Building Resilience Through Empathetic Counselling:  Workshops in Conjunction with World Mental Health Day and Malaysia’s Counselling Month

In recognition of World Mental Health Day and Malaysia’s Counselling Month, the School of Psychology and Social Sciences at IMU hosted a one-day event titled “Building Resilience Through Empathetic Counselling”. This meaningful initiative took place on 23 October 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the IMU Library’s Multipurpose Area, and aims to raise awareness about mental health while providing essential counselling skills and resources to the IMU community.

The full-day event featured a Basic Counselling Skills Workshop in the morning, followed by a special talk on stress and burnout management in the afternoon. The programme was designed to educate, engage, and empower participants in promoting mental wellness both personally and professionally.

The morning session was dedicated to a Basic Counselling Skills Workshop, facilitated by two highly experienced registered counsellors, Kenny Ng Suet Choon and Chin Hui Sian. Both facilitators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, making this workshop an invaluable opportunity for participants to gain practical counselling skills.

Kenny Ng Suet Choon has been practicing as a counsellor since 2017 and is registered under the Board of Counsellors in Malaysia. Chin Hui Sian has been a registered and licensed counsellor since 2018 and is currently pursuing her PhD at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

The workshop equipped participants with essential counselling techniques, practical tools for managing stress, and strategies to promote emotional well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding seeking professional help.

The afternoon featured a session by the renowned speaker Sudha Kudva, titled “Building Resilience: Coping Strategies for Stress and Burnout in the Academic Life.” This talk is specially designed to address the unique challenges faced by academic professionals, such as the pressures of balancing teaching responsibilities, research, and administrative duties.

Ms Kudva shared practical coping mechanisms and self-care strategies to manage stress and avoid burnout in high-pressure academic environments. The talk  offerred insights into building emotional resilience and fostering a healthier work-life balance, particularly in a field where mental health is often overlooked.

Besides that, booths were also set up outside the library multipurpose room to promote the services offered by the Psychology and Counselling Learning Centre. The booth featured a variety of experiential activities, including expressive cards and career tools, designed to engage visitors and provide insights into the centre’s offerings. This initiative aimed to increase awareness and encourage utilisation of the psychological support services available to students.

In line with the theme of “Building Resilience Through Empathetic Counselling”, this event promised to be a transformative experience for participants. Whether you are a student, academic professional, or simply someone interested in mental health, this workshop provided with valuable insights and skills that can be applied in your personal and professional life.

As mental health continues to gain attention on the global stage, IMU’s School of Psychology and Social Sciences remains committed to championing mental wellness and offering platforms for growth and learning.

Written by Dr Thulasimani Munohsamy
Edited by  Dr Arlini Alias