OSAS launches 1st face-to-face counseling, talk therapy program
Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) held its first face-to-face program to promote counseling and talk therapy services to students. The initiative aimed to engage students in activities that support their academic and personal development, Sept. 12.
Roderick Rabina, Prefect of Discipline, delivered a presentation on fostering the ideal character of a college student.
Rabina emphasized the importance of student behavior in creating a positive learning environment. “It is the students' role to help their teachers and school administrators by managing their behaviors to limit instances that can offend or harm others. We can best help them in this way, so they can focus more on their main tasks as educators and leaders,” Rabina explained.
Psychometrician Alviña Bolo discussed the significance of psychological testing for students.
Bolo highlighted how year-level testing assesses students' emotional and psychological states, providing essential data for designing appropriate interventions and programs. “Psychological tests provide a structured way of exploring one's personality, strengths, potentials, and usually, a person's needs. The data collected can help draw programs and activities that promote self-understanding, which is the foundation of personal growth,” Bolo stated.
Mr. Casiño, Guidance Counselor, spoke about the importance of seeking help through talk therapy.
Casiño's presentation emphasized that counseling is not just a space for clients to express their challenges, but also a means to gain valuable insights into their conditions and learn how to manage them effectively.
“School has been an important place to hone these insights as it is a precursor to an overall sense of well-being. Exercises, activities, and games that the department facilitates can bring these insights together in a form of play and human interactions,” Casiño shared.
"The program demonstrated OSAS's commitment to addressing students’ mental health and personal development needs through practical services and initiatives, reinforcing the university's dedication to holistic education," OSAS Director Joana Fe Panganiban remarked.
