Hadassah Foundation, in collaboration with the Fomcam Community and Mental Health Organization, successfully conducted a training workshop on psychosocial and mental health counseling from August 13 to 14, 2024, at VHITS Molyko, Buea, Southwest Region. This two-day program brought together practitioners in the field to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Participants gained valuable practical skills in counseling, equipping them to better support clients dealing with psychological, emotional trauma, and mental health issues. Day 1: 13 August 2024 The training commenced with an introduction to, temperament analysis. Mr. Takoh, the main facilitator of the training, introduced the participant to the four primary temperament types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Understanding these temperaments is critical in counseling as it helps tailor approaches to each individual’s needs. Next, we delved into personality disorders, which are crucial for recognizing and addressing specific client challenges. Mr. Takoh divided the participants into ten groups of two, assigning each group a different personality disorder to research and present. The disorders included: -Paranoid Personality Disorder -Behavioural Personality Disorder -Avoidant Personality Disorder -Borderline Personality Disorder -Narcissistic Personality Disorder -Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder -Histrionic Personality Disorder -Schizoid Personality Disorder -Schizoid Typical Personality Disorder -Antisocial Personality Disorder After group presentations, Mr. Takoh provided additional insights into each disorder, highlighting their characteristics, behaviors, and potential treatment approaches when working with clients. The session concluded with a discussion on the characteristics of a good counselor, which included : empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Active Listening: Give full attention to clients and respond appropriately.
Non-judgmental Attitude: Creating a safe space for clients to express themselves without fear of judgment. Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of and respecting the cultural backgrounds of clients. Patience: Allowing clients to share at their own pace. Furthermore, the facilitator discussed the difference between counseling approaches when attending to adults and children, emphasizing the importance of adapting communication styles and techniques based on developmental stages.
Day 2: 14 August 2024 The second day began with group presentations on personality disorders, which the participants had done research on. Each group shared their findings, and Mr. Takoh further elaborated on the implications of each disorder in a counseling setting. This collaborative learning reinforced our understanding and encouraged deeper discussions. The Participants then focused on cultural considerations in counseling. Mr. Takoh emphasized recognizing cultural backgrounds, especially in contexts like obtaining consent for counseling sessions. For instance, it is crucial to seek a Muslim woman’s husband’s consent before initiating a session, highlighting the need for counselors to navigate cultural norms thoughtfully. The training continued with an introduction to essential questioning skills in counseling. We learned various techniques, such as using open-ended, reflective, and probing questions, which help counselors gather information and encourage clients to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply. Additionally, we explored the interpretation of non-verbal communication signs during counseling sessions. Understanding these signs is vital for counselors, as they can provide insights into clients’ feelings and attitudes that may not be expressed verbally. The day concluded with the certificates given out to all participants, acknowledging engagement and learning throughout the training. Conclusion This training session significantly enhanced participants’ understanding of counseling practices, particularly in terms of recognizing personality disorders, understanding temperaments, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The skills and knowledge gained will be invaluable for all participants who expressed that they look forward to applying these insights in their interactions with clients and contributing positively to the work of enhancing the well-being of people in the communities Hadassah Foundation and Fomcam Community and Mental Health Organization works.
