It is no secret that the past few years have been all but tranquil. The sudden spread of the COVID-19 virus has led to a global pandemic affecting millions. It sparked a series of chain events that have made life more challenging and overwhelming for virtually everyone, even to this day. Add to that current events fueling more unrest among global citizens, and it is easy to see how it has become increasingly common for more and more people to experience mental health issues today and possibly in the near future. Hence, this is where a Singapore diploma in counselling comes into the picture, as the government focuses on developing skills and employment opportunities in the care economy.
SkillsFuture Singapore report on the care economy
The care economy refers to the jobs and skills needed to support services essential to the nurturing and teaching of current and future populations. While Singapore’s ageing population will require the healthcare, wellness, and community sectors to adapt to shifting needs, the COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the growth of the care economy. In the latest report published by SkillsFuture Singapore, the care economy is one of the three key sectors that are driving Singapore’s employment growth.
Beyond deep technical skills
While technical skills may be taught, the chief corporate and human resources officer of Sembcorp Industries, Mr. Robert Chong, noted at the ‘Skills Demand for the Future Economy’ event held by SkillsFuture Singapore that the absence of soft skills is considerably more concerning. He stated, “People come in without soft skills, but in the workplace, you don’t often work alone – you work with people.”
Additionally, the chief skills officer of SkillsFuture Singapore, Dr Gog Soon Joo, mentions the importance of having interactions with managers and supervisors to grasp job role requirements in order to close such gaps: “Workplaces are the best place to develop critical core skills, which is why SkillsFuture Singapore is working with the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning to help all workplaces develop the capability to train their staff in soft skills.”
Helping others while finding a meaningful and rewarding career
Concerns about employment, familial relationships, and the general outlook of one’s future have all taken a toll on our psyches, with evidence to show for it. According to The Straits Times, around five counselling firms saw new cases increase by 20% from pre-pandemic years.
Of course, those three are only among the many obstacles people face today. In truth, due to the innumerable factors surrounding modern living, the typical individual’s problems are now complex and multifaceted. Such difficulties have certainly affected their working lives and have become a growing concern for business leaders. Thus, if you enjoy helping your loved ones work through their problems or supporting your colleagues with their troubles, a graduate diploma in counselling could add significant value to your position and further elevate your invaluable skills to a professional degree.

Aventis Graduate School counsellors and wellness coaches
Counsellors who have a more profound understanding of mental health in the workplace are now critical assets for corporations striving for sustainability through their employees’ well-being. This is especially recommended for those tasked with leading, managing, and growing teams. Moreover, counsellors are now increasingly valued by organisations since they can support their efforts in addressing other common issues in the workplace, such as harassment or bullying.
Exploring new career paths as a counsellor, therapist, career coaches, or wellness coaches
Mental health issues are only a small part of people’s countless difficulties throughout their lifetime. These difficulties can shift, diminish, or become exacerbated depending on where they are in life. Moreover, they can come in many forms. For instance, students attending school or university will face different issues from those of working adults. Thus, achieving a counselling diploma or master’s degree can lead you to many specialities in counselling, a few of which are:
1. Addiction, Substance abuse and Early Intervention Counsellors
Substance abuse and behavioral counselors work with people who have addiction problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, and the like. Counsellors can, however, specialize in more specific behavioral issues such as eating disorders. Those in this sub-speciality area typically do individual counseling, but they may also conduct group therapy. Aside from the primary client with addiction or behavioral issues, counselors also work with the family members affected by their actions.
2. Marriage and Family Counsellors
Marriage and family counselors provide emotional, social, and mental health treatment for married couples and families. They could focus on helping the couple, the whole family unit, or just one or several family members experiencing psychological or emotional distress.
3. Social Service Professionals
Social service professionals are like-minded individuals who share a vision of empowering everyone to live with dignity. Together, they make lives count by providing counseling, case support, and helping clients discover their strengths and reflect on their feelings and emotions so they can be guided towards making their own choices to overcome obstacles.
4. Educators, Coaches and Trainers
Make a positive impact and maximise the potential of learners, from students to adult learners, by providing the education necessary to lead meaningful lives with dignity and independence.
5. Workplace Counsellors to support corporate mental wellness
In today’s hybrid working environment, the importance of psychology in today’s careers has never been more vital. Workplace counselors help working professionals decide on the best career decisions by conducting assessments that determine which jobs or positions are suited for their interests, talents, and needs. In addition, they also support clients by helping improve relevant aspects like their interviewing proficiency, resume creation, and overall job skills. Other duties include addressing work-related stress and burnout as well as guiding individuals who have lost their jobs.
6. Psychotherapists
People with emotional difficulties and mental diseases are treated with talk therapy by a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists might be psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, or counselors, depending on their degree and expertise. Individuals, couples, organizations, and families can all benefit from their services. They can also offer specialised therapies to help people in need develop and optimise their functional, speech, cognitive, and physical abilities.
Conclusion
All in all, with everything going on and more people acknowledging their mental health needs, it is safe to say that pursuing a counselling degree is a worthwhile investment. Apart from gaining an edge when dealing with your loved ones and family, you become a more valuable asset to your company thanks to your highly relevant skill set and expertise that lets you switch to a new career path whenever desired.

Aventis Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Students 2021
Choose from over 30 Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree courses
Interested in getting started with psychotherapy and counselling? Aventis Graduate School offers graduate diplomas and specialised Masters in Psychology, Masters in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Masters in Addiction and Mental Health for working professionals with no background in psychology. Head on over to our website to learn more about our programmes!