“We are guilty of many errors and many faults but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. To him we cannot answer 'Tomorrow.' His name is 'Today.”-Gabriel Mistral
Background
Childhood and adolescence are the most joyful periods of life characterized by curiosity, creative energy and desire for self-discovery and exploration of the world. The development of various aspects of the personality, such as physical, emotional, social, cognitive, emotional and spiritual well being, is a consequence of the complex interplay of the genetic and environmental factors. While strong cognitive abilities are necessary for academic success, there is growing evidence that mental health is a critical component of children’s learning and general health and children must also develop social–emotional competencies for them to succeed in school and ultimately in society. However, despite the availability of so many facilities, children are growing up in much more difficult circumstances and the psychological needs of children are not being fulfilled. The new generation faces the burden of competition, unrealistic parental aspirations, more powerful peer group pressures and immense emotional stress which have an adverse effect on academic, behavioural and socio-emotional outcomes, and may lead to a host of emotional and behavioural problems such as aggression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders etc. Quite often support from the teachers and parents is enough to help the children adjust to the stressful situation and move on. Some children may, however, need the help of a professional counsellor or therapist.

The stigma associated with being diagnosed with a psychological problem, lack of awareness, shame or fear of negative consequences may, however, hinder many families and care providers’ willingness to seek help for behavioural and emotional problems. Unless managed properly, psychological problems can lead to school failure, family conflict, drug abuse, violence, and even suicidal tendencies. Seeking professional help in the form of counselling can help children and parents get in touch with their feelings, gain insight into their problems and deal with the stress caused by changes in their life.

Available research evidence indicates that educational and child-care settings for children are also important additional access points for identifying and addressing child and family mental health needs. Consultation from a psychologist familiar with childhood behavioural and emotional development may assist in early identification and supportive interventions within the early education settings, thereby, improving long term outcomes. In view of the above, the school has set up a counselling cell that offers students a comprehensive program that is designed to cater to the mental and emotional well being of all the students. The school counsellor works in close collaboration with the students, teachers, parents, school administration and outside agencies to address the academic, social, behavioural and emotional needs of children within the school setting.

Services Offered by the Counseling Cell
The following services are provided by the School Psychologist to the students of all the classes ranging from Nursery to Class XII:

1. Psychological Assessment including
   • IQ testing for identifying the underlying reasons for academic underachievement
   • Screening and management for ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioural problems etc.
   • Aptitude testing for career planning.
2. Individual or Group Counseling for
   • Behavioural Problems - Temper tantrums, hitting, defiant and stubborn behaviour, bedwetting, school avoidance, hyperactivity, lying, stealing, abusive language, difficulty in getting along with or making friends, feeding and sleep problems.
   • Academic problems - Lack of interest in studies, poor school performance, difficulties in concentration, poor memory, reading difficulties, examination stress and anxiety.
   • Emotional problems - Anxiety, depression, shyness, low self-esteem, vague aches and pains, stomach ache etc.
   • School related issues - Truancy, discrimination by the teacher, favoritism, corporal punishment, verbal abuse, bullying, and school refusal.
   • Adolescent difficulties - personal and social issues such as negative body image, substance abuse, depression, sexuality, low self-esteem, parent- adolescent conflict, peers pressures.
3. Career Counselling to
   • Assist students in gaining insight into their strengths and weakness in areas such as skills, abilities, interests, aptitude etc.
   • Provide information about avenues in different fields both within India and abroad.
4. Family Counselling for
   • Negotiating parent - adolescent conflict, marital conflict, sibling rivalry
5. Educational Counselling to
   • Educate students about scientific study techniques, time management strategies and organizational skills
   • Provide tips for enhancing memory and concentration
   • Refer students with learning disabilities for remedial education and collaborating with pediatricians, neurologists and/or other health care providers for multimodal management of developmental problems.
6. Seminars for Students, Teachers and Parents
   • Orientation Programmes for Teachers to empower them with strategies based on psychological principles for improving classroom discipline
   • Parent Training and Parent Education Programmes for teaching behaviour management techniques and positive parenting skills.
   • Seminars for Students to teach anger management skills, assertiveness training, sensitization about child rights and child abuse.

About the School Psychologist

The School Psychologist, Dr. Kulpreet Dhillon, a Ph.D. in Psychology from Panjab University, Chandigarh has specialization in the field of child psychology. Before joining this school she worked as Coordinator of CHILDLINE, a 24 hours national telephone helpline for the children of Chandigarh being run by the Department of Pediatrics of the Advanced Pediatric Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh for 6 years. She was actively involved in psychological/IQ assessment and providing counselling to children with academic, emotional, behavioural and family problems on the telephone as well as in person.

She also worked in close collaboration with the NGOs and government allied systems of Chandigarh for rescue and rehabilitation of vulnerable groups of children such as abused, abandoned and working children and helped in organizing seminars and workshops for teachers, principals, nurses and police officers for sensitizing them on various child related issues such child rights, zero tolerance for punishment in schools and counselling children. In view of her rich experience in the field of academic, emotional and behavioural problems of children and adolescents, she was nominated as a Counsellor by the Education Department of the Union Territory of Chandigarh for providing telephonic counseling to the students studying in the schools of Chandigarh. She was also nominated as a member of the core committee constituted for drafting the “Child Protection Programme” for the city of Chandigarh, wherein she was instrumental in sensitizing the Chandigarh Administration about the lacunae in services for children and motivating them to launch several programmes for the welfare of children. In recognition of her services rendered for the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable groups of children, the Governor of Punjab, has also nominated her as a member of the Juvenile Justice Board of Chandigarh wherein she is involved with counselling and rehabilitation of children in conflict with law. Dr. Kulpreet has delivered several invited talks on various child related issues such as child rights, disciplining school children, positive parenting, child abuse and neglect, coping with examination stress and anxiety, corporal punishment in schools etc. on different forums. Dr. Kulpreet Dhillon is available both to the students and parents for consultation during the school hours. She also regularly shares practical counselling tips and latest research findings with students, parents and teachers on the school website to create awareness about child and adolescent mental health issues.