DBCARES (Don Bosco Counselling, Assistance, Rehabilitation, and Emotional Support) is a Salesian initiative dedicated to providing mental health support, emotional well-being, and rehabilitation services. Rooted in Don Bosco’s Preventive System, DBCARES aims to guide individuals through counseling, psychological support, and personal development.
Our Team
Fr. Ryan David SDB
Fr. Justin Sengol SDB
Fr. Bhackiaraj Lourdu SDB
Fr. PaulsamyJebamalai SDB
Reports
The DBCARES initiative has been actively involved in providing psychological, spiritual, and social support to various groups, including students, teachers, religious personnel, young people, and families. Through counselling, training, and animation programs, DBCARES has contributed significantly to the personal and professional development of individuals across multiple institutions.
Meeting at Provincial House, Trichy – June 28, 2024
A key meeting was held at the Provincial House, Trichy, where counsellors from different Salesian institutions gathered to discuss their work and future plans. The focus was on school and ITI staff animation, student counselling (both individual and group), parent engagement, and counselling within parishes. Special attention was given to youth counselling during parish novena days.
The provincial emphasized the importance of having counsellors in all CBSE and Matriculation schools and suggested expanding services to other departments, such as media, Vazhikaatti, and substance abuse awareness programs.
Counselling and Animation Activities
DBCARES has implemented various counselling and psychological animation programs across different institutions.
Psychological and Spiritual Animation
Several workshops and training programs were conducted for teachers, sisters, and young people to enhance self-awareness, stress management, and emotional well-being. Programs like Blissful Teacher and Self-Awareness Training were organized to help educators improve their psychological resilience.
Student Counselling and Group Therapy
Group counselling sessions were held for school and college students to address challenges such as mobile addiction, substance abuse, family issues, self-esteem, and infatuation. In ITIs and schools, students participated in motivational sessions focusing on career growth, self-love, and emotional balance.
Family and Individual Counselling
DBCARES provided personal counselling to students in hostels who struggled with addiction, sleeplessness, and lack of concentration. Family therapy was also offered, with 15 families receiving multiple counselling sessions to resolve conflicts and improve relationships.
Major Training and Counselling Sessions
Workshops and Psychological Training for Educators
Teachers and religious staff participated in various workshops to enhance their mental well-being and teaching effectiveness. Sessions included:
- The Power of the Subconscious Mind (Psychological animation for sisters and staff)
- Preventive System of Don Bosco (Psycho-spiritual animation for Salesian Cooperators)
- Barefoot Counselling Techniques (Training for teachers on empathetic listening and student psychology)
Youth Counselling and Addiction Awareness Programs
DBCARES organized multiple group therapy sessions in schools and ITIs, addressing issues such as:
- Mobile and social media addiction
- Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs)
- Self-esteem and confidence-building
- The difference between infatuation and true love
Sessions were structured with interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and personal sharing to help students understand and overcome their struggles.
Marriage Preparation and Psycho-Spiritual Retreats
Special programs were conducted at the Bishop’s House to prepare young people for married life. The Principles of Happy Married Life course guided participants on building strong relationships, conflict resolution, and emotional maturity.
Psycho-spiritual retreats were also held for religious congregations, including Servite Sisters and Brothers in Myanmar, focusing on mindfulness, personal growth, and vocational commitment.
International Outreach – Counselling and Animation in Myanmar
DBCARES extended its support internationally by conducting several training sessions in Myanmar. Programs included:
- Mindfulness Retreats for Servite Sisters
- Psychological Animation on Religious Life for novices and brothers
- Power of the Subconscious Mind training for students and educators
These initiatives provided mental and emotional support to religious communities and helped them navigate personal and vocational challenges.
Impact and Achievements
Individual Counselling
A total of 140 individuals received one-on-one counselling for personal, emotional, and psychological issues.
Family Counselling
15 families participated in multiple counselling sessions to strengthen family relationships and resolve conflicts.
Group Counselling and Training
Over 2,500 individuals, including students, teachers, and religious personnel, benefited from group therapy, training, and animation programs.
Conclusion
The DBCARES initiative has made significant contributions to the mental health and well-being of individuals across various institutions. Through its extensive counselling, training, and psychological animation programs, DBCARES continues to support personal growth, emotional resilience, and spiritual development. Moving forward, the initiative aims to expand its reach and introduce more structured programs addressing contemporary youth challenges.
The DB CARES initiative has successfully implemented various counselling, psychological animation, and training programs to support students, teachers, religious personnel, young people, and families. Through structured interventions, DB CARES has contributed to emotional well-being, career guidance, addiction awareness, and spiritual growth.
Psychological and Emotional Well-Being Programs
Throughout the year, DB CARES organized multiple programs aimed at enhancing mental health and emotional resilience among different target groups. Sessions focused on self-awareness, motivation, and overcoming personal challenges such as addiction and self-esteem issues.
At Don Bosco Pallithammam, a Self-Awareness program for staff on June 3rd helped 40 participants develop emotional intelligence through psychological animation. Similarly, a Blissful Teacher workshop at Don Bosco Thanjavur on June 22nd empowered 40 teachers with strategies for stress management and student engagement.
In September and October, group counselling sessions at DBCAS Keel Eral and Don Bosco School V.Pet addressed student issues such as mobile addiction, substance abuse, infatuation, and self-confidence. These sessions impacted over 400 students through structured discussions and interactive activities.
Group Therapy and Counselling Sessions
DB CARES facilitated various group therapy programs, providing students with psychological support. At Mariyalaya Narasipuram, 12 students from grades 8 to 11 participated in group therapy on August 27-28. In Madurai ITI on October 22-23, over 120 students engaged in sessions focusing on addiction, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.
The most extensive counselling session was held at DB Tharangam from February 24-26, where 350 students underwent therapy on substance abuse, mobile addiction, and relationship challenges.
Preventive and Psycho-Spiritual Animation
A key focus of DB CARES was psycho-spiritual growth. The Preventive System of Don Bosco program at Salesian Cooperators, Madurai on September 14th, engaged 26 participants in faith-based counselling.
Teachers and religious personnel also benefited from specialized workshops. At Fatima College and St. Joseph School, workshops on Blissful Communion and The Power of the Subconscious Mind guided 34 sisters in deepening their psychological and spiritual awareness.
Marriage Preparation Courses
A major initiative under DB CARES was the Principles of Happy Married Life course, conducted at Bishop’s House regularly from June 2024 to February 2025. These sessions helped over 200 young people develop emotional maturity, relationship skills, and conflict resolution strategies before marriage.
International Outreach – Counselling in Myanmar
DB CARES expanded its impact internationally, conducting several counselling programs in Myanmar for Servite Sisters, Novices, and students. Between August 6-28, programs on Mindfulness and The Power of the Subconscious Mind reached 127 participants, fostering personal growth and psychological resilience.
Family and Individual Counselling
A total of 23 families underwent multiple counselling sessions to resolve conflicts and strengthen family bonds. Additionally, 159 individuals received one-on-one counselling for issues such as addiction, anxiety, and career-related concerns.
Conclusion
DB CARES has made significant strides in psychological counselling, youth empowerment, and faith-based animation. With over 2,500 participants benefiting from its programs, the initiative continues to play a crucial role in fostering emotional well-being, career guidance, and spiritual growth. Moving forward, DB CARES aims to expand its reach, particularly in addressing youth addiction and family counselling.
DB CARES has structured a comprehensive annual plan for 2025-26, focusing on counselling training, student leadership development, and mental health awareness. The planned initiatives aim to equip staff and students with essential psychological and counselling skills while promoting mental well-being in educational institutions.
Barefoot Counselling Techniques Training
To enhance counselling skills among educators and staff, two Barefoot Counselling Techniques sessions are planned at the DB Provincial House.
- August 22, 2025 – 20 staff members will undergo training to understand the current generation of students and develop empathetic listening skills.
- January 23, 2026 – Another session will be conducted for 20 staff members, equipping them with basic counselling techniques to support students effectively.
These sessions will help teachers and educators foster a supportive environment in their institutions.
World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2025
A large-scale awareness campaign will be organized across schools, ITIs, polytechnics, and colleges to mark World Mental Health Day.
- Activities will include awareness sessions, poster presentations, and a mental health pledge to encourage students to prioritize emotional well-being.
- The initiative aims to reduce stigma around mental health and promote a culture of openness and support.
Student Leaders Training (Peer Leadership Program)
Student leaders from various educational institutions will be trained in basic counselling and peer support techniques at the DB Provincial House.
- November 18, 2025 – 30 school students will receive leadership training to help them support their peers through simple counselling approaches.
- March 17, 2026 – 20 students from ITIs, polytechnics, and colleges will undergo similar training, ensuring that higher education institutions have trained peer leaders.
This initiative aims to create a network of student leaders who can act as peer mentors, promoting a healthy and supportive campus environment.
Conclusion
The planned activities for 2025-26 reflect DB CARES’ commitment to mental health advocacy, leadership development, and counselling education. By training educators and student leaders, the initiative aims to build a stronger, more empathetic support system across schools and colleges.
