MARRIAGE OF A LIFETIME - Ministry of Social and Family
Transcription
MARRIAGE OF A LIFETIME - Ministry of Social and Family
MARRIAGE OF A LIFETIME Marriage Preparation Programmes 2013 A Good Marriage… ……doesn’t just happen. It is more than romance and promises. It begins with a decision to live with, appreciate and enjoy the person you are going to marry. Before you embark on your life journey together, have you thought of how you can build a strong foundation for a happy lifelong marriage? Start by attending Marriage Preparation Programmes which prepare couples for a healthy and enriching marriage and family life. These programmes help you to understand yourself and your spouse better, as well as learn practical skills on communication, managing in-law issues and financial planning. Our surveys have shown that almost all couples who have attended Marriage Preparation Programmes found them to be very useful. They enjoyed the special time together as a couple which allowed them to focus on themselves and their relationship, away from the busy distractions of preparing for a wedding. More importantly, they found that the programmes helped them to be better prepared for their new life together. Sign up for a Marriage Preparation Programme today and enjoy a $70 rebate from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Like any of the truly important things in life, a good marriage takes commitment, effort and skills. Start now, sign up for marriage preparation and build the marriage of a lifetime. “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” - Dave Meurer For more information on the list of topics for Marriage Preparation Programmes, please visit www.MarriageCentral.sg Information is correct at time of printing (Mar 2013) and subject to revision without notice. Materials may not be reproduced without prior permission from the Ministry of Social and Family Development. All rights reserved. aLife Ltd Contact Details 6258 8816 • Email [email protected] • Website www.alife.org.sg aLife is a non-profit voluntary welfare organisation dedicated to the promotion of Life. Founded by a group of ardent professionals in 2002 with a common goal to nurture and promote a healthy perspective towards fertility and family life, aLife offers marriage preparation programmes that are specially tailored to help couples gain a deeper understanding of each other. All sessions are conducted in a cozy group setting where couples will be guided by a trained facilitator through relevant topics, such as conflict management, financial management, communication and sexual intimacy. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Programme Course Schedule (Group) : Two sessions (4 hours each) Venue : Blk 308 Shunfu Road #01-165 S(570308) Cost per Couple : $100 “I’ve learnt to nurture my relationship with my partner.” Participant, who attended the programme in December 2012 Left to right: Dr. Peter Chew and Jennifer Chee Meet Our Trainers Dr. Peter Chew Dr. Chew is a consultant gynaecologist in private practice and founder chairman of aLife. He is a resource speaker for many public seminars, talks,TV forums, and interviews in channels 5, 8, U, Suria and Channel News Asia. Furthermore, he has written brochures and books for the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) addressing the public on sexuality and fertility issues. He also writes articles on topics pertaining to marriage, fertility and intimacy for women’s magazines, and Straits Times medical supplement,“Mind your Body”. He is currently a regular columnist for LianheWanbao. Jennifer Chee Jennifer was a teacher for 20 years and obtained her counselling degree from Swinburne University Australia. Passionate about working with couples, Jennifer is currently a marriage counsellor with aLife. She runs the Marriage Preparation Programme together with Dr. Chew and gives talks to newly married couples on nurturing their marriage and cultivating a healthy family life. Jennifer is happily married to Dr. Peter Chew and has three adult children and six grandchildren. Alive Community Network Contact Details 6372 1053 • Email [email protected] • Website www.alive.org.sg Marriage ALIVE provides a platform for both group learning as well as an opportunity for you as a couple to explore issues that you may find important to talk about. This process is facilitated by a professional who is trained to guide participants towards useful resolution of these issues. The facilitator will share important insights on a marriage related topic and offers you opportunities to discuss various concerns. Towards the end of the group sessions, a private session will be arranged with a trained professional to review you and your partner’s psychological profile to enhance understanding and communication. Course Title : Marriage ALIVE Course Schedule : Two group sessions (2.5 to 3 hours each) and one individual session (3 hours) Venue : 10 Arumugam Road Lion Building A #04-00 S(409957) Meals are included for evening classes and light refreshments for morning classes. Cost per Couple : $280 Use of Inventory : Psychological Assessment of Interpersonal Relationships To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Alive Community Network. Left to right: Adrian Lim and Philip Ang Meet Our Trainers Adrian Lim Adrian has been married for 15 years and has 2 sons. He is a registered psychologist, social worker, counsellor, and an accredited clinical supervisor. Adrian has more than 20 years of experience in counselling couples and families. As a family work-life trainer and parenting coach, he has also conducted many courses for students, parents, and teachers since 1993. Philip Ang Philip was formerly a senior counsellor at a Family Service Centre before he embarked on life coaching work. He has a wealth of experience working with couples over the past ten years. Philip is certified in various counselling methods and psychological profiling tools. Having received his undergraduate training in psychology, he is currently working towards his Masters qualification. Philip is married with two children. Couples’ Corner (of Care Corner Counselling Centre) Contact Details 6353 1180 • Email [email protected] • Website www.carecorner.org.sg For those who are keen to learn more about your partner’s needs and want to be more aware of your own needs, this is just the course for you. During the programme, you and your partner will find out more about how to communicate your needs to each other in a safe and intimate way. Conducted in a group setting, you will find the learning journey an interesting and fruitful one as discussions, games and activities will be used to facilitate learning. Course Title : The Story of Us - Marriage Preparation Programme Course Schedule : Group - Two group sessions (4 hours each) and one individual couple session (1.5 hours) Individual - Maximum five sessions (by appointment) Venue : Blk 62B Lor 4 Toa Payoh #02-143 S(312062) Cost per Couple : Group - $250 Individual - $300 Use of Inventory : Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis or PREPARE/ENRICH Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. Note 1: Each remarrying couple will receive 2 additional sessions of consultation. An additional $100 fee will apply. Note 2: Each transnational couple will receive 2 additional sessions of consultation. An additional $100 fee will apply. Couples who are facing financial difficulties are encouraged to approach the centre for a discounted rate. “The educators Cindy and Philip were great and professional. The sharing sessions were useful and related well to the objectives of this whole programme.” Jonathan Chia, who attended the programme in July 2012 Left to right: Philip Chan and Cindy Loh Meet Our Trainers Philip Chan Happily married for 26 years and a father of four, Philip possesses a wealth of personal and professional experience working with couples and families. He is a registered counsellor with The Singapore Association for Counselling and is currently with Care Corner Counselling Centre, where he imparts family life education and provides training in counselling skills and theories. Cindy Loh Cindy, married for 21 years, is a Registered Counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling. Presently a trained counsellor with Care Corner Counselling Centre, she works with many couples who have experienced a wide range of marital problems. She also provides family life education and training in counselling skills and theories. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Care Corner Counselling Centre. Care Corner Family Service Centre (Woodlands) Contact Details 6362 2481 • Email [email protected] • Website www.carecorner.org.sg Passionate about serving and strengthening families in the community, our one-counsellor-to-one-couple approach allows couple to share their intimate needs and expectations in complete privacy and confidentiality. The comprehensive analysis of couple’s temperament using a personality profiling tool outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship. This will help you and your partner to gain a better understanding of yourself and the relationship, and be equipped with tools to manage the challenges ahead. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Programme Course Schedule : Three sessions (3 to 4 hours each) (Individual) (by appointment) Venue : Blk 345 Woodlands St 32 #01-198 S(730345) Cost per Couple : $350 Use of Inventory : Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis Sessions for remarrying couples are also available upon request. “I feel more confident about getting married and setting up a new family. I learnt to know my spouse-to-be better, and accept the differences/ expectations.” Jayne Loh, who attended the programme in August 2012 Left to right:Tang Chow Kheng and Jonathan Lee Meet Our Trainers Tang Chow Kheng Married for 22 years with two adult sons, Chow Kheng graduated with a Bachelor in Counselling. She is a volunteer counsellor with the Centre for Family Harmony for more than a year. She has also been working with married couples for two years. Jonathan Lee Married for 17 years with two young children, Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor in Business (Acc) degree and a post-graduate degree in Counselling and is currently pursuing a Masters in Counselling. Having worked with married couples for seven years, he has extensive knowledge of the difficulties and problems that they face. Effectively bilingual, he can conduct this programme in English or Mandarin. His background in finance further enhances his ability to relate on the topic “Money Matters”, an issue pertinent to many couples. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Care Corner Family Service Centre (Woodlands). Cornerstone Community Services Contact Details 6344 7321 • Email [email protected] • Website www.cornerstoneservices.org.sg “Fighting for Your Marriage” is based on the “Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Programme” (PREP®). The PREP® programme is a sophisticated research-based marriage enrichment programme with proven results of low rates of premarital break-up and post marital divorce. The programme is based on more than 40 years of continual on-going research on marital success and distress. Through interactive activities and discussions conducted by PREP® trained counsellors, participants will be empowered with the tools for building a successful marriage. Course Title : Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Programme® - Fighting For Your Marriage Course Schedule: Four sessions (2 hours each) (Group) Dates :1st run - 9, 16, 23 and 30 Apr 2013 2nd run - 9, 16, 23 and 30 Jul 2013 Venue : 40 Ean Kiam Place S(429125) Cost per Couple : $350 Use of Inventory : PREP® Problem Inventory/The Primary Colours Personality Test by Dawn Billings Sessions for transnational couples are also available upon request. Left to right: Boaz and Claire Nazar Meet Our Trainers Boaz and Claire Nazar are lawyers and have been married since 1996. They have two wonderful children. Armed with a ready supply of humorous and at times poignant anecdotes gained from their legal practice, they have a passion to see couples make it to the finishing line and fulfill their marriage vows, till “death do us part”. Besides running the PREP® course under Cornerstone Community Services, they also provide para-counselling for couples going through marital difficulties. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Cornerstone Community Services. Daybreak Family Service Centre Contact Details 6756 4995 • Email [email protected] • Website www.mws.org.sg A fulfilling marriage is the foundation of a strong family. Our programme aims to prepare soon-to-wed couples to become partners for a lifetime. Our facilitator will take you and your partner through a process to help you gain deeper insights about yourself, so as to enhance your relationship with each other. Course Title : Before Your Vows Course Schedule: Four sessions (Individual) (by appointment) Venue : Blk 855 Yishun Ring Road #01-3539 S(760855) Cost per Couple : $300 (fees include scoring fees for inventory, workbook) Use of Inventory: PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples are also available upon request. “This programme has helped me to know more about myself, and has allowed me to grow – both as an individual, and as a partner in a relationship.” Malcolm Leow, who attended the workshop in November 2011 Left to right:Wendy Chan, Margaret Tay, Esther Ong, Nicole Low Meet Our Trainers We have a team of trained social workers/counsellors who possess a wealth of professional experience in couple and family works. Our team members include Wendy Chan and Margaret Tay, who have been happily married to their spouses for more than 20 years and have adult children. Wendy holds a Masters in Counselling, while Margaret is working towards a similar degree. Esther Ong and Nicole Low have extensive experience working on family issues in the family service centres. They conduct marriage workshops and have worked with many pre-marital and married couples. Esther graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Social Work), while Nicole holds a Masters of Social Science in Counselling. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Daybreak Family Service Centre. EMCC (Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre) Contact Details 6788 8220 • Email [email protected] • Website www.emcc.org.sg Beyond “I Do”, EMCC’s marriage preparation programme is a part of EMCC’s “The Marriage Journey”. The programme will equip couples with the necessary skills to build strong, healthy marriages and families. Materials are customised to meet your needs and address issues important to you. Our Journey continues with a follow up workshop six months to a year later to connect with other couples and build a support system. Join us for an annual Marriage Retreat, and say “We Do Again” for a valuable time to re-focus, refresh and reignite your passion and commitment to the relationship. Course Title : Beyond “I Do” Course Schedule : Group - Four sessions (2 hours each) Individual - Four sessions (2 hours each) (by appointment) Venue : 177 River Valley Road #05-19 Liang Court (Level M5) S(179030) (near Clarke Quay MRT) Cost per Couple : Group - $370 Individual - $470 Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Note: By appointment only (Couples are encouraged to enroll at least six months prior to their wedding. If it is not possible, then at least within 6 months of marriage.) Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “I strongly recommend this course as a foundation for all couples who want to have a strong and lasting relationship.” Evangeline Goh, who attended the programme in November 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact EMCC. Left to right: PohYong Chew, Stanislaus and Diana Chandra Meet Our Trainers Poh Yong Chew, Stanislaus Stanislaus, EMCC associate counsellor, holds a Masters in Counselling and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Southern Queensland (Australia), a Diploma in Family Life Education from Edith Cowan University (Australia) and a Diploma in Educational Psychology. He conducts marriage enrichment programmes for couples to enrich and enhance their relationships. Stanislaus works as a senior psychologist in a school for special needs children. Diana Chandra Diana is a Senior Therapist and Head of Counselling Services at EMCC. She holds a Masters in Arts (Guidance and Counselling) with James Cook University (Australia) and a Specialist Diploma in Satir Transformational Change Therapy.Apart from conducting marriage preparation programmes, she also sees clients who need help to cope with life changes. FaithActs Contact Details 6475 1509 • Email [email protected] • Website www.faithacts.org.sg FaithActs Marriage@Werkz seeks to help couples prepare for a successful lifelong marriage beyond the wedding ceremony. Many couples believe that their love for each other is strong enough to weather any challenges in the marriage. However, constant effort and nurturing are needed for a life-long union. FaithActs Marriage@Werkz hopes to equip couples with the necessary knowledge and skills to help them build a strong marriage foundation and thus enhance family life. Through sessions that are filled with interactive and engaging activities, we strive to bring out the fun elements while stimulating the learning capabilities of our participants. Course Title : Marriage@Werkz - Marriage Preparation Course Course Schedule: Group - Four sessions (3 hours each) Individual - One to two sessions (2 hours each) Dates : 20 Apr, 27 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 25 May 19 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov, 16 Nov, 23 Nov Venue : Faith Methodist Church/FaithActs Training Centre Blk 76 Commonwealth Drive #01-497 S(140076) Cost per Couple : $300 (inclusive of the administering and discussion on Marriage instrument and inventory) Use of Inventory: DiSC for couples To find out more about other available trainers, please contact FaithActs. Left to right: Paul Nga, Michael Tiew, Shirley Ng and Goh Siong Chu Meet Our Trainers Paul Nga has been involved in the serving, pastoring, training and counselling of various age groups of people since 1981. He was the Director of Ministry in schools and is currently serving as the Chairman of the TRAC Board ofYouth Ministry. Michael Tiew is a social worker with more than 14 years of experience in the social service sector practising as a professional social worker, trainer, facilitator and educator. He is an accredited trainer who has conducted numerous talks and workshops for schools, companies and other organisations. Shirley Ng is the Executive Director of FaithActs and a certified Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis® (T-JTA®) Counsellor who has conducted family therapy sessions with clients in the course of her counselling work. Siong Chu is currently the Head of the Outreach Department of FaithActs and has 27 years of working experience dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. He has conducted numerous communication workshops which have benefited many participants. Family Life Society Contact Details 6488 0278 • Email eventfl[email protected] • Website www.familylife.sg Our Couple Builder programme enables couples to sit together with a trained professional before marriage and discuss common issues and concerns that they may have regarding married life. The main goal of this programme is to prepare couples for an emotionally and mentally enriching life together. Course Title : Couple Builder’s Programme Course Schedule : Six sessions (1.5 hours each) (Individual) (by appointment) Venue : 2 Highland Road LG-01 S(549102) Cost per Couple : $300 Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory (optional – $50 per couple) “A very useful and insightful session. Theresa has the ability to make me feel safe and comfortable to share my relationship stresses and problems.” Participant, who attended the programme in October 2011 Meet Our Trainer Theresa Bung Theresa is the principal therapist at Family Life Society and is a member of the Singapore Association of Counsellors, an associate member of the Association for Marital and Family Therapy (Singapore) and also a member of the Satir Centre (Singapore).With more than 17 years of clinical experience, she specialises in couple and family therapy on issues of conflicts, expectations, communication and works with individuals on stress management, depression, anxiety, grief, eldercare and anger management. Theresa provides counselling to schools, trains and gives clinical supervision to para-counsellors and students from tertiary institutions. She is a certified administrator of the PREPARE/ENRICH program, a customised couple assessment programme which helps couples to prepare for their marriage.Theresa has been married for 30 years. Family Central – A Service by Fei Yue Community Services Contact Details 6593 6456 • Email [email protected] • Website www.family-central.sg Many couples can go to great lengths to plan a perfect and memorable wedding but only those who prepare adequately for their marriage will reap the rewards for many years to come. The Marriage Preparation Programme helps to lay the foundation for a lasting and happy marriage. It allows soon-to-wed couples to gain valuable insights into their individual strengths and weaknesses and learn practical skills to manage issues like in-laws relationship, finance and conflict. This programme equips couples to be prepared mentally and emotionally for a lifelong marriage. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Course Course Schedule : Two sessions (4 hours each) (Group) (9.30am to 1.30pm) (6 to 10 couples) Dates : 13 and 20 Apr 2013 13 and 20 Jul 2013 14 and 21 Sep 2013 16 and 23 Nov 2013 11 and 18 May 2013 24 and 31 Aug 2013 19 and 26 Oct 2013 7 and 14 Dec 2013 Venue : 298 Tiong Bahru Road #03-02 Tiong Bahru Central Plaza S(168730) Cost per Couple : $200 (fees exclude FOCCUS Couple Inventory) Use of Inventory : FOCCUS Couple Inventory ($20 per couple) Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “The topics covered were relevant to a marriage and I would certainly recommend every couple to attend before their marriage.” Ang Chun Liang and Ong Peiling, who attended the programme in April 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Fei Yue Community Services. Left to right: Richard Cheong and Shui Swee Fen Meet Our Trainers Richard Cheong Richard trained as a certified family life educator with Swinburne University (Australia) and Family Resource Training Centre. Other than marriage counselling, children and teens counseling, he also specialises in counselling young adults in the area of smoke cessation. For the past 12 years, he had conducted family life talks to different audiences, accumulating a wealth of experiences. Richard has been featured as a guest speaker on Radio FM 93.8 and was on the teens programme in Channel U “Just Shoot”. Richard holds a degree in Counselling Psychology, and a Diploma in Counselling and Communication from the Edith Cowan University. Shui Swee Fen Swee Fen graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in Social Work. Her experience includes working in a family service centre as a social worker. She has many years of experience in conducting marriage preparation and family life education workshops. Married with two children, Swee Fen enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills in parenting and relationships. She is a family life educator and resource speaker, and currently works at FeiYue Counselling Centre. Focus on the Family Singapore Ltd Contact Details 6491 0706 • Email [email protected] • Website www.family.org.sg Why Connect2? Laying the foundations of a lifelong marriage goes beyond just preparing for a dream wedding. Knowing what to expect after you say “I do” and learning how to handle ‘for better or for worse’ can lead to a lifetime of love and romance. Connect2 is a marriage preparation programme conducted by a husband and wife pair, that aims to help couples address issues that all newlyweds face, strengthen their marriage in the early years and learn how to really love each other for life! Course Title : Connect2 Course Schedule (Group) : Two sessions (5 hours each) Venue : Focus on the Family (Head Office) 9 Bishan Place Junction 8 Office Tower #08-03 S(579837) Cost per Couple : $300 include: Marriage resources worth $50 Licensed participant’s workbook per person Marriage solemnisation by a licensed solemniser (if required) Use of Inventory : The Couple Checkup “Excellent facilitator. Gleaned a lot of valuable insights on how to build healthy relationship.” Eric Lim, who attended the programme in July 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Focus on the Family Singapore Ltd. Left to right: Gary Koh, Joanna Koh, Shelen Ang and Jason Ang Meet Our Trainers Gary Koh and Joanna Koh Gary and Joanna are both licensed marriage solemnisers who have more than 25 years of experience working with families to help them enrich their lives and relationships. Gary is a journalism and communication graduate with a flair for public speaking. He is actively involved in motivational talks and training workshops, including those on marriage and parenting. Joanna is currently the CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore. She is also an accredited PREPARE/ENRICH programme trainer and a trainer for marital profiling and couple assessment. Jason Ang and Shelen Ang Jason and Shelen have been counselling couples and families for many years and are both accredited in Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis, PREPARE/ENRICH programmes and marital profiling and couple assessment. Both are licensed solemnisers who are effectively bilingual, having delivered numerous talks and workshops in both Mandarin and English, including those at the Marriage Convention 2010. Jason and Shelen are the Master Trainer of Connect2, overseeing the family life education programme, particularly in the areas of marriage and parenting. Hougang Sheng Hong Family Service Centre Contact Details 6289 5022 • Email [email protected] • Website www.shenghong.org.sg Marriage takes more than just love to work. Commitment and patience form the foundation that go into building a strong and lasting marriage. We pride ourselves in helping couples put forth their most honest expectations and thoughts on marriage to each other. Let us help you gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in your relationship. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Course Course Schedule (Individual) : Four to five sessions (2 hours each) (by appointment) Venue : Blk 237 Hougang St 21 #01-406 S(530237) Cost per Couple : $280 (fees exclude PREPARE Inventory at $30 per couple) Use of Inventory : PREPARE Inventory Left to right: Chang Ai Ling and LiauYi Fang Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “This course has enlightened me on our differences and identified growth areas for us to work on. I can’t wait to apply this knowledge and see our relationship grow!” TeoWenWei, Elvin, who attended the programme in October 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Hougang Sheng Hong Family Service Centre. Meet Our Trainers Chang Ai Ling Ai Ling holds a Bachelor of Arts (Social Work) degree and has eight years of marriage/family counselling experience.The passionate social worker’s desire to help couples enhance bonding has won her much praise from participants. Liau Yi Fang Yi Fang has four years of counselling experience with couples and families. She holds a Bachelor in Counselling Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Social Work. She is patient and believes that harmonious relationships build a happy family. Lutheran Community Care Services Contact Details 6463 4734 • Email [email protected] • Website www.lccs.org.sg Marriage is a lifelong journey that is filled with challenges, joy and fulfillment. Our programme is carefully structured based on each couple’s MBTI Personality Profiling and PREPARE/ENRICH Marriage Profiling. Focusing on the three main pillars of counselling, coaching and facilitation, you and your partner will learn more about each other and be equipped to build a fulfilling marriage. You will also get to discuss issues through scenario exercises to help explore practical ways of enriching your relationship. Course Title : Our Love Journey Course Schedule: Four sessions (2 hours each) (Individual) (by appointment) Venue : 81 MacPherson Lane #01-31 S(380081) OR Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #17-04 S(588179) Cost per Couple : $480 (Weekdays) (fees include $120 worth of Personality Profiling, PREPARE/ENRICH Marriage Inventory, and other relevant materials) Use of Inventory: PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory MBTI Personality Profiling Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “This course allows me to have a different perspective of marriage preparation and to foresee the challenges that we will face as a couple.” Theresa Lim, who attended the programme in May 2012 Left to right: Annie Cheng, Christina Ang and Eulene Toh Meet Our Trainers The trainers are a team of accredited PREPARE/ENRICH marriage counsellors from Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS). The team is led by Christina Ang, Family Services Director of LCCS. Christina has a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Social Science (Counselling) majoring in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also actively involved in the training and supervision of marriage counsellors in her agency. Eulene Toh has a Masters of Social Science (Professional Counselling) degree. Eulene is happily married to a pilot and has three children. Annie Cheng is equipped with a Masters of Social Science in Professional Counselling. She is blissfully married with two children, aged 17 and 20 years old. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Lutheran Community Care Services. Pasir Ris Family Service Centre Contact Details 6581 2159 • Email [email protected] • Website www.goodnews.org.sg/prfsc All pre-marriage apprehensions can be easily resolved if only couples have a more thorough understanding of each other’s expectations. Our individual couple sessions are specially designed to provide privacy to address key issues and challenges, so as to better prepare for the journey ahead. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Programme Course Schedule (Individual) : Four to five sessions (1.5 to 2 hours each) (by appointment) Venue : Blk 256 Pasir Ris St 21 #01-289 S(510256) Cost per Couple : $300 (fees exclude PREPARE Inventory at $30 per couple) Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples are also available upon request. “Be more open about communicating with my partner.” Lynn Cheok, who attended the programme in November 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Pasir Ris Family Service Centre. Left to right: Ho FooYin, Roger and Fay Lai Meet Our Trainers Ho Foo Yin, Roger Roger has a Masters Degree in Counselling from Edith Cowan University and he has supervised the casework and counselling team at Pasir Ris FSC. Roger has more than 20 years of experience working in the Social Service sector, which includes 10 years of working with couples and parents. Fay Lai Fay is a responsible and steadfast social worker, with 11 years’ experience of working with people going through different challenges in life. Her goal is to empower service users and enhance life-coping skills. She holds a Bachelor degree in Social Work from the National University of Singapore REACH Counselling Contact Details 6252 2566 • Email [email protected] • Website www.reach.org.sg “One, Two, Three or Six?” takes couples from the fundamentals of “What is marriage, love and commitment?” to learning critical communication and conflict management skills to maintain the emotional bonds between them and stay committed in their marriage. Couples are invited to deal with common marriage issues like finance, relating with in-laws, sex and family planning, to help build a strong foundation for a lasting marriage that may stay strong through the seasons. Course Title : One, Two, Three or Six? Course Schedule : Group - Four sessions (3 hours each) Individual - Four sessions (2 hours each) (by appointment) Venue : Blk 187 Bishan St 13 #01-475 S(570187) Cost per Couple : Group - $300 Individual - $350 (Weekdays) $430 (Weeknights, Mon and Wed, Weekends, Sat morning) Use of Inventory : Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (T-JTA) Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “We learnt to win as a couple, as a team!” Scott Lim and MelodyWu, who attended the programme in February 2012 Left to right: Willy Ho, Chang-Goh Song Eng, Mok Sin Lai and Flora Chin Meet Our Trainers Our team of professional trainers are married and share a common passion and belief in marriage preparation and counselling and to start couples right to stay strong in marriage. Heading the team is Song Eng who has a Masters of Social Science (Counselling) and three decades of social work/counselling experience in social services. Sin Lai, Flora and Willy are also professionally trained and are well equipped with their Masters of Social Science (Counselling). In addition to marriage preparation, all four trainers are Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (T-JTA) certified and do extensive marital work with individuals and couples, including those who experience communication or conflict issues, emotional disconnection and extra-marital affairs in their relationships. Sembawang Family Service Centre Contact Details 6754 7050 • Email [email protected] • Website www.sfsc.org.sg “Building a Strong Marriage” is designed to be informative, offering insights into how marriages work. It offers fun activities and creates plenty of opportunities for you and your partner to explore important topics that are pertinent to a happy and thriving marital relationship. Course Title : Building a Strong Marriage - A Marriage Preparation Course for premarital and newlywed couples Course Schedule : Weekday Group - Three group sessions (2.5 hours each) and two individual couple sessions (2 hours each) Weekend Group - Two group sessions (3 hours each) and two individual couple sessions (2 hours each) Individual (by appointment) – Six sessions (2 hours each) Dates (Group) : 1st run - 4 and 11 May 2013 (2pm to 5pm) 2nd run - 14, 21 and 28 Aug 2013 (7pm to 9.30pm) 3rd run - 9 and 16 Nov 2013 (2pm to 5pm) Venue : Blk 326 Sembawang Crescent #01-52 S(750326) Left to right: Kay Teck Hui, Ruth Chan, Annie Chua, ClarenceYueng Cost per Couple : Group - $300 Individual - $350 Meet Our Trainers Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Sembawang Family Service Centre. Ruth has more than 10 years of experience in counselling individuals, couples and families, and conducts various marriage preparation and parenting programmes, both locally and overseas. After working in the corporate world for 25 years, Clarence is now a full-time counsellor. He also conducts parenting workshops and runs support groups to help strengthen family life. Annie has more than 10 years’ experience in direct practice.Her main area of interest is in marital counselling and couple work. She also conducts parenting programmes and group work involving children.Teck Hui is trained in couple and family therapy and has more than 9 years of direct work with individuals, couples and families. He is also a highly adept facilitator. Shan You Counselling Centre Contact Details 6741 9293 • Email [email protected] • Website www.shanyou.org.sg The course prepares couples for a healthy and enriching marriage and family life. It can assist soon-to-be wed and married couples to lay the foundations for their marriage, gain valuable insights into individual strengths and weaknesses and learn many practical skills. The course has elements of discussion, sharing and psycho-education and offers an avenue to learn and explore with the trainer on how to better prepare for marriage. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Programme: “Prepare for Marital Bliss” Course Schedule: Group - Two to three sessions (3 to 4 hours each) (by appointment) Venue Individual - Two to four sessions (2 to 3 hours each) (by appointment) : Blk 5 Upper Boon Keng Road #02-15 S(380005) Cost per Couple : Group - $280 Individual - $350 (One complimentary counselling session for each couple upon course completion for both individual and group courses.) Use of Inventory: PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “It has been a very useful session for myself and my partner. We have greatly benefitted from the programme.” ChiewVin Nain, Adrian, who attended the programme in September 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Shan You Counselling Centre. Left to right: Charlene Teo Lek Mei,WinnieWong Choon Kew and JaneWong Chiew Mee Meet Our Trainers Jane Wong Chiew Mee Jane has been doing counselling and social work for more than 15 years, and has experience helping clients on various issues. She is currently a senior counsellor with Shan You Counselling Centre and also conducts marriage preparation workshops. Jane is a regular speaker for the parenting programmes on MediaCorp Radio Love 97.2 FM. Winnie Wong Choon Kew Winnie has been a counsellor at Shan You Counselling Centre for more than five years. She conducts her training in Mandarin and has also been working closely with the elderly.Winnie is the supervisor of Yuan Yuan Helpline at Shan You Counselling Centre and is also a regular speaker for MediaCorp Radio Love 97.2 FM. Charlene Teo Lek Mei Married for 25 years, Charlene lives by her personal mantra of “Exploring Dimensions through Growing Experiences”. She believes that marriage is an exploration of a new dimension between two hearts. Charlene holds a Masters of Social Science in Professional Counselling. St. Andrew’s Lifestreams Contact Details 6282 1552 • Email [email protected] • Website www.samh.org.sg Marriage is like a tree that needs good soil and care, so that its roots will grow deep and help the marriage withstand storms and challenges. You can only make your marriage work for as long as you are committed to making it last. It’s never too late to start thinking about how to make your marriage more meaningful and strong by setting some time aside for this all important issue. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Programme Course Schedule : Group - Two group sessions and one individual session (2 to 4 hours each) Individual - Two to three sessions (2 to 4 hours each) Dates (Group) : 7 and 14 Sep 2013 23 and 30 Nov 2013 Venue : 1 Francis Thomas Drive #02-06 Diocesan Centre Building S(359340) Left to right: Ong Chooi Seng and Jenny Ong Cost per Couple : Group - $350 Individual - $450 Meet Our Trainers Use of Inventory : PREPARE Inventory “Good course, recommended!” KeYee Hien, who attended the programme in April 2012 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact St. Andrew’s Lifestreams. Ong Chooi Seng Chooi Seng holds a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counselling and is a certified practitioner of Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (T-JTA). Furthermore, he is also a Master Trainer of the PREPARE/ENRICH programme developed by Dr. David Olsen. He has also been personally trained by the trauma psychologist and family therapist expert, Dr. Ofra Ayalon, in Trauma Counselling. Having served as the first Executive Director of the Focus on the Family Singapore Centre, Chooi Seng has conducted numerous regional marriage seminars and retreats over the past 10 years. Jenny Ong Jenny Ong holds a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counselling and a Bachelor of Theology. She is a certified Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (T-JTA) instructor, behavioural consultant for DiSC and PREPARE/ ENRICH, as well as a Family Wellness and Virtues Project facilitator. She has worked with individuals, couples and families and was also involved in counselling youths in various secondary schools. Jenny is currently a counsellor and trainer with St. Andrew’s Lifestreams. Tampines Family Service Centre Contact Details 6787 2001 • Email [email protected] • Website www.tampinesfsc.mws.org.sg A healthy marriage occurs when two individuals learn how to blend their individual tones into a special harmonious sound – a duet of marital bliss. Tampines Family Service Centre’s Duets is a unique programme that offers participants the best of both worlds – a group session plus two individual couple sessions. By attending the group session, couples will realise that some issues are common among couples. In addition, attending the two individual couple sessions allow each couple to understand the unique and individual issues pertaining to their relationship. Course Title : Duets Course Schedule : Group - One group session (8 hours) and two individual sessions (2 hours each) Individual - Four sessions (2 hours each) (by appointment) Dates (Group) : 29 Jun 2013 31 Aug 2013 26 Oct 2013 Time : 9.30am to 5.30pm Venue : Blk 470 Tampines St 44 #01-194 S(520470) Cost per Couple : $250 Use of Inventory : PREPARE Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples are also available upon request. “I’ve learnt from the course that it takes effort to make a marriage work and how to communicate more effectively.” Edwina Cheng, who attended the programme with her partner in September 2011 Left to right: Jeremiah Deng and Rena Sivadas Meet Our Trainers Our team of trainers are accredited PREPARE and ENRICH professionals. We believe that knowledge is power, especially in preparing for a marriage that is to last a lifetime. Heading the team is Rena Sivadas, who has a Masters of Science in Family and Systemic Psychotherapy and 12 years of experience working with couples. Jeremiah Deng has been working with couples for three years and holds a Masters of Social Science in Counselling. All trainers are passionate about working with couples who are preparing for marriage, as well as those who are married and need some support when they experience difficulties in their marriage. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Tampines Family Service Centre. The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Cheng San) Contact Details 6454 6678 • Email [email protected] • Website www.amkfsc.org.sg Combining the benefits of group and individual couple sessions, you and your partner will get to learn all that may come with the practicalities of married life in general, and to work on any specific areas in particular in this programme. Important topics for all participants preparing for a life together will be covered broadly during the two workshops. Each couple’s specific needs will be addressed in depth at the two individual sessions that follow. We believe this approach will cover the breadth and depth of various issues pertaining to marital life and still meet the specific needs of each couple. Course Title : Blissful Engagement Course Schedule : Group - Four sessions (2.5 hours each) Individual – Four sessions (2 hours each) Venue : Blk 445 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 #01-1647 S(560445) Cost per Couple : $350 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Cheng San). Meet Our Trainer Jessica Goh Jessica is a social worker and administrator of Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (T-JTA) and PREPARE/ENRICH. Recently married, Jessica aspires to help other couples to prepare and enrich their married life. She is able to bring her personal knowledge and experience into the programme, thus connecting more deeply with participants. The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Sengkang) Contact Details 6312 8100 • Email [email protected] • Website www.amkfsc.org.sg This is a programme that offers group and individual session options, as well as an option that combines both formats. Important topics for all participants preparing for a life together will be covered broadly during the two workshops. Each couple’s specific needs will be addressed in depth at the two individual sessions that follow. We believe this approach will cover the breadth and depth of various issues pertaining to marital life and still meet the specific needs of each couple. Course Title : Blissful Engagement Course Schedule : Group - Four sessions (2.5 hours each) Individual - Four sessions (2 hours each) Combination - Two individual sessions (2 hours each) and two group sessions (2.5 hours each) Venue : Blk 223D Compassvale Road #01-673 S(544223) Cost per Couple : $350 To find out more about other available trainers, please contact The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Sengkang). Meet Our Trainer Low See Yim Since 2001, See Yim has been very dedicated to her professions as a counsellor, certified therapist and clinical hypnotherapist. Furthermore, she provides supervision for NUS students and junior staff in the centre. Her passion is not limited by contacts with subjects and their families but is also clearly shown through her work on workshops and seminars. She has been working with couples to manage their marital issues for the past 10 years. This vast array of job responsibilities and roles has certainly honed See Yim’s interpersonal, facilitating and training skills and enables her to bring her professional knowledge and expertise on couple relationship into the programme. TOUCH Family Services Contact Details 6317 9988 • Email [email protected] • Website www.tcs.org.sg A fulfilling and life-long marriage is highly desired by every couple. TOUCH MPC will help soon-to-be married couples lay the foundation for their marriage through our unique programme conducted by a husband-and-wife team. The venue will be at the home of the instructors. Besides offering practical tips for newly-weds, the topics covered will also enhance a couple’s communication skills and conflict management skills. Couples will also gain valuable insights into their individual strengths and weaknesses through personality profiling. Course Title : Marriage Preparation Course Course Schedule (Group) : Four weekly sessions (3 hours each) Dates : Monthly Venue : Instructors’ home (various locations) Cost per Couple : $290 Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Marriage solemnisation and sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “Edmund and Mun Lan are great ‘teachers’! They provide very good examples as illustration points and their sessions are highly entertaining and insightful.” Jasmine Poh, who attended the programme in May 2012 Left to right:Wong Mun Lan and Dr. EdmundWong Meet Our Trainers Edmund spent seven years in the UK. Currently serving as the General Manager of TOUCH Community Services, an award-winning Nonprofit Organisation, Edmund seeks to strengthen families by equipping and enriching individuals to stand up to the challenges of today’s fastpaced society. Edmund and his wife, Mun Lan, a lawyer by training, work closely as a couple, and are passionate about building strong and resilient families. Edmund and Mun Lun have been conducting Marriage Preparation Courses since 2002. They are both certified behavioural consultants (DiSC Personality Profiling) and have spoken on topics ranging from parenting to marriage enrichment. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact TOUCH Family Services. Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre Contact Details 6795 1008 • Email [email protected] • Website www.viriya.org.sg/whfsc A successful marriage is not one without conflicts, but one where conflicts are effectively managed and the relationship is enhanced as a result. You can look forward to learning more about your partner and yourself through a series of insightful discussions, games and activities in a fun and safe setting. Course Title : Growing Together Course Schedule : Group - Four sessions (2 hours each) (by appointment) Individual - Four sessions (2 hours each) Venue : Blk 646 Jurong West St 61 #01-142 S(640646) Cost per Couple : Group - $300 Individual - $350 Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. Meet Our Trainer Evelyn Lai Evelyn is the Executive Director at Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre. She has been working in the social service sector for more than eight years, and has provided counselling services to youths, couples, individuals and families in need. Evelyn is a registered social worker and also a proud mother of two boys. To find out more about other available trainers, please contact Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre. Woodlands Social Centre Contact Details 6365 3040 / 6365 5234 • Email [email protected] • Website www.wsc.org.sg This programme uses the PREPARE/ENRICH inventory report and exercises to help raise couples’ awareness and understanding of their differences in expectations, personalities, experiences of the relationship, as well as the challenges they may encounter on their marital journey. This programme is the choice of many couples who prefer an individual couple programme that runs on Saturdays. Through the trainer’s effective facilitation, couples comfortably process both the positive and negative aspects of their relationship. Couples shared that this programme has been positive and enriching. Greater understanding of each other’s thinking, emotions and behaviour took place during the sessions. Course Title : Building a Healthy Marriage Course Schedule (Individual) : Three sessions (4 hours each) (On Saturdays by appointment) Venue : Blk 830 Woodlands St 83 #01-33 S(730830) Cost per Couple : $300 Use of Inventory : PREPARE/ENRICH Inventory Sessions for remarrying couples and transnational couples are also available upon request. “I think this is a very comprehensive program that covers a lot of aspects in marriage life.” Jocelyn Lim, who attended the programme in September 2012 Meet Our Trainer Evelyn Chong Evelyn Chong is the Executive Director of Woodlands Social Centre. She is trained in family and marital counselling and has more than 20 years of experience in the social service sector. She is a member of the Singapore Association for Counselling and the Association for Marital and Family therapy, Singapore. Evelyn has conducted the marriage preparation programme for courting couples over the last 15 years. She is married with a son.