Singapore University of Social Sciences

Level: Advanced
Duration: 4 days 
Dates: 25 - 28 February 2025
Venue: Singapore University of Social Sciences and ZOOM

Synopsis

This course gives an overview of major theories and techniques in counselling. The focus will be on the application of these psychotherapy approaches and theories in various settings, especially in the community. The course will also equip participants with the knowledge and skills to apply integrative approaches in counselling when dealing with clients from diverse backgrounds and presenting issues. Ethical and professional issues relating to participants’ work in family counselling will also be discussed.

Who Should Attend

This course is for professionals, both counsellors and social workers, as well as individuals embarking on a career switch into the social service sectors seeking to gain strong foundational practical and theoretical skills in counselling.

Topics

• Introduction to Counselling
• The Counselling Process
• Counsellor in Personal and Professional Contexts
• Overview of Microskills in Counselling
• Introduction to Theories and Techniques of Counselling
• Person-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Focus in Counselling
• Emotive Focus in Counselling
• Behavioural Focus in Counselling
• Integrative Approaches in Counselling
• Special Issue: Dealing with Clients in Crisis
  
  

Objective

A. Knowledge and Understanding (Theory Component)

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Examine personal values that influence counselling processes
• Appraise professional and ethical issues in counselling
• Compare and contrast different approaches to counselling

B. Key Skills (Practical Component)

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Develop self-evaluation skills as a counsellor
• Demonstrate basic microskills required in counselling
• Apply different counselling approaches
  
  

Schedule

Time	Agenda
Day 1
09:00 – 10:00	Introduction and Course Overview
10:00 – 10:30	Introduction to Counselling
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 – 12:00	Counsellor in Personal and Professional Contexts
12:00 – 13:00	Lunch
13:00 – 14:00	The Counselling Process
14:00 – 15:15	Introduction to Theories and Techniques of Counselling (I)
15:15 – 15:30	Break
15:30 – 16:30	Introduction to Theories and Techniques of Counselling (II)
16:30 – 17:30	Assessment
Day 2
09:00 - 10:30	The Therapeutic Relationship
10:30 - 10:45	Break
10:45 - 12:00	Humanistic Approaches
12:00 - 13:00	Lunch
13:00 – 14:30	Person-Centered Therapy
14:30 – 15:15	Behavioural Focus in Counselling (I)
15:15 – 15:30	Break
15:30 – 16:30	Behavioural Focus in Counselling (II)
16:30 – 17:30	Assessment
Day 3
09:00 – 10:30	Cognitive Focus in Counselling
10:30 - 10:45	Break
10:45 – 12:15	Emotive Focus in Counselling
12:15 – 13:15	Lunch
13:15 – 14:00	The Counselling Framework
14:00 – 15:15	Role-play : Using the Counselling Framework Discussion
15:15 - 15:30	Break
15:30 – 16:30	Integrative Approaches in Counselling
16:30 – 17:30	Assessment
Day 4
09:00 – 10:30	Reflection Exercise : Integrative Perspective
10:30 - 10:45	Break
10:45 - 12:00	Case Study : Integrative Perspective
12:00 - 13:00	Lunch
13:00 – 14:30	Role-play : Integrative Perspective Discussion
14:30 – 16:00	Special Issue: Dealing with Client in Crisis
16:00 – 16:15	Break
16:15 – 16:30	Evaluation
16:30 – 17:30	Assessment

Assessments

• Online Tests (3 hours)
  Participants will be tested on their understanding of the theories and concepts covered in the course. They will be given 1 hour to complete the test at the end of lessons 1 to 3. The test will consist of open-ended questions.
• Project (1 hour)
  Participants will be assessed based on their ability to apply the counselling approaches on a case study. They will be given 1 hour to complete this project.
  
  

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in any field from a recognised institution
• Need to be working with a SSA at the point of application
  
  

About the Trainer

Mr Andy Sim

Mr. Andy Sim is a private practitioner specializing in counselling and psychotherapy, and he also serves as an associate lecturer at various tertiary institutions. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Monash University (2008), and a Master of Arts in Counselling and Guidance from NTU, NIE (2019). Committed to the principles of person-centered theory, Andy maintains a nonjudgmental, accepting (unconditional positive regard), and empathic stance in his sessions, guiding clients to gain insights and awareness of their issues while often viewing himself as a companion on their journey through difficult times. He employs techniques such as imagery therapy, the empty chair method, guided meditation, and symbolic drawing in his therapy sessions. Andy is an associate of the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) and a clinical member of the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC).

Application Procedures

Please submit the following documents to [email protected]:

1. Coloured copy (back and front) of NRIC for Singaporeans and PRs, or "Employment"/"S" Pass for foreign applicant
   
2. Application form
   
   

Course Fee

¹ Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy: Singaporeans aged 40 and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course fees.
² Enhanced Training Support for SMEs: SME-sponsored employees (Singaporean Citizens and PRs) aged 21 and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course fees.

• Participants are required to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass any prescribed examinations/assessments or submit any course/project work (if any) under the course requirement.
• Participants are required to complete all surveys and feedbacks related to the course
• The course fees are reviewed annually and may be revised. The University reserves the right to adjust the course fees without prior notice.
• Singapore University of Social Sciences reserves the right to amend and/or revise the above schedule without prior notice

For clarification, please contact the SUSS Academy via the following:

Telephone: +65 6248 0263
Email: [email protected]