Counselling is a process in which a person can talk to a professional in a completely confidential setting when she feels uncomfortable or overwhelmed by the challenges she faces of with stress or anxiety.
Counselling students has been a part and parcel of this Institution ever since its inception, as it is felt that educating the students is only part of the responsibility of any educational institution. It is also our responsibility to foster the skills that enable the students to face life with confidence. To facilitate this it is imperative that the emotional needs of the students should be addressed. Every aspect that makes up the individual interacts with and influences each other. Thus psychological wellbeing is one of the determinants of academic performance.
The Counselling cell formally came into existence in 2010 with the Principal taking the lead as a professional counsellor, having completed her doctorate in Clinical counselling. The other faculty members in the department serve as in-house counsellors. External Counsellors are also available to provide counselling.
The Counselling Cell was christened “Serenity” in the year 2017 as it aims to instil a sense of calmness and tranquillity in the client as opposed to anxiety and agitation.
Counselling is concerned with “normal” problems rather than mental health problems. However, in cases where further intervention is required in the form of medication, the students consult a Psychiatrist. It is also more concerned with
At times, students are counselled because of the concerns of the students’ parents. At other times the parents may be called if the student permits to discuss various issues or if parental intervention is required such as when referrals need to be made.
Records are maintained in the form of brief case histories or in a register. However, confidentiality is assured. At times, other lecturers may be advised that a particular student needs to be handled with special care, if it is in the best interest of the student.
Follow up sessions are scheduled if it is thought they are necessary to note the progress made. At times the student herself comes for follow up.
The Cell also has an e-mail id through which students can approach the counsellors.