ONLINE

COUNSELLING WEEK

Welcome to the OPEN HOUSE OF the School of Counselling
(English Programme)
13¨C17 FEBRUARY 2023

The School of Counselling (English) at Singapore Bible College invites you to attend our lectures online for free from 13-17 February, Singapore time. The Faculty and some friends of the School of Counselling will be giving lectures and sharing their insights on current issues, as well as counselling concepts, approaches and skills. A freewill offering will be collected during the event.

Note: No certificate of attendance will be issued for Counselling Week webinars.

What's new?

Besides having a taste of an SBC student’s life and sampling our courses, we are organising a Q&A time (also online) for prospective students who wish to find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (GDC) and Master of Arts in Counselling programme (MAC), the preparation required and other similar questions.

DAY TALKS & EVENING SESSIONS

Monday, 13 Feb 2023

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

An Ode to Singleness - Celebrating Vibrancy and Sexual Goodness

Single people often feel isolated by the misconception (sadly shared by both married and single people alike) that single people live an asexual existence with an ever-present need to suppress their sexuality. This is not only an affront to single people but also, in biblical terms, incorrect. This talk seeks to bring single people into the larger Christian community of those who are married and thereby jointly celebrate and vibrantly witness the goodness of sexuality as God has planned for all.

SPEAKERS

Ms. Tonia Goh is an SBC alumna and practises as a counsellor at the Haven Counselling Centre and in her own private practice. She co-teaches Gender and Sexuality with Mr Joseph John in SBC. She is married to Kay Kheng and they have 4 boys. Her oldest is 25, her middle young men 23 and 19, and her youngest is 16.

Mr. Joseph John served in FES Singapore as a staff worker from 1980-1989 and then assumed responsibilities as General Secretary from 1990-1995. He is a social worker by training and later moved into the area of counselling. Since 2001, he has run his own practice, Kairos Psychotherapy Services. Joseph is also an Adjunct Lecturer / Clinical Supervisor at the School of Counselling, Singapore Bible College. He is married to Sok Bee and they have an adult son, Benjamin.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Marital Recovery in the Face of Infidelity

Marital infidelity is a huge crisis confronting some couples. For couples choosing to reconcile, the questions of whether it is possible to overcome their hurts, learn to trust again, and reconnect, are certainly some of many.

This webinar will offer some suggestions on how couple counsellors can address these questions and manage other challenges confronting working with this issue.

SPEAKER

Mr. Benny Bong is a Family and Marital Therapist of about 35 years of experience. He teaches at National Institute of Education, National University of Singapore, and Singapore Bible College. He is the President of the Society Against Family Violence, a non-government organization he helped form 30 years ago. In 2014, he was a co-researcher of the Violence Against Women Survey: The Singapore Report.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Biblical, Pastoral and Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality

This webinar will explore biblical, pastoral and psychological views on human sexuality. Dr. Samuel Law and Mr. Benny Bong will discuss the implications of those views along with the tensions in pastoral and counselling settings.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Samuel Law is Vice Principal (Academic Affairs) and Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies of the School of Theology (English) at Singapore Bible College. He graduated with a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, KY) and a MDiv from Regent College (Vancouver, BC). He is Pastor-at-Large of Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle, as well as a member of the American Society of Missiology, the Evangelical Missiological Society, the International Association for Mission Studies, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and the editorial team for the Journal of Asian Missiology.

Mr. Benny Bong is a Family and Marital Therapist of about 35 years of experience. He teaches at National Institute of Education, National University of Singapore, and Singapore Bible College. He is the President of the Society Against Family Violence, a non-government organization he helped form 30 years ago. In 2014, he was a co-researcher of the Violence Against Women Survey: The Singapore Report.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

Tuesday, 14 Feb 2023

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

W.H.A.T.¡¯s in it for you? Multicultural Ideas and Alternative Views

This webinar will focus on how to foster meaningful conversations in a pluralistic, multi-cultural and diverse community in which we live.

Dr. Fong will share some tips on how Christian counsellors, pastors and ministry workers can skillfully communicate with compassion and sensitivity so as to encourage growth and healing relationships.

SPEAKER

Dr. Christopher Fong is Senior Consultant in the mental wellness space, and oversees different counselling and psychology programs with local and foreign universities. He was conferred his doctorate degree in 2015 and is concurrently appointed National Social Service Fellow with National Council of Social Services.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Insights in Conversation: The Power of Spiritual Friendship

In a world of uncertainties, loneliness is a silent killer among young and old. Yet studies show how nurturing relationships can alleviate sadness and help one thrive amid hardship. In this session, Dr. Esther Law, Ms. Bee Wah Tan and Ms. Crystal Yeap share how their spiritual friendship had helped them survive emotional and mental challenges these past three years.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Esther Law is an adjunct lecturer at? Singapore Bible College, teaching Christian Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. She also serves as a spiritual director for SBC students.

Ms. Bee Wah Tan is senior counsellor at Haven Counselling Centre. Graduated with a Masters of Arts in Counselling from Singapore Bible College.

Ms. Crystal Yeap is senior counsellor at Haven Counselling Centre. Graduated with a Masters of Arts in Counselling from Singapore Bible College.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Pastoral Conversations on S377A: Christian Engagement in the Public Square

Much has been said in the past year (both domestically and internationally) on the repealing of S377A and the amending of the Constitution to protect the definition of marriage ¨C and responses have come from all walks of life; from the leaders of multi-million dollar corporations to the man on the street.

How should a Christian respond especially in our spheres of influence: work, school and families? Join us as we converse and unpack the various implications many of us face in our world today.

Topics of discussion: (i) Christian engagement in the public square (ii) Beyond S377A (iii) Conversion therapy: Pastoral concerns on policies and counselling

SPEAKERS

Assistant Pastor at Yio Chu Kang Chapel, father to 3 young boys and a Counsellor by training (Singapore Bible College), Adrian had no idea what God was having in store for him when he obeyed God¡¯s call for him to full-time ministry in 2012! Three key phrases guide his discipleship walk ¨C ¡°In Christ Alone¡±, ¡°In the Light of Eternity¡± & ¡°You¡¯ll Never Walk Alone¡±.

Pastor Norman is the Senior Pastor of 3:16 Church. He also co-founded two social movements (TrueLove.is and HeartbeatProject.sg) that engage churches in Singapore on matters of faith and sexuality. Before becoming a pastor, he spent 10 years in the marketing industry and still mentors today marketplace leaders, creative professionals and influencers.

Daniel Lim was an atheist who became a believer during his army days. After becoming a Christian, Daniel had to resolve his past beliefs with his faith — thus beginning his journey of engaging the Bible and exploring apologetics to gain a better understanding of the beauty and wholesomeness of the Gospel. He now serves in an NGO which seeks to cultivate the culture in Singapore for the Common Good. He also serves alongside TrueLove.Is ministry in the capacity of a speaker.

Mr. Raphael Zhang is a counsellor at Indigo & Co, an organisation that offers professional mental health services, training, and consultancy in the areas of gender and sexuality. Having been led by God to journey out of sexual brokenness, his heart is very much for the pursuit of sexual wholeness, both for himself and others.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

Wednesday, 15 Feb 2023

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Counselling Older Adults: An Overview

In 2015, one in eight Singaporeans was 65 years or older. By 2030, this will increase to one in four. Practice and research reveal that older adults experience a myriad of issues related to ageing which may require counselling interventions, such as depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss of functional abilities, health concerns, retirement, loss of financial independence, social isolation, intergenerational and marital conflicts, etc.

These can sometimes be compounded by their life experiences over the decades. As such, the counselling of older adults requires specific knowledge and finesse. This webinar will discuss key age-associated changes, provide an overview of common counselling issues of older adults, and present an evidence-based indigenous model for effective counselling interventions.

Whilst the focus of this webinar is on older adults residing in Singapore, many of the issues and concerns, as well as the counselling model, are likely to be relevant/applicable to older adults in other Asian contexts too.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Helen Ko is Associate Professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, teaching courses in the Master and PhD in Gerontology and Master of Counselling Programmes, Executive Director of Beyond Age, a training consultancy with deep expertise on ageing issues.?

For over 30 years, Prof. Ko pioneered the development of several programmes for seniors in Singapore. e.g. gerontological counselling, daycare and case management services, and training programmes to promote seniors’ employment and employability. Previous key appointments held were Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of several non-profit organisations, including St Luke¡¯s Eldercare and Centre For Seniors. She is currently a Centre on Ageing Fellow (Honorary) of the University of Hong Kong’s Sau Po Centre on Ageing.

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DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

SELF CARE: PREVENTING COMPASSION FATIGUE AND BURNOUT

Amidst the many demands placed on us, whether it is through caring for others or the demands of work, school, family, etc, how do we create the awareness and take the time needed to care for ourselves? This webinar will look at how we can care for ourselves: body, soul, and spirit¡­ so that we may hold out hope and healing for others.

SPEAKER

Ms. Cathy Livingston is a Clinical Therapist from the U.S. and has been living in Singapore for the past 23 years. Her private practice consists of traditional office talk therapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Cathy is also the Practicum Coordinator in the School of Counselling at Singapore Bible College.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Sex Addiction

Sex addiction is not an easy thing to talk about for strugglers and for those around them who are affected by it. Dr. Winslow, who is an addictions specialist, will explain the dynamics of addiction and specifically on sex addiction and its tragic effects on relationships.

SPEAKER

Dr Munidasa Winslow has worked in general psychiatry and addiction since 1988. His last appointment was as Chief of the Addiction Medicine Department at the Institute of Mental Health Singapore before he established his own private practice, Promises Healthcare, in 2011.

Read more about the Speaker.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

Thursday, 16 Feb 2023

2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Enhancing Mental Health of Children and Teenagers

Mental health and emotional well-being ¨C these terms have been appearing more frequently in the news and social media, and are of concern to many. Identifying the physical needs of our children and teenagers may be easy. However, recognising their mental and emotional needs may be less straightforward.

This webinar will share about identifying key indicators of mental health wellness and resilience in children and teenagers. It will discuss practical ways to enhance their mental health, thereby maintaining positivity within the household, increasing family bonding, and strengthening family relationships.

SPEAKER

Abigail Lee is a Counsellor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor who works with children, adolescents, individuals and families who have experienced trauma, abuse and emotional regulation issues. She is a also Certified TraumaPlay therapist and supervisor as well as a Certified Adlerian play therapist, supervisor and trainer.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

The Significance of Attachment in Trauma and Healing

Early attachment experiences with our parents are imprinted in us and shape who we are. Studies have shown that these experiences, whether secure or traumatic, continue to play out in all aspects of our lives, namely, relationships, emotions, feelings, and behaviour, reinforcing our sense of security or trauma. How then, do trauma patients heal, and what contributes to healing?

SPEAKER

Dr. Soh Choon Lee is Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Counselling at Singapore Bible College. She is a registered Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. She specialises in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and is experienced in working with stress, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

Friday, 17 Feb 2023

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Trauma, Addiction and the Brain

In this webinar, the causes of psychological trauma, the change in the brain¡¯s reward pathways, and how to heal these pathways through counselling are explained. We will explore how the traumatised person may deal with emotional pain by abusing a substance or a process to self-soothe, and how this addictive behaviour bypasses the brain¡¯s emotional regulation centre and results in damage to the brain.

SPEAKER

Dr. Eric Dooley is a licensed psychologist and former missionary pastor to Southeast Asia for 28 years. He and his wife Jenny have five children and five grandchildren.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

The Power of the Horse in Therapy: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of therapy that involves working with horses to address issues resulting from the traumatic effects of abuse, neglect, grief and loss, depression, anxiety and other adverse life circumstances. In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) we are working with clients to create secure attachment patterns with the horse which translates into relational patterns with others.

SPEAKER

Ms. Cathy Livingston is a Clinical Therapist from the U.S. and has been living in Singapore for the past 23 years. Her private practice consists of traditional office talk therapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Cathy is also the Practicum Coordinator in the School of Counselling at Singapore Bible College.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Prospective Students Q&A

Dr. Linda Bubod, Dean
Esther Tan, Faculty
Cathy Livingston, Internship Coordinator
Jack Huang, Current Student
Ingres, Alumna - Master of Arts in Counselling

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 06 FEB 2023

Registration is closed.