Anthony Yeo - A remarkable counsellor

Tribute to Anthony Yeo, a truly gifted counsellor

THERE is a special breed of people who toil in Singapore day after day without special mention. They are counsellors; and one of the gentlest and best of them has passed quietly into the night. His name is Mr Anthony Yeo.

I first met Mr Yeo two years ago. By then, he was already a renowned counsellor and I had referred several patients to him.

In person, he was remarkably easy-going and easy to chat with. Not once did he show any displeasure or irritation even when I disagreed vehemently with his views on certain issues. He was able, through his gentle demeanour, to demolish the brave fronts and defensive masks that his patients put up. He was able to bring up the vulnerable issues they were harbouring without making them feel threatened.

Through Mr Yeo, I came to understand that the best of counsellors do not "teach" patients what to do, they empower them to find the answers for themselves and emerge through the crisis as stronger and better people.

Through him, I came to understand that counsellors need the unique ability to truly listen to their patients and perhaps to walk in their shoes for a little while.

Through him, I came to realise that sometimes patients do not just need pills but that human touch and professional counselling to help them work out the issues.

I saw that counselling is truly a unique profession and, like doctoring, is a calling.

I saw a man who used his remarkable gifts in listening and empathising in his God-given calling. There were countless lives that he touched and many lives that he probably saved.

Singapore has lost one of its finest and best sons.

Rest in peace, Mr Yeo.
Dr Hoe Wan Sin�

(Straits Time, 24th June 2009)