PG Diploma in Guidance & Counseling Project
PG Diploma in Guidance & Counseling Project
PROJECT FILE
SUBMITTED BY:
ROLL NO.:
SUPERVISOR:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, Aakash Rathi, Roll No. D-20 DGC-526, hereby declare that this activity file is a
beneficial work carried out by me under the guidance and supervision of Ms Deepika.. This
activity file is submitted for the award of POST GRADUATION DIPLOMA IN GUIDANCE
AND COUNSELLING to JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA UNIVERSITY.
The results embodied in this activity file have not been submitted to any other
University/Institute for the award of any Diploma or Degree.
(Aakash Rathi)
Date: 15/08/2021
Supervisor Certificate
I hereby certify that the project report submitted for the partial fulfillment of degree in Post
Graduation Diploma in Guidance and Counseling in an original project work conceived by Mr
Aakash Rathi, under my supervision.
Supervisor
INDEX
6 Appendices
ACTIVITY NO.1
PLANNING AND PREPARING GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOL
Queen Mary's School runs under the aegis of the Diocese of Delhi, Church of North India, with the
Bishop of Delhi CNI as the Chairman - Rt. Rev. Warris K. Masih. At Queen Mary's it is believed in
giving the children a creative, stimulating and an invigorating environment so that they can learn,
The school’s endeavour is to bring forth a generation of children who are confident, aware,
sensitive, caring and independent individuals, progressive, committed and secular. The school
follows a child-centred approach where each child is an individual and is nurtured accordingly.
The vision of the school is to educate the girl child in such a manner that when she grows up, the
world is bound by the limits of her vision, to be proactive, confident and independent.
School Pledge:- "On my honour, I Promise to do my best; to be truthful and honest in all I do, to be
disciplined, reliable and responsible, thus upholding the dignity and honour of my school.
History of School
It is very difficult to sum up the history and achievements of an institution like Queen Mary;s
School in a few words ; even it’s founder Principal Ms . Helen Jerwood could not have envisaged
how big it would grow in a century after its inception. Ms Helen Jerwood, who was a Cambridge
graduate, came to India as a self –supporting missionary. She wanted women in India to be
educated .With this specific purpose in mind , in 1912 she opened an English medium ‘ Purdah ‘
school in a small house in Jama Masjid area with 8 students , who were all Muslims .
However, by the end of the year there were 40 students belonging to all communities. In 1914,
when the school shifted to Kashmiri –Gate, it had more than 80 students. The same year land was
1
given in Tis – Hazari area to build a proper school. A special permission was taken from the then
reigning queen, On 23rd March 1915 Queen Mary’s shifted into its present premises. Every year a
Principal’s Message
means providing education to an entire family whereas educating a boy means educating only an
individual that is why women’s education is more important. Education is a way to truth and
freedom and freeing a woman is freeing half of the race as they represent half of the population.
Till a few decades ago girls were not fortunate enough to be supported for proving their worth
academically. But the perspective of the people has undergone a transition and now girls too get
However, even today in Asia, India has the lowest rates of female literacy. The Indian society feels
that a woman is a liability who will one time get married and will not contribute in the economic
Nevertheless, Queen Mary’s, Tis Hazari is one of the institution that is a haven for thousands of girl
2
I indeed feel honoured for being associated with Queen Mary’s for such a long period - as a student,
then as a teacher and now heading the institution as the principal is quite a humble experience.
I pray to God that may he grant strength to the entire Queen Mary’s family i.e. the staff, our
Respected Manager - Mrs. Rita Wilson and honourable Chairperson The Rt. Rev. Warris K. Masih,
Overlooking a large expanse of greenery, the Nursery Department is the child's first peep into an
institution which is almost a Century old. Over the years, a sincere attempt has been made to make
learning fun and helps the little ones to learn through the play way. The nursery school provides an
interesting and a balanced curriculum so that children learn to observe, explore, discover, create,
practice and absorb. The school also provides a caring and nurturing environment so that children
grow up feeling safe, secure and happy. A place away from home, it supports the children and helps
them to progress confidently until they are ready to move on to the primary classes.
3
During this very important part of the child's physical and mental growth, we aim at providing a
multifarious range of activities outdoor / indoor play, art and craft, dramatic play, puppetry,
music/dance and games. Activities like reading, writing and number skills are taught by technology
in the classrooms. The "Smart Class" gives the children new ideas and reinforces the concepts
introduced in the class. Keeping with the times, it is a valuable audio-visual aid within the reach of
the students. An independent Computer Lab in the nursery has the children clicking away at the
mouse as they are exposed to interesting and educational activities and games. Interacting closely
with their teachers and peers, these children develop and imbibe social skills and values which will
The Nursery school also provides wholesome and balanced food to the children during Tiffin time.
It is our endeavour to see that our children grow up in healthy way so that they are able to meet the
challenges of the world today. In empowering them lies our true strength.
The best years spent in school perhaps are at the primary school level. The Queen Mary's Primary
dept. is an amalgamation of the ancient and the modern where the building is concerned. The
original building has had many additions since it was first built. The numbers have increased
4
manifold pressing for more space and more rooms. Additions of rooms have been made for the
comfort of the students. But care has been taken not to use the playing space. The open air stage
The high school prepares the students to become independent and useful citizens of the country.
Citizens who will not only stand on their feet but also be the pillars of strength for many others.
The students are encouraged to observe, explore and experiment. Active participation in academics
and co-curricular activities helps in the all round development of the students.
The students follow the CBSE curriculum and do well in the board examinations. The credit goes to
the able leadership of the Principal, the excellent faculty & the support of the Management &
parents.
Queen Mary’s School, Tis Hazari situated in the very heart of Delhi, is perhaps the one and only
school that provides boarding facilities to students from within the country and outside the country
The Principal resides in the school premises for the safety and security of the boarders and gives
personal attention to the needs of the students whenever required. Our wardens and Supervisors go
extra miles to take care of these students and ensure their comfort. The study hours are closely
5
supervised and interested students are provided tuitions and extra classes during board and other
school exams if required. Students are also provided counselling sessions and regular medical
check-ups. Moral values are taught and inculcated through morning and evening devotion.
The Boarding facility is open for classes III to IX and [Link] school offers three streams in Class
students only.
There is a spacious dormitory with dressing rooms. A separate dining hall with a well-equipped
kitchen and a T.V. room is there for the relaxation of students. There is a large courtyard, a garden,
We at Queen Mary’s Hostel aim at nurturing the children in such a manner that they would learn to
be disciplined and are able to handle all situations and acquire skills to cope with adversity and face
The school counselling and guidance program is an integral part of the total educational process in
the school and is accessible to all students. The counselling and guidance program consists of
activities that address and meet students’ various educational and developmental needs. The school
counselling and guidance program is developed as a result of a thorough analysis of student needs,
desired achievement goals, and related data. The school counselling and guidance program
prepares students to meet the challenges and demands of the school setting as well as prepare them
The goal of each school counselling and guidance program is to ensure student success in three
broad domains: academic, career, and personal/social [Link] major aim of Guidance
6
development. To reach this aim, guidance-counselling services help students get to know
themselves better and find effective solutions to their daily problems. They also help students
improve themselves in all areas and be full-functioning individuals. Counsellors monitor students’
development and according to their needs they give students necessary support such as helping
them to understand themselves and their needs, to solve their problems, to make realistic decisions,
to improve their abilities and skills, and to adjust themselves and their environment in a healthy
way.
During elementary school, students begin to develop their self-understanding (self-awareness and
and confidence as learners. They also build decision-making, communication, friendship building
and interpersonal skills, as well as acquiring attitudes toward school, study habits, peers-social
groups and family. As Elementary Counselling Service, our goal is to foster this growth by creating
and implementing a comprehensive developmental school counselling program which enhances the
knowledge, attitudes and skills that our students acquire in the competencies of academic, personal,
Assessment of individual students is the major role of the counsellor. For this reason, the
elementary counsellor observes the students in the school setting, makes individual and group
counselling interventions when needed, prepares and conducts developmental and preventive
counselling services focusing on personal and intellectual development of students (e.g. peace
education, coping with bullying, friendship building skills, conflict resolution skills, problem
7
solving skills, social skills counselling programs). Individual, small group, personal, and crisis
Consultation with parents is an important part of our support process as we all work together to
create a safe and caring environment for students in and out of the school.
The elementary counsellor also informs the parents about the development of their children in the
school, conducts guidance sessions for parents to improve their parenting skills and enhance their
The elementary counsellor collaborates with teachers and administration to identify barriers to
academic and personal growth and develop interventions to address areas of need. We attach
importance to identify the talents and uniqueness of each student as early as possible. Additionally,
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) as “the involvement of
a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed
consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent, or that
violates the laws or social taboos of society…”. CSA includes an array of sexual activities like
8
India has a large child population that is vulnerable to all types of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Of the totalpopulation in modern day India, about 44.4 % are under18 years of age (children and
adolescents). Researchers in India estimate that between 18 % and 50 %of their country’s
population may have experienced some type of sexual abuse in their lifetime. These statistics may
not account for thenumber of children (1 in 5) who are sexually solicited whileusing the internet,
and the high number of victims who neverdisclose their sexual abuse from in and outside the
When sexual abuse goes unreported andchildren are not given the protective and therapeutic
assistancethey need, they are left to suffer in [Link] has profound consequences for the child.
It is known to interfere with growth and development. CSA has also been linked to numerous
maladaptive health behaviours, and poor social, mental and physical health outcomes throughout
the lifespan. The adult survivors of CSA may include relational challenges (e.g., increased risk for
domestic violence), violent behaviours, and increased risk of perpetration of CSA as adults.
Increased attention in the public discourse and activism around child protection led to the
Government of India passing the, ‘The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)’ law
in 2012. This act criminalizes a range of acts including rape, harassment, and exploitation for
pornography involving a child below 18 years of age and mandates the setting up of Special Courts
to expedite trials of these offences. However, the issue of CSA remains a taboo in India.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as people across the country are fighting the novel virus
and keeping themselves safe by staying indoors, the lockdown has proven to be nothing short of
hell for the children trapped with their abusers at home. In India, every second child has
experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18, most often by family members or people known to
them. This has only gotten worse amid the pandemic induced lockdown.
9
Usually, CSA is ignored and peopledo not address it. Often, there is denial about it - which it cannot
be happening in my house, it cannot be happening around me, it cannot be happening with friends
and family. Even if we get to know about it, it's something so taboo - let's not talk about it, let's just
keep quiet about it, let's not bring it to anybody's attention - because then we'll all feel very ashamed
and we'll be stigmatised. Therefore, denial and stigma is very strong around it. It is very difficult to
find out about child sexual abuse or offer any kind of support, because 90% of the cases happen
with trusted people inside the [Link] addition, an external person cannot penetrate a family unit
in India.
The meaning of Guidance is help or assistance. Different psychologists defined Guidance as:
“Guidance seeks to help each individual become familiar with a wide range of information about
himself, his abilities, this pervious development in the various areas of living and his plans or
“Guidance is an assistance given to the individual in making intelligence choices & adjustments.” -
- A. J. Jones
‘Guidance is a means of helping individuals to understand and use wisely the educational.
Vocational and personal opportunities they have or can develop and as a form of systematic
assistance whereby students are aided in achieving satisfactory adjustment to school & to life.” -
Guidance counselling, is an ongoing process of helping individuals discover and develop their
educational, vocational, and psychological potentialities and thereby to achieve an optimal level of
personal happiness and social [Link] guidance counsellor, for example, may provide
10
information about a person’s own abilities and interests as determined by psychological tests or
Guidance covers the whole process of education, which starts from the birth of the child. As the
individual need help throughout their lives, it is not wrong to say that guidance is needs from cradle
to grave. If we consider the literal meaning, to guide means to indicate, to penitent, to show the
way. It means more than so assist. If an individual slips on the road, we assist him/her to get up but
then do not guide him unless we help to go in a certain direction. The term guidance is related to
types of education – formal, non-formal, vocational etc. The aim is to help the individual to adjust
to the environment.
Professional counsellors and counselling psychologists are commonly found in institutional settings
such as high schools and colleges, private industry, community agencies, prisons, and the military,
as well as in private practice. They are often called on to help individuals deal with the grief of
orientation in a child from negative ideas that is planted in the child by his/her peers. Hence the
need school for the counsellor to assist the child in moulding their future through counselling
therapy. The school counsellor is seen as a role model and highly respected by students.
The need for guidance is felt much more in educational institutions & for the authorities. The
To help students make the best possible adjustments to the situations in the schools as well
as in the homes.
11
To minimize the mismatch between education and unemployment.
SCOPE OF COUNSELLING
The school is expected to provide more than just teaching and instruction. A school guidance
programme includes all those activities other than instructional, which are carried out to render
assistance to pupils in their educational, vocational, personal development and adjustment. The
fundamental aim of guidance programme being the maximum development of the child, all
guidance programme must be geared toward attainment of the goal. Guidance services can assist the
Personal Guidance
Personal guidance may be defined as the assistance offered to the individual to solve this emotional,
social ethical and moral as well as health problems. Thus personal guidance deals with all those
problems of life, which are not covered under educational and vocational [Link] following
12
Therefore, in personal guidance problems of individual and social health, emotional and social
Personal guidance refers to the help given to an individual towards a better adjustment in the
development of attitudes and behaviours in all areas of life. It assists the child to adjust with
physical and social environment and to solve all the emotional and psychological problems. The
Essential for developing individual competence avoiding the interpersonal tensions and conflicts.
Setting up a harmonious environment between family life and vocational life of an individual.
Educational Guidance
Guidance is directly concerned with the pupil. In the student’s life, this guidance is very important.
The chief aim of educational guidance is to develop the 11 ability of co-ordinating with the school
environment in the pupils to create necessary awareness and sensitivity, so that they may select
Students often encounter difficulties in understanding what is taught in the classroom, laboratories
and workshops. Expected change in behaviour is not fully achieved. Failures in examinations and
tests, poor standards or assignments, unsatisfactory involvement in the academic work by students
are some of the often-noticed problems. The problems need to be solved to the maximum extent by
assisting them.
13
According to Jones, “Educational Guidance is concerned with assistance to be provided to the
pupils which is expected for their adjustments in the schools, selection of curricula and school like.”
It is also defined as a conscious growth of individual. This has to do with knowing his interest,
selection of his subjects, form of his study habits and making his progress in those subjects and
Career Guidance
Career guidance is the assistance given to students in choosing and preparing for a suitable
vocation. It is concerned primarily with helping individuals make decision and choices involved in
planning future and a career decision and choices necessary in effecting satisfactory vocational
adjustment. Career guidance would assist an individual in solving these problems. Career guidance
is sometimes described as the process of “fitting round pegs in round holes and square page in
square holes.”
According to ‘Crow and Crow’ “Career Guidance usually is interpreted as the assistance given to
the learners to choose, prepare for and progress in an occupation.” According to ‘Myers’, “Career
Guidance is the process of assisting the individual to do for himself certain definite things
Assisting the students to acquire such knowledge of the characteristics and functions, duties,
responsibilities and rewards of occupations that are within the range of this choice.
Assisting a pupil to discover his own abilities and skills and to fit them into general requirements of
Assisting the pupil to evaluate his own capabilities and interests with regard to their worth to him
and to society.
14
Helping the individual develop an attitude towards work that will dignify whatever type of
Give exploration opportunity in different areas of school learning and vocational exploration that
will enable the learner to get the feel of several types of activities.
Assisting the individual to think critically about types of occupations and to lean a technique for
Assisting the mentally handicapped, the physically handicapped of the economically handicapped to
make the adjustment that will be best for them in their struggle for a fuller life and for personal and
social welfare.
Instilling in the pupil a confidence in the teachers and other guidance personal that will encourage
Assisting the pupil to secure the necessary information about the facilities offered by various
Providing information for the learner about admission requirements, the length of training, and the
cost of attending any institution of higher learning to which he my wish to go after graduation for
Giving assistance during school years so that the individual will be able to adjust on the job work
Assisting each pupil to appreciate his rightful place in a group of workers and to become a
Altering the pupil to the long-range training needed to become proficient in most lines of
endeavour.
Cautioning each learner concerning fads and pseudo-scientific shortcuts to vocational competency.
Helping the learner realize that success is purchased at the price of effort, and that satisfaction on
15
OBJECTIVES OF GUIDANCE AT HIGHER EDUCATION
Guidance is needed especially at the stage when the person is being educated or tends to take up a
work. This period in the life of a person will mean to his school days. It is very essential in the
sense that a major development in his abilities, capacities, habits, skills and attitudes takes place at
abilities, interests and values. Besides, they need training in self-guidance. They must be helped to
fix up realistic life goals and plan the course of actions according to their ability, taste and
temperament and pursue them realistically to find satisfactory results for their talents. In addition, of
this students also need guidance to make choices at various stages of their educational career.
For those who enter into +2 stage, guidance is also quite essential for them in choosing courses,
which suit them the best, since choice of a course at this stage will influence the future. They are to
be provided information about the various educational and vocational opportunities. They need be
helped to develop a realistic self-concept. Therefore, with the growing stress on vocationalisation of
education guidance deserves importance. It can help in making the transition from school to work
easier. It also helps the students to make best possible adjustments in school, home and in society.
Therefore, guidance facilitates the process of education. From all these consideration, guidance
The aim of education is to achieve the fullest possible realization of possibilities inherent in the
individual. Education fosters all aspects of an individual‘s personality. Guidance is an integral part
of education and helps in achieving the goals of education. Guidance is quite essential for the
development of individual, which is the main objective of education. The Education Commission
(EC-1964-66) observes ―Guidance should be regarded as an integral part of education and not as a
for all students not just for those who deviate from the norm in one direction or the other.
16
CHARACTERSTICS OF EDUCATIONAL GUIDANCE
The scope of educational guidance is as wide as that of educations with a number of characteristics.
Some of the characteristics, which as minimum programme of educational guidance should have:
Assisting students in understanding the purpose and the function of the school in relation to their
needs.
Assisting students in discovering all that the school has to offer and plan a programme of studies
accordingly.
Assisting students in discovering their strengths and weaknesses: their assets and liabilities. How
much ability do they possess to learn? If they take up work much beyond their ability to learn they
are likely to meet failures and frustrations. If they take up work much below their ability, there
Assisting students to discover themselves, i.e., their interest’s aptitudes, attitudes and, other
and educational career in much the same way as knowledge of one’s vocational aptitudes is
Assisting students in discovering educational opportunities in the school. The same is true of
Assisting students in gathering information about curricular activities that are being carried
Assisting students in collecting information about different courses, curricula, schools, training
Assisting students in the selection of courses, curriculums, extracurricular activities, and best
17
Selecting students in the selection of books and methods of study.
Assisting students through group guidance and group counselling to help remove their difficulties
in learning.
Assisting students in developing work and study habits that enable then achieve satisfactory
success in studies.
Assisting students in trying out courses and exploratory courses in order to gain an insight into
Assisting students in participating in curricular activities, group work, social service activities so
Assisting students in finding out the requirements of entrance to a college or to a vocational school
of one’s choice.
Assisting past students in adjusting themselves to the new environment and new social life.
Assisting students who are about to leave the school, in ascertaining the possibility and
Working as a school counsellor from past 2 years at two different schools, dealing with students
from primary to high school. Talking to students about the issue of child sexual abuse had given me
a very close exposure to the concept itself. Currently working as a high school counsellor at Queen
Mary’s school, I have an access and exposure to more than 2500 girls under my guidance. Being the
school counsellor it is my job to have one on one individual counselling sessions as well as group
18
I have been taking an interactive session on child sexual abuse in the previous school I was working
at as well as at Queen Mary’s School with every class. The assessment I made around this topic is
through these interactive sessions about their awareness levels about child sexual abuse, their
personal experiences and the curiosity in students to learn about the issue. According to what I
The parents and teachers who are the primary caregivers and the ones imparting knowledge to
the students still feel shy talking to their children and educating and making them aware about
sexual abuse, or even teaching them good touch and bad touch concept.
The high school students have a vague and incorrect idea about the kinds of sexual abuse, which
The students who personally opened up about their experience of abuse were not aware most of
the time that they were abused because it happened at early age of childhood, after the detailed
discussion in the sessions I took they realised they were abused sexually.
The students who reported about their abuse to their mothers did not have much support and
were asked to not say it in front of others because of the stigma attached with it.
The students actually showed a keen interest in learning about child sexual abuse as they came
By interacting with the Principal of the school and other senior teachers it was found out that the
socioeconomic background of the girls coming to Queen Mary’s school is middle and lower
middle class majorly staying at old Delhi areas, which is the cause of lack of awareness in
DISCUSSION
19
The aim of this guidance plan is to facilitate the school in making changes in their structure. As per
the work profile of school counsellor, my job is to interact with the students and make them aware
about different issues which they could be dealing with currently or might face in near future. I as
the middle and high school counsellor of the school, I felt the need of making the students aware of
this very common but least talked about issue of child sexual abuse and POCSO Act. Since the
school is all girls and the girls coming from lower middle and middle class backgrounds of old
Delhi, some of them coming from uneducated households, it becomes all the more essential to
It is very important to educate the youth to prevent child sexual abuse. I reached to my students
through half an hour class interaction, i.e., a group session in every section and class. The idea of
reaching out to youth is really simple as each student I am reaching and educating will understand
beforehand if someone be it unknown or a very close relative is trying to touch them inappropriately
or trying to take advantage of them or even manipulating them to not disclose about the abuse they
experienced. They are not only made aware of the child sexual abuse but are also taught to deal
with the situation smartly if they ever experience an abuse in future and do the right thing to save
themselves as well as to report it. Along with that, each of these students is tasked with a simple
action to educate their siblings and friends whom they are in touch with to spread more awareness
Many students came up with their experiences of sexual abuse after the class sessions to discuss
personally. Individual sessions were given to these children to deal with the trauma caused by the
sexual abuse and they were equipped with few coping techniques to deal with the situation again if
they face it. These cases were dealt on high priority and on discussion with the Principal and the
Head of the Psychology Department, parents of these students were also involved and made aware
for helping the child deal with trauma of child sexual abuse and take an action against the abuser. If
20
families acquire a comfort around the language to prevent child sexual abuse and can have a
conversation on what to watch out for, and how to call out the behaviour, without succumbing to
the barriers of denial, silence, shame and stigma, half the battle is won, and in turn, we have a
young generation taking charge of creating a constitutionally enabled secure home space, free of
In current pandemic situation wherein people are trapped at their houses and the cases of abuse
increasing. Again during this period students are reached through online video classes and made
aware on this issue and taught to be more careful as majority of them stay in a joint family system
which could make them at a higher risk of abuse by relatives as it was seen in the statistics by NCB
that majority of the abusers are known to the child and a close relative or family friend.
There is still a need for generating more awareness among the students, parents and even the staff
and teachers of the school and sensitising towards child sexual abuse. I do not have an opportunity
yet holistic workshop on this issue with children, parents and even staff of the school because of the
dynamics and working of school. There is a time constraint of 30mins in class sessions or video
online sessions, which is not enough to discuss the issue of child sexual abuse. Very often, it is seen
that the higher authorities of the school label and look down upon the child who have opened up
21
ACTIVITY NO. 2
INTEREST TEST
Interest test is a self-report inventory in which the participant is required to express likes or dislikes
for a range of activities and attitudes. These are then compared with the interest patterns of
successful members of different occupations as a means of assessing the participant’s suitability for
different types of work. These tests are used primarily for career counselling. Interest inventories
include items that ask about the preferred activities and interests of people seeking career
[Link] examples are the Kuder Preference Record and the Strong Interest Inventory.
Also called interest inventory; occupational interest measure, which is used in career assessment,
An interest inventory is a testing instrument designed for the purpose of measuring and evaluating
the level of an individual's interest in, or preference for, a variety of activities; also known as
interest test. Testing methods include direct observation of behaviour, ability tests, and self-
reporting inventories of interest in educational, social, recreational, and vocational activities. The
activities usually represented in interest inventories are variously related to occupational areas, and
these instruments and their results are often used in vocational guidance.
22
Most interests’ tests provide you with a list of two activities at a time. You then indicate which of
these activities appeals to you the most. Based upon your choices, a result with your strongest
interests is reported. Sometimes statements are given, for which you indicate whether they apply to
you or [Link] inventories are widely used in vocational counselling, with both adolescents and
adults. Since these tests measure only interest and not ability, their value as predictors of
occupational success, while significant, is limited. They are especially useful in helping high school
and college students become familiar with career options and aware of their vocational interests.
The first widely used interest inventory was the Strong Vocational Interest Blank, developed in
1927 by E.K. Strong. The original test was designed for men only; a version for women was
developed in 1933. In 1974, the Strong test was merged into the Strong-Campbell Interest
Inventory, which was further revised in 1981. The test contains 325 activities, subjects, etc. Takers
of this test are asked whether they like, dislike, or are indifferent to 325 items representing a wide
variety of school subjects, occupations, activities, and types of people. They are also asked to
choose their favourite among pairs of activities and indicate which of 14 selected characteristics
apply to them. The Strong-Campbell test is scored according to 162 separate occupational scales as
well as 23 scales that group together various types of occupations ("basic interest scales").
Examinees are also scored on six "general occupational themes" derived from J.L. Holland's interest
The other most commonly administered interest inventory is the Kuder Preference Record,
originally developed in 1939. The Kuder Preference Record contains 168 items, each of which lists
three broad choices concerning occupational interests, from which the individual selects the one that
is most preferred. The test is scored on 10 interest scales consisting of items having a high degree of
correlation with each other. A typical score profile will have high and low scores on one or more of
23
The Educational Interest Record is a standardized tool developed by Bansal V. P &Srivastava D.
N. (1975) named as “Vocational Interest Record” was used for the collection of data. The test
Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities, Human Science, Medical, and Scientific. In each area, 16 items
are there which the responders [Link] Educational Interest Record is a self-administering. There
is no time limit for this interest record. Ordinarily an individual takes about 10-15 minutes time to
complete it. The Educational Interest Record has been prepared in both Hindi and [Link]
Educational Interest Record has been developed for use with school and college students. It consists
of 128 vocational subjects and activities of different faculties and are divided in eight vocational
fields.
1. Agriculture AG
2. Commercial CO
3. EngineeringEN
4. Fine Arts FA
5. HumanitiesHA
6. Human Science HS
7. Medical ME
8. Scientific SC
The purpose of using Educational Interest Record Test on 11 th Humanities student to know her
interest area.
MATERIAL REQUIRED
Educational Interest Test Record Response sheet, Scoring key of interest test, and pencil.
24
PROCEDURE FOLLOWED
The client was approached for the test. Rapport formation was done; the client was made to feel
comfortable by initiating certain general discussion on her interests in cooking and baking. After
rapport formation, the client was given the instructions about the test. She was made to understand
that there is no time-limit and also no right and wrong answers between the options, she just have to
pick the one she can relate to more and find interest in. she was also made to explain that this test
would assess her interest in specific fields which could give her a clarity on the fields she could opt
for to pursue as a career for herself. After the subject had answered the questionnaire, the same was
collected and subjected for scoring and interpretation. The raw scores were calculated with the
RESULTS
DISCUSSION:
25
The aim of the test is to assess the educational interest of the client to understand her vocational
interests by using Educational Interest Record Test. The test was administered on a 11th Humanities
student who happens to have a confusion on which subject she should pursue after high school.
The Educational Interest Record is a standardized tool developed by Bansal V. P & Srivastava D.
N. (1975) named as “Vocational Interest Record” was used for the collection of data. The test
Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities, Human Science, Medical, and Scientific. In each area, 16 items
By looking at the above table represented in the results section, it could be observed that the client
scored high in Fine Arts with a score of 12, which indicates that she showed keen interest in
photography, designing, painting, both playing and listing to music, sculptures, Toy making, Wood
Craft, Art, Drawing and Painting, Art of Decoration, Dances etc. After Fine Arts she scored second
highest in Humanities with a score of 11, indicating she likes to learn and study about subjects like
Sociology, Education, Psychology and Civics [Link] third highest in Commercial with a score of
10, which implies she showed interest in Elements of commerce, Transport Principles, Typing,
Management, insurance, and Foreign Trade, etc. The client showed least interest in Medical.
SUGGESTION
Based on the above result, it was observed that the client scored highest in Fine Arts, followed by
Humanities and Commerce fields. She was suggested to follow her interest and opt for a degree in
Bachelors of Arts in subjects like History, Psychology or English Literature, which she herself
26
mentioned to be in interested in doing after high school. She was also suggested to think about the
field of Arts like music and photography, which she follows as her passions now.
ACTIVITY NO. 3
CAREER TALK
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do
what you believe great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve
Jobs
A career refers primarily to the sequence and variety of work roles, paid or unpaid, that individuals
undertake throughout their lives; but it is also the construct which enables individuals to make sense
of valued work opportunities and how their work roles relate to their wider life roles. Career
Development is a very important and essential aspect in an individual’s life, it is a unique and
lifelong process for each individual of managing learning, work, and transitions in order to move
forward and participate effectively in work and society. Successful career development is important
to individuals’ personal and economic well-being, social mobility and both economic productivity
In face of the unprecedented pace of changes worldwide with the advent of information technology
and explosive growth of knowledge, our education system aims to develop students’ knowledge,
adaptability, creativity, independent thinking and life-long learning capabilities so that they can be
better prepared to make informed and responsible choices and thus be able to make the best of the
27
opportunities ahead. Nowadays in this internet advanced age, multiple pathways have opened for
This is where career counselling plays an important role for students as well as adults. Career
counselling is an intensive service that focuses on the interaction between an individual/a small
group and the career guidance personnel, aiming at helping individuals to explore personal issues in
career and life planning. These counsellors help individuals in life planning. At the schooling stage,
planning, goal setting, reflective habits of mind and articulation to progression pathways. Hence,
life-planning education is not merely a remedial or advisory service for students when they are in
need of making subject or career choice. It connects with school’s curriculum components, and
through it students are equipped with the 3 knowledge, skills and attitude to make wise choices in
accordance with their interests, abilities and orientations; and guided to integrate their
Career Counsellors in order to build an understanding among the students and adults adopt Career
Talk as a tool. Career talks provide information on various occupations within an industry. They
introduce students to the nature and scope of the work done and educate them on the skills
necessary to perform certain job functions. The Career Talks are also designed to excite and
motivate young people about the career options and opportunities available to them. The ultimate
goal is to see all students, irrespective of their abilities, orientations and levels of study, being able
to understand their own career/academic aspirations; develop positive attitudes towards work and
and life-long learning; and utilise the acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes whenever necessary.
The counsellors in career talks majorly address 3-5 of the following topics in detail:
28
Job responsibilities
Work environment
Personal qualities
Work values
Qualifications
Potential pay
Law is a system of rules that are created and enforced through the social or governmental institution
to regulate behaviour. Stamp that regulates and ensure that individuals or community support to the
will of the state. Law has always been a profession of great demand in India, and all around the
world. Due to the changing social and economic circumstances and the ever-increasing regulatory
role being undertaken by the government, there is a rising demand for the lawyers. Even today, in
case of any dispute, the majority of civilians use the phrase “I will see you in the court“.
Legal education is a multi-purpose education provided to an individual before they start practice as
a lawyer. An individual who intends to become a lawyer can start by choosing legal education as
the degree. Since a lawyer holds a great responsibility in moulding society, legal education plays a
major role in shaping good lawyers. Legal education trains individuals on principles, philosophies,
29
ethics, history, and ideologies .an individual should be aware of the society he is intending to start
practice. He/she should acquire the fullest knowledge of the constitution and culture during the
course period.
Legal education imbibes ethical, cultural and legal values to produce good lawyers. A lawyer with
good ethics is a necessity for society’s future. People across the country come to lawyers seeking
justice .in that scenario a corrupted lawyer is the last person they want to come across. So a lawyer
with good ethics, principles, and knowledge on legal institution are mandatory for a country’s
growth. A lawyer who develops perseverance becomes a great lawyer. Legal education also
inculcates analytical abilities, research abilities, and logical thinking, judgment, and people skills.
HISTORY OF LAW
The history of law is closely linked to the term civilization. Ancient Egyptian law (in 3000 BC)
contained a Civil Code that was probably broken into 12 books, based on the concept of Maat
(refers to the concept of truth, balance, harmony law, morality and Justice). it is the goddess
showing these concepts and regulated the stars, seasons and actions of mortals.
By the 22nd century, ancient Sumerian ruler Ur- Mammy had formulated the first law code
including casuistic statements (“if… then”). Around 1760 BC, King Hammurabi new law
Babylonian law by codifying and describing it in the stone in the form of Stelae. It was further
discovered in 19th century by British just and translated into various languages including English,
Law is symbolized by goddess Mart a lady justice who wears a sword symbolizing the coercive
power of Tribunal scales ping an objective standard by which competing claims are weighed fold
indicating that justice should be impartial without and regardless of money, wealth, power and
30
Indian Law refers to the system of law in modern India. India maintains a hybrid legal system
including four laws: Criminal Law, Civil Law, Common Law and Statutory Law within legal
Framework inherited from the colonial era and various legislations firstly introduced by British. The
constitution of India is the longest written constitution for a century. It contains450 articles, 12
schedules 101 amendment and 117,369 words. This makes the Indian Law system a very extensive
one.
Indian law is complex with its religion supporting to it is on specific laws. In most states, resisting
of marriages and divorce is not compulsory. Separate laws govern Hindus, Muslims, Christians and
followers of other religions. This rule is in the state of Goa, where a Uniform Civil Code is in place
in which or regions have a common law regarding marriage and divorce and adoption.
Meant for the last decade the Supreme Court of India banned the Islamic practice of triple Talaq.
Women activist welcomed the landmark Supreme Court of India judgment across India. As of
January 2017, there were about 1248 laws. However, the best way to find an exact number of the
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
Acquiring a law degree is the first step to become a lawyer. One can pursue a degree after 10+2 or
After 10+2, a five-year integrated course is available for students. Students should clear an entrance
test called CLAT. Eligibility criteria for CLAT is to have a minimum of 50% in 10+2 and age
below 20 years. 14 law colleges in India accept students based on CLAT scores. CLAT tests the
students on mathematics, logical reasoning, general awareness, and aptitude. To pursue a law
31
degree after graduation, one should have a minimum of 50% in graduation. 3-year course is offered
to graduates by many universities in India. CLAT is a two-hour test, the paper is objective, and
MCQ based. The structure of the test includes – English: 40 marks; Logical Reasoning: 40 marks;
Legal Aptitude (legal reasoning and legal GK): 50 marks; General Knowledge: 50 marks and
Mathematics: 20 marks. In addition to CLAT, LSAT India has now gained recognition as a standard
entrance test for law aspirants. Some well-known private law colleges use LSAT India for admitting
students. SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) is the doorway to Symbiosis Law School, Pune,
Degrees of Law
To make a career in law at the UG level, aspirants can pursue five-year duration integrated LLB
courses such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB or BCom LLB. Candidates can also opt to pursue a
three-year LLB course after completing their graduation. Apart from this, candidates who wish to
study further can obtain a master’s degree (LLM) followed by a doctoral degree (PhD).
The Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Legislative Law (BA LLB) course is an integrated law degree
that the law aspirants can pursue right after qualifying their Class 12th examinations. The law
degree is an integration of Arts and Law subjects and is of five-year duration. Therefore, as part of
the BA LLB course, the candidates study subjects including Economics, History, Political Science,
Sociology along with law subjects like Civil Law, Criminal Law, Labour Law, Tax Law,
Administrative Law, Corporate Law, Patent Law etc. The course-curriculum of BA LLB degree is
such that law, as well as, the arts subjects, are included in each semester. Moreover, candidates are
taught about law case studies, moot courts, law internships, seminars and interactions with retired
32
Legume Baccalaureus or LLB is a three-year Bachelor of Law degree that is offered to aspirants
by many renowned colleges in India. However, candidates can pursue this law course only if they
possess a graduation degree. The three-year LLB course offered at all law colleges of India is
regulated and closely supervised by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The three-year law course is
structured in such a way that the curriculum is divided into six semesters. Candidates are awarded
the degree only when they complete all the semesters of this three-year LLB course. As part of an
LLB degree offered at most popular law colleges in India, candidates need to take part in regular
LLM is a postgraduate degree in law. Master of Law or LLM course offered at Indian colleges/
universities is of two years duration. The course curriculum of LLM degree is structured in such a
way that the law course is divided into four semesters. In Master of Law, course aspirants gain in-
depth knowledge of a specific field of law by intensive research in that particular area of Law. In
the LLM course, candidates need to select the law specialisation in which they want to make their
future. Thus, candidates can pursue their LLM degree in specialisations such as – Civil Law, Tax
Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Commercial Law, International Law, Labour Law, Real Estate
Law, Patent Law, Competition Law, Intellectual Property Law, Mergers and Acquisition Law, Tax
Law, Administrative Law, Banking Law, Business Law, Company Law, Constitutional Law,
Consumer Law, Contract Law, Cyber Law, Education Law, Energy Law, Entertainment & Media
Law, Environment Law, Family Law, Healthcare Law, Telecommunications Law etc.
lawyer helps students in gaining practical knowledge. Learning ropes under a senior and
professional lawyer can give a clear picture of how the trade works.
33
After the completion of the law course, law graduates have to take the All India Bar Exam, which is
a qualification exam, required to be eligible to practice law in India. It is an open book exam. The
All India Bar Examination tests the analytical ability and knowledge of the law of the candidate.
After receiving the certificate of practice, a lawyer can choose his/her area of specialization for
practice.
SPECIALISATIONS OF LAW
These are the types of law an individual can pursue after completion of his/her degree in law.
1. Criminal law
This is the kind of law that the police enforce. Specialises in criminal laws CrPC, IPC, Evidence
Act and various other penal laws. Criminal lawyers, also known as criminal defence lawyers and
public defenders, work to defend individuals, organizations, and entities that have been charged
with a crime. Criminal lawyers handle a diverse spectrum of criminal cases, ranging from domestic
violence crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and drug crimes to driving under the influence (DUI),
Criminal lawyers represent defendants facing criminal charges in state, federal and appellate courts.
Their scope of practice includes bail bond hearings, plea bargains, trial, revocation hearings (parole
or probation), appeals and post-conviction remedies. As part of the lawyer's job functions, a
34
• Draft, file and argue motions such as motions to dismiss and motions to suppress
Like all lawyers, criminal lawyers must first complete a bachelor's degree, and then obtain a law
degree. The two degrees typically take a total of seven years to complete. Criminals attorneys must
pass the bar examination in the state in which they intend to practice. Criminal lawyer salaries vary,
depending on the size and scope of the practice, the clientele the firm serves and the geographic
location of the firm. Public defender and non-profit salaries are usually modest (the 5-10 lakh range
is common). Criminal lawyers employed in law firms generally earn the highest salaries;
experienced criminal attorneys can earn well into the six figures. The highest paid criminal lawyers
are often those that represent high profile, wealthy defendants in high-stakes cases.
Specializes in civil laws e.g. taxation laws, excise laws. Different areas such as a right to an
education or to a trade union membership and divorce problems or a split between the couple and
who receives custody of the children. The best way to describe civil law is that it looks at actions
that are not the crime. It is a section of law dealing with disputes between individuals and
organizations. For example, car crash victims’ claims from the driver for loss or injury sustained in
A lawyer who specializes in civil litigation is known as a “litigator” or a “trial lawyer.” The role
and responsibilities of a civil litigation attorney can be challenging and diverse. Lawyers
specializing in this field must be willing to assume oppositional positions, embracing conflict and
controversy. They serve as their client's advocate, obligated to fight for them to achieve the best
35
possible outcome. Attorneys and litigation paralegals in this field often work long hours, especially
during a trial.
Certain key legal skills and knowledge are essential to litigation practice, including:
• Negotiation skills
To pursue a career in Civil Law, it is mandatory to have a bachelor’s degree (LLB) in any field. The
most suitable career route is to get an LLB degree and then get a license to start practicing. Some
Civil Lawyers also pursue Ph.D. in the same. A Civil lawyer usually starts his/ her career as an
intern under an established law firm or a lawyer during which they are paid a stipend of Rs. 10,000
to Rs. 12,000 on an average per month. With experience and time, a Civil Lawyer in India can
withdraw Rs. 2, 00,000 to Rs. 4, 00,000 per month. It is a known fact that an experienced Civil
Lawyer withdraws more salary in the private sector than in the public sector.
Civil Lawyers are appointed as Solicitor General or working with the Government of India and
withdraw a salary of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 90,000 per month with added advantages and benefits.
3. Legal Analyst
36
Works for corporate firms or law firms and analyses laws pertaining to the sphere of the company
and its operation. Legal Analysts are particular legal specialists whose job is to support and aid
legal teams or individual lawyers. They have to conduct legal research and gather all the legal
information that is related to it. The jobs of Legal Analysts entails deciphering laws, rulings, and
regulations in legal documents while also assembling, proofreading and amending drafts of leases,
contracts, licenses, policies and other legal documents. They have to not only monitor and study but
also develop written summaries of anticipated and endorsed court decisions, legislation, trade
journals, regulations, industry standards and other relevant publications. Legal Analysts are the
primary point of contact for internal business teams that seek legal and regulatory support.
The student should have obtained a recognised and valid degree in law. It can be either an
integrated law course or an LLB degree done after a graduation. Students who have completed their
masters in law are also considered for the job role. The aspirant must possess a thorough knowledge
of databases and tracking systems. He should be proficient in computer systems and all the legal
research sites. The average starting salary of a Legal Analyst is around Rs. 6, 50,000 annually.
Someone who has been hired to be the Legal Analyst of a leading organisation in a tier 1 city will
A Document Drafting Lawyer is a law expert whose role is to draft legal documents and ensure that
they identify all the relevant facts and law. Document drafting is an area of practice that many
lawyers want to improve upon. Document Drafting Lawyers have to make sure that their client's
legal documents are clear, relevant, accurate, and enforceable from the start so that matters are
simplified for everyone involved. These lawyers go through all legal documents, draft them as per
the law and then apply them to prepare a document that accomplishes their client's goals.
37
An integrated law course of five years or an LL.B degree obtained after a bachelor's degree are
both acceptable. The salary of a document-drafting lawyer varies from 5 lakhs to 15 lakhs per
annum depending on the work experience and the specific sector one is working in.
5. Legal Journalist
Covers crime beats, legal proceedings in courts, arbitration courts, international courts and
arbitration events. Legal Journalists are individuals who do journalism about topics that are entirely
related to law. Their job is to do specialised reporting about all matters that pertain to the field of
law. Legal Journalists defy the notion that law graduates can only work in law firms or in corporate
setups. Legal Journalism is one of the unconventional and extremely fascinating facets of the field
of law for which students do not even require a journalism degree. Legal Journalists comprehend
the legal matter at hand and convey it to the public through the mode of several platforms. This can
include newspapers, blog posts, social media coverage, anything. They have to stay connected with
their audience and give them updates regarding whatever legal issue has been churning during a
particular time.
The candidate must have completed a valid law degree of the undergraduate or the postgraduate
level. The aspirant must be fluent in a language in which he/ she wishes to further establish his/ her
field. English is the most preferable language followed by Hindi. The candidate must have some
knowledge of journalism. It is not necessary for his/ her to get a degree in the same but doing a
certificate or a diploma course in Journalism will definitely help. The writing/ oratory skills of the
candidate should be extremely developed. High proficiency in written as well as spoken language is
necessary.
A legal journalist's salary is on similar lines as that of a journalist. On an average, the beginner level
salary of a legal journalist working in a tier 1 city is around Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum. With the
38
increase in experience, the salary of a legal journalist also witnesses a boost. If the candidate has
had proper work experience and is hired at a recognised firm or company, he/ she might be able to
bag a package of as much as Rs. 12 - 14 lakh per annum as the beginning salary.
6. Legal Advisor
Offers consultancy to corporate firms regarding their legal obligations, duties, legal relations with
other firms. The job of a Legal Advisor is to provide legal counsel to a client including a large
“in-house lawyers” and “corporate counsel. The advisor specialises in a specific area of law such as
contract disputes, harassment suits, compensation issues or other workplace conflicts. Sometimes,
they also offer advice regarding corporate decisions on mergers, contract signing, growth, etc.
A Legal Advisor works in the legal department of the selected firm. The responsibility of the
advisor is to Draft and Negotiate Contracts, Ensure Compliance with Corporate Laws and Provide
Counsel for Employee and Management Conflicts. They sometimes have to represent their clients
Candidate must have completed at least an LLB from a recognised university. The pay scale of a
7. Government Lawyer
Works for the government and in close coordination with the police. Government Lawyers are
lawyers who work for the government, typically as employees in various departments. They are
qualified solicitors and barristers who act on behalf of government ministers and administrative
staff and give legal advice to them. Some Government Lawyers represent the government in court,
such as prosecutors or attorneys working in a solicitor general’s office. Other lawyers are paid by
39
the government to provide legal services in the public interest, such as a public defender. Some
Government Lawyers are employed by the government to provide a specific type of legal service
like working for large agencies like the EPA or IRS or working for a state university / municipal
school system.
In order to become a Government Lawyer, the candidate must have completed at least an
undergraduate degree in law. The salary of a government lawyer can range from 3 lakh to 15 lakh
8. Judge
Offers judgment after conducting the court proceedings and hearing al the concerned parties. A
Judge is an elected or appointed professional who presides over the court trial and hearing in order
to come up with a decision. Judges also look after certain responsibilities outside the courtroom.
Their duty is to research regulations, laws, issue case decisions and opinions, supervise the work of
other court staff, and law clerks, meet the lawyers to discuss cases and encourage settlement, and
establish procedures and court rules. Some Judges also perform marriage ceremonies and issue a
marriage license.
In the court, Judges are in charge of making a final verdict. They hold the topmost authority and are
expected to analyse the evidence presented and deliver an unbiased verdict by listening to the
An individual wishing to be a Judge must acquire at least an LLB. They are also required to be an
Indian National and clear the Judicial Services Examination. The average salary earned by a Judge
40
• National Law School of India Institute (Bangalore)
Career opportunities for lawyers in foreign countries are decent. By doing grade up courses and
L.L.M from abroad can brighten the chances of acquiring a job on foreign land. Law graduates can
be lawyers or legal associates in law firms based in foreign countries. Indian graduates with dual
qualifications (i.e working in India and abroad) can succeed in practicing law on foreign land.
Landing a job in the UK is easy for Indian graduates since Indian law is derived from British law. It
41
• Stanford University (US)
42
Law as a profession is very diverse. Lawyers have many opportunities in various fields:
• A lawyer can practice in court after clearing the bar council exam.
• A lawyer can get into the corporate field to work as a legal advisor.
• A lawyer can also get into the banking sector as a legal advisor
• A lawyer can also appear for UPSC exam to become a civil servant
• A lawyer can be a part of the media by being a Legal Journalist/Law reporting and legal
publishing.
LAW SALARIES
Basic salaries for fresher start from 15,000/- per month. Experienced lawyers can earn more than 1
lakh per month. These salaries are for lawyers practicing in courts. Supreme Court lawyers earn
more than high court lawyers do. A judge takes home the highest salary in the law field followed by
a corporate lawyer. Banks like the ICICI bank also pay in equal measures. The tier two firms such
as Desai and Diwanji, Nishith Desai Associates (NDA), Wadia Ghandy and Co., Kochhar, and Co.,
Bharucha Partners, etc. pay between Rs. 40,000/month and Rs. 80,000/month.
Corporate lawyers take home handsome salaries. The corporate firms treat lawyers with good
salaries. Some firms, which offer good salary packages, are Cyril AmarchandMangaldas, Shardul
AmarchandMangaldas, AZB, Jyoti Sagar Associates (JSA), Trilegal, Khaitan and Company, Luthra
and Luthra, S and R associates, etc. They offer a package of up to 14L per year. Since lawyers can
get into different fields, salaries vary according to the field chosen.
43
The top legal firms that are known to hire law graduates are listed below:
3. Khaitan & CO
4. J Sagar Associates
6. Trilegal
7. S&R Associates
9. Desai &Diwanji
A lawyer gets to work on various legal issues and it helps in earning the respect of the clients along
with an opportunity to get good benefits. It is a much-secured job, if you are a good lawyer and
have made a name for yourself in legal circles, because people will always need legal advice and
help. The older you get, the wiser you become, the more clients you can attract because of the
When you fight cases, there are chances that you will make enemies on the way. Sometimes it
needs strong will power to stand up to people and make your enemies feel your presence. The job of
a lawyer is very demanding and requires extreme concentration, as you have to work on several
cases simultaneously. Working hours are too long and you cannot afford to become lethargic, as it
44
Remember, it is a lengthy process and it is hard to stick to it. However, all the obstacles are more or
less there in almost every profession but the respect that lawyers get is beyond imagination. One
A career in law takes you on a journey of constant learning and self-betterment. It enables a lawyer
ACTIVITY NO. 4
Depression is a low, sad state in which life seems dark and its challenges overwhelming. Depressive
disorderbring severe and long-lasting psychological pain that may intensify as time goes by. Those
who suffer from such disorders may lose their will to carry out the simplest of life’s activities; some
even lose their will to [Link] of any age may suffer from unipolar depression. In most
countries, however, people in their forties are more likely than those in any other age group to
experience this problem (CDC, 2012). The median age for its onset now 26. Women are at least
twice as likely as men to have episodes of severe unipolar depression (WHO, 2014; Asbury, 2010).
As many as 26 percent of women have an episode at some time in their lives, compared with 12
percent of men.
Symptoms of Depression
The picture of depression may vary from person to person. Depression has many symptoms other
than sadness. The symptoms, which often exacerbate one another, span five areas of functioning:
45
Emotional Symptoms
Most people who are depressed feel sad and dejected. They describe themselves as feeling
“miserable,” “empty,” and “humiliated.” They tend to lose their sense of humor, report getting little
pleasure from anything, and in some cases display anhedonia, an inability to experience any
Motivational Symptoms
Depressed people typically lose the desire to pursue their usual activities. Almost all report a lack of
drive, initiative, and spontaneity. They may have to force themselves to go to work, talk with
friends, eat meals, orhave sex. This state has been described as a “paralysis of will”. Suicide
represents the ultimate escape from life’s [Link] depressed people become uninterested in
life or wish to die; others wish they could kill themselves, and some actually do.
Behavioural Symptoms
Depressed people are usually less active and less productive. They spend more time alone and may
stay in bed for long [Link] people may also move and even speak more slowly.
Cognitive Symptoms
Depressed people hold extremely negative views of themselves. They consider themselves
inadequate, undesirable, inferior, and perhaps evil. They also blame themselves for nearly every
unfortunate event, even things that have nothing to do with them, and they rarely credit themselves
for positive achievements. Another cognitive symptom of depression is pessimism. Sufferers are
usually convinced that nothing will ever improve, and they feel helpless to change any aspect of
46
their lives. Because they expect the worst, they are likely to procrastinate. Their sense of
hopelessness and helplessness makes them especially vulnerable to suicidal thinking. People with
depression frequently complain that their intellectual ability is poor. They feel confused, unable to
remember things, easily distracted, and unable to solve even the smallest problems.
Physical Symptoms
People who are depressed frequently have such physical ailments as headaches, indigestion,
constipation, dizzy spells, and general pain. Disturbances in appetite and sleep. Most depressed
people eat less, sleep less, and feel more fatigued than they did prior to the disorder. Some,
A. Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and
represent a change from previous functioning: at least one of the symptoms is either (1)
Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly attributable to another medical condition.
B. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g.,
feels sad, empty, and hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). (Note: In
C. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly
D. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body
weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. (Note: In children,
47
E. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
F. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely
3. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific
Note: Responses to a significant loss (e.g., bereavement, financial ruin, losses from a natural
disaster, a serious medical illness or disability) may include the feelings of intense sadness,
rumination about the loss, insomnia, poor appetite, and weight loss noted in Criterion A,
which may resemble a depressive episode. Although such symptoms may be understandable
or considered appropriate to the loss, the presence of a major depressive episode in addition
to the normal response to a significant loss should also be carefully considered. This
decision inevitably requires the exercise of clinical judgment based on the individual’s
history and the cultural norms for the expression of distress in the context of loss.
48
D. The occurrence of the major depressive episode is not better explained by schizoaffective
E. There has never been a manic episode or a hypomania episode. Note: This exclusion
does not apply if all of the manic-like or hypomanic-like episodes are substance-induced or
A depression rating scale is a psychiatric measuring instrument having descriptive words and
phrases that indicate the severity of depression for a time. When used, an observer may make
judgements and rate a person at a specified scale level with respect to identified characteristics.
Rather than being used to diagnose depression, a depression rating scale is used to assign a score
to a person's behaviour where that score is used to determine whether that person should be
evaluated more thoroughly for a depressive disorder diagnosis. Several rating scales are used for
this purpose.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) created by Aaron T. Beck,is widely used to screen for
depression and to measure behavioural manifestations and severity of depression. The BDI can be
used for ages 13 to 80. The inventory contains 21 self-report items which individuals complete
using multiple choice response formats. The BDI takes approximately 10 minutes to complete,
although clients require a fifth – sixth grade reading level to adequately understand the questions.
49
The BDI has been developed in different forms, including several computerized forms, a card
form, the 13-item short form and the more recent BDI-II by Beck, Steer & Brown, 1996.
Becks Depression Inventory evaluates key symptoms of depression including mood, pessimism,
ideas, crying, irritability, social withdrawal, indecisiveness, body image change, work difficulty,
insomnia, fatigability, loss of appetite, weight loss, somatic preoccupation, and loss of libido.
Validity and reliability of the BDI has been tested across populations, [Link]
consistency for the BDI ranges from .73 to .92 with a mean of .86. Similar reliabilities have been
found for the 13-item short form. The BDI demonstrates high internal consistency, with alpha
coefficients of .86 and .81 for psychiatric and non-psychiatric populations respectively.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) has gone through multiple revisions. The original BDI
instrument was developed in 1961 (BDI). Revision began in 1971 to improve wording of items,
with the final revised instrument published in 1979 (BDI‐IA). A technical manual for the BDI‐IA
was published in 1987 and revised in 1993. The BDI‐IA, which is commonly referred to in the
literature as simply “BDI,” is similar to the original, except the timeframe extends “over the past
week, including today,” and some items were reworded to avoid double negative statements. The
BDI‐II, published in 1996, contains a substantial revision of the original and revised BDI‐IA, and
omits items relating to weight loss, body image, hypochondria, and working difficulty so that the
Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria. The BDI‐II timeframe extends for 2 weeks to
The BDI‐FS (formerly known as the BDI‐PC) contains 7 cognitive and affective items from the
BDI‐II to assess depression in individuals with biomedical or substance abuse problems. The
50
BDI‐FS excludes some of the somatic items from the BDI‐II. The timeframe on the BDI‐FS is the
same as the BDI‐[Link] BDI‐IA was developed and validated using psychiatric and normal
populations. Beck and Steer studied outpatient samples that included persons with severe
psychiatric diagnoses, depressive disorders, and substance abuse problems, and college students.
The BDI‐II was validated using college students, adult psychiatric outpatients, and adolescent
psychiatric [Link] BDI‐FS was validated using general medical inpatients referred for
psychiatric consultation and outpatients seen by family practice, paediatrics, and internal medicine.
This depression inventory can be self-scored. The scoring scale is at the end of the questionnaire.
Sadness
0 I do not feel sad
1 I feel sad much of the time.
2 I am sad all the time and I can't snap out of it
3 I am so sad and unhappy that I can't stand it
Pessimism
2. 0 I am not discouraged about the future
1 I feel more discouraged about the future than I used to be.
2 I do not expect things to work out for me.
3 I feel the future is hopeless and will only get worse.
Past Failure
3. 0 I do not feel like a failure
1 I feel I have failed more than the average person
2 As I look back on my life, all I can see is a lot of failures
3 I feel I am a complete failure as a person
Loss of Pleasure
4. 0 I get as much pleasure as I ever did from the things I enjoy.
1 I don't enjoy things the way I used to
2 I get very little pleasure from the things I used to enjoy.
3 I can’t get any pleasure from the things I used to enjoy.
Guilty Feelings
5. 0 I don't feel particularly guilty
1 I feel guilty over many things I have done or should have done.
2 I feel quite guilty most of the time
3 I feel guilty all of the time
Punishment Feelings
51
6. 0 I don't feel I am being punished
1 I feel I may be punished
2 I expect to be punished
3 I feel I am being punished
Self-Dislike
7. 0 I feel the same about myself as ever.
1 I have lost confidence in myself
2 I am disappointed in myself
3 I dislike myself
Self-Criticalness
8. 0 I do not criticize or blame myself more than usual.
1 I am more critical of myself than I used to be.
2 I criticize myself for all of my faults
3 I blame myself for everything bad that happens
Suicidal Thoughts and Wishes
9. 0 I don't have any thoughts of killing myself
1 I have thoughts of killing myself, but I would not carry them out
2 I would like to kill myself
3 I would kill myself if I had the chance
Crying
10. 0 I don't cry any more than usual
1 I cry more than I used to
2 I cry over every little thing.
3 I feel like crying, but I cannot.
Agitation
11. 0 I am no more restless or wound up than usual.
1 I feel more restless or wound up than usual.
2 I am so restless or agitated that it’s hard to stay still.
3 I am so restless or agitated that I have to keep moving or doing
something.
Loss of Interest
12. 0 I have not lost interest in other people or activities
1 I am less interested in other people or things than before.
2 I have lost most of my interest in other people or things
3 It’s hard to get interested in anything.
Indecisiveness
13. 0 I make decisions about as well as ever
1 I find it more difficult to make decisions than usual.
2 I have much greater difficulty in making decisions than I used to
3 I have trouble making any decisions.
Worthlessness
14. 0 I do not feel I am worthless.
1 I don’t consider myself as worthwhile and useful as I used to.
2 I feel more worthless as compared to other people.
3 I feel utterly worthless.
Loss of energy
15. 0 I have as much energy as ever.
1 I have less energy than I used to have.
52
2 I don’t have enough energy to do very much.
3 I don’t have enough energy to do anything.
Changes in sleeping Pattern
16. 0 I have not experienced any change in my sleeping pattern.
1a I sleep somewhat more than usual.
1b I sleep somewhat less than usual.
2a I sleep a lot more than usual.
2b I sleep a lot less than usual.
3a I sleep most of the day.
3b I wake up 1-2 hours early and can’t get back to sleep.
Irritability
17. 0 I am no more irritable than usual.
1 I am more irritable than usual.
2 I am much more irritable than usual.
3 I am irritable all the time.
Changes in Appetite
18. 0 I have not experienced any change in my appetite
1a My appetite is somewhat less than usual.
1b My appetite is somewhat greater than usual.
2a My appetite is much less than before.
2b My appetite is much greater than usual.
3a I have no appetite at all
3b I crave food all the time.
Concentration Difficulty
19. 0 I can concentrate as well as ever.
1 I can’t concentrate as well as usual.
2 It’s hard to keep my mind on anything for very long.
3 I find I can’t concentrate on anything.
Tirednes
s or
Fatigue
53
INTERPRETING THE BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY
Now that you have completed the questionnaire, add up the score for each of the twenty-one
questions by counting the number to the right of each question you marked. The highest possible
total for the whole test would be sixty-three. This would mean you circled number three on all
twenty-one questions. Since the lowest possible score for each question is zero, the lowest possible
score for the test would be zero. This would mean you circles zero on each question. You can
evaluate your depression according to the Table below.
Gender: Female
Religion: Hindu
RESPONSE SHEET
This depression inventory can be self-scored. The scoring scale is at the end of the questionnaire.
Sadness
0 I do not feel sad
1 I feel sad much of the time.
2 I am sad all the time and I can't snap out of it
54
3 I am so sad and unhappy that I can't stand it
Pessimism
2. 0 I am not discouraged about the future
1 I feel more discouraged about the future than I used to be.
2 I do not expect things to work out for me.
3 I feel the future is hopeless and will only get worse.
Past Failure
3. 0 I do not feel like a failure
1 I feel I have failed more than the average person
2 As I look back on my life, all I can see is a lot of failures
3 I feel I am a complete failure as a person
Loss of Pleasure
4. 0 I get as much pleasure as I ever did from the things I enjoy.
1 I don't enjoy things the way I used to
2 I get very little pleasure from the things I used to enjoy.
3 I can’t get any pleasure from the things I used to enjoy.
Guilty Feelings
5. 0 I don't feel particularly guilty
1 I feel guilty over many things I have done or should have done.
2 I feel quite guilty most of the time
3 I feel guilty all of the time
Punishment Feelings
6. 0 I don't feel I am being punished
1 I feel I may be punished
2 I expect to be punished
3 I feel I am being punished
Self Dislike
7. 0 I feel the same about myself as ever.
1 I have lost confidence in myself
2 I am disappointed in myself
3 I dislike myself
Self Criticalness
8. 0 I don't criticize or blame myself more than usual.
1 I am more critical of myself than I used to be.
2 I criticize myself for all of my faults
3 I blame myself for everything bad that happens
Suicidal Thoughts and Wishes
9. 0 I don't have any thoughts of killing myself
1 I have thoughts of killing myself, but I would not carry them out
2 I would like to kill myself
3 I would kill myself if I had the chance
Crying
10. 0 I don't cry any more than usual
1 I cry more than I used to
2 I cry over every little thing.
3 I feel like crying , but I can’t.
Agitation
11. 0 I am no more restless or wound up than usual.
55
1 I feel more restless or wound up than usual.
2 I am so restless or agitated that it’s hard to stay still.
3 I am so restless or agitated that I have to keep moving or doing
something.
Loss of Interest
12. 0 I have not lost interest in other people or activities
1 I am less interested in other people or things than before.
2 I have lost most of my interest in other people or things
3 It’s hard to get interested in anything.
Indecisiveness
13. 0 I make decisions about as well as ever
1 I find it more difficult to make decisions than usual.
2 I have much greater difficulty in making decisions than I used to
3 I have trouble making any decisions.
Worthlessness
14. 0 I do not feel I am worthless.
1 I don’t consider myself as worthwhile and useful as I used to.
2 I feel more worthless as compared to other people.
3 I feel utterly worthless.
Loss of energy
15. 0 I have as much energy as ever.
1 I have less energy than I used to have.
2 I don’t have enough energy to do very much.
3 I don’t have enough energy to do anything.
Changes in sleeping Pattern
16. 0 I have not experienced any change in my sleeping pattern.
1a I sleep somewhat more than usual.
1b I sleep somewhat less than usual.
2a I sleep a lot more than usual.
2b I sleep a lot less than usual.
3a I sleep most of the day.
3b I wake up 1-2 hours early and can’t get back to sleep.
Irritability
17. 0 I am no more irritable than usual.
1 I am more irritable than usual.
2 I am much more irritable than usual.
3 I am irritable all the time.
Changes in Appetite
18. 0 I have not experienced any change in my appetite
1a My appetite is somewhat less than usual.
1b My appetite is somewhat greater than usual.
2a My appetite is much less than before.
2b My appetite is much greater than usual.
3a I have no appetite at all
3b I crave food all the time.
Concentration Difficulty
56
19. 0 I can concentrate as well as ever.
1 I can’t concentrate as well as usual.
2 It’s hard to keep my mind on anything for very long.
3 I find I can’t concentrate on anything.
Tirednes
s or
Fatigue
DISCUSSION
The aim of the test was to assess the severity of depression in client by using Beck’s Depression
Inventory. The test was administered on a 11th Humanities student who happens to have reported of
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) created by Aaron T. Beck, is widely used to screen for
depression and to measure behavioural manifestations and severity of depression. The BDI can be
used for ages 13 to 80. The inventory contains 21 self-report items which individuals complete
using multiple choice response [Link] Depression Inventory evaluates key symptoms of
depression including mood, pessimism, and sense of failure, self-dissatisfaction, guilt, punishment,
body image change, work difficulty, insomnia, fatigability, loss of appetite, weight loss, somatic
57
On scoring the statements chosen by the client, the client scored a score of 41, which lies in the
category of severe depression, indicating that the client is suffering from Major Depressive
Disorder. Based on the statements picked up by the client it is significant that the client is going
through a constant sense of hopelessness and despair. She is unable to concentrate well on her
work,. She is finding it difficult to study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities. Looking at the
severity of her depression, she was referred to a Psychiatrist for further treatment of her severity of
mental illness.
ACTIVITY NO. 5
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
Counselling is a profession with a history and set of standards that are distinct from other related
disciplines such as social work, psychology, and psychiatry. It is an activity that is designed to work
primarily with those who are experiencing developmental or adjustment problems. A relationship,
whether in a group, family, or individual format, that is constructed in a way to promote trust,
safety, and lasting change. It is Multidimensional, dealing with human feelings, thoughts, and
Individual counselling is a personal opportunity to receive support and experience growth during
challenging times in life. Individual counselling can help one deal with many personal topics in life
such as anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage and relationship challenges, parenting
through which clients work one-on-one with a trained mental health clinician in a safe, caring, and
58
confidential environment. Counselling allows individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and
behaviours, work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of their lives that
they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work
Individual counselling is counselling focused on the individual's immediate or near future concerns.
Individual counselling may encompass career counselling and planning, grief after a loved one dies
or dealing with problems at a job before they become big. Individual counselling is a one-on-one
discussion between the counsellor and the client, who is the person seeking treatment. The two form
In general, the goal of psychotherapy is to talk through mental health concerns and help clients heal,
grow, and move toward more productive, psychologically healthy lives. Good therapy is client-
driven, and you and your therapist will determine specific goals for therapy.
Individual psychotherapy sessions typically last between 45 and 50 minutes. The frequency and
duration of therapy will depend largely on your needs, treatment goals, and progress. Many
concerns are readily resolved with short-term therapy, and other chronic or more complex concerns
APPROACHES OF COUNSELLING
Psychodynamic counselling evolved from the work of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). During his
career as a medical doctor, Freud came across many patients who suffered from medical conditions,
which appeared to have no ‘physical cause’. This led him to believe that the origin of such illnesses
59
lay in the unconscious mind of the patient. Freud's work investigated the unconscious mind in order
Over time many of Freud's original ideas have been adapted, developed, disregarded or even
discredited, bringing about many different schools of thought and practice. However,
psychodynamic counselling is based on Freud’s idea that true knowledge of people and their
problems is possible through an understanding of particular areas of the human mind, these areas
are:
The Conscious – things that we are aware of, these could be feelings or emotions, anger,
The Subconscious – these are things that are below our conscious awareness but fairly
easily accessible. For example with appropriate questioning a past event which a client had
The Unconscious – is the area of the mind where memories have been suppressed and is
usually very difficult to access. Such memories may include extremely traumatic events that
have been blocked off and require a highly skilled practitioner to help recover.
Freud's main interest and aim was to bring things from the unconscious into the conscious. This
childhood or early memory trauma to gain a deeper understanding – this in turn may help the client
to release negativities that they still hold, associated with earlier events. Psychoanalysis is based
upon the assumption that only by becoming aware of earlier dilemmas, which have been repressed
Freud also maintained that the personality consists of three related elements:
60
Id - The Id is the part of our personality concerned with satisfying instinctual basic needs of
food, comfort and pleasure – the Id is present from (or possibly before) birth.
Ego – Defined as “The realistic awareness of self”. The ‘Ego’ is the logical and
commonsense side to our personality. Freud believed that the Ego develops as the infant
Superego – The Superego develops later in a child’s life from about the age of three,
according to Freud. Superego curbs and controls the basic instincts of the Id, which may be
Freud believed that everybody experiences tension and conflict between the three elements of their
personalities. For example, desire for pleasure (from the Id) is restrained by the moral sense of
right and wrong (from the Superego). The Ego balances up the tension between the Id wanting to
be satisfied and the Superego being over strict. The main goal of psychodynamic counselling,
therefore, is to help people to balance the three elements of their personality so that neither the Id
In contrast to the psychodynamic approach to counselling, childhood events and difficulties are not
given the same importance in the humanistic counselling process. Humanistic counselling
recognises the uniqueness of every individual. Humanistic counselling assumes that everyone has
an innate capacity to grow emotionally and psychologically towards the goals of self-actualisation
Humanistic counsellors work with the belief that it is not life events that cause problems,
but how the individual experiences life events. How we experience life events will in turn relate to
how we feel about ourselves, influencing self-esteem and confidence. The Humanistic approach to
61
counselling encourages the client to learn to understand how negative responses to life events can
lead to psychological discomfort. The approach aims for acceptance of both the negative and
Humanistic counsellors aim to help clients to explore their own thoughts and feelings and to work
out their own solutions to their problems. The American psychologist, Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
developed one of the most commonly used humanistic therapies, Client-Centred Counselling, which
encourages the client to concentrate on how they feel at the present moment.
CLIENT-CENTRED COUNSELLING
The central theme of client-centred counselling is the belief that we all have inherent resources that
Client-centred therapy focuses on the belief that the client - and not the counsellor - is the best
expert on their own thoughts, feelings, experiences and problems. It is therefore the client who is
most capable of finding the most appropriate solutions. The counsellor does not suggest any course
of action, make recommendations, ask probing questions or try to interpret anything the client says.
The responsibility for working out problems rests wholly with the client. When the counsellor does
respond, their aim is to reflect and clarify what the client has been saying.
A trained client-centred counsellor aims to show empathy, warmth and genuineness, which they
Empathy involves being able to understand the client’s issues from their own frame of reference.
The counsellor should be able to accurately reflect this understanding back to the client
62
Warmth is to show the client that they are valued, regardless of anything that happens during the
counselling session. The counsellor must be non-judgmental, accepting whatever the client says
Genuineness (sometimes termed congruence) refers to the counsellor's ability to be open and
honest and not to act in a superior manner or hide behind a 'professional' facade.
The Behavioural Approach to Counselling focuses on the assumption that the environment
behaviour that has been reinforced as a child. For example, someone who suffers from
arachnophobia will probably run away screaming (response) at the sight of a spider (stimulus).
Behavioural therapies evolved from psychological research and theories of learning concerned
with observable behaviour, i.e. behaviour that can be objectively viewed and measured.
Behaviourists believe that that behaviour is 'learned' and, therefore, it can be unlearned. This is in
instinctual drives.
Behaviour therapy focuses on the behaviour of the individual and aims to help him/her to modify
something or someone in a person's environment. Using this approach a counsellor would identify
the unwanted behaviour with a client and together they would work to change or adapt the
behaviour. For example, a client who feels anxious around dogs would learn a more appropriate
response to these animals. Problems which respond well to this type of therapy include phobias,
63
anxiety attacks and eating disorders. Behavioural counsellors or therapists use a range of behaviour
modification techniques.
Once the unwanted behaviour is identified, the client and counsellor might continue the process by
drawing up an action plan of realistic, attainable goals. The aim would be that the unwanted
Clients might be taught skills to help them manage their lives more effectively. For example, they
may be taught how to relax in situations that produce an anxiety response and rewarded or
positively reinforced when desirable behaviour occurs. Another method used involves learning
desirable behaviour by watching and copying others who already behave in the desired way. In
general, the behavioural approach is concerned with the outcome rather than the process of change.
The behavioural counsellor uses the skills of listening, reflection and clarification, but rather than
use them as a process of revealing and clarifying the client's thoughts and feelings, the skills would
be used to enable the counsellor to make an assessment of all the factors relating to the undesirable
behaviour.
Gestalt therapy refers to a form of psychotherapy that derives from the gestalt school of thought. It
was developed in the late 1940s by Fritz Perls and is guided by the relational theory principle that
every individual is a whole (mind, body and soul), and that they are best understood in relation to
The approach combines this relational theory with present state - focusing strongly on self-
awareness and the 'here and now' (what is happening from one moment to the next). In gestalt
therapy, self-awareness is key to personal growth and developing full potential. The approach
64
recognises that sometimes this self-awareness can become blocked by negative thought patterns and
It is the aim of a gestalt therapist to promote a non-judgemental self-awareness that enables clients
to develop a unique perspective on life. By helping an individual to become more aware of how
they think, feel and act in the present moment, gestalt therapy provides insight into ways in which
he or she can alleviate their current issues and distress in order to aspire to their maximum potential.
Gestalt therapy focuses on the and how of behaviour and on the central role of unfinished business
from the past that interferes with effective functioning in the present. By helping individuals more
fully to experience the present—the ‘‘here and now’’—Gestalt counsellors facilitate greater self-
Gestalt counselling stresses the role of personal responsibility in the development of awareness and
the experiencing of feelings. Unfinished business from the past is brought into the present, and the
impasse it represents is dealt with therapeutically. The term stuck is used to describe the inability to
resolve issues and thereby avoid dealing with the ‘‘now.’’ Polarization is another key Gestalt
concept; it refers to the variousparts of the self that are in conflict. In his
Gestalt therapy works through the interconnection of key concepts. These offer insight into the
Person-centred awareness - Focusing on the present, and imagining it divorced from the
future and past is considered essential. The process follows an individual's experience in a
way that does not involve seeking out the unconscious, but staying with what is present and
aware.
65
Respect - Clients, whether an individual, group or family, are treated with profound respect
by a gestalt therapist. Providing a balance of support and challenge is key to helping those
taking part to feel comfortable about opening up and acknowledging areas of resistance.
therapist encourages the client to 'experience' in all of these ways, vividly in the here and
now.
by therapists to test their client's experience. These involve highly creative and flexible
Social responsibility - The gestalt approach recognises that humans have a social
responsibility for self and for others. It demands respect for all people and acknowledges
considers individuals as 'whole' when they have a good relationship with themselves and
others around them. The interpersonal relationship between the individual and therapist that
A combination of cognitive and behavioural therapies, this approach helps people change negative
thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviours so they can manage symptoms and enjoy more
productive, less stressful lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was developed by
Aaron T. Beck, Albert Ellis, Maxie Maultsby, Michael Mahoney, Donald Meichenbaum,
David Burns, Michael Mahoney, Marsha Linehan, Arthur Freeman, and others. Cognitive
66
behaviour therapy is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the
CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders including phobias, addictions,
depression, and anxiety. Cognitive behaviour therapy is generally short-term and focused on
helping clients deal with a very specific problem. During the course of treatment, people learn
how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence
on behaviour.
CBT is based on the Cognitive Model of Emotional Response. CBT is based on the idea that
our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviours, not external things, like people, situations,
and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel/act better even if
CBT is briefer and Time-Limited. It is considered among the most rapid in terms of results
obtained. The average number of sessions clients receive (across all types of problems and
A sound therapeutic relationship is necessary for effective therapy, but not the focus.
Cognitive behavioural therapists believe it is important to have a good, trusting relationship, but
that is not enough. CBT therapists believe that the clients change because they learn how to think
differently and they act on that learning. Therefore, CBT therapists focus on teaching rational self-
counselling skills.
CBT is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client. Cognitive-behavioural
therapists seek to learn what their clients want out of life (their goals) and then help their clients
67
achieve those goals. The therapist’s role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the client’s roles is
Homework is a central feature of CBT. If when you attempted to learn your multiplication tables
you spent only one hour per week studying them, you might still be wondering what 5 X 5 equals.
You very likely spent a great deal of time at home studying your multiplication tables, maybe with
flashcards.
CBT isstructured [Link] behavioural therapists have a specific agenda for each
session. Specific techniques/concepts are taught during each session. CBT focuses on the client’s
goals. We do not tell our clients what their goals should be, or what theyshould tolerate. We are
directive in thesensethatwe show our clients how to think and behave inwaysto obtain what they
want. Therefore, CBT therapists do not tell their clients what to do rather; they teach their clients
how to do.
assumptionthat most emotional and behavioural reactions are learned. The goal of therapy is to
help clients unlearn their unwanted reactions and to learn a new way of reacting. CBT has nothing
to do with ‘just talking’. People can just talk with anyone. The educational emphasis of CBT has
anadditional benefit it leadsto long-term results. When people understand how and why they are
cognitivebehaviouraltherapy. It was first called Rational Therapy, later Rational Emotive Therapy,
then changed to Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy. It was first introduced in 1955 by Dr. Albert
Ellis, who had become increasing frustrated with the ineffectiveness of psychotherapy. Ellis drew
68
from his knowledge of philosophy and psychology to devise a method which he believed was
more directive, efficient, and effective. Dr. Albert Ellis (September 27, 1913 – July 24, 2007)
Basic Philosophy: REBT is focused on helping clients change irrational beliefs. The replacement
of illogical and unrealistic ideas with more realistic and adaptive ones through direct
Key Concepts: Ellis suggested that people mistakenly blame external events for unhappiness. He
argued, however, that it is our interpretation of these events that truly lies at the heart of our
psychological distress. To explain this process, Ellis developed what he referred to as the ABC
Model
The primary goal is to help people live rational and productive lives.
REBT helps people see that it is their thoughts and beliefs about events that creates
It helps the client to understand that wishes and wants are not entitlements to be demanded.
Thinking that involves the words must, should, ought, have to, and need are demands, not an
RET helps clients stop catastrophizing when wants and desires are not met.
It stresses the appropriateness of the emotional response to the situation or event. A situation or
69
It assists people in changing self-defeating behaviours or cognitions.
RET espouses acceptance and tolerance of self and of others in order to achieve life goals.
A psychiatrist Murray Bowen produced a remarkable new theory of human behaviour called
‘Family Systems Theory’, or ‘Bowen Theory’. Family systems theory is also referred to as couple
therapy, family therapy, and marriage therapy. Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that works
with families and couples. It helps families or individuals within a family, understand and improve
the way family members interact with each other and resolve conflicts. It emphasizes family
relationships as an important factor in psychological health. Family therapists tend to focus on what
goes between people; that is, on how patterns of interaction within the family may foster or
maintain the problem. A family therapist can be a member of any number of health professions.
Family therapy can take many different forms with the therapist using a variety of different
techniques, or what is known as a systemic approach. Most practitioners are ‘eclectic’, using
techniques from several areas, depending upon the needs of the client.
Key Concepts
Symptoms are viewed as ways of communicating with the aim of controlling other family
members.
Key concepts vary depending on specific orientation but include differentiation, triangles, power
70
The present is more important than exploring past experiences.
Goals of Therapy: Most approaches are aimed at helping family members gain awareness of
patterns of relationships that are not working well and create new ways of interacting to relieve their
distress. Some approaches focus on resolving the specific problem that brings the family to therapy.
orientation. Interventions may target behaviour change, perceptual change, or both. Techniques
include using genograms, teaching, asking questions, family sculpting, joining the family, tracking
experiential, cognitive, or behavioural in nature. Most are designed to bring about change in a short
time.
ECLECTIC COUNSELING
Eclectic therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates a variety of therapeutic principles and
philosophies in order to create the ideal treatment program to meet the specific needs of the patient
or client. Instead of insisting upon strict adherence to one particular approach or school of thought,
eclectic therapists employ elements from a range of therapeutic techniques, with the goal of
establishing a course that is personally tailored to the patient or client. After all, the key here is to
help the patient as quickly and as effectively as possible. Eclectic counselling is defined as the
synthesis and combination of directive and nondirective counselling. It represents a middle status
between the two extremes represented by the ‘nondirective’ technique on one hand and the
‘directive’ technique on the other. In eclectic counselling, the counsellor is neither too active as in
the directive counselling nor too passive as in the nondirective counselling. Counsellor just follows
71
In eclectic counselling, the needs of a person and his/her personality are studied by the counsellor.
After this, the counsellor selects those techniques, which will be useful for the person. The main
techniques used are reassurance giving information, case history, testing etc. In eclectic counselling
the counsellor first takes into consideration the personality and need of the counselee. S/he selects
the directive or nondirective technique that seems to serve the purpose best. The counsellor may
start with the directive technique. When the situation demands, s/he may switch over to the
nondirective counselling and vice versa. An attempt is made to adjust the technique to the
COUNSELLING CASE
Information
72
Informant: Mother and Self
Area Of Concern : Low Academic Performance and Relationship clashes between mother and
Daughter.
Kama along with her mother approached for a counselling session. Her parents remained separated
since the time of her birth. She and her mother stayed at her maternal grandparents house. Since she
has stayed with her grandparents and they were also her primary caregivers, she is very attached to
them emotionally. Kama had met her biological father few times till the age of 6 years. Her mother
remarried in 2016 with a man who also have two children, one boy in class 9 th and a girl in class 5th.
As per Kama, she was never in favour of her mother remarrying. When asked about her relationship
with her step family she explained that she is not able to bond well with her step- father and step-
siblings as well as her step- grandparents who tend to draw a lot of comparison between their own
grandchildren and her. Since, she is very attached to her grandparents she wants to stay with them
as they are old and alone, and she feels responsible to take good care of them. Currently, she is
staying with her grandparents and away from her mother and stepfamily. She feels troubled and
irritated as she misses her mother too and wants things to be back the way they were before her
mother’s second marriage. She tries to stay with her grandparents because she wants to avoid the
atmosphere it is there in her step family and also her school is much close to her grandparents
house. She feels comfortable and at peace when she stays at her grandparents place and is able to
study much better. Her mother showed concern for her deteriorating academic performance. She
also feels that Kama should spend more time with her and her husband’s family, as it becomes
73
difficult for her to keep a track on Kama when she is away at her Grandparents. Kama was asked to
explain her relationship and bond with her mother, to which Kama said she shares a very deep bond
with her mother and she loves her the most. Her mother solely as a single mother cared for her and
never made her feel her father is not in the picture. She misses her mother a lot and remains in
conflict on something or the other since her mother’s second marriage, which she does not like.
Kama shared that she does understand that her mother has to balance her in laws and her step
children, she does not like sharing her mother with other which makes her all the more irritated
Observation:
Kama and her mother entered the counselling room together. They were offered to sit and were
made comfortable. Rapport was easily established with Kama and her Mother. Kama looked well
dressed and well groomed in her school uniformwith hair pulled up in a ponytail. Distress was
observed in both of them as they both continuously were having an argument and were not letting
the other speak and wanted to put their problems first. So they were asked one by one to explain
their part of the problem. The mother cried while explaining her issues, which made Kama also
teary showing that emotionally they are strongly bonded and understand each other when Kama
helped her mother calm down and tried listening to her point pf view. Rate and tone of speak
seemed aggressive initially, but as the session went on the tone became little normal and they were
ready to understand each other. Both of them shared the same concern of deteriorating academic
Intervention:
The point of view of both of them were actively listened and they were made aware of each
other’s emotional states and were asked to empathise with each other.
74
Mother was explained the conflict Kama feels and how as a mother she needs to be available
for Kama and take a stand for her and be supportive in front of her in-laws. She will have to
mediate a bond between her daughter and in-laws, especially with step-children.
Kama was made to understand her mother’s duties and responsibilities towards her present
family, and her mother cannot practically stay with her full time, especially when Kama is
Clash was resolved between the mother and daughter by asking them to cooperate and
understand each other. Kama was asked to spend her long weekends and holidays with her
mother and step- family if not all the time because of her school and academics.
For academics Kama was motivated and encouraged to study as 11th standard being a touch
year in terms of academics, if not payed attention this year she will have trouble
An organised routine was made for Kama to follow with fixed slots for her academics and
A weekly follow-up was done of Kama through call or an online video session. She seemed to be in
better terms with her mother. She spends few days of the month with her mother and her family.
She has been trying to bond with her stepsiblings. On academic front, she has been able to follow to
75
The stigma around child sexual abuse leads to a culture of denial and secrecy, making it difficult for victims to report abuse and for counsellors to offer support. Most cases occur with trusted individuals within families, complicating external intervention. This stigma results in inadequate awareness among children, as caretakers often feel uncomfortable discussing the topic. Counsellors face challenges as victims or their families may not seek support or feel ashamed. Thus, counsellors need to create safe environments and maintain confidential spaces to encourage disclosure and education about abuse, helping to overcome prejudices and facilitate necessary interventions .
The Indian legal education system offers degrees like the integrated BA LLB and the postgraduate LLM, designed to comprehensively prepare students for various careers in law. The BA LLB integrates arts and law subjects, providing a broad educational foundation, case study analysis, moot courts, and internships. This equips students with diverse skills applicable in multiple legal careers, such as litigation, judicial services, or corporate law. The LLM allows specialization in areas like Tax Law or Intellectual Property, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge for academia, research, or niche legal practices. This structured education ensures that graduates are versatile and well-prepared for both traditional and non-traditional legal roles .
School counsellors collaborate with teachers and parents to create an environment conducive to students' academic and personal growth. They work together to identify barriers and develop interventions. Counsellors regularly update parents on their children's development and conduct guidance sessions to improve parenting skills. With teachers, they identify student talents and provide in-service training. This collaborative effort ensures all parties support students' well-being, allowing counsellors to track and nurture individual progress while aligning their interventions with the students' academic and personal needs .
School counsellors can implement comprehensive educational programs by integrating academic support with emotional and personal development services. This involves creating curricula that include peace education, coping mechanisms, and social skills training alongside academic tutoring. Counsellors need to conduct assessments to tailor interventions that meet individual student needs, work with teachers to align educational objectives with emotional well-being goals, and engage parents to ensure support extends beyond school. Focused group counselling and workshops on conflict resolution, decision-making, and self-awareness can help students navigate academic and personal challenges more effectively .
Parents' reluctance to discuss sensitive topics like child sexual abuse significantly impacts children's awareness and safety. This reluctance, often due to stigma and emotional discomfort, limits children's understanding of abuse and their ability to recognize and report inappropriate behavior. Such a gap in awareness can leave children vulnerable to abuse, as they may not understand the concept of 'good touch and bad touch.' When children lack information from trusted figures, they might rely on peers for information, which can lead to misconceptions. Improved parental communication is crucial for educating children on protective measures and fostering an open environment for discussions .
Legal education is crucial in shaping ethical lawyers, which has a significant impact on society by ensuring justice is administered fairly and effectively. This education equips potential lawyers with knowledge of the legal system, ethics, and cultural context necessary for informed practice. Ethical training prevents corruption and misconduct, fostering trust in legal professionals. Lawyers play pivotal roles in societal development by advocating for rights and justice, making their ethical orientation essential for societal progress. Additionally, a lawyer’s understanding of constitutional and legal frameworks is vital in upholding justice and contributing responsibly to societal governance .
Elementary school guidance counselling services aid in developing a child's self-understanding, including self-awareness and self-acceptance, by creating a comprehensive developmental school counselling program. This program helps in fostering competencies in academic, personal, social, and career development, encouraging growth in decision-making, communication, friendship building, and interpersonal skills. Counsellors assess individual students and offer interventions to support personal and intellectual development, such as coping with bullying and learning conflict resolution and problem-solving skills .
Guidance counselling services assist high school students in becoming career-ready by helping them understand their abilities and interests through psychological assessments and guidance regarding educational and vocational opportunities. The counsellors also support students in developing work and study habits and participating in curricular activities that develop leadership skills. Further, they guide students in ascertaining future educational or vocational pathways, helping them make informed decisions about their career directions .
A Legal Analyst typically needs a recognized law degree, such as an integrated law course or LLB, and a deep understanding of legal databases and systems. They must be proficient in legal research tools and have strong analytical and communication skills. Their role involves detailed analysis of legal documents, legislation, and industry standards. Challenges include staying updated with ever-changing regulations and ensuring accurate, timely, and relevant information for business or organizational decisions. They may also face pressure in ensuring their analyses' align with legal and ethical standards relevant to their organizational environment .
The socio-economic context plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of guidance counselling services in educational settings. In contexts where there is high socio-economic disparity, counsellors might face challenges such as differing levels of resource availability, varied parental engagement, and students' varying access to external support systems. These factors can limit the reach and impact of counselling interventions. Additionally, socio-economic backgrounds influence students' perceptions and attitudes towards counselling, affecting their openness to participate and benefit from these services. Therefore, counsellors need to adapt strategies to address specific socio-economic barriers to maximize the effectiveness of their services .