Dhruti Trust conducted a mental wellness awareness workshop titled “Therapy Is a Tool: Breaking Stigma, Building Strength” at Alagappa College of Technology (AC Tech), Anna University Campus, Chennai, on 23 August 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM.

The session was attended by 496 students from various engineering and technology disciplines, including ECE, Pharmaceutical Technology, Leather Technology, Industrial Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Technology, Petroleum Engineering and Technology, Apparel Technology, and other departments.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Sangeetha Santhosh, Director – Psychological Services, Dhruti Trust.

Creating a Safe Space for Mental Health Conversations

The workshop focused on helping students understand therapy as a valuable tool for strengthening mental well-being rather than something associated with stigma. The session encouraged students to recognise their emotions, understand stress, explore healthy coping strategies, and become more open to seeking professional support when needed.

The programme aimed to create an approachable and supportive environment where students could reflect on their well-being and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.

Strong Positive Response from Students

Feedback collected from 208 student participants reflected a highly positive response to the workshop.

Key Feedback Highlights

• 88% agreed or strongly agreed that the workshop was interesting and provided a safe space for sharing.

• 89% felt more comfortable with the idea of talking to a counsellor after the session.

• 93% found the practical tips and wellness strategies helpful.

• 83% felt more confident about managing their stress and emotions.

• 95% rated the workshop Good or Excellent.

• 91% felt sufficient time was available to cover the topics.

• 90.% said they would highly recommend the workshop to a friend or classmate.

The feedback demonstrates that students not only found the session relevant and engaging but also valued the practical strategies shared during the programme.

Encouraging Openness Towards Professional Support

One of the significant outcomes of the workshop was the increased comfort among students regarding counselling support. With 89.42% of respondents expressing greater openness towards talking to a counsellor, the session contributed to encouraging healthier attitudes towards seeking professional help.

Breaking misconceptions around therapy and making mental health support more approachable can play an important role in promoting early intervention and emotional well-being among young people.

Interest in Continued Mental Wellness Support

Student responses also indicated strong interest in continued engagement with mental wellness initiatives. Students expressed interest in:

• Receiving regular mental wellness tips through WhatsApp

• Joining the Dhruti PEERS student support network

• Participating in advanced sessions on stress management

• Learning about healthy boundaries

• Having opportunities for private conversations with Dhruti professionals

This interest highlights the importance of providing continued and accessible mental wellness resources within educational institutions.

A Step Towards Breaking Mental Health Stigma

The workshop reinforced an important message: therapy is a tool for support, growth, and strength. Creating spaces where students can speak openly about their emotions and seek help without fear or judgment is essential for building healthier educational communities.

The strong feedback from students demonstrates the relevance and impact of mental wellness programmes that combine awareness with practical strategies and accessible support.

Looking Ahead

Dhruti Trust remains committed to promoting mental health awareness, encouraging early support, and strengthening emotional well-being among students and educational communities.

The positive response from students at Alagappa College of Technology provides a strong foundation for continued collaboration and future mental wellness initiatives focused on awareness, prevention, support, and resilience.