Delhi have dedicated counsellors, therapists and helplines to help students with psychological problems

Several schools and universities in Delhi have dedicated counsellors, therapists and helplines to help students with psychological problems
A c ` ounsellor, guide and stress buster', Pathma Naidu wears several hats at a time. Head of counselling and life support education at Pathways World School, Gurgaon, Naidu is one of the many counsellors in schools and colleges across the Capital who contribute to the holistic development of students. “We run the Pathways of Universal Life Support Education programme (PULSE), which has a comprehensive guidance and awareness curriculum for students in a classroom setting,“ says Naidu.
She points out that counselling sessions are like a triangle of which parents are the base, teachers and counsellors are two other sides and children are the centre -everything must come together to help children fight psychological issues.
Other schools also have various means of imparting life skills. Etishree Bhati, clinical psychologist (counsellor), Delhi Public School, RK Puram, who has been a CBSE counsellor, says that she sees that there's an increasing trend of children suffering from behavioural problems, depression, speech dysfunction, inattentiveness, dyslexia or learning disorders. “We have appointed mentor teachers and buddies (who are fellow students). Using peer influence and relaxation therapies are other unique ways (to aid students),“ says Bhati.
Universities too have made provisions to help students overcome and discuss psychosocial matters. For instance, Delhi University has a Career and Counselling Cell that has been functioning under the control and supervision of the dean, students' welfare since 2009. The cell counsels individual students and maps their personal problems, goals and visions besides counselling them on social and personal issues such as sexuality, interpersonal relationships, adjustment and family problems, and guides them in improving their academic grades. DU also has a helpline counselling service since 1995 in the Centre for Adult, Continuing Education and Extension that provides telephonic counselling (9873302532), personal counselling and referral services on these issues.
“DU has dedicated counsellors for students wherein students come with various problems including family issues, coping with the course they are pursuing, college life etc. Depending on the nature and extent of the problem, students are referred to the concerned experts. They are also given financial assistance at times,“ says Dinesh Varshney, deputy dean, students' welfare, DU.
Ambedkar University, Delhi has also set up a psychological counselling centre, which has clinical psychologists who are trained in psychodynamics and psychotherapy to deal with problems of young adults. “Students as well as outsiders can access this counselling centre,“ says Shifa Haq, a research assistant at this centre.
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University has a dedicated helpline that functions during university hours (011-25302167-69). The varsity also organises counselling sessions wherein queries are addressed by the departmental heads and counsellors.