Introducing the IFS Counselling Centre FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS

Welcome to the IFS Counselling Centre: 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.

Our Mission

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

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 School Counsellors and Psychologists

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.

Introducing the Team: School Counsellors

Hey there!! I am Piramala (Pam) 

Having worked in education industry and voluntary welfare organisations for more than twenty  years, I emphasise the significance of building a nurturing and supportive environment for students to thrive. My approach is aimed to foster personal growth, resilience, and well-being in every student I work with, by utilising evidence-based techniques and a holistic perspective using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework for children and adolescents. Together with my dedicated team, we are committed to building trusting relationships and providing empathetic guidance throughout the counselling journey. I live by these beliefs and quote. “Every problem has a solution and each child has great potential to conquer any challenges to achieve their dreams.” and  “The harder you fall, the heavier your heart; the heavier your heart, the stronger you climb; the stronger you climb, the higher your pedestal.” —Criss Jami

Hi, I am Natasha Jacob.

I have five years experience working with students of various age groups. While being a firm believer in empowering students to take ownership of their own personal and academic goals, I also provide them with the necessary tools and resources to achieve them. For me each student is unique and therefore requires a personalised approach to counselling and support. Our team is passionate about collaborating with  parents and educators to ensure that each student is receiving the appropriate level of support and guidance when required. I believe in the quote that we need to “Focus on helping the child and not in fixing them.”

Hello, this is Laura Tarsia.

I have been working with children and adolescents in school settings and institutions for over ten years.I am passionate in taking the time to listen attentively to young people going through difficult and challenging times. This has taught me that asking the right questions can be more helpful than providing answers, when helping students understand their fears and overcome their challenges.Together with my colleagues we offer support to parents and teachers in understanding and preventing the challenges experienced in adolescence and school life. 

“I truly believe that, when needed, socio-emotional support during the high school years can have a big impact on the years ahead and lives of our students.”