Counselling
Centre.
IFS COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
Nurturing Minds & Fostering Resilience
Welcome to the IFS Counselling Centre, where we are committed to our students’ holistic growth and well-being. We are excited to introduce our newly established Counselling Department, which is dedicated to addressing our Secondary students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being needs with a non-judgemental approach. Our goal is to provide a safe haven – a place where students can freely express themselves, receive guidance, and cultivate their resilience and personality.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AT IFS
IFS Counselling Centre Mission & Approach
Our Counseling Centre aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can explore their emotions, develop coping mechanisms and cultivate self-awareness. Through compassionate guidance, positive regard and personalised care, we strive to empower students to overcome challenges, build resilience, and foster personal growth, ultimately helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and active listening. Our skilled counsellors conduct individual and group sessions tailored to each student’s unique needs – whether they have been identified or have voluntarily sought assistance. Additionally, we are committed to promoting mental health and well-being through preventive and awareness-building initiatives. Thereby equipping students with the tools to manage their mental health proactively.
We understand that a student’s development is multifaceted, and collaboration is key. Therefore, we work closely with parents and educators to ensure a comprehensive support system, focussing on helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence and preparing them for a bright future.
NURTURING STUDENT WELL-BEING AND SUCCESS
The Essential Role of IFS Counsellors
School counsellors and psychologists provide crucial emotional support, personalised guidance, and social skill enhancement to elevate student’s well-being and success. They empower students to manage challenges with empathetic listening and evidence-based strategies, fostering positive mental health. Collaborating closely with educators, parents, and administrators, they advocate for students’ needs, ensuring a comprehensive support network that aligns with the school’s mission.
In times of crisis, they offer immediate assistance and facilitate healing. Through group sessions and workshops, they nurture effective communication, conflict resolution, and empathy, which are essential for building healthy relationships. School counsellors and psychologists contribute to academic achievement and overall personal growth by addressing academic challenges, implementing preventive programs, and fostering an inclusive environment. Our counsellors play an integral role in creating a nurturing and supportive educational experience, equipping students with essential life skills for a thriving future.
DEDICATED TEAM
Introducing Our School Counsellors
Piramala Maratheyah
Natasha Jacob
Hélène Vanderstraeten
CONFIDENTIAL AND SAFE
Confidentiality at IFS Counselling Center: Safe and Professional Support
At the IFS counselling centre, confidentiality is a core part of our commitment. In order to allow students to express their views and feelings, we understand the importance of creating a safe and secure environment. Our skilled counsellors adhere to professional ethical standards, ensuring that everything discussed during sessions remains confidential. This implies that the information and concerns, as well as emotions shared, shall be treated with respect and confidentiality.
However, it’s essential to be aware of certain situations where confidentiality may need to be breached. Our primary concern is the student and the broader school community safety. If a student is at risk of harming themselves, others, or the school, our counsellors are legally and ethically obligated to take appropriate action. If necessary we will involve parents, school administrators, or mental health professionals, and the goal is always to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
Your child’s trust and well-being are our top priorities. You can count on us to provide a confidential and supportive environment where students can work towards overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth.
Piramala Maratheyah
Wellbeing Counsellor
Hi, I’m Piramala Maratheyah. With over 23 years of experience in the education and social service sectors, my work has focused on fostering nurturing, inclusive environments where students feel supported to navigate life’s complexities and build lasting resilience. I hold a Master’s degree in Professional Counselling and am certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Clinical Supervision, with additional training in youth assessment frameworks including CANS, FAST, and YLS/CMI 2.0.
I have had the privilege of establishing and developing the school’s counselling centre, shaping services that integrate evidence-based practice with the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework to support the whole child. I strongly believe every young person has the potential to overcome challenges and thrive when supported with empathy, guidance, and structure.
At IFS, I contribute to strengthening the school’s wellbeing culture by supporting students, guiding families, and collaborating closely with educators and leadership. Through counselling, preventive programmes, parent workshops, and staff training, I aim to help build a compassionate and resilient community where every student is empowered to succeed.
Natasha Jacob
Wellbeing Counsellor
Hello, I’m Natasha Jacob. I am a school counselor with a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance, Counselling, and Family Therapy with certification in DBT and Play Therapy. I have experience in supporting students aged 4 to 18, helping them navigate emotional, social, and developmental challenges.
I provide individual counselling and also enjoy working with students in group sessions and workshops, as well as collaborating with parents and teachers. My work focuses on building emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy social skills in a way that feels supportive and age-appropriate with the help of various therapeutic modalities.
My approach is student-centered and solution-focused, encouraging young people to reflect, grow, and develop confidence in their own choices. I aim to create a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where students feel heard and comfortable reaching out for support.
Guided by the belief “focus on helping the child, not fixing the child,” I am passionate about promoting well-being and supporting students within the IFS community.
Hélène Vanderstraeten
Counsellor
I am a clinical psychologist with a Master’s degree from IED Paris 8, now working as a school counsellor at IFS’ 2C Counselling centre. I am passionate about supporting children and adolescents in their personal, social, and emotional development, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience.
I strongly believe that every student has the potential to grow, thrive, and succeed when given the right support. My approach is holistic and integrative, drawing from various therapeutic frameworks to provide individualized guidance. I work closely with students, parents, and teachers to foster a supportive school environment where well-being is prioritized.
With experience in psycho-educational assessments, collaborative interventions, and working with diverse student needs, I am committed to empowering students by identifying their strengths and helping them develop the skills to overcome difficulties. I feel privileged to be part of their journey and to contribute to their well-being and success.