Chen Sung (CS • 振松)

Chen Sung's interest in psychology was initially sparked by exposure to psychological thriller movies such as "Shutter Island" and "Silence of the Lambs," which delved into the intriguing aspects of human intentions, personalities, and behaviors (not to mention their cinematic excellence!). This exposure fueled his eagerness to learn more, prompting him to enroll in a Bachelor of Psychology program at HELP University. During his studies, Chen Sung pursued an internship with the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), where he had the privilege of conducting a psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults grappling with psychosis and mood disorders. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions and equipped him with the skills to support them on their journey to recovery.

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After graduating from the undergraduates with a First-Class Honors, Chen Sung gained valuable experience working on the development of an expressive writing intervention. The intervention aimed to alleviate emotional suffering and depressive symptoms among young adults, with a particular focus on those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this project, he learned about the potential of expressive writing as a therapeutic tool and gained insights into the unique challenges faced by young adults during times of crisis. He took up the opportunity to bridge that gap of mental health services by volunteering himself in PlusVibes, an online platform that provides a listening ear to the public. His dedication was recognized when he was elected as the Top Performing Volunteer for May 2021.

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These valuable experiences paved the way for his enrollment in the Master of Clinical Psychology program at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Throughout his practicum training, Chen Sung gained exposure to diverse populations in different states. For instance, during his placement in the psychiatric department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), he served the predominantly Malay-speaking population in Kelantan. Subsequently, he completed another six-month practicum at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB), the state hospital in Perak, where he worked with clients who spoke English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and more. Chen Sung also had the privilege to offer psychological services in Youth Clinic MENTARI Simee and was involved in the Program Saringan Penentuan Murid Keperluan Pendidikan Khas for students in Perak.

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Chen Sung engaged with clients from various ethnicities, cultures, and age groups, and he developed a particular interest in working with teenagers and adults. During this time, he conducted psychological assessments, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions for various conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and somatic symptoms related disorders. The primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), complemented by skills integrated from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which proves particularly beneficial in addressing emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties.

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Chen Sung perceives the therapeutic journey as a personal and introspective realm where both the therapist and clients actively participate. He recognizes that many individuals may be reluctant to seek help because of the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. In response to this challenge, Chen Sung strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment within the therapeutic setting. He believes that fostering such a space is crucial for individuals to feel heard, respected, and accepted as they navigate their unique paths toward healing and growth. In the therapy sessions, he allowed his clients to express emotions and feelings, contain and process their thought processes and engage in collaborative effort to facilitate new coping strategies.