Para-Counseling Foundations: Empowering Through Empathy & Community Care

Empowering Through Empathy & Community Care

This 2-day Para-Counseling Course is designed for individuals seeking to develop foundational counseling skills to provide empathetic support in personal and professional interactions. Whether you are considering a counseling career or simply looking to enhance your interpersonal skills, this course offers comprehensive insights into the principles of para-counseling. You will gain the knowledge and tools needed to assist others through challenging times, without the need for professional counseling intervention.

Practical Skills for Meaningful Engagement

Throughout this intensive program, participants will engage in a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises aimed at equipping them with essential counseling techniques. The course focuses on building empathy, enhancing active listening abilities, and mastering communication strategies. Additionally, participants will learn how to apply these skills in real-world situations, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or community settings. Guided by expert facilitators, the course ensures that each participant is equipped with actionable skills to support others effectively.

Empower yourself to empower others #ParaCounseling #EmpathyInAction #ProfessionalDevelopment

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Role of a Para-Counselor: Recognize the scope and limitations of a para-counselor’s responsibilities in supporting individuals while working alongside professional counselors.
• Apply Effective Counseling Techniques: Implement a range of counseling methods, including active listening and empathetic communication, to support others through their challenges.
• Enhance Empathy and Communication Skills: Develop stronger interpersonal skills to engage with individuals in a way that fosters trust, understanding, and meaningful connections.
• Navigate Ethical Issues in Counseling: Identify the ethical guidelines and principles that govern counseling interactions, ensuring that all engagement is respectful, confidential, and appropriate.
• Integrate Para-Counseling Skills into Daily Life: Utilize the learned skills in both personal and professional settings to create supportive environments that encourage growth and healing.

• Counseling Career Seekers: Individuals interested in entering the counseling field.
• Professionals Enhancing Support Skills: Professionals seeking to enhance their interpersonal and support skills.
• Aspiring Therapists: Aspiring counselors, psychologists, or social workers.
• HR and Leadership Roles: HR professionals, team leaders, and managers.
• Community and Volunteer Support: Community support workers and helpline volunteers.
• School and Educational Support: School support personnel and anyone passionate about supporting others in times of need.

“Dr Andy's passion for psychology is indeed contagious. His dynamic teaching style and engaging lectures transformed what could have been a mundane subject into an enchanting exploration of the human mind. His enthusiasm and energy made learning enjoyable and memorable.”

"Dr Andy's emphasis on understanding oneself and self management. He's very knowledgeable about the theories behind the law of nature. The knowledge and insights gleaned from Dr Andy allows me to feel more equipped to navigate my own personal growth."

- Ang Wei Ling Lynette, Capability Development Officer, MHA-SPF (2024)

"Trainer Andy is very knowledgeable and engaging. He gave alot of additional information on para-counselling techniques, examples and showed many relevant videos. I learnt a lot from him. The practical activities and the sharing of information/knowledge by trainer are helpful.'

- Lim Bao Qi Eileen, Senior Executive, Chinese Development Assistance Council (2024)

"Dr Andy is detailed, knowledgeable, professional and patience. Dr Andy covered all the topics and the key takeaways are a very useful to me." - Phua Ai Nah, Audrey, Senior Manager (Facilities Management), MOH (2024)

Dr. Andy Sim – Psychologist, Coach, and Educator

Dr. Andy Sim is a highly accomplished psychologist, coach, counselor, lecturer, and music educator with extensive experience in mental health and performance psychology. He holds esteemed credentials, including Associate Fellow, Chartered Psychologist, and Registered Coaching Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, as well as Master Clinical Member and Registered Counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling. Dr. Sim is also a full member of several professional organizations, including the Singapore Psychological Society, the American Psychological Association, and the International Society of Coaching Psychology. He has presented at the Singapore Conference on Applied Psychology and published in SpringerLink Nature.

Before transitioning to his current career in 2011, Dr. Sim was a professional military musician and band director, and he has performed with the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra since 2001. Currently, he practices as a coaching psychologist in private practice, while also serving as an associate counsellor at a tertiary institution and a staff psychologist for several companies. He teaches master's degree courses in psychotherapy and counselling, and has previously provided counselling services to local universities and the Ministry of Education. Dr. Sim holds a Doctor of Psychology (USA), a Master of Social Science in Professional Counselling (Australia), and a Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy (Australia). He also earned a MiniMasters in General Management (Singapore), a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Singapore), a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Australia), and a WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (Singapore). With specialized expertise in psychophysiology, he supports musicians and athletes in enhancing their mental well-being and performance.