Empowering Others Through Counselling

“Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or better.” This quote from John Updike best describes Lim Wei Wen’s counselling initiative.

This 33-year-old Master of Counselling (MC) learner founded Partners in Counselling (PiC) together with other counsellors-in-training course mates from OUM. As a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO), PiC provides counselling services to those in need of professional counsellors, therapists, or coaches.

Lim explains, “The main purpose of PiC is to provide pro bono counselling services through trainee counsellors. Offering peer consultation and support, this is a centralised mentoring and networking platform for counselling learners to exchange verified information on mental health, industry updates, training, activities and others.”

She adds that PiC is also a platform for members to undergo their internships and practicum-related activities to fulfil the required credit hours for the programme.

PiC’s wholesome initiative reached even further when they began offering free counselling services to those affected by the devastating December 2021 floods. The NGO’s free virtual services have been a comfort to those who received their support during such challenging times.

Lim enrolled at OUM in 2019 and completed her final semester in January. She will graduate at the end of this year. “I’m currently waiting to apply for my licence as a registered counsellor,” adds Lim, who enjoys reading over a cup of latte at a quiet café.

A little throwback to her journey as an MC learner, Lim shares, “I love my teammates and lecturers! Studying part-time while working a full-time job can be rather challenging, and they were the ones who got me to the finish line.

“We reminded each other when deadlines were approaching, offered help to each other, and became close friends over the course of the programme.”

Lim adds that training from the programme has also elevated her understanding of human behaviours and the importance of mental well-being. “It has supported me in my full-time job as a communications strategist. One of the biggest benefits is that my studies have added value to my approach in coaching my team.”

As someone who always tries to go above and beyond, Lim is professionally trained in communications, marketing, and public relations. She is also a seasoned toastmaster and versatile presenter who is well-versed in moderating pressers, events, and conferences.

“I’m also a trilingual with a decade of experience in providing fit-for-purpose communication strategies and solutions across diverse setups and industries including start-ups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and Fortune 500 multinational corporations.”

With years of experience in the field, she is confident to move forward and continue making a difference in other people’s lives. This giving spirit has manifested in a new consulting business venture that she has set up with her partners named Elevate for Impact.

“Elevate for Impact is a coaching-centric consultancy. Leveraging on our training in counselling and coaching, we provide consultancy services to organisations to improve the overall well-being of their people, process and purpose.”

One important part of living a happy and fulfilling life is being part of a community and contributing in ways that make things better for others. Lim is certainly doing it right, and better too.

By Izyan Diyana Merzuki