Family Apostolate of Hyderabad Archdiocese Concludes First Family Counselling Certification Program

Secunderabad, February 25, 2025 – The Family Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad successfully concluded its first Certificate Training Program in Family Counselling at Jyothirmai Animation Centre, TCBC Secretariat, Secunderabad, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The six-month program, which commenced on September 21, 2024, trained thirty-three participants, including three religious sisters, in professional counselling techniques. Led by Rev. Fr. Arul, National Secretary of the Family Commission, and Ms. Jayashree, a licensed psychologist from Chennai, the program was further supported by Fr. Prathap, Regional Secretary of the Family Commission, TCBC, and Sr. Selvi, both trained counsellors. Of the 33 participants, 30 successfully completed the course, earning their Family Counselling Course certificates. The Peyton Institute for Families in Bangalore provided the certification for the course, approved by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The six-module course, held on the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, aimed to equip participants with counselling skills, including psychotherapy and cognitive therapies, to assist individuals, couples, and families in addressing personal issues and relationship challenges. Participants also received personal counselling during the course to enhance their self-awareness and emotional well-being.

As part of the final module, each trainee provided counselling to at least one individual and presented case studies along with a visual representation or collage of their own personal transformation. The program concluded with group skits, where participants demonstrated the various counselling tools they learnt. The skits were evaluated by the resource individuals for the program.

The certificate presentation ceremony, held on Sunday, February 23, was moderated by Fr. Arulraj, National Secretary of the Family Commission. Fr. Y. M. Joseph served as the chief guest and awarded certificates to all the participants who successfully completed the course. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Fr. Victor Emmanuel, Chancellor & Procurator of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad; Fr. Raju Alex, Secretary of TCBC; Fr. Anthaiah, Regional Secretary for Ecumenism; Fr. Valentine, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Bolarum; Sr. Selvi; Fr. David; and Roger and Jessy, the secretary couple of the Archdiocesan Family Apostolate. Family members and friends of the participants also joined in the celebration, applauding their achievements.

The success of the Family Counselling Certification Program marks a significant step in strengthening family support services within the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, fostering skilled counsellors equipped to guide individuals and families through life’s challenges.

By Fr. David Francis, Roger & Jessy