From Literature to Therapy: How Vicki Lai Found Her True Calling

The road to discovering one’s true calling is often winding and littered with uncertainties. For Vicki Lai, the journey of unveiling fulfilment was about rediscovering a childhood fascination, blending her love for creativity and being brave enough to turn it into a meaningful career.

As a counsellor specialising in expressive arts therapy, Vicki combines her Master’s training in psychology with her passion for creative expression to thoughtfully aid her clients in navigating their mental health. From studying English to embracing psychology, Vicki’s journey reminds us of the power of persistence and self-discovery.

An Early Fascination with Psychology

Vicki’s intrigue for the human mind sparked at a young age. “I was always amazed by how the mind works,” she says, recalling her childhood fascination with crime shows and their deep dives into human behaviour, understanding people and their motivations.

However, societal perceptions and a lack of exposure to psychology as a career path made it difficult for her to pursue this passion. “My parents weren’t aware of how psychology could become a career.” With her family encouraging her to pursue a more conventional education and career path, Vicki opted for a degree in English Language and Literature, a subject she was equally passionate about but had more certainty in. “Language was the only thing I was sure of back then.”

Vicki pursued her Bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham (Malaysia campus). Yet, during her undergraduate years, Vicki’s fascination with psychology stubbornly persisted. She even took electives in psychology and explored linguistics, which gave her insight into how the mind processes communication. Her time at Nottingham also exposed her to a rich academic culture and a supportive environment that encouraged exploration, both of which would later guide her transition to counselling.

Rediscovering Psychology Through Counselling 

Upon completing her degree, Vicki still couldn’t shake the pull she had toward psychology. However, she acknowledged that pursuing a second undergraduate degree wasn’t feasible, thus turning to counselling as a way to re-enter the field. “After graduating, I felt like I still had to get back to the psychology field. Counselling was the only option for me to get into psychology without taking another degree.” This decision set her on a new path, one that reignited her passion for understanding the human mind.

While researching on a suitable Master’s in Counseling, Vicki found a programme offering an expressive arts therapy module that caught her attention. “IMU was the only institution offering this module, so that’s why I picked this programme.” Studying at International Medical University was a transformative experience for her, the course combining a rigorous academic experience with hands-on, experiential learning. “Every week, we participated in practical sessions where we were both clients and participants. Experiencing the therapy myself helped me understand its power,” Vicki recalls.

With an extensive and stimulating learning experience, Vicki not only deepened her knowledge in psychology but also confirmed her passion for integrating creativity into mental health practices. Her time at IMU helped bridge the gap between her academic background and unique career aspirations, equipping her with the tools to make a meaningful impact. 

A Day in Vicki's Life: Counselling, Workshops, and Creativity 

Newly graduated and finding her footing in the world of counselling and therapy, Vicki’s life is as dynamic as it is rewarding. On top of completing her counselling internship and facilitating workshops as a freelancer, Vicki also tutors English through online classes. “Everything feels everywhere right now, it’s all freelance and part-time.” Yet, with all these varying projects keeping her busy, Vicki continues to maintain a level head and performs her duties with passion and professionalism.

Vicki embraces a multitude of methods in her art therapy, ranging from sandbox therapy to drawing and flashcards, ensuring clients can explore their emotions in personal and unique ways. One particularly memorable experience involved a client struggling to express himself verbally. “I gave him figurines and a sandbox, and he spent nearly half the session moving all the sand to one side,” Vicki shares. When she asked why, he revealed feelings of loneliness and isolation, explaining, “No one has ever tried to step into my world.” For Vicki, this moment was a poignant reminder of the profound breakthroughs that creative therapy can bring. “Even if it’s just 20% progress, I’ll take it—that 20% can mean everything to someone.”

Beyond one-on-one counselling, Vicki designs and conducts workshops in group settings (often corporate or educational), thoughtfully tailored to the needs and intentions of the participants. “Sometimes they’re clear about their goals, like team-building or stress relief. Other times, I create general programmes to make the sessions approachable for everyone,” she explains.

Through her work, Vicki has encountered clients from diverse backgrounds, which has allowed her a broader perspective and the opportunity to test her adaptability. “Every day is different— a different accent, different customs. I have to constantly update myself to connect with my clients better.”

Whether she’s working with clients individually or in a group setting, Vicki is dedicated to creating safe spaces for expression, self-exploration, and healing.

Personal Growth: Find Strength in Sensitivity 

Vicki’s journey wasn’t just about professional growth, it also involved significant personal transformation. For a large part of her life, Vicki struggled with being too sensitive, a trait that she identified as a weakness. “I used to hate being sensitive. People would ask me all the time: ‘Why are you this emotional?’” she shares. This perception carried on to her journey into psychology and counselling, where she found herself feeling intense emotions during group discussions and explorations, even shedding tears in some instances, and then feeling insecure about how she reacted.

However, through thoughtful advice from a lecturer, Vicki saw a pivotal shift in her perspective. “She asked me, ‘Why don’t you embrace it? This is something you need as a counsellor: the ability to feel and connect with others.’” Dispelling the correlation between sensitivity and weakness, Vicki began to gain confidence in what she spent her whole life perceiving as a flaw. “Now, I see it as a gift, it helps me feel and connect with people more intensely.” While this breakthrough has benefitted her work, it has also allowed her to embody a more positive perception of herself.

Looking Forward: Vicki’s Vision and Words of Wisdom

Vicki’s future aspirations remain clear. She has set her sights on expanding her cultural horizons, aiming to interact with and help people from all walks of life. “I don’t picture myself staying in Malaysia. I want to expose myself to different backgrounds and environments.” Yet, her commitment to psychology and mental health remains unwavering; if anything was certain for Vicki, it is that she will dedicate the foreseeable future to counselling. “One thing I know for sure is that I’ll always be in this field, doing work related to psychology and mental health.”

Vicki offers valuable advice to those considering a career in counselling or therapy. “You need to have passion because this line of work requires so much of you as a person,” she emphasises.

She calls attention to the importance of forming genuine connections and having sincere care for every client, the profession going far beyond using applied theory but also being wholeheartedly present for those in need.

Acknowledging how much she’s grown over the last few years, Vicki knows that the road ahead is full of possibilities. Her story is an important reminder of how embracing your unique strengths and interests can lead to a deeply fulfilling life. Though Vicki is open to unexpected opportunities, her guiding principle will remain to be her passion for mental wellness. “If you have the passion, hold on to it. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it when your heart is in the right place.”