Empowering Counsellors through Self-Care

On 8th May 2024, the Counselling Team from Brickfields Asia College (BAC) led a highly impactful session titled "Self-Care for Counsellors" at the Bengkel Pembugaran Professional Guru Kaunseling Peringkat Daerah Klang, Tahun 2024. The workshop, held at UOW Malaysia, was attended by approximately 250 counsellors from the PPD Klang district.

Key Highlights of the Session

Trainers and Leadership:

The session was spearheaded by esteemed trainers Nurin, Lara and Pik Wah, with Puan Gowry acting as the Person in Charge (PIC). Their combined expertise and engaging delivery played a crucial role in the session's success.

Focus on Self-Care:

The core theme of the workshop was self-care, a critical aspect often overlooked in the counselling profession. The trainers emphasised the importance of self-care for maintaining personal well-being and enhancing professional effectiveness.

Topics Covered

• Set Daily Intentions for Self-Care: Encouraging counsellors to begin each day with a clear intention to prioritise self-care activities.
• Schedule Regular Breaks: Highlighting the necessity of taking regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain mental clarity.
• Take Care of Physical Health: Discussing the importance of physical health as a foundation for overall well-being.
• Nurture Relationships: Emphasising the value of nurturing personal and professional relationships to build a supportive network.
• Learn to Say 'No': Empowering counsellors to set boundaries by saying 'no' when necessary to avoid overcommitment.
• Identify Enjoyable Activities and Hobbies: Encouraging engagement in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Incorporate Self-Care into Small Moments: Suggesting ways to integrate self-care into daily routines, even in small moments.
• Regular Check-ins with Yourself: Promoting regular self-assessment to stay in tune with one's mental and emotional state.
• Seek Help When Needed: Urging counsellors to seek professional help when facing overwhelming stress or challenges.
• Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: Reinforcing the idea that self-care should be a non-negotiable aspect of their lives.

Outcomes and Feedback

The session received positive feedback from the organisers and attendees alike. Counsellors appreciated the practical tips and felt more equipped to incorporate self-care into their routines. The workshop successfully met its objectives, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies to support counsellors in their demanding roles.

The "Self-Care for Counsellors" session conducted by the BAC Counselling Team was a resounding success. By focusing on essential self-care practices, the workshop empowered counsellors to better manage their personal well-being, ultimately enhancing their ability to support others. The positive response from the participants underscores the importance of such initiatives in fostering a healthier, more resilient counselling community.