A review by:

Mr. Chan Bing Fai

Former school teacher, Headmaster and educational technologist

Lynn Wong's latest book is SMILE though your heart is ACHING. This is a much awaited book, a worthy sequel to her first book "As Time Goes By" published five years ago. Both her books are generally about life and living. They are not autobiographies.

Her first book is centred more on childhood memories and growing up pains based more on events, observations and her responses and reactions to them, with the innocence of a child. Her latest book, however, is about the adult world with its ups and downs.

It is also about fighting corporate battles.

The words she has chosen carry her thoughts succinctly. They are warm and friendly without being pretentious. The topics included in both her books cover a broad spectrum of subjects and events. Some are more hilarious and many are focused on a more serious note.

Her approach to life is spontaneous, governed by prudence and common sense. It appears lighthearted and easy. Being a keen observer, even trifles, will not escape her scrutiny. Her response to these is largely based on common sense and knowledge; laced with wisdom.

Her thoughts flow through smoothly from one idea to another and the transition is gentle, methodical, tidy and logical. Lynn's philosophy appears simple and yet very profound and thoughtful; gracious and tinged with a lot of human skills and understanding.

Her books are very personal and subjective; unique, highly perceptive, intimate and reflective. I have enjoyed reading both her books and excitedly look forward to her next one which I hope will not take too long to come to fruition.

Her artist -illustrator- is equally talented in bringing out the many encounters and experiences of the author through her drawings; depicting expressions, moods and emotions subtly and with precision. Congratulations to both of you for complementing each other perfectly!

The typography and layout is attractive and designed for easy reading. The book is available in major bookstores.

It is priced at RM27.90.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

COUNSELLING

I once took a counselling assignment too far and ended up an emotional wreck---mentally drained and physically exhausted. 
I wasn't properly trained then and thought my good intentions were enough. 
I was wrong.

Counselling is not about being a hero.
Sometimes when you try to help someone, you could end up with serious emotional damages (entanglements) on both sides especially when you're ill-prepared to deal with the complexities of the client's problems.

Some issues are not so straight forward and may require investigations of various kinds involving groups of different expertise.

The counsellor and client relationship is a strong commitment and responsibility that sticks closer than most other relationships. 


Counselling is serious business and should not be regarded as friendly coffee-shop chit-chat.
A counsellor and best friend play different roles and we should not think that one could replace the other.






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