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In Singapore, the conversation around mental health has significantly evolved over the years, with the community at large placing greater emphasis on emotional well-being and support.
Counselling has become a crucial profession in this context, offering a fulfilling career for those who wish to guide others through their mental health struggles. Whether it is helping people cope with stress, grief, or relationship issues, becoming a counsellor in Singapore plays an indispensable role in improving lives.
Beyond the personal satisfaction of making a tangible difference, becoming a counsellor in Singapore offers diverse career opportunities. You can work in a private practice, schools, hospitals, or non-profit organisations, specialising in areas like family therapy, youth counselling, and trauma recovery.
Besides that, the profession is constantly expanding with new specialisations to work with as well as innovative techniques and tools, thus making this a promising time to pursue a career in counselling.
So, what does it take to become a counsellor in Singapore? Let us break it down for you.
Educational and Professional Requirements
To become a counsellor in Singapore, there are specific educational pathways you must follow. Most counsellors pursue postgraduate qualifications, as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) requires at least a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree in Counselling from an SAC-recognised institution.
Programs at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), National University of Singapore (NUS), and James Cook University are some of the top choices for prospective counsellors.
In addition, it is imperative that you complete 600 hours of supervised clinical practice to gain practical experience. This hands-on training ensures that you develop essential counselling skills and the competence to handle various mental health issues.
While licensure is not mandatory to practise as a counsellor in Singapore, obtaining the SAC registration is highly recommended as it demonstrates professionalism and adherence to ethical standards, enhancing your credibility in the field.
Core Skills to be a Successful Counsellor
Being a counsellor requires a blend of soft and hard skills. On the technical side, you need strong active listening, problem-solving, and communication abilities. However, success in this field goes beyond technical know-how.
Compassion, empathy, emotional resilience, and patience are key personal qualities that enable you to connect deeply with clients while maintaining a clear focus on their well-being, on top of remaining professional through all of it.
The role can be emotionally taxing, so the ability to manage your own emotions and maintain self-care practices is crucial. Counsellors should also be committed to lifelong learning, continuously updating their knowledge to stay current with new therapeutic techniques and insights into mental health.
Career Pathways and Specialisation
One of the great things about becoming a counsellor in Singapore is the flexibility the career offers. As a qualified counsellor, you have the option to choose where to work, whether that is in a school, corporate environments, hospitals, or community organisations.
In regards to specialisation, many counsellors specialise in areas that align with their personal interests or societal needs. For example, some may focus on youth counselling to help adolescents navigate challenges of school, relationships, and self-identity.
Others may specialise in family therapy, career coaching, or trauma recovery, supporting individuals dealing with specific life events. Our advice is to pick a path that either feels the closest to your heart, has a significance to you, or you would excel in.
There is also room for entrepreneurship in this field. Many experienced counsellors eventually open their own private practices, allowing them to manage their own schedules and clientele. Through networking with meaningful communities of like-minded individuals (like A Space Between’s community), let us not forget that there are endless possibilities for partnership and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a counsellor in Singapore is more than just a career—it is a calling. It requires dedication, empathy, and commitment. The road to becoming a counsellor can be demanding, but it is also immensely rewarding. With the right qualifications, skills, and mindset, you can embark on a career that positively impacts lives while having personal and professional growth.
A Word From A Space Between
At a Space Between, we have over 90 members of practising therapists and counsellors in Singapore. Should you be a practising therapist or counsellor wishing to work with A Space Between, sign up here.
Considering being a part of A Space Between? Check out our membership plans and perks, take a virtual 3D tour of our space, or book a personalised, in-person tour here.