The School Counsellors, Dr. Neha Dutt and Ms. Pooja Ahuja, attended the School Leadership Development Course (SLDC) organized by Upstream Specialist Services and Systems (US3S) on 23rd and 24th April 2026. The sessions were conducted by distinguished experts including Professor R.K. Saraswat (Psychologist), Professor Keshav Singh (ICTRC), Mr. Aditya Nair (ICTRC), and Professor Neom Sion (Dean, JS Institute of Design).
The workshop emphasized the growing importance of establishing structured Guidance and Counselling Centres in schools. With increasing academic pressure, evolving family dynamics, digital exposure, and rising mental health concerns, schools must now function as spaces that support students’ emotional, social, and psychological well-being alongside academics.
The sessions highlighted the multifaceted role of counselling centres in providing academic guidance, emotional and mental health support, social development, career counselling, and preventive interventions through life skills education. A strong focus was placed on the early identification of at-risk students through academic, behavioral, emotional, social, and developmental indicators, enabling timely and effective intervention.
The use of psychological assessments, including intelligence and aptitude testing, was discussed as a valuable tool to understand student potential, identify learning needs, and guide career pathways. The importance of ethical practices such as confidentiality, professional administration, and avoiding labeling was also stressed.
Speakers addressed key challenges faced by counselling departments, including lack of awareness, limited resources, administrative constraints, and social stigma around mental health. To overcome these barriers, the need for a structured Emotional-Social-Behavior (ESB) Unit was strongly recommended. The ESB Unit would involve trained teachers and counsellors working collaboratively to identify concerns early, implement intervention strategies, and support inclusive education, especially for neurodiverse learners.
The course also underscored the importance of equipping teachers with basic psychological understanding and behavior management skills, as they play a critical role in early detection and classroom-level support.
In conclusion, the SLDC 2026 was an enriching and insightful experience that reinforced the need for schools to adopt a holistic approach towards education. The learnings will significantly contribute to strengthening counselling practices within the school, promoting student well-being, and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.
