Divorce Counselling

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Divorce Counselling (COU308)

Synopsis

COU308 Divorce Counselling aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to function as family counsellors working with divorced couples and their children. The course content covers the causes of divorce, the laws and legislations in Singapore related to divorce, and the context and challenges for divorcing couples and their children. On the psychological aspects, the emotional impact of divorce on both the divorcing couples and their children will be discussed. Counselling interventions with their attending techniques and skills will be taught to students.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

Understanding the divorce landscape in Singapore
Ecosystem of support, including the legal and policy systems related to divorce
Stage theories and developmental models
Causes and predictors of divorce – risk and protective factors
Cultural factors in divorce; Phases of divorce and impact on families
Emotional needs of divorcing persons and their children
Discernment Counselling for troubled relationships
Skills to manage entrenchment and de-escalation of conflict
Marital closure techniques
Practical and emotional support for divorce recovery
Co-parenting and impact on children
Integrative model and divorce therapy

Learning Outcome

Present the laws and legislations relating to divorce, and the context and challenges for divorcing couples as well as their children.
Explain the causes of divorce, and identify the risk and protective factors related to divorce.
Discuss the emotional impact of divorce on couples and children.
Employ Discernment Counselling in working with troubled relationships.
Apply appropriate intervention techniques with divorcing couples and their children, and demonstrate skills used to de-escalate conflicts that arise between divorcing couples.
Demonstrate skills to coach healthy co-parenting relationships.