Para Counselling Skills for Working Professionals

• HR & Team Leaders:

Master employee well-being, conflict resolution and ethical referral processes.

• Healthcare, Social Service & Frontline Staff:

Become effective first-responders by providing immediate, meaningful support and de-escalate crises.

• Educators:

Learn empathy and how to overcome cultural barriers to foster a supportive learning environment.

1. Able to understand and speak English at a proficiency level equivalent to the Employment Skills System Workplace Literacy (WPL) Level 4.

2. Applicants should ideally possess at least a GCE ‘N’ Level qualification or its equivalent. However, those with relevant work experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Practical Skills Mastery

Gain hands-on experience through role-playing and case studies to build the confidence and practical skills needed to step into meaningful, supportive conversations immediately.

• Trusted Guidance

Learn to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries to effectively navigate ethical dilemmas and provide support with integrity.

• Empowered Communicator

Become an empathetic communicator by learning active listening and rapport-building techniques to overcome barriers and create safer, more supportive environments.

DAY 1 

• Fundamentals of Para Counselling
• Principles of Ethics in Para Counselling
• Active Listening Skills

DAY 2

• Communication Methods & Managing Barriers
• Providing Ongoing Support Strategies
• Assessment

DAY 3

• Assessment
• Debrief

• Identify ethical standards and confidentiality requirements relevant to Para Counselling support.
• Demonstrate active listening skills and questioning techniques to use in client interactions.
• Recognise common barriers to client communication and apply appropriate communication methods to address them.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide engagement and sustained support to clients in line with care plans.

Dr Sivarajasingam Mahendran
Dr Sivarajasingam Mahendran is an experienced adult educator and para-counsellor with over 30 years in education, mentoring, and learner support. He integrates para-counselling and positive psychology into his teaching to nurture learners’ emotional resilience and motivation.

A founder of the first Counselling Unit at the Management Development Institute of Singapore and mentor to over 150 trainers at NTUC LearningHub, Dr. Mahendran is deeply committed to holistic learner development. Holding qualifications in Pastoral Care, Positive Psychology, and Psychological First Aid, he brings empathy, professionalism, and human connection to every learning environment.