THE TRAUMA IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
19th Aug 2022, Friday (Rescheduled)
7:30pm-9:30pm (Online)
Synopsis:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire population of the world, impacting health, food supply chain, disrupting the economy, livelihood, social interactions, and lifestyles of people. This talk will focus on addressing how the COVID-19 pandemic can be likened to a traumatic stressor.
Due to the pandemic, mental health professionals observed that children and adolescents exhibit PTSD-like symptoms which resulted in a range of mental health-related issues. In addition, the presentation will explore how counsellors can support young people to process their experiences and to gain a more constructive and positive meaning of what they have gone through. Finally, the session will address the role of parents, teachers and anyone who works and interacts with children and adolescents, as they are well-placed to facilitate the development of skills and coping strategies to help young people build resilience and be better equipped to manage future challenges and crises.
Speaker:
Ms Michelle Koay, Psychotherapist, St. Josephs Institution International
Michelle started out her professional journey as an engineering officer in the air force in 2001. Due to her interest in working with people, she became a volunteer counsellor in the military. She went on to obtain her post-graduate degree in Master of Social Science (Counselling) with Edith Cowan University in 2006 and embarked on her journey as a counsellor.
Michelle also completed her Master of Science course with King's College London, specialising in Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health, in August 2019. For over a decade, Michelle has been working with adolescents and their families to address various psychological and interpersonal issues. In addition, as a parent coach, she runs regular parent groups throughout the year to support parents in their parenting journey. Michelle is a registered counsellor (since 2008) and clinical supervisor (since 2012) with SAC (Singapore Association for Counselling).