Singapore University of Social Sciences

Level: Advanced
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 21 - 24 August 2024
Venue: Singapore University of Social Sciences

Synopsis

This course focuses on couple counselling based on the clinical work and research done by Drs John and Julie Gottman over the past 30 years. The Gottman Method is an approach to couple counselling that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. The course aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills for assessment and intervention in couple counselling, based on the Gottman Approach which is developed by Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre Ltd (‘EMCC”) with consent from The Gottman Institute, USA. EMCC is the exclusive institutional partner of The Gottman Institute in Singapore.

Who Should Attend

This course is for professionals, both counsellors and social workers, who are working with couples and seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their therapeutic work with the couples.

Topics

• Introduction to The Gottman Couple Method 
• Myths about Dysfunctional and Failing Relationships 
• Functional Elements in Couple Relationships 
• Summary Checklist for Dysfunctional and Healthy Relationships
• The Sound Relationship House Theory
• Four Horsemen of Apocalypse
• Assessment Session 1: Couple session 
• Assessment Session 2: Individual session 
• Assessment Session 3: Conjoint session 
• Introduction to Intervention: Philosophy of Therapy
• Intervention 1: Conflict Management 
• Intervention 2: The 4 Horsemen and Their Antidotes 
• Intervention 3: Building Friendship
  
  

Objective

A. Knowledge and Understanding (Theory Component)

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

• Differentiate the focus between individual and couple counselling 
• Understand the research-based Gottman Approach for engagement, assessment and intervention in couple counselling
• Understand key concepts in the Sound Relationship House Theory
• Appraise couple’s narrative of their relationship and conflictual pattern of interaction 
• Understand the 16-item assessment tool for Gottman Relationship Checkup 
• Understand the Love Map as a foundational element for stable marital relationship
  

B. Key Skills (Practical Component)

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

• Engage couples for assessment and intervention using the Gottman Approach 
• Appraise relational dynamics between couples 
• Apply summary checklist to identify functional and dysfunctional couple relationship 
• Identify conflictual pattern of interaction between couple 
• Apply key concepts of the Sound Relationship House Theory
• Conduct oral history interview and assess couple’s narrative of their relationship 
• Apply Gottman-Approach core intervention 1: Gottman-Rapoport Intervention 
• Apply Gottman-Approach core intervention 2: Elimination of 4-Horsemen Intervention 
• Apply Gottman-Approach core intervention 3: Love Map Tool 
  
  

Schedule

Time	Agenda
Day 1
09:00 – 10:30	Welcome and Introduction Group discussion: Individual vs Couple counselling
10:30 – 10:45	Group discussion: Individual vs Couple counselling Understanding the language of relationships
10:45 – 12:00	Understanding the language of relationships
12:00 – 13:00	Lunch
13:00 – 15:30	Role-play: Couple interviewing skills and observation
15:30 – 15:45	Break
15:45 – 16:30	Learning Objectives of this course Introduction to the Gottman Approach Research findings and theory on the Gottman Approach
16:30 – 17:30	What is “Dysfunctional” and “Functional” in Relationships?
Day 2
09:00 – 10:30	The Sound Relationship House Theory
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 – 12:00	Group discussion: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
12:00 - 13:00	Lunch
13:00 - 15:30	Role-play: Interviewing a couple with a perpetual problem Assessment Session 1: Couple session Role-play: Oral history interview
15:30 - 15:45	Break
15:45 – 16:30	Assessment Session 2: Individual session The Sound Relationship House Questionnaire Enhanced Relationship Check-up video
16:30 – 17:30	Assessment
Day 3
09:00 – 10:30	Assessment Session 3: Conjoint session (contracting and goal setting)
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 - 12:00	Introduction to Intervention: The Philosophy of the Therapy
12:00 - 13:00	Lunch
13:00 - 15: 30	Intervention 1: Gottman-Rapoport Intervention Role-play
15:30 - 15:45	Break
15:45 – 16:30	Intervention 1: Gottman-Rapoport Intervention Role-play
16:30 – 17:30	Assessment
Day 4
09:00 – 10:45	Intervention 2: Eliminating the 4 Horsemen and Replacing them with Antidotes
10:45 – 11:00	Break
11:00 – 12:30	Assessment
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 15:30	Intervention 2: Eliminating the 4 Horsemen and Replacing them with Antidotes Role-play Intervention 3: Building Friendship Exercise: Gottman Love Map
15:30 – 15:45	Break
15:45 – 16.15	MCQ Quiz (Assessment)
16:15 – 17:30	Consolidation of learning points Feedback for the course    Gottman Clinical Training & Certification Track

Assessments

Skills Demonstration - Role Play Assessment (3.5hrs)

• Learner demonstrates ONE skill area and obtain group learning through feedback 
• 1 to 2 Observers in a group to feedback demonstration of skills 
• Self-reflection and observation taken in as part of learning 
• Group does round robin, so each learner gets to demonstrate one skill each 
• Skill assessment includes Couple Interview, taking Oral History, use of Gottman Rapoport
   *Trainer/Assessor visits groups to observe demonstration of learning skill and peer learning
  

Multiple Choice Quiz (0.5hr)

• A set of questions will be given to the learners to assess their understanding of the topics in line with learning outcomes. Learners must have a score of no less than 70%.
  

Requirements

• Degree in counselling, and at least 1 year experience in counselling and currently doing counselling work 
• Degree in related fields (psychology, social work and education), completed the 5 foundational modules, at least 3 year experience in counselling and currently doing counselling work at an SSA
• Master in Psychology or Master in Social Work, at least 3 year experience in counselling and currently doing counselling work at an SSA and completed the foundational module Practicum: Specialised Counselling Skills
  
  

  

Application Procedures

Please submit the following documents to cet@suss.edu.sg:

1. Coloured copy (back and front) of NRIC for Singaporeans and PRs, or "Employment"/"S" Pass for foreign applicant
   
2. Application form
   
   

Course Fee

¹ Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy: Singaporeans aged 40 and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course fees.
² Enhanced Training Support for SMEs: SME-sponsored employees (Singaporean Citizens and PRs) aged 21 and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course fees.

• Participants are required to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass any prescribed examinations/assessments or submit any course/project work (if any) under the course requirement.
• Participants are required to complete all surveys and feedbacks related to the course
• The course fees are reviewed annually and may be revised. The University reserves the right to adjust the course fees without prior notice.
• Singapore University of Social Sciences reserves the right to amend and/or revise the above schedule without prior notice

For clarification, please contact the SUSS Academy via the following:

Telephone: +65 6248 0263
Email: CET@suss.edu.sg