5-Day Counselling Skills Workshop, April 2011

A Psychological Counselling Skills Workshop (primarily for the benefit of the students of the online course in psychological counselling skills (IGDCS) was held at Banjara Academy, RT Nagar, Bangalore, from Mon 11 April to Fri 15 (five days) April 2011. The session began daily at 9:30 am and ended at 2:30 pm, with a brief mini-lunch break at 12 noon.

This highly interactive program covered the practical aspects of counselling, and gave the participants an opportunity to get the feel of face-to-face interactions with people, and to be supervised and corrected in order to improve their practice. It was conducted by the Faculty of Banjara Academy - Ali, Nalini, Asha, Sapna, Malini, Kanmani, Sonal, Genie and Reema.

• Becoming non-judgmental and giving total acceptance to the counsellee
• Making the counsellee open out
• Listening
• Empathy
• Giving positive strokes
• Empowering the counsellee
• Goal setting
• Balancing your own emotional needs

The participants thoroughly enjoyed the workship and felt enriched and empowered to do real-life psychological counselling. They also bonded very well amongst themselves and forged new friendships. They were given certificates at the end of the workshop. Do read the interesting report of Sandhya, one of the participants in the workshop, who has summarized what happened at the workshop: Counselling Skills Workshop: A report

Featured below is what some of the participants had to say about the Counselling Skills Workshop.

The Counselling Skills Workshop by Banjara Academy was really refreshing and illuminating. We could really go through what we have been studying in the IGDCS course and much more. The lectures, short films and the practical lessons made it a very positive programme. The group and the counsellors interacted very well and the workshop was very successful. Usha L

The Counselling Skills Workshop has helped me to relate the theory with practicals. Experiential learning made me unlearn quite a few things. Coming here, I discovered a whole new world, for which I am thankful and grateful to Banjara. Each faculty in her own way has added value to my life. Subha P

Extremely effective, interactive process – lives up to the promise of the first day in clarifying what counselling is and more importantly, what it isn't. Thank you, Banjara. Champa Saha

It feels great to be associated with Banjara as an IGDCS student. I had many doubts about doing it online as I felt the 'connect' may not be there. Counselling, after all, is an interpersonal skill. But after attending the 5-day workshop, I am so happy and satisfied that the personal touch of the staff of Banjara that I thought I would be deprived of, has been taken care of. What's more, I have been reassured of many such events in future. So friends whoever has any doubts about the IGDCS, just go for it without any second thoughts.

I was all alone when I started the course. Now I have met quite a few others of the IGDCS course that I feel I have made friends for life.

Ali and team , keep up the good work and all the best to all the others. - Sandhya

I appreciate the good service Banjara is doing to all human beings who need help through counselling. The 5-day course made us get an idea of what the online course in counselling skills is about. We gained a lot of insight from the practical classes. I would look forward for more such sessions. All the best. Lakshmi Balaji

Learnt loads of do-able stuff about enriching my relationships. Biggest takeaway is my new mantra RFA - Refrain from Advice, and RFT – Refrain from talking. Shalini Chadha

I heard about Banjara through one of my friends who is already a full-time counsellor and consultant. Following her instructions I searched online, found the website of Banjara and posted my bio-data. Within two hours I received a call from Mr. Sreedhar confirming that he had received my bio-data and he told me about the Online Diploma Course about which I was most impressed. Apart from that, he also explained to me about the other services that Banjara offers.

That made me realise how responsible and concerned and quick Banjara is in reaching out to people. The Helping Hand also is doing well which I came to know after attending this workshop. They have been doing yeomen service for the past 27 years and I will be happy to assist them by doing my little bit, however small it may be. Lalitha Perumal

I came to Banjara without any background on the subject. I was like an empty sheet of paper and now after the course I have learnt a lot, not only on how to counsel other people but I have gained a lot personally as an individual. I was not a part of the IGDCS but now I would like to come back to Banjara to do my DCS. Whatever I have learnt here can be used in my future profession and in my personal life. I was the youngest in the class but inspite of that I did not feel out of place and the whole energy here made everyone comfortable.  Nikita

I liked the Counselling Skills Workshop at Banjara. The classes were conducted well. In fact I am happy to have enrolled for the workshop. I not only learnt how to become a better counsellor but I was also able to understand my feelings better. The food and the snacks that were served each day were also good. I was also able to make good friends. Shriram

A place where you can really open up and share, relate, be understood and helped (if required). A forum that can guide you to hone your skills and bridge the many gaps.

You may feel digressed as your expectations may be different at the start, however as you proceed through, it's easier to relate to your expectations! Though nothing like a logically/structurally planned exercise, each topic helps you to relate to each aspect which connects to you personally or professionally.

On the whole a wonderful journey which has pebbles on a muddy road or a neatly laid tar road alongside trees for a cool breeze and fruits to refresh yourself. Overall very humane!! Pooja T