Roshini Subramaniam
Biography
Experienced counselor with 3+ years in individual and group therapy, resilience building, mental health awareness, and strategic support. Committed to empowering clients, fostering positive outcomes, and continuous professional development.
Research Interest
Mental Health Awareness, Psychology
Abstract
Workplace Bullying: Counsellors Too Need to Feel Safe
Abstract:
I have been a registered counsellor for the past three years. In my six years of work, not only have I
truly loved what I do, but I have also experienced bullying from people in positions of power. Even
after becoming a counsellor, this bullying culture remains. While there has been plenty of research
and reporting on workplace bullying in many other fields, there is almost none for counsellors.
And it?s not just me?many of my colleagues who are also counsellors go through bullying behind
closed doors, often without knowing where or how to seek help, or even who will protect them. Why
did I specifically choose counsellors to talk about? Because bullying among counsellors is rarely
acknowledged. Most of us suffer in silence, often afraid of professional repercussions. In some
Malaysian workplaces, counsellors?just like others?are discouraged from speaking up, especially
when there are rigid hierarchies and management teams that lack emotional intelligence. Some
worry that standing up might only make them a bigger target. So we stay silent. We survive by
swallowing pain.
In this conference, I will share what it feels like to be in a role where you?re expected to help others?
but when you need help yourself, there?s no one there. This session will also include suggestions on
how institutions and regulators can step in to finally hold space for those of us who are constantly
holding space for others.
