Pastoral Counselling Services

The Department of Psychology at Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Navelim, Salcete Goa in collaboration with the Diocesan Family Service Centre, Panjim Goa, organized a one-day
National Conference titled "Adolescence: A Journey from Conflict to Integration" on the 29th of August, 2024. The national conference brought together educators, counselors, scholars and practitioners to explore the complexities of adolescent development and the crucial transition from conflict to integration.

The dignitaries on the dais included Chief-Guest Dr. Wendy Manuel, Former associate professor of Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, Administrator Rev. Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, Principal Prof. Helic Barretto, Vice-Principal and In-charge of the Department of Psychology Fr. Jeronimo D’ Silva, Director of Diocesan Family Service Center Rev. Fr. Albano Fernandes,
Keynote Speaker Prof. Shalini Aiyappa from St. Aloysius University, Mangalore and Coordinator of the National Conference Assoc. Prof. Tanya Marchon e Mascarenhas.

Principal of Rosary College Prof. Helic Barretto welcomed the dignitaries and the participants and highlighted the significance of understanding of the adolescent phase and the relevance of
the conference theme. The chief guest Dr. Wendy Manuel delivered a thought-provoking address on "Adolescence: A Journey from Conflict to Integration," where she underscored the importance of understanding the nuances of adolescence and the pivotal role of educators, parents and community in guiding young individuals through this transformative phase.

Prof. Shalini Aiyappa, in her keynote address made an in-depth exploration of "Navigating the Adolescent Maze: Understanding the Dynamics of Conflicts and Integration in Adolescence." Dr. Aiyappa’s presentation provided participants with profound insights into the complex challenges faced by adolescents, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment to foster their development. She also emphasized on several interventions that can help adolescents navigate through conflicts. She said never to give up on adolescents.

After a short coffee break, the first session of the day, titled "Digital Dilemmas: Addressing Technology and Social Media Challenges," explored the impact of technology on adolescent development, discussing both its benefits and potential drawbacks. The session was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Vijay Viegas from the Abbe Faria Post-Graduate Department of Psychology, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa who delved into the pervasive influence of technology and social media on adolescents, discussing both the opportunities and potential risks that arise in the digital age.

Mr. Sigmund Dias, a counselor presently working at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa presented a session on “Peer Pressure and Individuality: Finding a Balance in Adolescence." Mr. Dias’s
discourse focused on the delicate balance between societal pressures, personal identity formation and the challenges faced during adolescence. He further highlighted the vital role of strategies that can empower and enhance young individuals maintain their individuality amidst external influences.

In the technical session, the conference showcased a series of paper presentations. Esteemed contributors included Prof. Dr Maria Muriel de Barros who presented her paper titled "Exploring the role of demographic factors in stress and E-gadget usage of adolescent", Research Scholar- Asst Prof. Daniella Fernandes made her presentation titled “Clothing Behavior, Objectified Body Consciousness and Self Esteem Among Adolescents: A Moderation Analysis", Asst. Prof. Elaine Furtado presented her paper titled "Perceived Social Support and its Relationshipwith Mental Health in Adolescence” and finally Ms. Jolene Pereira and Mrs. Sharmila Menezes, counsellors at Rosary College presented their paper on “The Dimensionality of Conflict and Resolutions Among Adolescents”. The session facilitated an academic exchange of ideas, contributing to a deeper understanding of the topics under discussion.

Lunch was served at 1:40 pm providing participants with the opportunity to engage in informal discussions and networking. The afternoon session resumed with a presentation by Dr. Peter Castelino, Psychiatrist and Founder of COOJ addressed the topic "Achieving a Healthy Transition in Interpersonal Relationships." Dr. Castelino’s session highlighted the critical role of nurturing positive relationships during adolescence to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood. The conference concluded with an interactive workshop led by Dr. Peter Castelino, titled "Conflict Chronicles: Empowering Educators to Foster Integration in Adolescents." The workshop provided educators counselors and students with practical tools and strategies to assist adolescents in managing conflicts and integrating their experiences effectively.

The valedictory session marked the culmination of the conference, where the key themes and insights of the day were thoughtfully recapitulated. The administrator of the College Rev. Fr.
Gabriel Coutinho addressed the gathering and stated how the topic of the conference was very relevant. He also spoke about the importance of value systems in one’s life. Thereafter, Rev. Fr. Albano Fernandes; Director of Diocesan Family Service Centre took the opportunity to express his gratitude toward the Department of Psychology for organizing the national conference in collaboration with the Diocesan Family Service Centre.

The organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions throughout the day. The event concluded on a reflective note, offering
participants a final opportunity to network and discuss the day’s learnings. Certificates were then distributed to the participants. The National Conference was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Tanya Marchon e Mascarenahs who proposed the vote of thanks wherein she expressed her gratitude on behalf of all to the Director of Diocesan Family Service Centre for funding the National Conference. The National Conference was a resounding success, offering invaluable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the adolescent journey from conflict to integration.

To nurture teenagers preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, a session on Emotional Intelligence was organised by pastoral counselling services for Catechism students at the parish hall of St Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Old Goa on the 10^TH of May 2024, attended by 55 participants.

The session began with a meditative prayer connecting with the Creator and His creation followed by a visionary walk in the wilderness to understand the feelings which are termed as Emotions which can be caused by a situation the person is in or the people they are with. An activity of introduction of self and introduction of another fellow teenager was conducted so as to know the group well. Basic things about Emotions which can feel positive like happy, loving, confidant, grateful and negative like feeling angry, afraid, ashamed, guilty, sad or worried was explained, that feeling both positive and negative is normal. Also activity of naming the emotions by display of facial expressions on a slide was conducted.

The Topic Emotional Intelligence which is a heart and mind connection, ability to be aware, understand own emotions and emotions of others, nurture them and act appropriately using their emotions was well explained. Emotional intelligence skills which are a set of abilities which can be learnt by anyone of any age were presented with examples The personal benefits of nurturing Emotions such as greater career success, strong personal relations with friends, family, home, school and at play, increased optimism and confidence to become better leaders and star performers and finally enjoying better health was highlighted.

The focus of the session on the 5 Essential Competencies of Emotional intelligence, 3 which relate to ourselves and 2 to others were explained using a power point presentation.

1^st one being Self-Awareness. Do I believe in my own self-perception, awareness that I am a child of God, recognise my personality, and accept my weakness, basically learning to tune in to our emotions.

2^nd Self- Regulation is to accept the responsibility for choosing your own emotions, reframing stressful situation to one that is challenging, identifying emotions and learning to manage them.

3rd Self-Motivation was explained by a success ladder in studies- by creating goals, develop study plan, attend classes regularly, use family and friends for support and ask for help if needed.

4^th – 4 step approach to practice Empathy especially walking in other person’s shoes, being non-judgemental listener, communicate the emotion and referring to self-emotion of how I would feel.

5^th Effective Relationships-employing the above 4 essentials to influence and motivate others.

The session ended urging the children to make a personal inventory ;Check the skills required ,Enlist trusted friends ,Practice don’t expect immediate results, Learn from mistakes, Acknowledge success with a pat on the backs.

Fr. Rosario Oliveira gave the final address emphasizing the children to practice the essential competencies especially; Self Awareness of being a child of God and Empathy towards others.