Professionals to be trained on how to counsel children

As a result, a team of mental health professionals is conducting a 50-hour intense hands-on training for professionals to help them counsel children.

Stating that there have been instances of counsellors and therapists ill-treating children, Vimi Rony, Information Officer, for the project, said, “This eight-week training on counselling will help professionals working with children know how to deal with them in different situations.”

Each week of the eight-week programme will focus on a specific topic such as addiction, impairment and how to handle children in a guidance clinic.

“With both theoretical and practical sessions, the professionals will be able to understand the concept on counselling. Besides, we must also bring out the child protection policy, the importance of which will be stressed during the training. Professionals need to know that even if they are talking to a child one on one — they should do so in a place where others can see. Children must be given their own space,” she added.

Conducted under the leadership of a renowned psychiatrist, Dr C Kumarababu, the course will be open to 30 participants on first come first serve basis. The sessions will begin in the second week of January and certificates will be provided to those who register.