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by Nadira Gunatilleke

The first ever National Counselling Day was marked in Sri Lanka on October 15 and was celebrated on October 23 at a small official ceremony held in Colombo, marking the need for an effective counselling service.

What is counselling and do people need it ? Also what is the present status of counselling here and - does it has a future ?

According to the guide issued by the National Committee on Counselling Services, counselling is not advising a client and is totally different from giving advice. During counselling, the counsellor will listen to the client and understand him or her clearly. Then the counsellor will help the client to increase his/her natural stamina to case whatever the problem is. During this process the counsellor will not force or order the client to do anything. Even suggestions will not be made. The counsellor will respect the right of the client to take the final decision. All the counselling services are available free of charge.

The main objective of counselling is developing internal knowledge in the client that can be used to deal with problem. The male/female counsellor will develop this knowledge through a scientific, psychological process. It can be take one or more days for the development of this hidden ability depending on the nature of the problem and the natural ability of the client. Some clients achieve this on the very first day they meet the counsellor while others take weeks or months to achieve the same target. The client is free to come for counselling as long as he/she wishes.

Counselling has several benefits. The first and the most important advantage is that the client can minimise his or her psychological pressure. All unhealthy mental states such as suspicion, long-lasting hatred, the need for revenge, melancholia, backwardness, depression, fear and a feeling of hopelessness can be eased through counselling. The ability of facing life and the environment with happiness and enthusiasm can be improved through counselling. The lives of the client's family members, friends, colleagues, bosses and relations can be much more cheerful when the client gains mental repose. In fact, everyone's lives will be make easier.

Hopefulness is a must for a healthy life. Persons who are hopeful never think about committing suicide. A person thinks about committing suicide when he or she cannot find a solution to a problem. Counselling can help a person who sees no hope for the future.

The second benefit of counselling is it can prevent several ailments and help to relieve any disease. According to the latest findings, long-lasting mental suffering is the main reason for several physical and mental illnesses. If a person live with a long standing mental ailment he or she can develop physical symptoms of an illness. These symptoms can be completely cured through psychological treatment.

The third advantage of counselling is that a person can face any future problem with courage and strength when he/she seeks counselling. The client can also prevent any problem that arises in the future for the second time. Counselling is not a temporary cure. It provides permanent cure for psychological ailments.

The fourth advantage of counselling is that it can be used in daily life just like beauty culture. The beautician does not treat people only improves the client's natural beauty. The counsellor's task is very similar to the task of the beautician. The counsellor improves his client's natural abilities such as the capability of facing problems and can bring out hidden talents and personality.

The most important thing is that a person should be cautious about the counsellor's professional qualifications before seeking consultation. Every one cannot become a counsellor. An ordinary or Honours Degree is required and a post graduate diploma in counselling is need to become a professional counsellor. A one year course obtained from a recognised educational institution is also valid for those who do not have post graduate qualifications. Counselling done by unskilled persons in accurate methods can be very dangerous for the client and it can worsen the client's condition.

Counsellors all over the world work according to a code of ethics. They do not reveal the identity of their clients and they strictly protect confidence and details revealed by the client. Counsellors do not impose on clients to any religious or political activity nor do they build up friendships with the clients other than counselling. Clients are not expected to do anything in return. Counselling can be sought for any problem such as psychological problems, problems related to education, employment, family, future, sexual problems, problems caused due to terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

State, NGO and private institutions offer counselling services around the island. Details about those counselling services, centres and contact numbers can be obtained from the National Counselling Committee, Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine and Social Services, 5 th Floor, Sethsiripaya Battaramulla. Tele.887349, 887350, 887351. Fax.877122.

One can become more attractive through counselling, for it useful not only for people with problems, but also for dealing with every day life !  

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