BAE Counselling & Therapy centre | KOTA damansara
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking the first step towards counselling can sometimes feel tender and uncertain — and it is only human to carry questions, both big and small. You may find yourself wondering what therapy might look like, what to expect or whether this is truly the right step for you.
This page is here to offer gentle clarity, like opening a window to let in light and fresh air. Think of it as a warm conversation, where we share thoughtful answers to the questions most often entrusted to us. Our hope is that these words help you feel a little more at ease, supported and cared for as you consider whether counselling with us might be the next step on your journey.
And if your questions reach beyond what you find here, please know you are always welcome to reach out. We would be glad to listen, to respond with care and to walk alongside you as you discover the answers you need.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
It is a very natural question to wonder whether counselling is the right step. The truth is, counselling isn’t only for those in crisis — it can also be a safe and supportive space for anyone wanting to better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges or simply have a place to breathe and reflect.
You may find counselling helpful if you are:
Struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, grief or overwhelming emotions
Moving through life changes such as relationships, work or family transitions
Wanting to work on self-growth, confidence or healthier patterns
Carrying experiences that feel heavy or unresolved
Or simply longing for someone to listen without judgement, in a space that feels safe and caring
Counselling is not about being “broken” or needing to be “fixed”. It’s about giving yourself the gift of support — a space where your thoughts, feelings and story matter. Many have shared that just having a compassionate and professional counsellor walking alongside makes the journey feel lighter.
If you are curious, even just a little, that curiosity itself is often a sign that counselling could benefit you. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out — together, we can explore at your pace and see if counselling feels like the right fit for you.
What makes counselling at BAE Counselling & Therapy Centre different?
At BAE, counselling is more than a service — it is a tender meeting place of stories, hopes and human connection. We have created a space where you can exhale, be seen and gently find your way forward. As a small therapeutic team of two, Alix and Dr Genevieve, we journey with you personally from the moment you reach out to the time you sit with us in session. This personal touch is not an afterthought — it is the heart of who we are.
A space shaped by care and connection
Our centre was founded on the belief that healing begins in safe, nurturing relationships. From your very first conversation with us, you will find warmth, attentiveness and a genuine desire to understand your story. We hold space for you to arrive just as you are, without pressure or pretence.
Personalised support — not a “one-size-fits-all” approach
We recognise that every journey is different. Rather than fitting you into a rigid framework, we listen deeply and tailor our approach to your needs, goals and pace. Whether you are seeking clarity in a specific situation or navigating longer-term struggles, we meet you where you are and walk alongside you.
Continuity and genuine presence
Because we are a small team, you will not get lost in a system or passed from one professional to another. You will journey with the same counsellor who takes the time to know you, your story and your growth over time. This continuity allows for trust to deepen and your therapeutic journey to unfold in a steady, grounded way.
A calling, not just a career
For both of us, counselling is more than work — it is a vocation. BAE stands for Broadening Awareness and Empowerment, reflecting our hope to not only help you through life’s challenges, but to support you in discovering strength, insight and growth along the way. Our shared commitment is to offer therapy with empathy, honesty and hope.
What can I expect in my first counselling session?
Your first session is often about creating a safe and gentle beginning. We understand it can feel a little nerve-wracking to step into something new, so our priority is to help you feel at ease.
In this initial meeting, your counsellor will spend time getting to know you — not only the challenges you may be facing, but also who you are as a person. We might ask about what has brought you to counselling, what feels most important to you right now and what you hope to gain from our time together. There is no pressure to share everything at once; you can go at your own pace.
We will also explain how counselling works — including confidentiality, the boundaries of our work and what you can expect in terms of frequency and process. Think of it as us laying a gentle foundation together, where trust and safety can grow.
Every person’s first session looks a little different, because it is shaped by your unique needs and story. What matters most is that you feel heard, respected and supported — and that you leave with a sense of what the journey ahead with us could look like.
How can I prepare for my first counselling session?
It is a normal part of the process to feel a mix of curiosity and nerves before your first session — and you do not need to have everything “figured out” to begin. Counselling is a space where you can arrive just as you are. Still, there are a few gentle steps that may help you feel more at ease:
Reflect on what brings you here. You might take note of what has been stirring in your heart or weighing on your mind, any challenges you have been facing or what you hope to explore. This does not need to be polished — just honest.
Notice your hopes and goals. Think about what you would like to gain from counselling. Sometimes it is clarity, other times it is coping strategies or simply a safe place to talk.
Take care of your body and mind. Before the session, give yourself a little time — whether it is a quiet moment, a walk or deep breaths — so you do not feel rushed.
Bring your questions. If you are unsure about how therapy works, or have practical concerns (about frequency, confidentiality or approach), you are welcome to ask.
Above all, preparation is not about having the “right words” or knowing exactly where to start. Your counsellor will guide the process with warmth and curiosity, helping you feel grounded. The most important thing you can bring is yourself — as you are, in this moment.
How long will I need to come for counselling? How frequent will sessions be?
The length and frequency of counselling look a little different for everyone, because each person’s story and needs are unique. There’s no set “timeline” for healing, and you’ll never be expected to fit into a rigid plan.
For some, a handful of sessions can offer enough clarity and support to move forward with renewed strength. For others, therapy may unfold over a longer season — providing a consistent space to gently untangle deeper patterns, build new skills or navigate life transitions at a pace that feels right.
Many people begin with weekly sessions to create a steady rhythm and help them settle into the process. Over time, as you feel more equipped and supported, sessions may naturally shift to every two weeks or less often. Some clients also return for occasional “check-ins” when life brings new chapters or challenges.
What matters most is that the process feels supportive, never rushed. We’ll keep the conversation open, revisiting your needs and pace together as your journey evolves. You remain in control of the rhythm, while we walk alongside you with consistency, compassion and care.
What kinds of issues can I work on in counselling?
Every story is unique, and so are the reasons people come to counselling. Some arrive carrying specific challenges, while others come with a quiet sense that something within them is shifting, unsettled or yearning to be understood. Counselling offers a space where all of this can be gently explored.
We support individuals, couples and families through a wide range of emotional, relational and life experiences, including (but not limited to):
Navigating stress, anxiety, low mood or emotional overwhelm
Working through grief, loss or major life transitions
Healing from past experiences or unresolved wounds
Deepening self-awareness and nurturing personal growth
Addressing relationship or communication difficulties
Supporting children and teenagers through emotional or behavioural struggles
Bridging differences within couples or families, and fostering healthier patterns of relating
Exploring identity, purpose and meaning in life’s unfolding journey
At its heart, our work is about walking with you through whatever you carry — whether it is untangling old patterns, finding gentler ways of coping, or simply resting in a space where your story is heard with kindness.
Counselling is not only for times of crisis; it can also be a place of growth, clarity and renewal. Whether you come seeking support for a particular struggle or simply a space to pause and reflect, we are here to journey alongside you with care, respect and hope.
How safe and confidential is the counselling process?
Your privacy and sense of safety are at the heart of the counselling relationship. We know that opening up can feel tender and vulnerable, which is why we hold your story with the utmost care, respect and professionalism.
All sessions at our centre take place in a safe therapy environment — private, secure and confidential. What you share with your counsellor will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent, except in very specific situations required by Malaysian law or professional ethics — for instance, if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if information must be shared by legal mandate. These exceptions will always be explained to you clearly at the start of counselling, so you understand the boundaries of confidentiality.
As licensed counsellors registered with the Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia (Malaysia Board of Counsellors), we are legally and ethically bound to maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard your personal information. We follow professional standards for secure record keeping and uphold the principles of safe, confidential counselling in Malaysia.
Beyond policies, true safety is nurtured through trust and relationship. We create a space where you can speak freely, knowing your words will be met with empathy and non-judgement. You are always welcome to ask us questions about how your information is protected — your comfort and trust matter deeply to us.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, we do. We understand that sometimes life’s responsibilities, distance, health considerations or personal comfort make it challenging to attend counselling in person. To support this, we offer safe and confidential online counselling sessions, allowing you to access support from the comfort and familiarity of your own space.
Online therapy follows the same principles as in-person sessions — it is a safe, professional and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. Many find that being in a familiar setting helps them feel more at ease, while still receiving the same level of care and presence from us.
All you need is a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection. We take great care to ensure that the experience remains warm, personal and attuned — just as it would be if you were sitting in the room with us.
Whether you prefer in-person sessions, online sessions or a combination of both, we will work together to find a mode of counselling that best supports your needs and comfort.
How do I book a session?
Reaching out for counselling is a meaningful first step — and we have kept the process simple and personal. You can connect with us through our inquiry form or WhatsApp, whichever feels most comfortable for you. From the very beginning, your first hello will come straight to one of us — Alix or Dr Genevieve — who will personally walk with you through the next steps.
We will take a moment to understand what brings you here, answer your questions and help you find the right fit — whether individual, couple or family counselling. If you are unsure where to begin, that's perfectly okay. We will walk with you gently, at your own pace.
Once your session is scheduled, we will share pre-session forms that will help us get to know you better. This way, when you step into your first session, the focus is entirely on you — your story, your hopes, and the space you need.
Our booking process reflects who we are: personal, thoughtful and grounded in care. From the moment you reach out, our goal is that you already feel the warmth and safety of the space waiting to welcome you.
How much does counselling cost?
We understand that taking care of your emotional wellbeing is both a tender and thoughtful decision — and clarity often helps ease the way. Our fees are shared openly, so you can approach this step with peace and confidence.
At BAE Counselling & Therapy Centre, your first session — also known as the initial intake session — lasts 90 minutes. This longer time allows space for unhurried listening, gentle exploration and understanding what brings you here, so together we can begin shaping the path ahead with care.
Individual counselling: RM250
Subsequent sessions are 60 minutes each, offering a steady rhythm of reflection and growth — a time set apart just for you, to slow down, breathe and continue your journey at a pace that feels right.
Individual counselling: RM200 per session
Our fees honour the care, dedication and depth we bring to every session — and the heart, time and presence we offer as we hold space for you. Counselling, to us, is more than just a service. It is a shared journey: an investment in your inner world and an act of love towards yourself
What if I still have questions?
That’s perfectly all right as questions are a gentle sign of care, curiosity and hope. You do not need to have it all figured out before you reach out. Sometimes, the first step simply begins with a conversation.
If there is something you are still wondering about, we would love to listen. Every question, big or small, is welcome here.
You can reach us through our inquiry form or WhatsApp, whichever feels most comfortable for you. When you do, it will be one of us — Alix or Dr Genevieve — personally and warmly responding.
Take your time. There is no rush, no pressure — only a safe, gentle space waiting to meet you, right where you are.
Your questions matter. Your story matters. And when you’re ready, we will be here — with open hearts, listening ears and a space made just for you.
