Thato Phalole 10 November 2021
Student counselling & support team preparing comfort snacks for the mentors
On Wednesday, 27 October 2021, the student counselling & support services at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) held an exciting debriefing session for the mentors. To make it entertain and destigmatize mental health, they set it up as pillow talk so that the students and presenters would be in their pyjamas. The intimate event was facilitated by Ms Zandile Shabangu; Educational psychologist, Mrs Khali Mbele; Psychometrist, Ms Lynn Mokoena; administrator and the registered counsellors, Ms Bianca Brits and Ms Selloane Makau spearheaded by Dr Matjabedi Mazibuko; Head of department of Student counselling and support at VUT.
The mentors were given the opportunity to reflect on this year’s highs and lows as well as equip them psychologically for this critical role they play in the academic and psychosocial aspect of first year students.
The pillow talk began with a relaxation progressive exercise which assists with the skill to relax and ended off with an informal question and answer session where mentors could offload the good and the bad, they’ve experienced throughout the year.
Student counselling & support wishes to encourage students to make use of their services. They offer:
- Individual counselling
- Psychotherapy
- Crisis counselling
- Study skills
- Life skills
- Exam preparation
- Career assessment
- Career guidance and counselling
- CV writing
- Interview preparation
- Disability support
To book an appointment, follow these 3 easy steps:
- Send an email to scs@vut.ac.za. In your email, mention whether this is your first appointment or if you are an existing client.
- First time you will be requested to fill in a biographical and consent form. Existing client just mention who you have been consulting with.
- A virtual appointment is then set, and it is your duty to ensure that you are available on the time agreed upon. The sessions take up to an hour.
“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, it doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone” – Lisa Olivera