Online Conference on Role of Counselling
Aligarh: Over 200 papers were presented on the possible causes and treatment of stress, suicidal feelings, self-esteem related issues, phobias, panic attacks, loneliness, depression and other mental health problems on September 23 and 24 in the online conference on ‘Role of Counselling in dealing with Mental Health Issues’ of the Students’ Counselling Centre, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
On the inaugural day, the keynote speaker, Prof Robinder P Bedi (University of British Columbia, Canada) outlined how counselling and psychological interventions provide tools and insight to manage mental health issues.
“Psychological intervention brings in a positive mood, reduces depression and fosters confidence. It produces a personal change leading to higher functional results”, he said.
Speaking on counselling as a profession, Prof Robinder discussed how counsellors and psychologists create impact on lives of their subjects.
Presiding over the programme, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor said that counsellors provide guidance in looking at problems in dimensions that help to understand the situation.
“A psychologist or a counselor guides subjects to identify their strengths and weaknesses without being judgemental in supportive and objective ways”, he added.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed appreciation to the Students’ Counselling Centre team for immensely helping students and employees during the pandemic.
Prof Mansoor also released the book, ‘Religious and Spiritual Counselling’ by Prof Akbar Husain and Dr Rubina Fakhr and the conference souvenir and abstracts.
Prof Prakash B Behre (Former Vice Chancellor, DY Patil University and Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, The Phoenix Centre Raigmore Hospital Inverness, Scotland, UK) explained how counsellors suggests strategies for managing and altering patterns of upsetting thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
He was speaking on mental health and stress management.
Prof Naima Khatoon (Principal, Women’s College) apprised participants about the nuances of mental health and provided insights on counselling for mental health.
She highlighted the importance of counselling in dealing with everyday challenges.
Dr Reshma Jamal (Coordinator, Students’ Counselling Centre) delivered the welcome address.
Dr Heena Parveen extended the vote of thanks and Dr Sarah Javed conducted the programme.