WCC's Counselling Centre - Assuring students of a safe and confidential space to maintain good mental health
Ms Reema Joyice J, the Student Counsellor of Women’s Christian College, who has been addressing various concerns for which students approach her for sessions, emphasises how mental health should be prioritised, as much as physical health. Having conducted various sessions both online and offline, she highlights the fact that counselling sessions are meant not only for mental therapy but also to find clarity in one's life.
Students approach her usually on issues related to relationships, family, friends, academics, forgiveness and career-related doubts, and express interest in managing their feelings, emotions and thoughts better. She also helps students who need more clarity and a better understanding of themselves and their lives. Even if there are no specific issues, students who feel lonely are encouraged to express their thoughts and share their emotions with the Counsellor. Ms Reema added that this pandemic has been a particularly tough time for some students who have had to face death of a parent or severe economic crises. She would like students to know that her help may be sought not only for mental health-related problems like anxiety, depression and stress, but also to seek guidance on self-improvement, personal growth and understanding. Having conducted many webinars and individual sessions on self-esteem, capability enhancement, skill-building, dealing with anxiety, promoting emotional well-being, stress-management, mindfulness and personal growth, her approach is multifaceted and holistic. The pandemic has also caused many students to lose their confidence and question their self-worth. For problems such as these, she has a number of workshops planned on a variety of topics.
The Student Counsellor feels that many students don’t make use of her services because they are reluctant to come forward and attend counselling sessions. For such people, Ms Reema suggests self-help books and motivational novels which would help them progress further, and enable them to be mindful of life, manage time and avoid procrastination. She has a list of recommended books which has proved helpful to students. However she advises students to attend counselling sessions without worrying about what others might think, because help is available here for the asking and this is a valid and safe space to talk about such things.
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