Online conference on Role of Counselling concludes at AMU
Aligarh : Sixteen best paper awards were given to Indian and foreign delegates from over entries of 200 research papers on causes and treatment of stress, suicidal feelings, self-esteem issues, phobias, panic attacks, loneliness, depression and other mental problems in the valedictory function of the online international conference on ‘Role of Counselling in dealing with Mental Health Issues’ at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
The two-day international conference of the Students’ Counselling Centre (SCC) that concluded on September 24 also featured eight lecture sessions on how Counselling helps people to solve emotional, social, personal and interpersonal problems.
In the keynote address, Prof Naved Iqbal (Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) presented a grounded study on the clinical scope of Islamic psychotherapy.
He spoke about how the development of research-based indigenous approach to Islamic psychotherapy is gaining concerted momentum.
“At times, distress may graduate to become a significant barrier that can interrupt optimal functioning. Seeking support in such a situation can be instrumental for re-establishing holistic health. This can be achieved by virtue of a therapeutic relationship with a seasoned practitioner”, said Prof Naved.
Presiding over the valedictory programme, the Chief Guest, Prof Mirza Asmer Beg (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences) said: “Mental health is a key part of our successful life and our overall well-being. It is the source of our collective and individual ability as people to reach our full potential”.
He added: “In counseling sessions, psychologists guide their subjects to look at their problems in different dimensions. They help distressed people to know their strengths and weaknesses in an environment that is supportive and objective”.
In the guest lecture, Dr Kirin Hilliar (Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, UAE) spoke about her work across the fields of forensic, organisational, and clinical psychology in Australia and the UAE.
She discussed corrective custodial services, forensic mental health, workplace recruitment assessments and therapeutic services while explaining Counseling Psychology as a specialty that uses a broad range of practices to help people improve their well-being, prevent and alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises and increase their ability to function better.
The Guest of Honour, Prof Amirul Hasan Ansari (Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) emphasised, “many perspectives contribute to the understanding of behaviour problems”.
“These may include behavioural, emotional, biological, environmental, developmental or cognitive perspectives”, he pointed out in the talk on role of the multidimensional approach in counselling.
In the welcome address, Dr Reshma Jamal (Coordinator, SCC) pressed for the need of counselling even when people might think that they don’t need it.
She said: “Counselling supports people to improve their mental health and wellness. Whether you are looking for personal development, prevention, understanding where you came from, breaking old relationship patterns, ditching bad habits, creating a new normal, trying something new, or investing in yourself; there is a therapist who can help”.
Dr Heena Parveen presented the programme report and Dr Asif Hasan extended the vote of thanks.
Rikza Parvez conducted the valedictory function.
Earlier, in the inaugural function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor delivered the presidential address and Prof Robinder P Bedi (University of British Columbia, Canada) was the keynote speaker. The inaugural programme included speeches by Prof Prakash B Behre (Former Vice Chancellor, DY Patil University and Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, The Phoenix Centre Raigmore Hospital Inverness, Scotland, UK) and Prof Naima Khatoon (Principal, Women’s College).