Page 56 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

RUBANI SETHI
Whole School Counsellor and
Well-being Lead, DBS Denla
British School

Rubani’s interest in psychology began in

Grade 10 when she took her first General
Psychology class. Captivated by human
behaviour’s complexities, she recognised the
importance of understanding emotions and
managing stress—lessons she experienced
during her own struggles with self-esteem.
Supported by her school counsellor and
friends, Rubani discovered her desire to
help others in a similar way.
To follow this path, she earned a Bachelor of
Science in Psychology from Chulalongkorn
University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
from the University of Queensland, and
later a Master of Science in Counselling
Psychology from Assumption University.
Her experience as a Third Culture Kid
often left her feeling misunderstood by her
counsellor, inspiring her to become the
kind of counsellor who could truly relate
to those experiences.
What is one of the most challenging parts
of the role as a school counsellor, and how
do you manage it?
As a school counsellor, one of the most One of the most
challenging aspects of my role is handling challenging aspects is when
disclosures from students that may require

breaking confidentiality to prevent harm. I must break confidentiality,
It’s crucial for a counsellor to adhere to but rebuilding trust with
ethical codes, which include explaining students is essential.

the meaning and limits of confidentiality
in age-appropriate language. I inform
students about the circumstances where

confidentiality must be broken, such as but it’s important to maintain the child’s and I find great satisfaction in maintaining
when they pose a danger to themselves or privacy. Despite these challenges, everyone my well-being.
others, or when someone else is harming shares a common goal—ensuring the safety What is one thing you feel students want
them. During initial sessions, I make it and well-being of the student. their parents to know?
clear by saying, “What you say here stays What is one of the most rewarding parts of
here, unless someone is hurting you, you being in the role of a school counsellor? In my experience, one of the most common
want to hurt someone else, you want to hurt Aside from creating a safe space for students, things students express is their desire for
yourself, or you give me permission to share one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is acknowledgment and encouragement from

with a trusted adult.” their parents. With the immense pressure
the necessity of prioritising self-care. Taking to excel academically and socially, positive

The difficulty in such situations comes when care of myself is crucial because it enables affirmations help combat negative thoughts

I need to navigate the relationship with me to effectively support others. Before and foster resilience.
the student after reporting a safeguarding becoming a school counsellor, I didn’t fully
concern. I take steps to acknowledge the understand the importance of self-care, but This mindset shift helps children focus on
breach in confidentiality, explain the now it’s a vital part of my routine. opportunities and growth rather than dwelling
reasons behind it, and create space for I often reflect on the analogy of the oxygen on setbacks. When I ask students what they

open dialogue. Rebuilding trust takes time mask on an airplane: “In the event of an want to hear from their parents, responses like,
and effort, but it’s essential. Some students emergency, secure your own mask before “You are enough,” “I am proud of you,” and
understand immediately, while others need helping others.” This reminder reinforces “You are loved and appreciated” often come

time to process. up. These small affirmations can significantly

that taking care of oneself is not selfish—it’s impact a child’s life. It’s important for parents

Being a school counsellor also involves essential. Prioritising self-care benefits me to understand that these affirmations, though

balancing complex school policies, both personally and professionally, and it’s seemingly small, can significantly impact

managing parents’ expectations, and gaining rewarding to know I can now consistently their child’s life in various ways.
students’ trust. Parents may want to be fully do so. In the past, self-care was something I
informed about their child’s life at school, struggled with, but now it’s non-negotiable,
56 | MASALA MAGAZINE OCT-NOV 2024