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Vetalu Nyekha, psychologist, speaking at the one-day seminar on counselling psychology in Kohima on October 27. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Oct. 27 (EMN): Defining psychology as a study of human behaviour and mental processes and not a study of human minds as many assumes to be; a psychologist said ‘it involves the process of understanding the reasons why people behave and think as they do.’
Speaking as one of the resource persons at the one-day seminar on counselling psychology, Vetalu Nyekha, associated with trained psychotherapeutic professionals of Meghalaya, said counselling and guidance both cater towards the development of the individual thereby allows the individual to rid himself from his burdens and strive towards self empowerment.
The programme was jointly organised by the Youth Mission and State Child Protection Society, Government of Nagaland, held at Youth Mission Children Home, Kohima, on October 27.
She also explained in detail the various stages in counselling and the skills required of a counsellor in dealing with clients such as attending behaviour, communication, observation, listening, problem solving skills etc.
Akumtola, psychologist at Youth Mission, speaking on ‘child psychology’ defined as which focuses on the mind and behaviour of children that not only focuses at how children grow physically but also looks at the emotional and social development as well.
Explaining in detail the major context of child psychology viz. social, cultural and socio economic status, Akumtola has stressed on the importance of passing the good social and cultural values to children.
The relationships that children have with adults and peer groups, sets of value, customs and ways of living influence on how children think, learn and develop, said Akumtola.
Further elaborating on the different factors that influence children’s growth and development, she advised that parents should develop rules for their children and be affectionate with them and explain the various types of parenting styles adopted by parents.
She also advised the parents, as caregivers, to help develop the child’s social and emotional development adding one should allow them to play and interact with others, explore and express their feelings, offer choices which will also help them in their decision making.
Counselling being a relatively new concept in the Naga context, she said there have been misconceptions about same. Nyekha agreed that if someone is advised to go for counselling, ‘they consider it as an insult and degrading.’
‘If that is not a misconception, I don’t know what is,’ said Nyekha and maintained that just like a person goes to a doctor when physically sick, you need a professional psychologist to help you with your mental health.
She was also apprehensive if our society is ready to accept meeting with counsellors as “normal” but asserted that ‘we should be’ as every human being has problems and issues they deal with in their daily lives.
Citing some examples from real life experiences with her clients, Nyekha observed that sometimes the coping strategies that we deal with our problems are not very effective and the need for professional help arises.
‘If you let your problems go and leave it unfinished in your head, it will grow in you and later it will affect you in ways you didn’t know,’ said Nyekha.
Towards this, she asserted that ‘it is something very crucial that everyone should start seeing the bigger and actual picture of a “Counsellor” in our society and that a counsellor is just another professional that you go to when you feel sad or depressed or even when you’re feeling low.’
She also urged upon all to change the mindset by educating oneself and break the stereotype saying, “It’s okay” to meet a counsellor, added Nyekha.
