In working as a professional psychologist in Singapore, it is important to keep in mind the specific developmental phase through with one’s client is moving and the developmental issues they are facing in their life. Unfortunately, most of the current research on the developmental stage4s of adults has been conducted in the Western world. In what ways is the typical life of a Singaporean during a specific stage of life similar to and in what ways different from the life of those living in the Western world. Dr. Lian Ya (Katrina) Wong interviewed Dr. Eliza Wen, who has recently completed a book about adult development with one colleague from India (and Singapore) and one colleagues from the Unites States. These three co-authors not only come from three different cultures; they also come from three different age groups.
Here is the interview conducted by Dr. Wong as one of a series of interviews concerning professional psychology in Singapore.
There are not many cultural differences regarding developmental stages. People seem to go through similar stages whether they reside in Western countries or in Asian countries. There is a critical point among all middle-aged women and men as to whether they choose stagnation or In all cultures, females are not facing major changes in the stages of their development – and are often choosing developmental paths that differ from the path taken by their Husband if they were married. Many of the developmental challenges centre on changes in jobs and relationships—regardless of the culture in which one has grown up.
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Dr. Eliza Yong
Dr. Eliza Yong, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (USA), is a Certified Substance Abuse and Gambling Addiction Counsellor by The Association of Professionals Specialising in Addictions Counselling (APSAC) and has been counselling individuals and their families since 2009. She also works with individuals and their families with domestic violence to break the violence cycle. Eliza is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Schema Therapy. She is a member of the Singapore Psychological Society, American Group Psychotherapy Association, APSAC and EMDR Singapore.
Dr. Yong also provides regular talks to understand and cope with different addictions and emotions as well as presents her research at international conferences. Eliza had a 2-month attachment to The Connection Inc.’s women’s programmes in residential houses, outpatient counselling centres and homeless program (Connecticut, USA) in 2013. Eliza used to have previous careers in hospitality and event marketing in an investment bank. In her free time, Eliza enjoys reading, the arts, nature, cooking and time with her family and her terrapin, Misty.
