Certificate in Guidance and Counselling

Module 1: Foundations of Guidance & Counselling

• Concepts & Scope: Meaning, nature, objectives, and key differences between guidance and counselling.
• Theoretical Approaches:
  • Psychodynamic Theory
  • Behavioural and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Person-Cantered Therapy (Carl Rogers)
• Historical Context: Historical development of guidance and counselling in India and globally.

Module 2: Human Development & Psychology

• Developmental Stages: Physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development across childhood and adolescence.
• Individual Differences: Assessment of intelligence, personality, aptitude, and interests.
• Adjustment & Stress: Behavioural issues in students, stress management, coping mechanisms, and emotional regulation.

Module 3: Counselling Skills & Process

• Core Counsellor Qualities: Active listening, empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.
• Phases of Counselling:
  1. Rapport Building: Establishing trust and therapeutic alliance.
  2. Problem Identification: Assessment and understanding client concerns.
  3. Goal Setting & Action Plan: Formulating strategies and intervention plans.
  4. Termination & Follow-up: Closing sessions and monitoring long-term progress.
• Micro-Skills: Reflection of feelings, paraphrasing, effective questioning, and non-verbal communication.

Module 4: Special Areas of Guidance

• Educational Guidance: Improving study habits, enhancing concentration, and managing exam anxiety.
• Career & Vocational Guidance: Career exploration, career mapping, decision-making, and interest assessment.
• Personal & Social Guidance: Handling peer pressure, family conflict, self-esteem issues, and relationship management.
• Inclusive Counselling: Strategies for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), learning disabilities, ADHD, and behavioural challenges.

Module 5: Psychological Assessment & Testing

• Standardized Tools: Intelligence tests (IQ), personality inventories, aptitude batteries, and interest inventories.
• Non-Testing Techniques: Case study methods, observation techniques, clinical interviews, and Cumulative Record Cards (CRC).

Module 6: Ethics & Practicum

• Code of Ethics: Confidentiality, professional boundaries, legal issues, and client rights.
• Practicum: Preparing case studies, mock counselling sessions, role-playing, and session transcriptions.
• Fieldwork / Internship: Practical exposure in schools, NGOs, or counselling centres.