Educationist Husien Dohadwalla tells us why children might benefit from having counsellors in schools 

Here are some signs for school counsellors to watch out for in students for and why parental involvement is crucial  
Research has proven that emotional well-being is closely connected with the physical state of the child
Research has proven that emotional well-being is closely connected with the physical state of the child

Many schools actively focus on physical health, but there is sadly little done for the mental or emotional health of the child. Research has proven that emotional well-being is closely connected with the physical state of the child.

Therefore, it is imperative that every child receives a motivating atmosphere at home as well at school. These are the two places where he/she spends a lot of time and is most influenced as well. Just as at home, parents play an important role in nurturing the child, at school, teachers are the mentors whom the child turns to for guidance. The importance of appointing mentors whom students easily connect to or confide in has certainly gone up in the recent times.

Just as at home, parents play an important role in nurturing the child, at school, teachers are the mentors whom the child turns to for guidance. The importance of appointing mentors whom students easily connect to or confide in has certainly gone up in the recent times.


Going beyond the traditional call of teaching, teachers today are trained to watch out for signs that the child is mentally or emotionally disturbed. And this is where a school counsellor's role begins. From here on, the school counsellor begins to address the issues faced by the child with his or her guidance, and the support of the parents. The counsellor's priority remains the child’s overall well-being and making inroads into his/her mind where the teacher or parent is unable to succeed. 


Not every student is comfortable discussing their problems with a teacher due to a possible fear of judgement. A counsellor is better equipped to handle the problems of the child and address them in a sensitive manner. The counsellor can additionally help and train teachers to identify stress points in students and make a checklist of the same. In today’s times when a child is faced with immense pressure to be an all-rounder, a counsellor provides them emotional strength as well as aptitude guidance.  

Not every student is comfortable discussing their problems with a teacher due to a possible fear of judgement. A counsellor is better equipped to handle the problems of the child and address them in a sensitive manner.

Husien Dohadwalla, Fazlani L’Académie Globale 


The signs to watch out for 
Some children are the life of the classroom and are extroverts. When they suddenly become withdrawn and quiet, it is certainly a concern. These behavioural changes can be addressed only by the personal attention and guidance of the counsellor. 

Another sign to watch out for is the academic frontrunners beginning to underperform. This could be a direct result of factors like bullying, discord at home, etc. In such cases, measures can be taken to help the child solve these problems via counselling.

Some children are the life of the classroom and are extroverts. When they suddenly become withdrawn and quiet, it is certainly a concern. These behavioural changes can be addressed only by the personal attention and guidance of the counsellor

Husien Dohadwalla, Fazlani L’Académie Globale 

Difference between Education Counsellors and Guidance Counsellors
Children also seek the help of counsellors with regards to excelling in their academics and careers.  It is a proven fact that those who have heeded the advice of an education counsellor have availed better college and university placements as opposed to those that have not. 

Parents are always looking out for their child and want what is best for them. The advent of the digital era has brought with it a host of new career options to pursue. That being said, a majority of the student population remains unaware of the vast variety of career options available. The education counsellor helps guide students to choose suitable careers according to their skill set, interests and capabilities.

Parental Involvement is Key
An important aspect in the process of counselling is the involvement of parents.  They should make time to be there at important milestones in their child’s life. This will go a long way to boost their morale and instil in them a sense of security which only parents can give. In addition to this, parents should inform school authorities in case of household turbulence, so that the child can be counselled and guided if they exhibit signs of withdrawal or aggression. Discord between the child and parent can be eased if the counsellor steps in through counselling sessions and personal advice. 

Parents should inform school authorities in case of household turbulence so that the child can be counselled and guided if they exhibit signs of withdrawal or aggression

Taboos Surrounding Counselling
Unfortunately in India, there is a social stigma around receiving help from a counsellor. This orthodox belief also frames mental health issues as a sign of personal weakness. Children who suffer from depression, anxiety, bullying or any other medical ailments, must receive counselling to help them rise above their problems. Every school must endeavour to employ at least a part-time counsellor. Prevention is better than cure and it is advisable to seek help at the earliest to prevent a tragedy. 
Seeking the assistance of a counsellor is thus beneficial in nipping crucial mental issues in the bud, so that they do not materialise into an aggressively uncontrollable state later in life. 

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