POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN SYSTEMIC THINKING AND APPROACHES - APPLICATIONS IN SOCIAL WORK AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

[PGC-STA]

The course will be funded under the non-preapproved PCG route for VWOs.

NEXT INTAKE: 7 JANUARY – 15 APRIL 2025
(Module 3: 25 FEBRUARY – 15 APRIL 2025)
Next Intake: Jan 2025

Introduction

This course provides an in depth understanding of salient systemic concepts and the applications in social work and clinical practice. It enhances knowledge of a variety of foundational systemic models that are integrative to foster a coherent approach in working with clients in the multi-socio-cultural context in Singapore.

In view of the grounding this course would provide in terms of the theoretical frameworks, concepts and applications to practice, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants to the Post Graduate Diploma in Family and Systemic Practice and other courses run by the centre may consider attending this course.

Clinicians who have worked in the field for some time but has little or no formal training in systemic thinking and practice and wants to see if this is an approach that fits them are also encouraged to take up this course.

Learning Outcomes

This course enables participants to:
1. Equip themselves with a holistic approach in understanding the complex issues beyond the presenting symptoms that are manifested in individuals and families.
2. Learn to incorporate systemic thinking into practice through a more conversational approach to working with others.
3. Learn to deepen their self-reflexivity through examining their relational positioning and stance in the context of uncertainty and risks.
4. Gain an integrative perspective of the different systemic models in working with individuals and families.

Duration

77 hours (part-time), 4 months

Structure

Trainees will be provided with an in-depth understanding of salient systemic concepts such as general systems theory, circularity, feedback loops, context (inclusive of wider social and cultural discourse) and appreciate how the family functions and organises itself during transitional points, that supports personal autonomy while maintaining togetherness. They will learn how to bridge thinking to clinical and casework practice. They will learn the “use of the self” as a main tool in practice, especially in the uncertain and risk environment that practice is operating from. Additionally, trainees will study a variety of systemic models. There will be demonstrations and discussions on the integration of the approaches to adapt to the social-cultural context of families in Singapore.

 

Course Modules
MODULE 1: CERTIFICATE IN FOUNDATIONAL SYSTEMIC THINKING IN SOCIAL WORK AND CLINICAL PRACTICE (CST) (21 hours)
  • Introduction to systemic thinking
  • The development of the self in the relational world; Problem development and resolution
MODULE 2: CERTIFICATE IN FOUNDATIONAL SYSTEMIC APPLICATIONS IN SOCIAL WORK AND CLINICAL PRACTICE (CSA) (21 hours)
  • Reflexive practice (I): Domains of Action; Therapeutic practice: Interventive Interviewing (I)
  • Reflexive practice (II): Safe uncertainty and relational risk-taking; Therapeutic practice: Interventive Interviewing (II)

 

MODULE 3: CERTIFICATE IN FOUNDATIONAL SYSTEMIC MODELS IN SOCIAL WORK AND CLINICAL PRACTICE (CSM) (35 hours)
  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Bowen Family Systems Theory : Key concepts and practice in working with individuals and families
  • Milan / Post Milan Systemic Family Therapy: understanding the individual and family as a system and its clinical application
  • Narrative Therapy: valuing diversity, justice and empowerment through stories (Part 1 and 2)
  • Integration of Systemic Thinking and Approaches in Social Work and Clinical Practice

 

Minimum Class Size: 10
Average Teacher-Student Ratio:  1:10

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Trainees will attend lectures for the first and second modules, together with the trainees for both certificates in Foundational Systemic Thinking and Systemic Applications in Social Work and Clinical Practice (CST and CSA).

 

Applicants should:
1. Be at least 23 years old and proficient in English.
2. Possess a degree in Counselling, Psychology or Social Work and/or post graduate diploma in Social Work or Counselling.

Methods of Assessment

Written assignment.

Assessment Schedule

Submission of written assignment by the course end date.

Requirements for Completion

Trainees should:
1. Attain attendance of at least 80%.
2. Submit and pass (scoring 50% and above) a written assignment

 

Trainees will be awarded ‘Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking and Approaches – Applications in Social Work & Clinical Practice’ upon fulfilling the Requirements for Completion.

Opportunities for Further Education

Post Graduate Certificate in:

  • Clinical and Casework Supervision
  • Systemic Practice in Couples
  • Systemic Practice with Children, Youth and their Families

Post Graduate Diploma in:

  • Family and Systemic Practice
  • Clinical Supervision

 

2025 INTAKE

 JANUARY 2025
Date of commencement 7 January 2025
Date of commencement (For Module 3 only) 25 February 2025
Date of completion 15 April 2025

Documents for Application

Submission of the following supportive documents is required for processing of the application:
1. CV
2. Educational qualifications and highest English language proficiency (with grades attained, if applicable)
3. Personal statement – A letter of introduction not exceeding 200 words on your reasons and/or experiences that have shaped your desire to apply for this course of study.

Shortlisted applicants

  • Applicants will be notified via email within 14 days from the closing date of application if they have been accepted to the course.

How to Apply

Please click here to submit the Training Application Form online.

Closing date for the January 2025 intake is 17 December 2024.

Enquiries

For further information, please submit your enquiries using the Contact Us form. Please remember to mention the name of the course you are enquiring about.

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