Principal Counsellor

Mohamed Ismail is a passionate and dedicated Clinical Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist with a proven track record of helping individuals achieve successful and positive outcomes. With over 15 years of experience in rehabilitation centers, mental health institutions, halfway houses, and prisons, he has worked extensively with individuals facing mental health challenges, substance dependency, and dual diagnosis.

Holding a Master of Arts in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling with Commendation from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, Ismail is also a certified trainer and a recognized Family Life Education Trainer/Facilitator under Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Committed to a holistic and client-centred approach, he integrates Person-Centred Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support individuals on their recovery journey. He has conducted group counselling, workshops, and vocational training in psychiatric settings, halfway houses, and correctional facilities.

His personal journey of overcoming anxiety and panic disorder, which he openly shared in The Write to Recovery as part of IMH’s Mind This Voice series, became the foundation of his advocacy. Viewing his struggles as a turning point, he transformed adversity into purpose, dedicating his life to supporting others facing similar challenges. Despite financial hardships and personal obstacles, he pursued a mid-life career switch and remains deeply committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.

As the Founder and Managing Director of A VOICE TO BE HEARD LTD, Ismail continues to champion mental health and substance addiction recovery. He strives to inspire, empower, and create a more inclusive society where individuals can flourish, find happiness, and achieve their fullest potential.

Lead Counsellor

Oliver’s counselling journey began during his career in the airline industry when he pursued a Master’s Degree in Counselling (Advanced) at Swinburne University in collaboration with ECTA Singapore. With over 40 years of experience in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, he has worked with individuals from diverse national, cultural, and social backgrounds, honing his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Trained in psychological first aid, Oliver continually upgrades his skills to stay relevant in an evolving mental health landscape, particularly in the pandemic and post-pandemic climate. He adopts an integrative counselling approach, combining various therapeutic modalities to tailor support for each client’s unique needs. His work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and regain confidence in their lives.

Beyond his professional practice, Oliver is deeply involved in volunteer work. As a Personal Counsellor for ECTA interns, he provides guidance to aspiring counsellors. He also supports young suspects during police investigations through the Appropriate Adult Youth Scheme (AAYS) of Singapore Children’s Society, ensuring they receive emotional support and fair communication. Additionally, he serves as a Befriender with Singapore Prison Services, helping inmates navigate rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Oliver’s empathetic, objective, and person-centred approach defines his work. He believes in the power of compassionate support to transform lives and remains dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their self-worth and dignity through counselling, mentorship, and advocacy.

Recovery Coach (Consultant)

Aziz Hashim is the founder of Kumpulan Sokong Bantu Satu Malaysia (KSBSM), a movement dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery from substance addiction and dual diagnosis. A certified Peer Support Specialist (NCSS) and Recovery Coach, he brings over two decades of lived experience in sobriety, offering deep insights into addiction recovery.

Aziz’s personal journey includes multiple incarcerations, with his last imprisonment in 1996. His turning point came throug self-reflection and faith, realizing he could not continue down the same path. Seeking guidance, he developed a daily ritual of prayer, believing that God led him toward recovery. In 1998, he was selected to undergo rehabilitation a

Pertapis Halfway House, a pivotal step in his transformation.

Professionally, Aziz served as a Welfare Operations Officer at a leading halfway house, supporting individuals reintegrating into society. Passionate about rehabilitation, he actively volunteers acros Singapore and Malaysia, facilitating support groups, relapse prevention programs, and prison befriending initiatives. His impactful contributions extend to Pertapis Halfway House, Highpoint Halfway House, Punggol Family Service Centre (Allkin), and Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK).

Aziz has traveled acros Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the Maldives, attending and conducting seminars, conferences, and workshops with organizations such as AADK Malaysia, DIC Kuantan, and PENGASIH Malaysia for over 18 years.

A firm believer in second chances and the power of active listening, Aziz is dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their lives with dignity, resilience, and purpose.