Practitioner characteristics with comparison of counselling and psychotherapy practices between New Zealand and Singapore mental health practitioners

Abstract

This study compares the characteristics of New Zealand and Singapore mental health practitioners and their counselling and psychotherapy practices. Participants from both countries were divided into a mail questionnaire group of 300 each and a structured interview group of 12 each. Despite the relatively low response rates of 20% in the mail questionnaire group, the major findings were supported from the structured interviews. Results showed that there were similarities in practitioner training, applicability of therapy models, handling of religious issues and self-disclosure. Differences were found in practitioners’ years of experience and preferences of therapy models, and the nature of clientele problems, and availability of indigenous therapy.