By Our Reporter
A professor of Counselling Psychology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, Prof. Clement Adebisi Daramola has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise counselling education in the educational curriculum.
Daramola, who also doubles as the Duty Vice-Chancellor Administration stressed this at the 30th Inaugural Lecture of AAUA held at the University's OBJ Multi-Purpose Hall on Tuesday.
Delivering the lecture, “Crossing the Crossroads of Life: The Counselling Pathways,” he emphasised the importance of crossroads counselling, highlighting that it empowers, educates, restores and re-builds people who are feeling discouraged, confused and frustrated.
He added that counselling services should be promoted at all levels of our society, suggesting the establishment of counselling centres in all 774 local governments of Nigeria to facilitate adequate resolutions of psychological problems.
“Since crossroads counselling is concerned with offering hope, optimism and opportunity, governments at all levels must be concerned with addressing poverty, oppression, abuse, and inequality and locating problems within these societal contexts that are capable of escalating psychological stress and tensions.
“To stand at the crossroads requires more strength than what an individual possesses. Therefore, all human beings need a higher perspective in the form of assistance from all members of the society to empower and restore hope and provide directions,” he said.
He reiterated that Universities must substantially address issues of training, research and service activities of Counselling Education to accommodate the new global and social realities of this age.
Professor Daramola advised counsellors to be psychologically well-prepared as well as technically ready to deal with clients’ personal and other social life adjustment issues.
He emphasised the essence of counsellors at crossroads saying, “Reaching out for help is a sign of courage and strength and this first step is often the most difficult one to take. If we find ourselves at a crossroads in life, Counseling and Psychotherapy can assist in finding the direction that is right for us.
“Facing a crossroad can be very overwhelming and can cause anxiety. One of the most complicated tasks any of us will face in life is the concept of making the right decision. Speaking with a professionally trained Counsellor gives us the chance to therapeutically explore issues and discover opportunities to grow and change.”
He concluded that Crossroads Counselling and Psychotherapy offers a compassionate and confidential environment in which people can find the necessary support to cope with the stress of life, echoing that, “When we are at the crossroads of life, apart from God, Counsellors are the next!”
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