Basic Counselling Skills

Transforming Lives to Help Others: A Report on the 11-Day Basic Counselling Skills Intensive

The Navjeevan Counselling Centre, in collaboration with the Peyton Institute for Families, recently concluded its highly anticipated 11-day Basic Counselling Skills training program. Hosted at the serene venue of the Daughters of St Paul in Bandra West, Mumbai, this intensive certificate course brought together a diverse group of educators, aspiring professionals, and individuals united by a shared goal: to equip themselves with the tools needed to accompany and support others with compassion and confidence.

Through a meticulous balance of rigorous psychological theory, experiential activities, and supervised practical sessions, the course proved to be not just a professional milestone for its attendees, but a profound journey of personal transformation.

A Safe Haven for Deep Learning and Introspection

For many participants, the depth of the course was both surprising and deeply moving. Joyce Macwan, a 22-year-old school teacher who attended the program to better support her students, noted the unexpected emotional resonance of the curriculum. “On the first day, I was unaware of how mentally challenging the course could be,” Joyce shared. “When we were introduced to the foundational skills, the reflection I experienced within myself was something I wasn’t prepared for. The concepts brought out emotions I hadn’t expected, but the constant support of the team gave me the strength to look forward to each day.”

This sentiment of personal evolution was echoed by Dwayne Pereira, who used the course to ground his future career ambitions. “Through this course, I gained further insight into myself and the profession I am looking to pursue,” Dwayne remarked. “It challenged me to think, introspect, and communicate on a much higher level than I ever did before.”

Adding a crucial perspective from the early childhood education sector, Nishita Drego, a pre-primary teacher at Marian Kindergarten (St. Joseph’s Convent Girls’ High School, Bandra), shared how the course shattered her initial expectations. “I signed up for this course as I felt that being a teacher, this would be helpful in dealing with children at school,” Nishita explained. “However, these 11 days made me realise that the course has so much more to offer. It helped me understand people’s emotions better and taught me to observe on a deeper level and listen patiently. I realised that behind every smile or every tear, there is a story that needs to be unfolded—and this course taught me the skills to do just that.”

Equipped with these new tools, Nishita looks forward to the future with purpose: “I am definitely going to put these skills into practice so that I can slowly but surely make a difference in people’s lives.”

Core Curriculum: Merging Theory with Practice

The 11-day syllabus was systematically designed to demystify complex psychological frameworks and translate them into actionable, everyday tools. Participants gained profound clarity on essential concepts, including:

The AEO Framework: Understanding the bedrock principles of Attention, Empathy, and Observation to build authentic human connections.
Classical & Modern Theories: Deep dives into Psychoanalysis, Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development, and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT).
Practical Core Skills: Developing active listening, building trust, and balancing the vital clinical attributes of being both kind and firm.

Expert Guidance and Pedagogical Excellence

The overwhelming success of the program is credited to the exceptional panel of resource persons curated by Sr. Stevena Lobo, a professional counselor whose energy, dedication, and passion set the tone for the entire duration.

Participants highly commended Sr. Stevena for creating an emotionally safe, intellectually stimulating, and lighthearted environment that prevented beginner students from feeling overwhelmed. Her practical, case-study-oriented teaching style ensured that complex clinical concepts were accessible and engaging.

The guest faculty further enriched the learning experience by introducing diverse perspectives:

Fr. Royal captivated the classroom with his warmth and exceptional ability to simplify dense theoretical frameworks, leaving participants wishing for even more time under his instruction.
Br. Bryce brought dynamic energy into the sessions, utilizing lively activities and games that allowed participants to reconnect with their inner selves, fostering self-love, self-acceptance, and a deep understanding of balanced boundaries.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains drew to a close, participants walked away not only with official certificates and comprehensive resource materials but with enhanced confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Ms. Reshma Dumasia beautifully summarized the collective experience: “These 11 days have been a valuable journey of learning, reflection, and personal growth. I am deeply grateful to Sr. Stevena and the panel of resource persons for sharing their knowledge so generously, and for creating a learning environment that is emotionally safe, deeply thought-provoking, and intellectually stimulating.”

With glowing reviews and a proven track record of impact, the Navjeevan Counselling Centre continues to solidify its reputation as a vital community pillar for mental health education in Mumbai. Attendees are already looking forward to advanced modules and future workshops to continue their journey of service and self-discovery.

Courtesy: Maria Rekha fsp