COUNSELLING IN THE COVID 19 ERA - ‘THE NEW NORMAL’. Seember TARKA* Not many saw CORONAVIRUS (Covid-19) Pandemic coming in our world and taking the front row. Covid-19 has surely changed our lives. The operational activities of the entire world shifted and is yet to adjust to the new ways of going about our lives; imagine the advent of face masks, social distancing, elbow shake, etc - our ‘new normal’. Is this way of living here to stay and for how long? The counselling community that has hitherto encouraged social inclusivity is now compelled to seek novel ways in human stress management. There are several benefits of ‘face to face’ Counselling: • It pays due diligence to verbal and non-verbal cues to ascertain correct interpretation of the client’s state of disposition before prescribing appropriate therapy. • It allows for physical presence that gives clients, the stability and confidence to enhances their motivation and energy as well as decrease levels of anxiety. The unavailability of face to face counselling especially in the Covid 19 era has brought to fore the use of telephone, e-mail, and video online counselling; whereas these may be able to fill the gaps, there are still many limitations. In recent times, Research has shown that ‘online therapy’ appears more effective than ‘face-to-face therapy’ because: the deployment of robust technology improves access to cognitive behaviour for various mental health challenges especially depression; removal of barriers that mental health sufferers encounter in receiving care and reduction in the stigma attached to seeking face to face appointment with a Counsellor or Therapists. Whether this recent research finding will be embraced or not remains an illusion, however, the Covid-19 Era needs the quickest intervention for those in need of mental health services and it should be available, accessible and affordable to forestall further mental and emotional instability. In view of these development, the Student Support Unit also known as the Counselling Unit at Baze University has had to quickly shift to the solution-driven approach of online and telephone counselling. Telephone Numbers have been advertised through various online platforms such as the Google class, Whatsapp groups, news column on the University’s Website and emails. Despite this unusual approach during this period of LOCKDOWN, only few staff and students requested intervention for guidance and counselling via these platforms. The world has definitely changed with this pandemic and as we grapple for the solutions of a lasting cure and hopefully eradication; Counsellors must continue to position securely for new ways and methods to reach those that matter most; clients that require care and intervention to overcome various challenges. Nothing stays forever; Covid-19 will become history someday to humanity. Students and staff will eventually resume, live, and work side by side but the constant need to find a wholesome environment that promote stability (mentally, emotionally, and physically) will always be the Counsellors/Therapists pre-occupation. Before then, as we navigate this Covid-19 Era, let us do our part and stay safe by obeying the general Rules of Hygiene. God preserve us all. SSU...touching lives!
*Mrs. V. Seember TARKA is the University Counsellor and Head of the Students Support Unit. 68
