing professional mental health and psychological coaching and guidance to people who are experiencing mental health issues and challenges
Hi, I am Ivan
A skilled Human Resources and Organizational Behavior Professional, an experienced Mental Health Coach and Career Counsellor. I have over 20 years of experience providing individuals and corporations with HR and mental health services including coaching, counselling, and project consultation. I am a fellow in the Global Healthcare Leaders program at Harvard Medical School. Prior to that, I graduated from MIT Sloan School of Management with an Advanced Certificate in Management, Innovation and Technology. I am also a master’s degree holder in human resources management, a licensed mental health coach, a certified integrative mental health coach, a certified psychological health and safety advisor, a certified career coach, a certified compensation professional (CCP) and a global remuneration professional (GRP).
I’m passionate about mental health coaching, and I believe mental health matters for everybody.
The mental health status of the Hong Kong population has been worsening over recent years. The situation demands attention of everyone. As a person who was born and raised in Hong Kong, I deeply hope people will understand more about mental health and will receive proper coaching and counselling if needed.
61% of Hong Kong adults currently suffer from poor mental well-being
According to the information from mindhk, an association focusing on promoting mental health awareness (https://www.mind.org.hk), studies have shown 61% of Hong Kong adults currently suffer from poor mental well-being and approximate 1 in 7 people in Hong Kong will experience a common mental disorder at any given time. Over 70% of those experiencing mental health problems or psychological issues did not seek professional help or mental health services (or mental health counselling). Many will continue to suffer in isolation because of social stigma, lack of communication and understanding, unhealthy workplace culture and pressure, feelings of shame and lack of awareness about their condition.
Norms and Statistics
Common social and cultural norms and some statistics on mental health issues in Hong Kong:
- Hong Kong has one of the longest work hours in the world (51.1 hours per week) with 39% of employees working 4 – 8 hours overtime per week.
- People in general discriminate or are not willing to accept others who are experiencing mental health or psychological issues. 71% of the survey respondents indicated they were unwilling to live with mental health patients, with 1 in 3 even would choose to end friendships/relationships with those diagnosed with mental illness.
- 41% of the respondents considered “lack of self-discipline and willpower” as the main cause of mental illness.
- More than half of them believe they would be penalized by their companies for talking about their mental health or psychological challenges at workplace.
- 55% of them experienced stigma or knew someone who were experiencing social stigma.
- The number of child and adolescent psychiatric patients has increased by 50% from 2011/12 to 2015/16.
- 51.5% of secondary school students now show various symptoms of depression, and 25% demonstrate clinically high levels of anxiety. 69% of university students show symptoms of depression, with 54% suffering from anxiety.
- Youth suicide rate (aged 10-19) increased more than double from 2014-2017, with 1 in 3 primary (elementary) school students and 40% Form 1 (Grade 7) students at risk of suicide.
Mental Health in Hong Kong
You will be able to find some other statistics regarding mental health issues and information about mental health services in Hong Kong or even something more specific like adolescent mental health problems in Hong Kong by searching on google search (suggested keywords include: mental health HK / mental health services HK / psychological counselling Hong Kong /mental health counselling Hong Kong, adolescent mental health Hong Kong, mental health issues Hong Kong, mental health statistics Hong Kong, etc).
It is worth knowing the factors contributing to the current mental health situation in Hong Kong:
- High Stress Levels: Hong Kong has long been known for its high-stress environment, primarily due to factors such as the competitive nature of the job market, long work hours, and the high cost of living. These stressors can contribute to mental health issues in Hong Kong, such as anxiety and depression.
- Economic Challenges: The high cost of living in Hong Kong, especially house prices, can lead to financial stress and job insecurity for many residents. Economic pressures can take a toll on mental health situation among Hong Kong people.
- Protests and Political Unrest: Hong Kong has experienced significant political and social unrest in recent years, including pro-democracy protests and the implementation of the National Security Law. These events have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear among the population, which can contribute to mental health issues in Hong Kong.
- Access to Mental Health Services in Hong Kong: There is a relatively well-developed healthcare system in Hong Kong, including mental health services. However, there have been concerns about the capacity of these services to meet the growing demand, particularly in the public sector. Long wait times for mental health appointments have been reported, making it difficult for some individuals to access timely care.
- Stigma: Stigma associated with mental health issues in Hong Kong can discourage individuals from seeking help or talking openly about their mental health struggles.
- Youth Mental Health in Hong Kong: Concerns have been raised about the mental health of young people in Hong Kong, with reports of high levels of stress and academic pressure. The education system’s emphasis on competition and high expectations from parents can contribute to these issues.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic had global implications for mental health. In Hong Kong, as in many other places, there were concerns about the impact of lockdowns and economic uncertainty on mental well-being. The pandemic has as well exacerbated feelings of isolation and loneliness for many people due to social distancing measures and restrictions on social gatherings. These feelings can contribute to mental health challenges among the Hong Kong population.
- Work-Life Balance: Hong Kong is known for its demanding work culture, which often includes long working hours and high job expectations. This can lead to burnout and a lack of work-life balance, impacting mental health among Hong Kong people.
- Media and Social Media Influence: Constant exposure to negative news and social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety and despair, and can also lead to unrealistic comparisons and cyberbullying, affecting mental health among the Hong Kong population.
- Lack of Awareness: There may be a lack of awareness and understanding of mental health issues in Hong Kong, leading to delays in seeking help or inadequate support.
Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness. Yet, people struggle to find effective ways to care for their mental health or many of them are reluctant to seek professional mental health services (or mental health counselling). In a face-paced environment like Hong Kong, mental health issues not only affect our thoughts and emotions, but also our physical health and relationships with families and friends. Mental health illnesses are often a result of an interaction between biological, psychological and societal factors.
You found your way here because you are feeling stuck. You are experiencing stressed or anxious, or you feel like you are drifting and not making progress on the things that matter to you, or you want to be seen or heard. Know that you are not alone and that I am here to help.
I believe in the effectiveness of integrative approach to mental health. The approaches I use include Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing with creative tools such as breathing exercise, mindfulness and visualization, etc. Coaching sessions can be offered in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.
Qualifications & Training
- Fellow, Global Healthcare Leaders, Harvard Medical School
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital and Cambridge Health Alliance
- Advanced Certificate (Postgraduate), Management, Innovation and Technology, MIT Sloan School of Management
- Executive Masters, Human Resources Management, York University
- Licensed Mental Health Coach (License #1702404)
- Certified Integrative Mental Health Coach
- Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Accredited Level 3
- Attendance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Accredited Level 2
- Certified Career Coach
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
- Global Remuneration Professional (GRP)
- Certified DiSC Practitioner
Professional Memberships
- VP of Communications, MIT Chinese Alumni Group (MITCAG)
- Lifetime Member, The Harvard Club of Hong Kong
- Member, The Harvard Club of Alberta
- Member, Harvard Alumni for Mental Health
- Member, Canadian Mental Health Association
- Member, Health Coach Alliance
Integrative mental health services
Integrative mental health approach considers biological, psychological and societal factors when treating mental health issues. It is about you as a whole person, not just treating the symptoms of a particular illness or concern.
Integrative mental health coaching adopts a holistic approach to assist clients struggling with mental, emotional and physical challenges by incorporating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and increased self-awareness.
The intent of the integrative mental health services is to:
- Reduce stress that has negative impact on one’s immune system and overall wellbeing.
- Reduce symptoms of physical pain and illness caused by negative beliefs and emotions.
- Explore and identify the internal and external environments and their effect on overall wellbeing.
- Teach mindfulness strategies to promote relaxation and create positive results.
- Gain a deeper understanding of food quality and choices and their effect on physical and mental health.
Integrative mental health services help you identify patterns in your life that may contribute to your struggles and works on developing strategies for making healthier choices. Through my coaching process, I work with you on your values, goals, work, balance, fulfillment and life purpose. My clients typically reach various goals, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life. Integrative mental health coaching is a way to help you move forward in a positive way.
Areas of focus
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based therapeutic approach in mental health services or mental health counselling. It focuses on addressing and modifying the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress and emotional difficulties. It is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
CBT is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and can influence each other. It operates on the principle that negative thoughts and distorted beliefs lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. Conversely, changing these negative thought patterns and adopting more rational and realistic, positive beliefs can lead to improved emotional wellbeing and healthier behaviors.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, but it has some distinct principles and techniques that set it apart.
REBT is based on the principle that our emotional reactions are not purely caused by external events but are largely shaped by our interpretations and beliefs about those events. It is proposed that irrational beliefs, often referred to as “irrational thinking” or “cognitive distortions,” lead to emotional disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, anger, and unhealthy behaviors.
REBT is known for its direct and confrontational approach. By actively challenging irrational beliefs through logical reasoning and direct dialogue with patients. It is often used to treat a variety of mental health issues or mental health problems including anxiety disorders, depression, anger management, and relationship issues.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that falls under the broader category of cognitive behavioral therapies. It is an approach widely used in mental health counselling to help individuals manage and cope with psychological distress, while also promoting greater psychological flexibility and wellbeing.
ACT is built on several core principles:
- Acceptance: Instead of trying to eliminate or suppress uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or sensations, ACT encourages individuals to accept these experiences as natural and normal parts of being human. This involves letting go of the struggle against unwanted internal experiences.
- Cognitive Defusion: ACT helps individuals to distance themselves from their negative thoughts and to see them as mental events rather than objective truths. This reduces the impact of negative thought patterns on emotions and behaviors.
- Being Present: Being present in the moment is emphasized. This involves observing thoughts and emotions without judgment or attachment.
- Values Clarification: ACT encourages individuals to clarify their values — what truly matters to them in lives. This helps guide their actions and decisions towards leading a meaningful life.
- Committed Action: Once values are clarified, individuals are encouraged to take committed actions that align with their values, even in the presence of discomfort or difficult emotions.
- Psychological Flexibility: The ultimate goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt, respond, and act in ways that align with one’s values despite internal or external challenges.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered therapeutic approach designed to facilitate behavior change by helping individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about making positive changes in their lives.
Motivational Interviewing is particularly effective in addressing behaviors such as substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and other behaviors that are associated with ambivalence or resistance to change. The central premise of MI is to engage patients in a non-confrontational and collaborative manner, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings regarding their behaviors and change goals.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is often used as a preparatory stage for behavior change, helping patients move from the contemplation phase to the action phase. It can be particularly useful in situations where patients might feel ambivalent about changes or reluctant to discuss their behaviors openly. This approach respects the autonomy of patients and empowers them to make decisions that align with their personal values and goals.
FAQ
I have been living, studying and working in different cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Boston, Toronto, Calgary and Hamilton, I am attuned to oriental and western cultures. I fully understand how culture and social norms play an important role on one’s mental health.
Having been working as a senior Human Resources executive before becoming a mental health and career counsellor, I am very much aware of the stressors in a fast-paced environment, such as deadlines, workload, pressure, competition, financial situation, ambiguity, change, and conflict etc. I will help you identify and recognize your stressors, anticipate and prepare for them, and avoid or reduce their impact.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute initial consultation.
No, mental health issues and psychosis are not the same, although they can be related in some cases.
Mental health issues is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This can include conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, and more. Mental health issues can vary in severity and symptoms, and they can impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall functioning.
On the other hand, psychosis refers to a specific symptom or group of symptoms that involve a significant loss of contact with reality. People experiencing psychosis may have delusions (false beliefs that are not based in reality) and/or hallucinations (perceiving things that are not actually present). Psychosis is often associated with conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and certain types of severe bipolar disorder.
While psychosis is a component of some mental health disorders, not all mental health issues involve psychosis. Many people with mental health issues do not experience psychosis, and their conditions might be more focused on mood, anxiety, cognitive patterns, or behavioral challenges.
It’s important to understand that mental health is a complex field, and there’s a wide spectrum of experiences and conditions within it. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is recommended.
While observing someone’s behaviors can provide some clues about their mental state, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid jumping to conclusions, especially when it comes to something as complex as psychosis. Behaviors alone may not be sufficient to definitively determine whether someone is experiencing psychosis or any other mental health issue.
Psychosis involves a combination of symptoms, including distorted thinking, false beliefs (delusions), and sensory experiences that are not based in reality (hallucinations). These symptoms can be subtle and nuanced, and they can vary widely from person to person.
However, many of these behaviors can also be present in other mental health conditions or even during periods of extreme stress. It is important not to stigmatize or label someone based solely on their behaviors.
If you suspect someone might be experiencing psychosis or any other mental health issue, it is best to approach the situation with empathy and concern. Encourage them to seek professional help from a mental health provider. Diagnosis and treatment should always be carried out by qualified professionals who can consider the full range of factors, including the person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and medical history.
Not all mental health issues will progress to psychosis. While some mental health conditions can include symptoms of psychosis, most individuals with mental health issues do not develop full-blown psychosis.
Psychosis is a specific set of symptoms characterized by a significant loss of contact with reality, including delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t there). It is commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and certain severe forms of bipolar disorder.
Many people experience mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, mood swings, or stress at various points in their lives. These issues can be distressing and impactful, but they don’t necessarily lead to psychosis. In fact, most people with mental health issues do not experience psychosis.
However, there are some conditions where the risk of developing psychosis might be higher, especially if the underlying mental health issue is not effectively managed. For instance, in some cases, untreated severe depression or certain types of anxiety disorders can potentially contribute to a higher risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms. This is why early intervention and proper treatment are crucial in managing mental health concerns and reducing the risk of more severe outcomes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, seeking help from a mental health professional can provide appropriate guidance and support.
You will find online some mental health service providers in Hong Kong around your area. For example, I typed “psychological counselling Hong Kong” on google search and more than 80 psychological counselling Hong Kong (or mental health counselling) clinics or providers came up as the results.
You should look into the coaches’ or counsellors’ education background and qualifications and related mental health experience. You may as well check what types of counselling and coaching approaches they use and what areas of mental health or psychological issues they focus on. On the other hand, you can sign up for the free consultation sessions provided by them as an assessment to check whether their services seem to be a right fit for you.
You can search information and statistics on google. Some suggested keywords include “adolescent mental health Hong Kong, mental health services Hong Kong, mental health issues Hong Kong and mental health statistics Hong Kong” etc. You can also obtain information from the websites of the mental health associations in Hong Kong.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell how many sessions you do because everyone’s situation is different. How many sessions needed depends on what you want to work on. Some clients find their issues addressed in a few sessions, while other prefer a longer-term coaching process. In other words, the number of sessions you attend is entirely up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
The length of time coaching takes to allow you to accomplish your goals as well depends on your desire and motivation.
Our first coaching session will be an assessment session for us to get to know you and your emotional issues.
We will also understand your goals and explain the recommended approach, answer any questions you may have and work with you on an initial treatment plan with solutions. By the end of the session, we should have clarity on what you need help with and how we can work together.
We usually see clients on a weekly basis as coaching requires consistency and commitment to see progress. Bi-weekly sessions can also be arranged if your schedule does not permit that cadence.
Yes, anything you share with your coach during the mental health services/mental health counselling sessions will remain strictly confidential.
However, according to the professional code of conduct we follow, there are some limitations to this confidentiality rule. For instance, a risk of harm to a particular person’s safety, or when a client’s information is ordered to be produced in a law court.
Session rate is HKD 1,000 for 50 minutes.
We provide coaching in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin.
Yes, we do. We recognize some clients prefer the flexibility of having coaching sessions online.