This Master’s course trains aspiring counsellors to address pressing mental health issues faced today

The Master of Guidance and Counselling offered at the Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU) equips students with the skills to deal with issues faced by a pandemic-stricken world 

BY BRYANT CHAN

July 7, 2021

With Covid-19 resulting in increased mental health burden across the world, the need for trained counsellors has never been more pressing. 

“In recent years, the increase in both demand and supply for mental health and counselling services has been widely reported,” says Dr Frederick Low, Associate Professor of Counselling at JCU, and President of the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC).

According to Dr Low, this rise is likely linked to a combination of deterioration in family relations as well as poor economic and employment conditions during the pandemic, leading to an overall decrease in mental wellness. 

But while demand for qualified mental health professionals may be high, the profession remains a selective one. In Singapore, registered counsellors must possess a post-graduate qualification from an institution recognised by the SAC. 

The Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC) at JCU is recognised both by the SAC and the Australian Counselling Association. This allows MGC graduates the unique ability to practice in both countries, giving them unparalleled mobility in their counselling careers. 

Well into its 12th year, the MGC programme’s reputation attracts applicants from all walks of life, ranging from fresh graduates to those working in counselling-related fields seeking to become full-fledged counsellors. It also draws corporate executives looking for a career change. 

“(MGC students) see meaning in learning the right skills such as counselling and devoting the next phase of their lives to the profession.” – Dr Frederick Low

A significant number of students fall into the last category in particular, says Dr Low, noting that many of them possess extensive frontline work experience, but see the opportunities afforded post-MGC as a means to “give back to society”. 

“They see meaning in learning the right skills such as counselling and devoting the next phase of their lives to the profession.”

Practicum placements at schools, social service agencies, and private counselling centres allow MGC students to experience authentic learning opportunities first-hand. Throughout the process, students are supported by a dedicated team at MGC, which includes a placement coordinator, a practicum subject lecturer, and a clinical supervisor, who usually is an SAC-registered counsellor.

MGC alumni have gone on to serve as counsellors or career coaches in schools, family service centres and community and youth services in Singapore, Australia, the US and the UK – a testament to how well-equipped they are to deal with the issues faced by a pandemic-stricken world.

“In today’s society, problems are complex and multifaceted,” says Dr Low. “Along with social workers, psychologists, teachers and nurses, counsellors are a part of our multidisciplinary response to challenges in human relations, mental health, and other social concerns.”

To find out more about Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC) at JCU, visit www.jcu.edu.sg/courses-and-study/courses/course/master-of-guidance-and-counselling