Why the Stress Counseling Desk Was Established
Victims of cyber harassment often experience fear, confusion, and emotional distress when facing online threats, blackmail, or abuse. Many feel unable to confide in their families or social circles due to shame, pressure, or lack of understanding of digital issues. In several cases, victims become overwhelmed, isolated, and vulnerable to severe psychological impact.
To address this growing need, a Victim Support & Stress Counseling Desk was established to provide timely, confidential, and empathetic support to individuals affected by cybercrime. The desk ensures that victims receive guidance, reassurance, and emotional stability during difficult moments.
Purpose of the Stress Counseling Desk
The primary purpose of the desk is to:
- Offer psychological first aid to cybercrime victims
- Reduce emotional distress caused by online harassment
- Help victims understand their situation and possible actions
- Support individuals who struggle to speak openly with family or institutions
- Provide a safe and non-judgmental space to express fears and concerns
- Empower victims with coping strategies and stress-management tools
Why Counseling Desk Operates Online
The desk is offered primarily online to ensure easy, private, and nationwide access. Many victims—particularly women, students, and individuals from remote or conservative areas—cannot travel freely or may fear being seen seeking help.
Online counseling provides several advantages:
Accessibility
Victims from any region, including areas with limited psychological services, can reach out for support immediately.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Online communication allows victims to seek help discreetly from their homes, without fear of social judgment or exposure.
Comfort & Safety
Victims often feel more secure discussing sensitive issues from a familiar environment, enabling them to open up more comfortably.
Convenience
Support can be requested at a suitable time without travel, delays, or logistical barriers.
Affordability
Online support reduces financial burden by eliminating travel and traditional counseling expenses.
How the Desk Supports Victims
- Emotional support and empathetic listening
- Stress-management and grounding techniques
- Clarification of the victim’s situation
- Practical coping strategies
- Guidance on safe next steps
- Follow-up sessions when needed
Victims of cyber harassment often face intense emotional distress, fear, and isolation. Many feel unable to confide in those around them due to social stigma or a lack of understanding regarding digital threats. To address this critical need, CSOP established a dedicated Stress Counseling Desk to provide timely, confidential, and empathetic support to those affected by cybercrime.
Stress Counseling Training
Remember, you are not alone. We are here to support you.
Overview of the Counseling Team
The Stress Counseling Desk is operated by a dedicated team of female counselors with academic backgrounds in psychology and mental health. Each member of the team is committed to supporting victims of cyber harassment with confidentiality, empathy, and professionalism. Their training and expertise enable them to provide emotional assistance, psychological first aid, and practical coping strategies during moments of distress.
Our Stress Counselors
Kamran Iqbal
Chief Psychologist
(Ex. Chief Psychology, Pak Army)
Saba Nawaz Nadeem
Sidra Arshad
Laraib Ghaffar
Amber Jabeen
Iqra Akmal Malik
Shunail Munawar
Qualifications and Professional Background
The counseling team consists of individuals who hold:
- Degrees in Psychology / Clinical Psychology / Applied Psychology
- Experience in emotional support, crisis response, or mental health services
- Training in trauma-informed care and stress-management techniques
Roles & Responsibilities
The counselors perform the following key functions:
- Provide confidential emotional support to cyber harassment victims
- Conduct initial assessments to understand stress levels and risk factors
- Deliver psychological first aid and crisis intervention
- Offer stress-management and grounding techniques
- Guide victims on safe next steps and available support options
- Maintain professional boundaries and ethical practices
- Conduct follow-up sessions when needed for emotional stability
Commitment to Confidentiality
All counselors uphold strict privacy standards. Victims’ personal information, conversations, and emotional disclosures are kept completely confidential and are used only for support and follow-up with the victim’s consent. This commitment to confidentiality is essential for building trust and ensuring that victims can speak openly without fear of judgment or exposure.
Professional Ethics and Sensitivity
The counseling team follows ethical guidelines which include:
- Respect for the victim’s dignity
- Non-judgmental listening
- Cultural and social sensitivity
- Emotional safety and empowerment
- Providing support within their professional boundaries
- Referring to specialized services when needed
- These principles ensure that each interaction is respectful, supportive, and aligned with best practices in psychological care.
Support Approach
The team uses a compassionate, structured, and victim-centered approach that includes:
- Empathetic listening
- Clear communication
- Stress-relief techniques
- Short-term coping strategies
- Encouragement and emotional validation
- This approach helps victims regain a sense of control, clarity, and emotional balance during distressing situations.