Another Milestone: 54th Batch
Prasanna Counselling Centre Honors Participants at the 54th Counselling Skills Training Valedictory
The Counselling Skills T
raining conducted by Bengaluru’s renowned Prasanna Counselling Centre has gained immense popularity. Homemakers, working men and women, college students, retired men and women, and senior citizens have enthusiastically participated in the program. They have expressed great satisfaction, saying that the training has helped them gain valuable knowledge and insights.
Experienced psychiatrists, counsellors, subject experts, and professionals have conducted the sessions, sharing their knowledge and practical experiences with the participants, which has earned the course an excellent reputation. So far, 54 batches have successfully completed the training, and the next batch will commence shortly.
The valedictory function of the 54th batch, held yesterday, was inaugurated by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Shashidhar. Addressing the gathering, he expressed concern that misconceptions about mental illness still persist among the public. He said that stress, anxiety, and fear have become common in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Just as physical illnesses can be treated, there are effective medications for serious mental illnesses as well. Although some mental disorders may not be completely curable, they can certainly be managed effectively, enabling individuals to lead a normal life.
He advised people not to have any hesitation or fear about taking psychiatric medication. If anyone experiences mental health issues, they should avoid resorting to superstitious practices such as visiting temples for miraculous cures, black magic, or wearing amulets. Instead, they should directly consult a psychiatrist or a professional counsellor to seek appropriate treatment and guidance.
Dr. Shashidhar also cautioned the participants not to assume that they had mastered everything by completing this course. “This is only the foundation,” he said. “Those who have the opportunity should pursue higher education in this field. There are numerous employment opportunities in counselling and mental health. Serve society by entering this profession. What a counsellor needs is not sympathy, but empathy,” he advised.
This batch was particularly active and enthusiastic. Five students who maintained 100% attendance throughout the course were honoured with mementoes by senior trainer Chandra Mohan.
The Centre’s Administrator, Gopal, felicitated Dr. Shashidhar, who has been voluntarily serving at the Prasanna Counselling Centre every Thursday for the past 11 years, in recognition of his dedicated service.
Several participants shared their learning experiences and spoke about how the course had benefited them. Sneha Karanth went a step further by preparing and presenting a short video about the training program. Her initiative and creativity were highly appreciated and received warm applause from the audience.
Speaking on the occasion, Administrator Gopal said that those who wished to continue learning after completing the course would be given an opportunity to observe counselling sessions alongside senior counsellors at the Centre, enabling them to gain deeper practical knowledge. He also urged the participants to spread awareness among their friends, relatives, and acquaintances about the benefits of the course so that more people could benefit from it.
On the same occasion, journalist and counsellor Bopaiah Chovanda, who compered the event, was honoured with a bouquet and a book by Dr. Shashidhar and Gopal.
The program began with a prayer rendered melodiously by Dr. Rajani, a yoga instructor and musician.
The event concluded with entertaining performances by the students, including a short comedy skit, a musical medley, and dance performances, which delighted the audience.
Senior counsellors Mrs. Manikya, Mrs. Waheeda, Joshi, Shashikanth, and Chetana Ravi were present at the function.
The event was efficiently coordinated by senior counsellor Mrs. Radha Kalale, Manager Raghavendra, and Reception Coordinator Chaithanya, ensuring a well-organized and memorable program.
