Singapore University of Social Sciences

This course teaches the theories and practice of various Behavioural therapies, building on fundamental Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and venturing into third-wave approaches of Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness-based interventions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is currently the most evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach. Its premise is that our thoughts about a situation affect how we feel and how we behave in that situation. By learning to challenge and modify unhelpful thoughts and change maladaptive behaviours, we learn to change how we feel. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based communication style shown to enhance engagement, increase readiness, reduce tension, and guide conversations to support positive behaviour change. Mindfulness is an experiential intervention that helps one be aware of one’s present moment purposefully and without judgement. Specifically, through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, acceptance is learned whilst values are identified through behavioural change exercises.