CONNECTIONS: A Comprehensive Mental Health Program Because Everyone Matters
It is a comprehensive mental health program designed to ensure increased receptivity and understanding of overall health, including mental and physical wellness. The aim is to provide a platform for both students and their parents to overcome any behavioral, emotional and academic concerns, thereby enhancing mental health and upgrading academic performance.
The major counseling concerns among students were identified using the Counseling Needs Survey, which was completed by the parents of all students from Pre-Nursery to XII.
The major concerns identified among the students included difficulty concentrating, easy distraction, challenges in establishing and maintaining a daily routine, declining interest in attending virtual classes, feelings of anxiety or nervousness, and difficulties in managing emotions. More specific concerns among senior students included peer pressure, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, clarity regarding stream or university selections, and goal-setting.
Based on these specific concerns, Individual Counselling Sessions were provided, where parents and students were encouraged to reflect on their problems and gain a greater understanding of the causes to enable appropriate action. Some counseling sessions specifically focused on grief counseling related to COVID-related deaths in students' families.
Individual counseling sessions are provided to students, parents, and teachers. Specific psychological interventions are offered to students and parents who screen positive for developmental delays, behavioral issues, emotional difficulties, or academic challenges.
At Connections, we provide:
Through these individual counseling and special education sessions, we aim to enable and encourage parents and students to reflect on their problems, gain a deeper understanding of their causes, and take appropriate action.
Group counseling sessions are also conducted by counselors on various topics, including:
Apart from individual counseling sessions, we at CONNECTIONS also aim to enhance the overall mental health and academic performance of each student by equipping them with relevant information regarding various aspects of mental health. Understanding a student’s dominant intelligence helps answer the question, “What do they do when nobody is telling them what to do?” This knowledge can significantly enhance academic performance and overall mental well-being.
All students from Grade III to XII are assessed using free multiple intelligences tests based on Howard Gardner's seven-intelligences model. The data is collected, analyzed and interpreted, leading to the generation of class reports and individual reports, which are shared with class teachers and subsequently with students individually.
Development-Based Model of Learning
Students in the early years need support to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Just as hearing and vision screenings ensure that children can hear and see clearly, developmental and behavioral screenings assure that children are making progress in areas such as language, social, and motor development. The six developmental skills were assessed using a Parent-Reported Developmental Checklist for specific age groups, ranging from Pre-Nursery to Grade II. Class reports and individual reports were generated and shared with class teachers, students, and parents individually.
Some significant outcomes of understanding dominant intelligences and developmental milestones for students and teachers include:
With our collective efforts, we aim to cultivate a community where every student feels valued, understood, and equipped to succeed.
