Training Professional Peer Counselors: Islamic Family Law Study Program Faculty of Sharia Holds Workshop

On Thursday, June 8, 2023, 86 students from various programs within the Faculty of Sharia filled the third-floor auditorium of Building D. They were participating in a Peer Counselor Training organized by the Family Corner Unit of the Faculty of Sharia at UIN Malang. The workshop featured two speakers, both academic and practicing counselors: Dr. Erfaniah Zuhriah from UIN Maliki and Yuliati Hotifah, S.Psi., M.Pd., from Universitas Negeri Malang.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Zaenul Mahmudi, Vice Dean I, and ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In his opening remarks, Dr. Zaenul Mahmudi emphasized the importance of this training in today’s globalized and liberalized world.

“Counseling skills are highly beneficial in both academic and non-academic life, enabling students to effectively handle various life challenges,” he stated.

“People with problems often just want to be heard because they usually already have solutions in mind. They just need to release their pent-up emotions. That is why peer counselors are so important,” he added.

During the workshop, Ms. Yuliati highlighted that peer counselors play a crucial role in unraveling the psychological complexities individuals face, especially since not everyone can access professional counseling services. Dr. Erfaniah Zuhriah, who is also Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Sharia, expressed her hope that this event would serve as a starting point for recruiting potential peer counselors. According to her, students who are serious about this need more intensive and ongoing training.