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
Counsellor
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
Natasha Jacob
Counsellor
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.”
Hélène Vanderstraeten
Counsellor