Graduate Diploma in Counselling Practice (GDIP)
The course will be funded under the non-preapproved PCG route for SSAs.
About the Course
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling Practice course aims to equip social service professionals with the knowledge and skills essential to competent counselling. Its distinctive feature is that more than 50% of course time is devoted to clinical practice under supervision thereby giving social service professionals the opportunity to hone their clinical skills. It also promotes professional development and personal growth of the participants.This course is fully recognised by the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) as a course that prepares individuals to be Registered Counsellors in Singapore.
COURSE DURATION
300 hours (part-time), 11 months.DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
7 July 2025DATE OF COMPLETION
25 May 2026Learning Outcomes
This course enables participants to:
- Grasp the concepts and theories of counselling.
- Describe, discriminate and demonstrate core counselling skills.
- Utilise the Problem-Solving Approach as a practice model.
- Understand how to work with specific client groups and issues.
- Enhance competency in counselling practice through live supervision and consultation of their clinical work.
Applicants should:
- Be at least 23 years old and be proficient in English
- Possess a degree in Counselling, Psychology or Social Work and/or post graduate diploma in Social Work or Counselling
- Have acquired at least 2 years working experience involving formal counselling work
Course Structure
Classes are held on Mondays. The course is full day, initially from 9am to 5.30pm for the first 10 weeks, and gradually progressively adjusted such that the classes will be from 10:30am to 8:30pm by the beginning of the second semester. The course comprises of the two main components of theory and supervised clinical practice, covered in the following modules.
| Course Modules | Trainers |
|---|---|
| 1. Counselling Concepts and Theories | Andrew Chong, Cheryl Lim, Elysia Tan, Goh Xin Ying, Lim Li Zhen, Tremandy Ng, Terence Tan, Yeow Ming Zhen |
| 2. Working with Specific Client Groups & Issues | Andrew Chong, Charlotte Chen, Dr. Ang Xinying, Dr. Chua Wei Bin, Foo Soo Jen, Mohd Fareez, Tony Ong, Tremandy Ng |
| 3. Counselling Skills and Supervised Practice | Andrew Chong, Elysia Tan, Goh Xin Ying, Lim Li Zhen, Tremandy Ng |
Minimum Class Size: 15
Average Teacher-Student Ratio: 1:6
Teaching and Learning Strategies
We are planning for the lectures of July 2025 intake to be conducted in our premises.
Group supervision will be conducted in small groups in our premises as well. Each group will be assigned with a supervisor for interactive and experiential learning such as group discussions, reflective exercises, audio/video-taped demonstration of clinical work and supervised practice of clinical work.
Requirements for Completion
Methods of Assessment
Written assignments, project paper, written examination, clinical viva, clinical supervisor’s assessment.
Assessment Schedule
Written examination is held on the 2nd week of January, which is the 1st day of the 2nd semester
Clinical Viva is held on the 2nd week of May, which is the end of the 2nd semester.
Submission of project paper by the course end date.
Requirements for Completion
Trainees should:
- Attain attendance of at least 80% of total 300 course hours.
- Obtain a pass grade (scoring 50% and above) for each of the three components, namely, the written examination, clinical evaluation and project paper.
- Submit 100-hour log of counselling work at agency of practice.
- Fulfil required number of sessions for individual supervision, personal tape reviews and personal development.
- Submit all written coursework.
How to Apply
Please submit the Training Application Form when the applications are open. Please submit the Training Application Form using the following link:
https://counsel.org.sg/graduate-diploma-in-counselling-practice-gdip/
Kindly contact Training Admin, training@counsel.org.sg for the closing date.
| Intake | Date of commencement | Date of completion |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/ 2026 | 7 July 2025 | 25 May 2026 |
Documents for Application
Submission of the following supportive documents is required for processing of the application:
- CV
- Educational qualifications and highest English language proficiency (with grades attained, if applicable)
- Letter of reference from the home agency/ Employer
- Personal statement – A letter of introduction not exceeding 500 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 7 days from the closing date of application if they have been shortlisted for an interview.
- The interview dates are 15 April to 15 May 2025. Applicants will be notified via email within 14 working days after the end of interview period if they are accepted to the course.
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 for.
Apply for 2025/ 2026 Intake Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we offer both in-person and online training options to accommodate different needs and preferences. Do check the course outline that you are interested in to find out more about the mode of delivery.
Yes, many of our training programs are eligible for continuing education credits. Please refer to the program details to confirm the availability of CE credits and the accrediting bodies we work with.
All our trainers hold advanced degrees in their respective fields and have significant experience in both clinical practice and training. To find out more about each specific trainer, check out our team.
For full information on miscellaneous fees and instalments, view our Fee Payment Structure.
PAYNOW
Counselling and Care Centre, UEN S75SS0014F
Reference of transaction: Name of Applicant (as in NRIC)
Email the payment details to training@counsel.org.sg
INTERNET BANKING
Account name: Counselling and Care Centre
Name of bank: DBS Bank Ltd
Account number: 010-011739-9
Reference of transaction: Name of Applicant (as in NRIC)
Email the transaction advice and payment details to training@counsel.org.sg
CHEQUE
Pay to Counselling and Care Centre Write your name (as in NRIC) and title of course at the back of the cheque
Mail cheque to: Counselling and Care Centre, Blk 536 Upper Cross St, #05-241, Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050536
Email us at training@counsel.org.sg to inform us that you have sent the cheque.
CASH OR NETS
Payment can be made at Counselling and Care Centre.
Instructions: Payment to be made within 30 days upon receipt of invoice.
Testimonials
Sensitive and respectful
Great listener, therapist asks question in a sensitive and respectful way.The counselling I received at the Centre offered the added support that I needed
The therapist allows us to dive deeper into the issues, understand the underlying causes and emotions, and suggest/find solutions for them. Our kids enjoyed the interaction during the family sessions.Knowing more of myself
It helps me share everything I have kept deep down in my heart. Working together with the therapist to make things more transparent for myself.Appreciate being validated in my feelings..
I appreciate being validated in my feelings, learning to tune in to my feelings, and considering different perspectives. Thank you!Equip Yourself to Enhance Your Quality of Care
Kindly contact Training Admin, training@counsel.org.sg for the closing date.
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