During the inauguration Fr. Paul Raj welcomed the chief guest and the participants. Fr. Don Bosco, in his inaugural address, stressed on the importance of educational method of Don Bosco in keeping with the need for counselling practice. He stressed on the importance of accompanying and listening presence of counsellors in educational and othe settings.
Mr. Thaddeus Alfonso was the resource person who handled the sessions for both the days, on “Examination of the psychiatric patient, schema for case history, and introduction to the philosophy and the historical development of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The 20 mental health practitioners who participated in the course where from various capacities including research scholars, academicians and school counsellors. The participants were all from Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Namakkal and Kerala.
Certification course in Psychotherapy is a part of Continuing Professional Development Training Program of Niraivagam. This is a comprehensive introductory or foundation course for all those who aspire to further their knowledge in basic skills and techniques of psychotherapy. This course has been divided into two semesters in a year and the themes will be handled by experts in the field. The program is designed to help the participants to broaden their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in psychological counselling and psychotherapy
The inaugural ceremony of the course commenced with the lighting of the lamp by group of dignitaries - Rev. Fr. Don Bosco, Vice Provincial of Salesian Province of Chennai, Fr. Paul Raj, director of Niraivagam, Mr. Thaddeus Alfonso, associate director of Niraivagam, Mr. Manikandan, representative of Network Professional Social workers and Ms. Keerthana, Psychiatric social worker from Banyan.
