Tan Tzer, Esther

Education Qualifications (to include current pursuing degree/program)

Degree

University

M.soc.sci

National University of Singapore

B. soc.sci (Hons)

University of Singapore

B. a. (Social work)

University of Singapore

Research Area of Interest:

Divorce and Marital Breakdown

Domestic Violence or Family Abuse

Spirituality and Spiritual Resources

InterFaith Relations and Dialogue

Teaching Interests:

Spiritual Formation of the Counsellor/Minister

Counselling Skills

Marital and Family Life Education (includes: marriage preparation, marital enhancement)

Parenting Skills and Problem-Solving with your Child

Theory based Planning for Case Formulation and Treatment

Theories and Approaches in Marital and Family Counselling

Administrative Experience (if applicable):

Executive Director, St. Andrew’s lifestreams (Nov 1998 to Dec 2005)

Founder-President, Society Against Family Violence (1992 to 1996)

Staff-in-charge, Counselling and Care Centre (1986)

Editor-in-chief, Becoming Magazine, a family life publication of the Counselling and Care Centre (1981 to 1989)

Professional Activities (Current and Previous):

As Exec. Director at SAL was involved in counselling, training, networking and consulting services with community based and church based organisations (from 1998 to 2005)

Also provided Spiritual Guidance Services such as one-to -one spiritual direction and semi-guided silent retreats for groups/churches and individuals since 2001

Supervisor for MA (Applied Psychology) programme by NIE/NTU (1998)

Supervisor for Dip. Counselling Programme for NIE/NTU (2007)

Senior Tutor, Department of Sociology (from 1985-1987)

Senior Therapist , Counselling and Care Centre (from 1981 to 1989)

Consultant Trainer and Counsellor, Faith Community Baptist Church (from 1988 to 1998)

Publications (books/volumes/chapters/articles/proceedings):

Esther Tzer Wong (1985) Falling in Love , (144pp) published by Times Books International

Indonesian Translation (1987) JATUH CINTA YAYASAN (160pp) published by Cipta Loka Caraka

"Understanding the Dynamics of Grief - An Overview" in Working Paper No.1 Dealing with Loss and Grief published by the Counselling and Care Centre (June 1986) pp.1-6

"The Emotional Problems of Persons being Divorced" in Practice Law Manual Vol.6 Family Law and Probate published by Centre for Professional Legal Education (May 1987) pp.180-183

"Family Violence" in Psychiatry for Doctors (Kua, Ko and Lim et al) published by the NUH Department of Psychological Medicine (1995) pp.290 - 304

"Making Your Marriage Strong" in Helping you in your Marriage published by the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations and Ministry of Community Development

Singapore Family Values Promotion Committee (1996) pp.5-11

"What you need to know: Spousal Violence (II)" in Singapore Medical Journal Vol.38 (7) published by Singapore Medical Association (1997) pp.306-309

"Working with Couples undergoing the Passage of Divorce and Single Parenthood" in Hedges and Edges: A Compendium for Social Workers, Counsellors and Family Therapists published by Care Corner Singapore (2002) pp.105-112

Conferences:

"Marriage and Stress: Trends in Asia and its effect on traditional values and behaviour" (1986) 6^th Biennial Conference of the Association of Psychological and Educational Counsellors of Asia", 18pp

"Private violence and public policy: Where to go from here?" Forum on stop violence against women, pp.141-150

"A life cycle approach to understanding families forum entitled towards enhancement of family life organised by the Ministry of Community Development and Singapore Council of Women's Organisations, held in conjunction with National Family Week (June 1987) and published in Social Dimension (April  1988)

Grants and Awards:

English Book Prize (1977) University of Singapore

Sasw Gold Medal (1979) Awarded by Singapore Association of Social Workers

Memberships:

Registered social worker, life member, Singapore Association of Social Workers

Life Member, Counselling and Care Centre

Member, Association for Marital and Family Therapy (Singapore)