Abstract
To date there has been little research or consensus on the characteristics essential for therapeutic practitioners in Singapore (i.e., professionals engaging in counseling or counseling-related work). Whilst there are several academic programs in the country leading to readily available credentials in this arena, and a number of graduates entering therapeutic work annually, there is little examination as to what characteristics are essential for graduates once they leave the halls of academia. Compounding matters is the fact that Singapore is grappling with credentialism; an element that may be serving to obscure therapeutic competencies for hiring organizations and clinical supervisors. This paper, guided by phronesis and research, comprises of points extrapolated from a combined total of 50 years of practice experience within the country, and suggests 13 characteristics beyond credentials that are essential for therapeutic practitioners in Singapore. As the first of its kind for the local context, the purpose of the paper is to advance therapeutic practice by providing ground-up, practical, experience-based knowledge that can be beneficial in multiple ways such as initiating a reflexive and dialogical stance that may aid in bridging the divide between credentialism and actual practice not only in Singapore, but in other multicultural communities as well. While grounded in psychology, the arguments within the paper also traverse the disciplines of social work, counseling, management, and education, thereby facilitating transdisciplinary resonance. Additionally, the paper seeks to serve as a starting point for further examination in an area that is critical yet under-explored. Part 1 of the paper provides context and elaborates on six proposed characteristics. Part 2 will continue with seven characteristics and the potential impact of the paper.