It is important for counsellors to be innovative and ensure that the persons they address effectively grasp how to resolve their issues when the solutions are offered, according to Mehraj Uddin Mir, Dean of the School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir.
He was addressing the inauguration of a five-day training programme on ‘Counselling Skills for Street Educators’ sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), organised by Madurai Institute of Social Sciences here on Tuesday.
Mr. Mehraj Uddin said sacrifice, acceptance of the client beyond boundaries and confidence were the core characteristics which counsellors should possess and encouraged the participants of the training programme to practise them. “Whatever you learn in this programme or during other such training modules should be effectively applied on the field to enhance the support you are providing to people,” he added. The five-day training programme was kick-started with nearly 45 participants from all over the country who were representatives of non-governmental organisations and other collectives working for social issues as well as professional counsellors.
“As street educators or persons who are working with the public at the grass-roots level, it is absolutely necessary that these participants are equipped with the essential skills with regard to counselling. This will help them see boundaries clearly and enable them to help people tackle their issues and problems,” said D. Janet Vasanthakumari, coordinator of the training.
A resource book for the programme was also released and founder and chairman of the institute Capt. D.V.P. Raja also spoke.
