About Diploma

“One in four Sri Lankans are prone to significant mental health deterioration during their lifetime. That’s higher than cancer.

A huge void exists in Practical Counselling in Mental Health.

A Counsellor plays a significant role in increasing employee productivity.

Mental Health is deteriorating at an alarming rate in Sri Lanka.

This Diploma will serve a long felt need towards arresting the deterioration of Mental Health.

The biggest hurdle we face is making Leaders in our society realize the essential need of a Counsellor in their midst.”

Sahanaya- The National Council for Mental Health introduces THE DIPLOMA IN PRACTICAL COUNSELLING AND MENTAL HEALTH, in order to fulfil an important need of our time, by increasing awareness on mental health and developing knowledge and skills on counselling.

Objectives 

• To develop understanding of the framework and the elements of counselling theories and practices.

•  To make use of the necessary skills and intervention strategies within a counselling context of assessment.

•  To provide an understanding of the common Mental Health Disorders and illnesses, and the possible therapeutic interventions.

• To make one understand one’s own capacity and strengths, and the need for the referral of clients to appropriate services.  

Who can benefit from this course?

Professionals in the Health sector (doctors, nurses, medical officers, counsellors public health officers, etc.), HR professionals, lecturers, teachers, social workers, university students and those who are interested in a career in the mental health sector.

Methods 

The teaching will be done in a participatory manner, Lectures, Group discussions, role-plays, structured exercises, presentations, quizzes and regular assessments will be a part of the teaching process.

Resource persons
The course will be conducted by experienced and well-qualified personnel. Professors of Psychiatry, Consultant psychiatrists, Psychologists, Sociologists and professional Counsellors serve as resource persons.

Medium
The course will be conducted in English.

Venue
Sahanaya- National Council for Mental Health.

Facilities Provided

The lectures will be conducted in comfortable and well-equipped lecture halls, located in the soothing atmosphere of Sahanaya premises. Multimedia facilities will be used to provide a high quality learning experience. Practical sessions will be conducted in an innovative and highly interactive manner, using video technology and live discussions.The participants can also avail of the library at Sahanaya to broaden their knowledge. The library consists of books, academic journals and other publications related to Psychiatry, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and other mental health-related disciplines. Reading material can be borrowed from the library, while others will be available for reference. Facilities will be provided for online referencing of academic databases as well.

Time
Every Saturday from 9.00 am to 5. 00 pm.
Morning session: 9.00 – 12.00
Afternoon session: 1.00- 5.00

Duration

One year (400 hours)

Click here to view the photo gallery of the Diploma

For more information, please contact:

Course Coordinator
Sahanaya- National Council for Mental Health
96/20
Kitulwatte Road
Borella.

Tel. 2 685960
Fax 535 6689
Email: info@sahanaya.org
Web: www.sahanaya.org