From Isolation and Depression to Empowerment: How Counselling Helped Mdm A Rebuild Her Life

Counsellor offered support to Mdm A when she was isolated and depressed. (Source: Canva)

When Mdm A, a 60-year-old divorcee, was first referred for counselling at the end of 2019, she was in a dire state. Living alone in a one-room rental flat and relying on ComCare assistance, she was battling multiple medical issues and recovering from traumatic abuse by her daughter. Emotionally overwhelmed and deeply depressed, Mdm A had little hope for the future.

Her counsellor began by offering steady, practical support—listening to Mdm A’s concerns, helping her manage everyday challenges, and building a sense of trust over time. It was the start of a working relationship focused on stability, emotional safety, and small but meaningful steps forward.

Building Trust in a Time of Crisis

In the early months, Mdm A frequently called her counsellor in distress, often expressing suicidal thoughts. Her emotional state was fragile, and the counsellor became her main source of support. When phone support wasn’t enough, the counsellor made urgent home visits—even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face interaction was restricted.

Despite the intensity of the situation, the counsellor remained committed, teaching Mdm A grounding techniques over time. Through more than 36 sessions, Mdm A slowly learned to regulate her emotions and began to find calm amidst her turmoil.

Strengthening Social Support

Recognising Mdm A’s severe social isolation, the counsellor introduced a volunteer befriender to her. This befriender became a key part of Mdm A’s support network, even teaching her the English alphabet. The moment Mdm A wrote her name for the first time was transformational—she was filled with joy and hope, empowered by the belief that she could still learn and grow.

Empowering Daily Living

Beyond emotional support, the counsellor also addressed practical life skills. Mdm A, who once relied heavily on others even for small tasks, began learning how to manage her finances and expand her social circles. She started going for walks, joined Residents’ Committee (RC) activities, and found friends she could talk to and laugh with daily.

Eventually, Mdm A proudly shared that she had saved enough money to buy gifts for her granddaughter—something she never imagined she could do.

Healing from Deep Wounds

As trust grew, the counsellor worked with Mdm A to address the deeper layers of trauma. Mdm A had lived through a lifetime of abuse—from childhood neglect, spousal violence, and family rejection, to a period of incarceration. The counsellor created a safe space for her to process this pain, reflect on her journey, and reframe her experiences with compassion.

Using therapeutic techniques like embedded-suggested questioning, the counsellor helped her reconsider her strained relationship with her daughter. Mdm A eventually learned to set healthy boundaries, and their relationship began to heal.

Finding Joy Through Creativity

To lift her spirits at home, the counsellor introduced colouring as a simple distraction from negative thoughts. What began as a small activity blossomed into a source of joy and pride. Mdm A’s art won prizes in contests—tangible reminders of her worth and talent. Her self-esteem soared, and with it, her sense of identity and hope.

A Life Transformed

Today, Mdm A is no longer the woman crippled by fear, shame and despair. With the unwavering support of her counsellor and social worker, she has rebuilt her life from the ground up. She’s emotionally stronger, more socially connected, and no longer dreads the end of the month when finances run low.

This transformation was not a quick fix—but a result of consistent, empathetic counselling that addressed her emotional wounds, social disconnection, and life skills holistically.

If you know someone who may be struggling like Mdm A, or wish to support our counselling work with socially isolated seniors, reach out or donate here. Together, we can bring hope and healing to more lives.