The aim of this study was to develop a continuous professional development training module based on multicultural counselling competency for professional counsellors in Malaysia. The research methodology comprised three phases: (i) training need assessment using survey method, (ii) module design and development and (iii) module evaluation using an experimental design. First, the Multicultural Counselling Competency Survey-Malaysian Counsellor Edition questionnaire was used to collect data from 116 professional counsellors from various work settings. The results clearly indicated the need for continuous professional development training to enhance counsellors’ multicultural counselling competency. The development of the training module adopted Sidek’s model, a Malaysian-based framework for module development. The developed training module was then evaluated for its effectiveness through analysing its content validity and reliability. Results revealed that the training module scored high content validity value of 77.2% (0.77) and satisfactory reliability level (alpha Cronbach’s coefficient value of 0.75). The overall findings of the present research imply that the continuous professional development training module is necessary for enhancing multicultural counselling competency of Malaysian professional counsellors.

There is an average of five rape cases reported in Malaysia on a daily basis. The problem lies not in the hands of an individual or a few misogynistic men but in society as a whole. It lies in the mind-set of the people and every one of us taking part in rape culture by endorsing rape myths. Rape myth acceptance within the Malaysian society encourages sexual assaults or sexual violence. Some of the popular rape myths are the victim’s choice of clothing, emotional reactions of victims, presence of physical injuries, rape happens between strangers, women lie about rape, and men cannot be raped. These most common rape myths are discussed and then debunked. Subsequently, the aftermath of rape is explained. Proactive actions against rape are also presented as many of the existing school-based programs against rape are lopsided as women are taught on how to avoid rape instead of men being taught to respect women and prevent rape. This article aims to serve as an eye-opener for Malaysian counselors, psychologists, educators, and society as a whole to build up their knowledge, skills, and experience when working or dealing with rape victims.

Self-injury is a perilous and increasingly common behavior that is particularly prevalent among youth. Nonetheless, there is a deep-rooted public stigma towards people who self-injure. Consequently, people who engage in self-injury are reluctant to seek professional help or disclose their experiences to others. This article aims to combat stigma and promote help-seeking behavior by debunking the common myths surrounding self-injury in the Malaysian context. Specifically, this article aims to serve as an eye-opener for Malaysian counselors and other mental health professionals to improve their multicultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes when working with those who self-injure.

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This article presents an overview on nonsuicidal self-injury in Southeast Asia. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted regarding self-injury in Southeast Asia. Seventeen studies eligible for inclusion were identified. Findings revealed that self-injury is most common among youth between the ages of 14 and 35 years old. The prevalence rates reported were from 7.1% to 11.4% in community samples and 20.7% to 75.9% in clinical samples. The most common function for self-injury is that it serves as an emotion regulation strategy, and the main causes appear to stem from individual (emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, gender and psychiatric disorders) and environmental factors (childhood maltreatment, childhood neglect, parental invalidation and academic stress). Comorbidity with depressive disorders, adjustment disorders and anxiety disorders are most often reported. The paucity of studies with high heterogeneity calls for further research exploring self-injury which may inform better mental health practice and policymaking in Southeast Asia.