Our Reporter
Dimapur, May 10 (EMN): In the light of Covid-19 outbreak, the All Nagaland Counsellors Association (ANCA) volunteered to provide its service to those requiring emotional and therapeutic support which is still continuing with free counselling service till date.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, an ANCA representative Tolibo Swu Murry informed that the association for Covid-19 began providing free telephonic counselling sessions from March 25 and still continuing till date. Murry said they have received around 80 to 90 calls and also conducted around 160 to 170 sessions till date.
Murry added that most of the cases related to stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal and enquiry for medical assistance. She, however, informed that they have not received any calls for counselling pertaining to domestic violence till date.
Murry said the counselling service is not limited to just one day but continue with follow-up spanning about two to five sessions depending on the severity of the issue.
Replying to a query on the course of action the authority would take in the event of serious issues, she informed that the counsellors referred such issues to clinical psychologist and medical doctors. Murry added that counsellors would terminate the sessions with those clients whose cases are referred to clinical psychologist and medical doctor.
Murry further informed that ANCA for Covid-19 would continue to assist the government till the lockdown is lifted.
Administrator of Sakhi One Stop Centre, Weriu Mero informed that distress calls were normal as usual even during the lockdown. She said OSC received around six cases but were not of serious issue. She stated that such persons were provided emergency shelter for five days but due to the lockdown their stay was extended.
Mero added that they always make a follow-up of those cases even after they are send to their respective places. She informed that there is only one person currently at Sakhi- One Stop Centre, Dimapur.