Our Support Team

Anna Smirnova Executive CanHOPE Counselling & Support

1. Why become a counsellor? If not a counsellor would you have been in any other profession?

I like to help people to cope with different situations and issues, try to solve their problems and give advice. If I were not a counsellor, I would like to be involved in Information Technology: now I help people to understand local culture and each other, in IT field one helps people to understand machines and vice versa.

2. What’s one goal you hope to achieve as a counsellor?

My goal is to avoid misunderstanding between patient and doctor and make people to feel comfortable in Singapore.

3. Any interesting experiences? Or unforgettable incidences?

Every case is special as all people are different and you should find a path to their hearts.

4. How do you cope with the patient’s emotional state? Does it affect you as well?

International patients have different issues. They come far away for treatment and, of course, they want to get the best possible outcome, but since they are abroad and can’t speak foreign language they are more stressed. I try to talk to them, to help them recall memories to help them to overcome stress and feel better.

Sometimes the patient’s emotional state also affects me as many of my patients became my friends and I’m concerned if something is wrong. But we always try to find the safest way of coping with the emotional and physical state together.

5. What would you say to someone who would like to volunteer or counsel with CanHOPE?

If you feel that you can help people you are welcome!