Essential counselling skills workshop in Singapore by The Lion Mind

CBT Masterclass (Level 1)

Essential Skills in Counselling & Psychotherapy

Workshop Dates: 21 November 2026
Time: 9am to 6pm
Facilitator: Mr James Chong
Course Fees: SGD ~~$913~~ $613 nett
Early bird Deadline: 30 September 2026
Registration Deadline: 7 November 2026 (or earlier when full capacity is reached)
Class Size: 6 pax max per intake

Early bird and student concession rate available. Please enquire for more details.

Original price was: SGD 913.00.Current price is: SGD 613.00.

Please note, before you purchase this workshop, you will have to do complete step 1 and 2

Step: 1

REGISTER NOW

Step: 2

We will invite you for interview, once the interview is cleared, you may proceed to the next step.

Workshop Overview

This practice-focused workshop introduces learners to the foundational theory and skills used in counselling and psychotherapy. Learners will understand the counselling process and practise essential skills in therapeutic communication, professional ethics and boundaries, intake assessment, therapeutic relationship building, and basic case conceptualisation.

The workshop is designed for individuals who are not currently practising mental health clinicians. It is suitable for students and graduates in psychology, counselling, social work and related fields, aspiring Associate Psychologists, and individuals exploring a career in mental health or the social service sector. No prior formal training in counselling or psychotherapy is required.

This workshop is Level 1 of The Lion Mind’s CBT Masterclass pathway. While it does not focus extensively on specific CBT interventions, the counselling and psychotherapy concepts are organised around a CBT framework. Learners will be introduced to Beck’s 10 Basic Principles of CBT, providing a coherent foundation for progressing to the Level 2 Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Upon successful completion, learners will be equipped with the foundational competencies required to begin practising as a Counselling Psychotherapist. They will also have a structured foundation for developing more advanced competencies in CBT case conceptualisation, formulation, and cognitive and behavioural interventions at Level 2.

Workshop Entry Requirements

No prior formal training in counselling or psychotherapy is required.

This workshop is suitable for:

students and graduates in psychology, counselling, social work or related fields
individuals working or volunteering in education, healthcare, social services, coaching or other people-helping roles
individuals exploring a career in mental health or the social service sector
learners who want to develop foundational counselling skills before progressing to CBT-specific training

Applicants should be prepared to participate in facilitated discussions, simulated counselling practice and practical assessment activities.

Registered Counsellors with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC), Registered Psychologists listed on the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP), and Registered Social Workers with the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) may apply directly to the Level 2 workshops, subject to the relevant entry requirements.

Workshop Content

This one-day, eight-hour workshop combines foundational counselling, psychotherapy and CBT theory with simulated skills practice.

Morning Session: Counselling, Psychotherapy and CBT Foundations (4 Hours)

Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Beck’s 10 Basic Principles of CBT
Foundational Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills
Ethics and Professional Boundaries
Guided Skills Practice

Afternoon Session: Applying Counselling Skills (4 Hours)

Facilitating an Intake Assessment
Building the Therapeutic Relationship
Basic Case Conceptualisation
Simulated Practice and Practical Assessment

Course Assessment

Learners will complete a practical assessment in a simulated counselling setting during the workshop. They will be assessed on their understanding of foundational counselling principles and their ability to apply relevant skills safely, ethically and appropriately.

Learners will receive facilitator feedback to support their continued skills development. Successful completion of the assessment is required to receive the workshop certificate.

Certificate

Learners who complete the workshop requirements and pass the practical assessment will receive:

Certificate of Completion: CBT Masterclass Level 1, Essential Skills in Counselling and Psychotherapy

The certificate is issued by The Lion Mind and recognises the learner’s successful completion of the workshop and achievement of the foundational competencies required to begin practising as a Counselling Psychotherapist.

The certificate does not confer professional registration or qualification as a Counsellor or Counselling Psychologist. These professional roles have separate academic, training and registration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes. This workshop is suitable for learners without prior formal training in counselling, psychotherapy or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. It provides a structured foundation for students, graduates, helping professionals and individuals exploring a career in mental health or social services.

2. Is this a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy workshop?

This is Level 1 of The Lion Mind’s CBT Masterclass pathway. It does not cover specific CBT interventions in depth. Its main focus is on the essential counselling and psychotherapy knowledge and skills required for effective CBT practice.

The workshop organises these foundational concepts around a CBT framework. Learners will be introduced to Beck’s 10 Basic Principles of CBT and explore how therapeutic relationship building, intake assessment, professional boundaries and basic case conceptualisation relate to CBT practice.

3. How does Level 1 prepare me for the Level 2 Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

CBT involves more than applying cognitive or behavioural techniques. Learners first need to understand how to establish a therapeutic relationship, conduct an intake assessment, gather relevant information, maintain professional boundaries and develop a basic understanding of the client’s concerns.

Level 1 develops these foundations within a CBT framework. This allows learners to enter Level 2 with a shared understanding of the counselling process and progress more smoothly into CBT case formulation and intervention skills.

Qualified professionals who already possess these foundational competencies may apply directly to Level 2, subject to its entry requirements.

4. Does this workshop qualify me as a Counsellor, Clinical Psychologist, or Counselling Psychologist?

No. This workshop does not qualify learners to practise or present themselves as Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists, or Counselling Psychologists. These professional roles have separate academic, training and registration requirements.

Upon successfully completing the workshop requirements and practical assessment, learners will be equipped with the foundational competencies required to begin practising as a Counselling Psychotherapist.

5. What certificate will I receive?

Learners who complete the workshop requirements and pass the practical assessment will receive a Certificate of Completion: CBT Masterclass Level 1, Essential Skills in Counselling and Psychotherapy, issued by The Lion Mind.

The certificate recognises successful completion of this professional-development workshop. It does not confer professional registration or accreditation.

6. What can I do with this Certificate?

Upon successfully completing the workshop requirements and practical assessment, learners will be equipped with the foundational competencies required to begin practising as a Counselling Psychotherapist.

This workshop does not qualify learners to practise or present themselves as Counsellors or Counselling Psychologists. These professional roles have separate academic, training and registration requirements.

Learners will also be eligible to progress to the CBT Masterclass Level 2: Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, which develops more advanced competencies in CBT case conceptualisation, formulation, and cognitive and behavioural interventions.

The Level 1 certificate may also serve as evidence of foundational training in counselling and psychotherapy. It may support professional development or applications for roles in the mental health and social service sectors, including Associate Psychologist positions, subject to each employer’s requirements.

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