BRIDGING ACCESS AND EMOTION: THE COUNSELLOR ATTACK INTEGRATED EMOTION OUTREACH MODEL TO ENHANCE HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AT LAHAD DATU VOCATIONAL COLLAGE, SABAH, MALAYSIA

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of the Counsellor Attack programme in improving students help-seeking behaviour at Lahad Datu Vocational College, Sabah, Malaysia. The programme was introduced to address the low number of students visiting the Psychology and Career Unit. Instead of waiting for students to come to the counselling room, counsellors actively visited classrooms and workshops to engage students directly in their own learning environment. To further strengthen the programme, emotional literacy elements were integrated through SoulTalk activities, which help students identify and express their emotions in a simple and supportive way. This approach aimed to reduce stigma toward counselling services and make students feel more comfortable seeking help. The study used an action research design involving 45 selected students. Data were collected through visitation records and pre- and post- intervention questionnaires. The findings show a 52.9% increase in student visits after the programme was implemented. Students also reported feeling more aware of their emotions, more comfortable speaking with counsellors, and more willing to seek support when needed. Overall, the Counsellor Attack Integrated Outreach Model demonstrates that combining proactive engagement with emotional support can effectively encourage help-seeking behaviour among vocational students. The model may serve as a practical approach for reducing counselling stigma and promoting emotional well-being in educational institutions.