A New Era of Support: Psychological Counselling Program for Army Officers Concludes
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Summary of the Article
- Training Program Concludes: Rashtriya Raksha University concluded a one-month Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme on Psychological Counselling for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
- Duration and Participants: Held from September 19 to October 22, 2024, the program had 15 JCO participants.
- Objective: The aim was to equip JCOs with essential mental health awareness, counseling skills, and psychological support techniques for personnel under their command.
- Focus Areas: Topics included mental health awareness, psychological gatekeeping, stress management, anxiety, trauma, and conflict resolution.
- Expert-led Training: Faculty from the School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI) led the sessions, offering both theoretical and practical learning experiences.
- Valedictory Ceremony: The program concluded with a ceremony attended by the Vice Chancellor and Director of SBSFI, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health into military training.
- Rashtriya Raksha University’s Role: The university remains dedicated to providing high-quality education, research, and training, especially for uniformed personnel in defense and law enforcement.
Indian Army’s JCOs Trained to Provide Emotional Support and Counselling
Rashtriya Raksha University, one of India’s leading institutions focused on national security and public safety, successfully concluded a one-month training program on psychological counseling for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) from the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. The program, which began on September 19, aimed to equip JCOs with crucial mental health awareness and counseling skills to help them support their fellow soldiers in dealing with emotional and mental challenges.
The Importance of Mental Health in the Armed Forces
Mental health is increasingly becoming a key focus in the armed forces, and rightly so. Soldiers are often exposed to high-stress environments, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing this, Rashtriya Raksha University, through its School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI), developed this special Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme for JCOs. The goal was to provide JCOs with the necessary tools to not only manage their mental health but also to help the personnel they lead.
What the Training Covered
For a month, the 15 JCOs who attended the program were introduced to various counseling strategies tailored to the armed forces. The training focused on mental health awareness, psychological gatekeeping, stress management, dealing with anxiety, trauma, and more. These are crucial areas as soldiers often deal with these issues during their service.
The program was structured to be practical and relevant, ensuring that the officers could apply what they learned in real-life situations. Sessions on active listening, conflict resolution, and coping with burnout were some of the highlights. Additionally, the officers learned about therapeutic models that could be used to deal with substance abuse, a challenge that some soldiers face.
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A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
What made this training special was its holistic approach. It wasn’t just about learning counseling skills; it was about fostering a culture where mental health can be openly discussed. The aim was to empower these JCOs to create a supportive environment within their units. This allows soldiers to talk about mental health issues without fear of stigma, which is often a barrier to seeking help.
The officers were also trained to spot early signs of mental health challenges, like stress or depression, and how to provide initial support before professional help is needed.
Led by Experts in the Field
The training was conducted by the expert faculty from SBSFI, who brought in their extensive knowledge of psychology, particularly in the context of the armed forces. The sessions were both theoretical and practical, ensuring that the participants gained a deep understanding of the subject matter. Topics such as mindfulness, dealing with burnout, and therapeutic approaches for mental health issues were part of the program.
A Special Ceremony Marks the Conclusion
The TOT program concluded with a valedictory ceremony held at the Rashtriya Raksha University campus. It was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, the Vice Chancellor of the university, and Dr. Mahesh Tripathi, Director In-charge of SBSFI. Both of them expressed their appreciation for the participants and emphasized how important it is for military leaders to have a strong understanding of mental health.
During the ceremony, Dr. Patel congratulated the JCOs on completing the program and highlighted how such initiatives are vital in maintaining operational effectiveness. He reiterated that the integration of mental health training into military leadership can lead to a more resilient force.
Rashtriya Raksha University’s Role in Mental Health Training
Rashtriya Raksha University has been a pioneer in providing specialized training programs for uniformed personnel in defense and law enforcement. Through its research and hands-on training, the university is helping to shape the future of national security education in India.
This psychological counseling training is part of the university’s broader mission to offer high-quality education that focuses not only on physical security but also on the mental and emotional well-being of the people in uniform. The university has already planned to offer more such programs in the future to enhance the mental resilience of the armed forces.
A New Era of Mental Health Awareness in the Army
As the armed forces continue to face new challenges, programs like this psychological counseling TOT will play a crucial role in ensuring that soldiers have the mental support they need. By training JCOs to be mental health gatekeepers, the army is taking a significant step towards creating a force that is not only physically strong but also mentally resilient.
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