School of Counseling. Handbook (2014)

School of Counseling Handbook (2014)

OVERVIEW The Master of Arts in Counseling and the Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling programs prepares Christian counselors with the knowledge, skill, and insight to practice counseling in the church or clinical settings in the social service sector, community counseling services or in private practice. The curriculum integrates the Christian faith and values, theology, psychological and counseling theory, personal spiritual formation and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own personal counseling for their own growth. The programs covers the content areas required for the course recognition by the Singapore Association of Counseling (SAC). The Master of Arts in Counseling has been recognized by SAC since January 2014 and the Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling since October 2010. Our Graduates pursue professional counseling in the following areas: Social Service sector Community Counseling Church-based Counseling Pastoral Counseling Unique Features It is focused on Christian faith-integration students benefit from engaging discussions on spirituality, spiritual direction in all our modules and are expected to do their own faith integration of the topics covered. It is focused on skills experienced Christian faculty who are professional practitioners pass on valuable experiences and insights in counseling through class instruction, role & real play, and through personal and group clinical supervision. It is focused on relationships - Small class sizes encourage close interaction and create personal relationships between students and faculty. Admissions Requirements Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service A Bachelor degree in any field from a recognized University/Institution or Bible School/College Bible knowledge requirement Application form and fees Two references Writing sample: Personal Testimony 2

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN COUNSELING The School of Counseling offers the following academic programs at postgraduate level: Award Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling Credits 36 credits at Level 7 Duration Recognition Full-time : 18 months* (conditions apply) Part-time : Up to 5 years Singapore Association for Counseling *The 18 months completion for full-time students is dependent on the academic term in which the student begins his/her studies and also if the student has completed the prerequisites. Three (3) credits are considered the equivalent of 100 hours of notional learning. This includes both contact time as well as self-study. General Aims Provide a foundation for continued education at the Masters level or in life-long learning. Provide a stimulating and creative learning environment where students learn and develop the core clinical skills. Train and equip students who will be competent in skills, and culturally sensitive and ethical in practice. Train and equip ministry practitioners to be more skillful and competent counselors in churches and Christian organizations. Admission Requirements The Candidate should fulfill the following requirements: Be at least 25 years old on the date of admission. Be a born-again believer with a genuine desire for Christian service. Have obtained a Bachelor degree in any field from a recognized University/ Institution or Bible School/College. Have obtained a TOEFL score of 560 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (or the equivalent). Clear the admission interview. Candidates who have obtained a bachelor degree in an unrelated discipline may be admitted upon satisfactory completion of certain academic deficiencies at undergraduate level. Mature Candidates who are above 30 years of age and have been in a similar field for at least 3 years may also be admitted upon satisfactory completion of certain academic deficiencies at the undergraduate level. 3

Curriculum Foundational Modules 1. Foundations of Counseling 2. The Self of the Counselor 3. Human Development 1 st Year 2 nd Year Theory Modules 4. Theories and Approaches in Individual Counseling 5. Theories and Approaches in Marital and Family Counseling 6. Theories and Approaches in Group Work Professional Modules 7. Professional Ethics 8. Appraisals, Tests and Assessments Skills Modules 9. Core Clinical Skills I 10. Core Clinical Skills II *Each module is worth 3 credits unless otherwise stated. Academic Deficiencies Practicum Module 11. Practicum with Supervision over 2 Terms (6 Credits) All candidates are required to complete the following modules at undergraduate level. Exemptions will be given to candidates who are able to show transcripts of the same topics or its equivalent taken at an undergraduate level. Old Testament Survey - A study in the Old Testament in context, whether in terms of history, geography or culture. The primary events, characters and teachings of each book are studied in relation to their place in the ongoing revelation of God s plan. New Testament Survey - A study of the New Testament in the context of the history and culture of its time. The main themes and teachings of each book are studies in relation to the ongoing revelation of God s plan. Christian Ethics - This module will provide students with the foundations of Christian ethics - its underlying theological convictions, its understanding of the nature of the good and moral self, and the criteria for ethical judgments. These Christian proposals are considered against the background of both philosophical ethics and contemporary alternatives of humanistic and situational ethics. Careful attention is given to how one moves from the Christian foundations to particular moral dilemmas, both personal and social. 4

Introduction to Psychology - This module provides an introduction to the various fields of psychology with an emphasis on the fundamental principles underlying normal human behavior. The Christian point of view will be highlighted throughout the course. Curriculum Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling (Flow Chart) Academic Deficiencies (Required for those who do not have a theological degree) Old Testament Survey (Audit) New Testament Survey (Audit) Christian Ethics (Credit) Introduction to Psychology (Credit) Foundational Modules Foundations of Counseling The Self of the Counselor Human Development Professional Modules Professional Ethics Appraisals, Tests & Assessments Theory Modules Theories & Approaches in Individual Counseling Theories & Approaches in Marital & Family Counseling Theories & Approaches in Group Work Skills Modules Core Clinical Skills I Core Clinical Skills II Practicum Module Supervised Practicum (6 credits) Students exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling (PDC) that is recognized by the Singapore Association for Counseling 5

MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING PROGRAM Since January 2011 the School of Counseling has offered the Master of Arts in Counseling for students who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling with TCA College School of Counseling or its equivalent degree from other Universities or institutions of higher learning. Validation Award TCA College Master of Arts in Counseling Credits 54 credits at Level 7 Duration Full-time : 3 years Part-time : Up to 7 years Three (3) credits are considered the equivalent of 100 hours of notional learning. This includes both contact time as well as self-study. General Aims Provide students with specialized, professional training to be counseling practitioners and contribute to the counseling fraternity. Provide a stimulating and creative learning environment where students learn from faculty and counseling professionals beyond core clinical skills. Train and equip practitioners who will be competent in skills, and culturally sensitive and ethical in practice. Train and equip ministry practitioners to be more skillful and competent counselors in churches and Christian organizations. Admission Requirements The Candidate should fulfill the following requirements: Be at least 25 years old on the date of admission. Be a born-again believer with a genuine desire for Christian service. Have obtained a Bachelor degree in any field from a recognized University/ Institution or Bible School/College. Applicants with an equivalent Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling or Masters Degree in a related field will go through a matriculation process and be required to do Directed Studies in order to fulfill the minimum of 30 credits to graduate with a Masters Degree from TCA College. Have obtained a TOEFL score of 560 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (or the equivalent) Clear the admission interview. 6

Curriculum Master of Arts in Counseling Foundational Modules 1. Foundations of Counseling 2. The Self of the Counselor 3. Human Development 1 st Year 2 nd Year Theory Modules 4. Theories and Approaches in Individual Counseling 5. Theories and Approaches in Marital and Family Counseling 6. Theories and Approaches in Group Work Professional Modules 7. Professional Ethics 8. Appraisals, Tests and Assessments Skills Modules 9. Core Clinical Skills I 10. Core Clinical Skills II *Each module is 3 credits unless otherwise stated. Academic Deficiencies Practicum Module 11. Practicum with Supervision over 2 Terms (6 Credits) Faith Integration Modules 12. Family-based Approaches in Counseling 13. Spirituality and Counseling Diversity Modules 14. Divorce and Remarriage 15. Gender and Sexuality Specialist Modules 16. Counseling Children 17. Psychopathology Directed Studies (Only for Students with Advanced Standing with a PDC or Master Degree equivalent) All candidates are required to complete the following modules at undergraduate level. Exemptions will be given to candidates who are able to show transcripts of the same topics or its equivalent taken at an undergraduate level. Old Testament Survey - A study in the Old Testament in context, whether in terms of history, geography or culture. The primary events, characters and teachings of each book are studied in relation to their place in the ongoing revelation of God s plan. New Testament Survey - A study of the New Testament in the context of the history and culture of its time. The main themes and teachings of each book are studies in relation to the ongoing revelation of God s plan. Christian Ethics - This module will provide students with the foundations of Christian ethics - its underlying theological convictions, its understanding of the nature of the good and moral self, and the criteria for ethical judgments. These Christian proposals are considered against the background of both philosophical ethics and contemporary alternatives of humanistic and situational ethics. Careful attention is given to how one moves from the Christian foundations to particular moral dilemmas, both personal and social. 7

Introduction to Psychology - This module provides an introduction to the various fields of psychology with an emphasis on the fundamental principles underlying normal human behavior. The Christian point of view will be highlighted throughout the course. Directed Studies (12 Credits) This is a directed self-study (only for applicants who qualify for an Advanced Standing with an equivalent Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling or Masters Degree in a related field) of a particular subject of interest in the area of marital and family therapy or general psychology/counseling that is not offered in the curriculum. The student will have to make a proposal of the research topic/project to the program coordinator and Dean, subject to the approval of both. A faculty member will be assigned to guide, direct and evaluate the study. Alternatively, the student may do additional 4 modules in place of Directed Study. 8

Curriculum Master of Arts in Counseling (Flow Chart) Academic Deficiencies (Required for those who do not have a theological degree) Old Testament Survey (Audit) New Testament Survey (Audit) Christian Ethics (Credit) Introduction to Psychology (Credit) Foundational Modules Foundations of Counseling The Self of the Counselor Human Development Professional Modules Professional Ethics Appraisals, Tests & Assessments Theory Modules Theories & Approaches in Individual Counseling Theories & Approaches in Marital & Family Counseling Theories & Approaches in Group Work Skills Modules Core Clinical Skills I Core Clinical Skills II Practicum Module Supervised Practicum (6 credits) Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling (PDC) that is recognized by the Singapore Association for Counseling Faith Integration Modules Family-based Approaches in Counseling Spirituality and Counseling Those who already have a Postgraduate Diploma from TCA College can continue to complete the following 6 modules to graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling. For those transferring from other programs or Universities with an equivalent degree will have to add another 4 modules or do a Directed Study of 12 credits in order to be awarded with a Master of Arts in Counseling by TCA College. Diversity Modules Divorce & Remarriage Gender & Sexuality BRIEF MODULE DESCRIPTORS Specialist Modules Counseling Children Psychopathology Students graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) that is recognized by the Singapore Association for Counseling 9

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN COUNSELING PROGRAM MODULES Foundations of Counseling This module covers the basics of counseling. It focuses on the counsellor and the counselling process the intake, exploration, action and termination. The students will be taught the importance of the therapeutic alliance, factors that aid or hinder the building of this alliance, boundaries and self-care. In addition, students will be introduced to the integration of faith and psychotherapy. They will explore the different models of integration practised by psychotherapists. The Self of the Counselor This course focuses on the self, the interpersonal and the vocational factors that enable the person to be congruent, authentic and Christ-honouring in their role as a counsellor. Emphasis will be placed on how the family of origin, gender and sexuality, subculture and ethnicity affects the social, emotional and spiritual growth and development of the self. This has implications for the kind of relationships we build with others both in the context of the community of faith as well as in the ministry of people-helping. Human Development This course provides theories and basic framework for understanding human behavior within a developmental and social context. Various developmental stages from infancy to the conception of death, and the environmental or cultural issues faced that may contribute to our clients problems, will be explored. Theories & Approaches in Individual Counseling This course provides a survey and a critical appraisal of the major individual approaches in the psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural schools. It covers the theoretical framework and techniques of the various approaches. Discussions will include faith integration where appropriate. Theories & Approaches in Marital & Family Counseling This course provides a presentation of the major theoretical underpinnings and clinical practices in the field of marital and family counseling. It will include: evolving viewpoints, values, perspectives, key techniques of intervention and goals of family therapy, emphasizing the growing integrative nature of the current practice of marriage and family counseling in the local setting. As postmodernism has introduced us to the influence of larger belief systems and the use of language in how people construct their thinking about reality and the functioning of marriage and the family, special attention will be given to counseling the Asian family in a multicultural, multi-religious setting. Theories & Approaches in Group Work This is a course for people leading recovery, support, personal wellness, or psychoeducation groups. It covers the different theories of group work, including group development and group process. Related diversity, multicultural and multi-religious issues will be explored from a Christian faith-based perspective. Students will also learn group facilitation & intervention skills. 10

Professional Ethics This course examines the principles and guidelines for professional counseling practice with regard to confidentiality, professional responsibility, professional relationship boundary, legal issues, including malpractice and other legal liability issues. Students will be facilitated to think through different ethical dilemmas and to employ decision-making strategies in a systematic manner. Appraisal, Tests & Assessments This is an introductory course in research methods, psychological testing and clinical assessment. It is designed to provide a foundation in assessment so counselorinitiates can select and use sound assessment techniques after being exposed to a variety of assessment areas and issues. Core Clinical Skills I This clinical course will provide students with the exposure to and demonstration of the core micro skills that are necessary for counseling and interviewing. The course will also facilitate the development of a skills and competency based approach to the counseling interview. Core Clinical Skills II This clinical course provides students the exposure to and demonstration of the core micro skills necessary for counseling and interviewing. It will facilitate the development of a skill and competency based approach to the counseling interview and is based on the foundational skills laid in Core Clinical Skills (Part One). Practicum with Supervision Experiential and practical integration forms the basis of learning for this module, with the learning alternating between agency setting, classroom work and individual review and reflection. Students are expected to apply their theoretical learning and knowledge base acquired through simulated role plays and interviews to the clients and families under their care in line with current professional and ethical codes of conduct. 11

MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING PROGRAM MODULES Family-based Approaches to Counseling This course examines the challenges and transitions that impact families over the developmental cycle, and how families can survive, even thrive, in the face of various life crises. This course will propose assessments, diagnoses and treatment planning with couples as well as extended and blended / reconstituted families. Contemporary issues faced by Singaporean families, such as: divorce and infidelity, family violence, alcoholism and/or behavioral addictions, will also be covered. Gender & Sexuality This course focuses explicitly on the issues of gender roles and the changing norms of gender and sexuality in modern society. Special emphases will be given on sexual issues like homosexuality, premarital and extra-marital problems, pornography, rape, sexual abuse and co-habitation. Divorce & Remarriage This course is designed to provide an understanding of the major changes involved in family systems that undergo the processes of divorce and reconstitution. Students will learn the causes and dynamics of divorce and about therapeutic interventions that can assist families during such times of major disruption and reorientation. The course will also explore a biblical-theological perspective as well as the challenges of coping in a single-parent situation. Counseling Children This course looks into the issues related to childhood development and resilience, normative and deviant behavior, among others. Focus will be given on Play Therapy, Expressive Art Therapy, Sandplay Therapy and Family Counseling. Extended coverage of counseling children with special concerns such as suicide, divorce, chemical dependency, single-parent, and violence is included. Psychopathology In this introductory course, students will be introduced to the clinical features, causes and treatment of common psychiatric disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, psychotic and personality disorders. Specially designed for counselors, the contents include mental state examination and assessment of suicide risk. Students would also be introduced to the classification of mental disorders in DSM-5. Spirituality & Counseling This course will provide the foundations of a biblical, Christian approach to counseling, including both implicit and explicit integration. Topics covered will include assumptions about human nature and sources of truth, the use of spiritual resources (e.g. prayer and inner healing, Scriptures) and the spirituality of the therapist. The course will also deal with the fundamentals of the counseling process, which in turn seeks to provide a framework for faith-based counseling. 12

Directed Studies (12 Credits) This is a directed self-study (only for applicants who qualify for an Advanced Standing with an equivalent Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling or Masters Degree in a related field) of a particular subject of interest in the area of marital and family therapy or general psychology/counseling that is not offered in the curriculum. The student will have to make a proposal of the research topic/project to the program coordinator and Dean, subject to the approval of both. A faculty member will be assigned to guide, direct and evaluate the study. Alternatively, the student may do additional 4 modules in place of Directed Study. 13