Tag: Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (ICN)

Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (ICN) has partnered  Girls Secondary Grammar School  and Aunty Ayo International School,  both in Ikoyi, Lagos State, for a   mental health awareness walk.

In a statement, it said the collaboration is part of efforts to raise awareness on mental health in the community.

 The theme of the event, part of the Mental Health Awareness Month, centred around “Community,” emphasising importance of collective support and understanding.

Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, executive director of ICN, explained the initiative: “We normally celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with a walk every year to sensitse people. This year, we decided to work with local schools to foster a supportive environment.”

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She added: “In a country like ours, importance of mental health cannot be overstated. This walk is part of our commitment to break the stigma, encourage open conversations, and promote access to safe, supportive spaces where individuals can connect with counsellors and therapists.

“Mental health remains a critical aspect of well-being, yet stigma and lack of awareness often hinder access to support.”

Oko-Igaire urged people to seek help from psychotherapists, promote healthy living, combat loneliness, and address mental health challenges.

The walk will educate the public on mental health issues.

 Other activities include webinars, lectures, and 30 days of free counselling.

The ICN, an organisation in Nigeria’s mental health landscape, besides  training, advocates for increased awareness and support, emphasising that mental health is integral to health and societal progress.

Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (ICN) has announced its 30-day free counselling: ‘Unbutton  17.0’.

The initiative is part of efforts to reduce suicide and depression among Nigerians.

The programme, in its 17th year, according to the Executive Director, Tolulope Oko-Igaire, is part of therapeutic interventions and free counselling to support Nigerians facing mental health issues due to harsh realities, financial, marital, or other challenges.

The session, Oko- Igaire said, is part of its CSR to contribute to well-being.

She noted that the institute has collaborated with member-counsellors to make it easy for people to access professional counselling and therapy free.

“Unbutton is a quarterly 30-day free counselling session by Institute of Counselling as part of our CSR to encourage a mentally aware society.

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“Mental well-being is essential for health as it impacts every aspect of life. It is not surprising that mjost people are not functioning optimally because of mental health challenges daily, coupled with the harsh economic reality.

“Sometimes, all you need to do is talk and get some issues out of your chest; and we have more than enough trained counsellors to help you.

“We know many need help but cannot afford the fee, this is why ICN, with our member-counsellors, is making this easy for you to access professional counsellor free.

“Take advantage of this opportunity and unbutton to unburden. Life is worth living, and you deserve to be happy.”

ICN was founded in 2010 as a not-for-profit independent educational institution to help people achieve dreams of becoming professional counsellors and bridge gap between theory and practice.