Centre for Counselling and Social Services

The Centre is responsible for the rendering of a variety of services namely psychological/counselling services, supplementary instruction, reading development and selection of prospective students. The Centre for Counselling and Social Services is located on the second floor of the Student Centre ( Lapeng Building ).

Confidentiality is guaranteed, because registered psychologists, intern-psychologists, a social worker and a psychometrist offer most of the services. Information will only be supplied to other institutions or persons with the consent of the student.

The Centre functions from a WELLNESS perspective.

FIVE WAYS TO WELLNESS

DEFINING WELLNESS

Wellness refers not only to the absence of illness or disease but also to positive well-being. Wellness is concerned with what is necessary and desirable for functioning at one's best in all areas of life. A person's wellness is a continuous process of seeking to improve the quality of one's life. Wellness is created through the choices the individual makes in seeking to take active responsibility for promoting a positive lifestyle and in making maximum use of his/her potential.

Wellness addresses five dimensions of life. Each dimension will be discussed separately, it needs to be noted, though, that these dimensions affect one another and so affects the way one acts.

The levels at which an individual functions in these dimensions may differ from time to time, maintaining the particular balance which suits the individual. The five dimensions are: Physical, Mental, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual.

PHYSICAL

This includes exercise and proper nutrition and the taking of responsible decisions in the areas of sexuality, alcohol and drugs. Enhancing the physical dimension can positively affect other areas of one's life. Participation in a broad range of physical activities can for example, improve your physical well-being, strengthen your social network, help to alleviate stress and improve your ability to concentrate. 1 . For more information click on the self help article. Assisting students with disabilities also forms part of physical wellness.

MENTAL

Mental wellness involves the process of using one's mind to create a greater understanding and appreciation of the universe and oneself. This includes on-going education, reading, studying, attending workshops and seminars, engaging in and exchanging ideas with others and generally expanding your awareness of the world around you.

Supplementary Instruction and Reading Development classes can also improve your mental wellness. Making the correct career choice by undergoing psychometric tests can help you to feel confident about your academic future. If you are struggling to obtain the results you desire, study skills workshops are offered at the Centre. 2 . For more information click on the self help article .

SOCIAL

This dimensions reflects one's willingness to actively participate in and contribute to, efforts which promote the common welfare of one's community, It is the process of creating and maintaining healthy relationships through the choices one makes. A socially well person seeks positive interdependent relationships with others, and generally works for harmony in both your personal and community environment. The social dimension can be expressed through activities such as voluntary work, developing and maintaining friendships, joining organisations and attending community events.

The Social Worker at the Centre can supply you with more information regarding social wellness.

EMOTIONAL

Emotional wellness can be defined as awareness and acceptance of ones worth and of a wide range of feelings in oneself and others. An emotionally well person has the ability to recognise, express and manage his/her feelings, knows how to deal with stress and has the ability to form satisfying relationships with others. Individuals who are emotionally well are able to function independently, but are aware of personal limitations and realize the value of seeking support and assistance when necessary. The psychologists at the Centre will address this aspect of your wellness through counselling and

Self-help articles:

4.1 Motivation
4.2 Adjusting to student life
4.3 Stress management
4.4 What is self-esteem?

WORKSHOPS

Date: Monday to Friday 9 – 13 May
Time: 12:30
Venue: Amphitheatre

• Do you know what WASB is?
• It is a Wellness Approach to student / Staff Behaviour
• It consists of a week's program that addresses your physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
• Many activities are hosted during the week and many prizes can be won
• The week culminates in a Moral Change Movement Campaign
• Make sure you attend the next WASB week in 2005
• See photos of the week and the Moral Change Movement Campaign of 2004 Link photos

• Wellness Workshop
  Date: Wednesday, 16 February
  Time: 12:30 ; 18:30
  Venue: Amphitheatre

• Wellness Workshop
  Date: Wednesday, 24 August
  Time: 12:30 ; 18:30
  Venue: Amphitheatre

• Many workshops are offered at the Centre, i.e. Study Skills, Stress management, Interpersonal skills, motivation, conflict management etc…
• For more information about workshops that are offered at the Centre, contact the secretary on (051)507 3154 or check the Centre's notice board – 2 nd floor, Lapeng Student Centre, room 203.

SPIRITUAL

This dimension is the process of creating and discovering meaning and purpose in ones life and demonstrating ones values through ones behaviours. It is evidenced by the willingness to appreciate intangibles which cannot be readily explained, by acceptance of own mortality and by minimizing destructive behaviours.

Spiritual wellness involves exploring one's values and beliefs in order to discover inner peace and serenity.

Campus ministries is willing to give you more information regarding spiritual wellness.

3 . For more information click on the self help article .