CPs typically encounter many stressful situations or experiences during the course of their education often involving their academic, family, or social life. A professional counsellor trained in the science of human behaviour is available to help them through personal counseling sessions. Several links to self-help and assessment resources are also provided to help them understand and cope with difficult feelings and life situations.
Counselling services are offered to all CPs currently enrolled at IED to enhance their personal growth and well-being. The office of the Student Counsellor is located on the ground floor (near the LRC room, Block B) at AKU-IED and is open during the working hours Monday to Wednesday and Friday between 1 pm - 5 pm.
For CPs who enroll in OL courses, conselling services can be provided by e-mail or phone.
CPs may email Ms. Hadia Pasha, Senior Student Counsellor, at ied.counsellor@aku.edu or contact her by phone at Tel. No. 36347611, Ext. 3950 for a one-to-one discussion.
When you first approach the Student Counsellor you are expected to state the specific issues which led you to seek counseling and share relevant background information, regarding these. The counsellor tries to understand the CP's experiences and asks pertinent questions about his or her life and relationships with others. The more the CPs share their thoughts and feelings about themselves and their problems in counselling, the more they are likely to benefit.
The counsellor will also ask what the CP hopes to get out of counselling or what his or her goals are. This provides an opportunity for the CP and the counsellor to decide whether counselling is the best option for help. The counsellor will help create a safe place for the CP to explore alternative points of view and to understand connections between different aspects of his/her experiences. As counselling progresses, the CP may sometimes be assigned psychological "homework" to facilitate progress outside of session.
In order to benefit fully from counselling, the following recommendations are offered:
It is important to remember that counselling takes commitment, hard work and time. It is best not to judge your session by the way you are feeling at the moment. Counselling is not magic. It is a joint process requiring your motivation and active involvement. The greater your participation and commitment, the more effective counselling will be for you.