Why Take This Course?

We all know someone who feels lost, stressed, or overwhelmed — but few know how to truly listen and help.
This WSQ-certified Basic Counselling course empowers you with the skills to provide meaningful emotional support — whether at work, at home, or in your community.

Developed by trained counsellors, psychologists, and care professionals, this course follows Singapore’s WSQ framework for ethical, effective, and compassionate communication. You’ll learn practical para-counselling techniques to engage clients, seniors, or family members with empathy, care, and confidence.

“This course opened my eyes to the power of empathy and active listening. I now feel confident speaking with clients and even supporting my own family better.”
— Evelyn T., Healthcare Assistant (Graduate, 2024)

Who Should Enrol

This course is perfect for:

• Healthcare or social service staff supporting seniors or patients

• Volunteers or community workers providing emotional support

• Parents, caregivers, or individuals who want to understand others better

• Mid-career switchers exploring the social service, counselling, or healthcare sector

• Anyone seeking to improve their listening, empathy, and communication skills

No prior experience required — you’ll receive structured, step-by-step training to build confidence in real-life scenarios.

What You’ll Learn

Through engaging lectures, discussions, and role-play, you’ll develop essential para-counselling skills for everyday interactions.

1. Build Trust and Rapport

• Establish healthy and positive relationships built on trust and empathy

• Practise genuine and compassionate communication

• Learn to reassure, comfort, and support 

• Build emotional connection using empathy, patience, and non-judgemental support — the foundations of effective counselling.

2. Apply Active Listening and Questioning Techniques

• Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper sharing

• Apply non-verbal communication (eye contact, body language, tone)

• Listen beyond words — recognise emotional cues and unspoken needs

3. Recognise and Overcome Barriers to Communication

• Identify physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural barriers

• Learn how to respond calmly during emotional or challenging conversations

• Identify communication breakdowns and practical solutions to reconnect effectively.

4. Maintain Confidentiality and Professional Boundaries

• Understand ethical responsibilities and professional codes of conduct

• Handle sensitive information with discretion and empathy

• Know when and how confidentiality may be ethically breached

5. Provide Basic Counselling and Emotional Support

• Follow counselling care plans with respect and professionalism

• Manage expectations while providing comfort and motivation

• Empower clients to explore their own solutions and self-awareness

Learning Outcomes

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

• Apply active listening and questioning techniques confidently

• Recognise communication barriers and respond effectively

• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics

• Provide supportive, engaging para-counselling within a structured framework

• Empower clients to build resilience and self-awareness

Certification & Accreditation

This course is developed in alignment with national care service standards, this module equips learners with both empathy and professionalism for real-world support roles, its part of the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework and is SkillsFuture Credit-eligible.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA) in Para-Counselling (TGS-2023020066).

Meet Your Trainers

Our trainers are certified in counselling, psychology, and social work, with real-world experience across healthcare and community sectors.
They bring empathy, expertise, and hands-on guidance to every class.

“The trainer guided us through real-life scenarios — it didn’t feel like a classroom; it felt like genuine learning.”
— Marcus N., Community Volunteer (Graduate, 2023)

About J L Institution

J L Institution is a registered training provider in Singapore dedicated to nurturing care professionals through practical, heart-centred education.
We are proud to be TPG-audited Tier 1 (Highest Grade) and trusted by thousand of learners in the care and social service industry.

Your Assurance

We ensure a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment:

• Certified, caring trainers

• Transparent refund policy

• WSQ-accredited curriculum

• Ethical standards and learner confidentiality

Course Information

• 2-days
• 16hr (15.25 hr training, 45 mins assessment)
• 9am – 6pm
• Lesson conducted in our classroom
• Reflection activities to build self-awareness
• Interactive group sharing and empathy exercises
• Constructive feedback and coaching

• Use your SkillsFuture Credits directly
• UTAP claimable for NTUC members
• PSEA supportable