Confronting and resolving conflicts

James Cook University’s Master of Guidance and Counselling helps aspiring counsellor Rae Ho to become proficient at conflict resolution

By Jolene Limuco

Jan 6, 2020

Growing up, Ms Rae Ho had observed her fair share of conflicts within her family. If her fighting parents had been able to resolve their differences sooner, their marriage would probably still be intact, she often thought to herself.

“I have seen relationships between people fall into a pattern of blaming and disrespect, and I have often wondered if there could be a different outcome,” says the 29-year-old.

Her interest in conflict resolution led her to pursue a Bachelor in Psychology from the Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU). She graduated in 2016.

After working at a private medical centre as a medical liaison executive for a year, she enrolled into the Master of Guidance and Counselling programme at JCU.

She chose to further her studies because she wanted to attain specialised knowledge, tap into a wider professional network and advance her career in healthcare.

Practical opportunity

Returning to her alma mater was the obvious choice as she knew that JCU has a reputation for being a comprehensive research-led university that provides students with a career-focused education. For instance, Ms Ho was required to conduct counselling sessions under the supervision of her professor

JCU’s other draw is the flexible schedule of its post-graduate programme. Instead of weekly classes, there are only two intensive weeks of classes each semester.

The university’s psychology programmes are also accredited by the Australian Counselling Association and the Singapore Association for Counselling.

Having a background in psychology has equipped Ms Ho with a better understanding of the research process, treatments and medical terms. This in turn allows her to be a better communicator at work.

She plans to stay in the healthcare sector after she completes her master’s, and perhaps explore a counselling role.

“I have always enjoyed working with people. Becoming a counsellor will give me a chance to work with people and to provide encouragement to others’ life challenges,” she says.