Be a professional counsellor
AS global interactions and performances grow increasingly efficient, the demands on society have also risen in recent years. The need to do more, and to do it faster and better, has left more people unable to cope with expectations and reeling from emotional and psychological difficulties.
“The fabric of society is changing, and we see that a lot of people are facing difficulties in their professional and social lives,” said Associate Prof Shamsul Haque, Head of Discipline (Psychology) with the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia.
“We can see that the demand for psychological services is increasing because as people face more difficulties, they are unable to cope and need professional help.”
Prof Shamsul also said society is now acknowledging that a deeper understanding of human behaviour and basic cognitive processes is crucial in most aspects of work life and spans across numerous industries.
Monash Malaysia offers the Master of Professional Counselling (MPC). Its areas of study include human growth and lifespan development; mental health issues surrounding grief, trauma and substance abuse; counselling children, adolescents, individuals and couples; cognitive behaviour therapy; group psychotherapy; career development counselling and counselling research design.
The course is a broad-based one, with students being taught to counsel across various areas, be it organisational, mental health or relationship counselling.
“One unique feature of this course is that it also equips students to understand and conduct research in the field of counselling,” said Dr Tam Cai Lian, course coordinator for the MPC programme. These skills may be used to pursue further academic research study and enable evidence-based counselling practice.
She added that the course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association as well as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. It has also been submitted for approval to the Malaysian Board of Counsellors. With these accreditations, it means that there are ample opportunities for graduates to practise in Malaysia as well as Australia.
The course incorporates 504 hours of clinical placements in government agencies and private organisations, of which 192
We can see that the demand for psychological services is increasing because as people face more difficulties, they are unable to cope and need professional help. Associate Prof Shamsul Haque
hours involve face-to-face “client contact”.
Dr Tam said the course is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field, be they recent graduates or working professionals seeking to know more about counselling.
“Students need to have a passion and desire to know more about human beings and the problems they face, and being interested in helping themselves and the people around them,” said Dr Tam.
Graduating with a degree in mathematics, Dr Tam chose to pursue counselling as a way to help the community and address the various mental illnesses and family problems she saw around her.
Students will benefit greatly from a diverse team of highly experienced and accredited academics and psychologists. They will also have access to world-class labs and facilities.
“These include group and individual counselling rooms equipped with two-way mirrors, observation side rooms and recording devices,” shares Joshua Goh, a current MPC student.
“Psychological therapy and training have interested me since my undergraduate years. I believe that pursuing counselling will help fulfil my life goal, which is to grow, guide and lead others to realise their full potential.
“Monash has a blend of excellent facilities, emphasis on student well-being and practical learning. Everything is geared towards providing us with a comfortable environment to excel.”
■ For more information on the MPC, log on to www.monash.edu.my/psychology