On 23 October 2024, the PCLC (Psychology and Counselling Learning Centre) booth at IMU invited students to explore their mental health and personal growth during the  School of Psychology and Social Sciences (SOPSS) event “Building Resilience through Empathetic Counselling,” held in celebration of World Mental Health Day and National Counselling Month. With engaging activities like the INOK Card reflection, RIASEC career consultation, and the Confession Box, students gained meaningful insights into self-awareness and learned about the mental health resources available through PCLC.

The booth demonstrated that mental health support isn’t just for crises—it’s also about nurturing self-awareness, personal growth, and discovering pathways to a healthier, more fulfilled future.

The INOK Card reflection allowed students to select cards that represented their current and future selves. This simple but powerful exercise prompted students to consider the gap between where they are now and where they want to be, leading to meaningful conversations about personal growth.

“I didn’t expect counseling could be so comfortable and insightful,” one student shared, reflecting on how the session shifted her perception of counseling.

Another student gained a new sense of purpose, saying, “Today helped me realize that getting to know myself better is the key to making progress.”

For some, like a Master’s student feeling the pressure of his studies, the session brought a much-needed boost of motivation. “I’ve always known what I needed to do, but this exercise helped me find the push I needed to move forward,” he said.

The INOK activity proved to be a catalyst for students seeking clarity and direction in both personal and academic pursuits.

The RIASEC career consultation introduced students to Holland’s career model, helping them discover how their personalities aligned with different career options. For students uncertain about their future careers, this activity offered valuable guidance.

“I’ve been confused about what career to pursue, but today I learned about my strengths and how they relate to job opportunities,” one student said.

Another participant gained confidence from learning about her investigative and social skills, saying, “Now I feel more assured about exploring careers in education or social work.”

This consultation provided students with a clearer vision of how their strengths could lead them to fulfilling career paths, reinforcing the connection between self-awareness and future planning.

The Confession Box offered a quiet, anonymous outlet where students could unburden themselves by writing down their thoughts and feelings. This simple act of expression resonated deeply with many.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed to write my thoughts down until I did. It made me feel lighter,” shared one student.

Another participant appreciated the non-judgmental nature of the space, saying, “It was refreshing to be honest with myself without worrying about anyone else’s opinion.”

The Confession Box highlighted how important it is to provide students with safe spaces where they can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment, contributing to their emotional well-being.

One of the booth’s key goals was to introduce PCLC’s services to students who might not have known they existed. By the end of the day, many students left feeling reassured that they had access to mental health support if needed.

“I didn’t know about PCLC before, but now I know there’s a place I can turn to for help,” remarked one student, reflecting the sentiments of many who learned about PCLC’s offerings for the first time.

As the booth facilitator, it was fulfilling to see how the activities resonated with students. The conversations that emerged were not only insightful but also reflective of the broader importance of mental health in everyday life.

A trainee counsellor expressed it perfectly: “Mental health support isn’t just about getting through tough times—it’s about growth, self-awareness, and making positive choices for the future.”

The PCLC booth successfully provided students with the opportunity to explore their mental health, reflect on personal goals, and connect with the support available to them. It was a reminder that mental health isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.

PCLC provides free and affordable mental health services in a safe, confidential space designed to support personal growth and well-being. Whether you’re seeking guidance, self-discovery, or someone to talk to, we’re here for you.

To learn more, reach out to us via WhatsApp at 03-2720 6840, follow us on Instagram at @imu.pclc, or register for our services directly through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/qUpmQSbgKF.

Written by Tien Rui Wen