The Counselling Training Programme organized by the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka was successfully conducted on 12 and 13 December 2024 at the Department premises.

The programme was specially designed for student monks offering the Buddhist Psychology and Counselling Degree Programme and was conducted by Mrs. Thushari Chandrasekara, Senior Counsellor at the District Secretariat, Kurunegala.

This training was a compulsory component of the degree programme, aimed at strengthening the professional competencies of students specializing in Buddhist Psychology and Counselling. The sessions provided a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of essential counselling skills, theoretical foundations, ethical considerations, and practical applications in real-life contexts.

Through interactive discussions, case-based learning, and guided practice sessions, participants received hands-on training to enhance their communication skills, empathy, active listening abilities, and professional conduct in counselling settings.

The programme significantly contributed to equipping student monks with the practical knowledge and skills required to serve effectively in counselling roles within educational, community, and monastic environments.