At Manara Youth Center, psychosocial support (PSS) is at the heart of walking alongside youth in their daily challenges. This year, Nour, our counselor, has been on the frontline of the PSS Mobile Unit, supporting teens in schools and community spaces. Her work provides a window into the subtle but powerful ways God uses YFC Lebanon to make a difference.
Q: How did your journey lead you to counseling?
A: Counseling wasn’t my first path. I started studying Business at university and did well, but I realized it didn’t align with what I loved. Through volunteering and ministry, I discovered my passion for working with people and helping them navigate life challenges. That led me to study Psychology at Lebanese University, complete my BA, and Masters’ degree classes in Clinical Psychology, and now, I am pursuing my thesis work. I’m finally doing work that feels natural and meaningful to me.
Q: How did you start at YFC Lebanon?
A: I started as an intern in September 2024 before becoming a full-time counselor at MYC. When the PSS Mobile Unit launched, I joined the project as the assigned counselor. It was an opportunity to bring my skills directly to schools, creating meaningful spaces for teens to express themselves.
Q: What’s special about working with teens?
A: Communication. Teens can articulate what they feel and challenge you. They question you and express themselves deeply if given a safe space. They can be rebels (in the good sense) too, and I love that honesty. Working with them reminds me to stay empathetic, humble, and attentive.
Q: How do schools provide a unique context for your work?
A: Schools can sometimes feel impersonal or stressful for students. Through the PSS Mobile Unit, we create a non-school experience within the school space. We use classrooms, but we’re not teaching; we’re listening, reflecting, and providing care. This allows teens to feel more seen, cared for, and valued. It also helps us understand their behavior in a new context, which is essential in psychology.
Q: Has a particular moment stuck with you from the Mobile Unit sessions?
A: Yes. Around the eighth week of a nine-week session, a girl told me she wanted to start therapy, not because she was unwell, but because she overthinks. That small decision reminded me how vital it is to provide safe spaces. Even when struggles seem small, offering support can empower youth to take steps toward healing. Moments like that reinforce why we do this work.
Q: How do these interactions impact you personally?
A: Working with teens has made me humbler. It requires constant learning to stay connected with their evolving experiences. Every time a teen shares something personal such as family conflict, thoughts of suicide, or emotional struggles, it reminds me why I left business for counseling. Even if we can’t solve their problems, we provide someone who listens, cares, and walks alongside them.
Q: Where do you see God at work through your work?
A: In everything. God guides my words and decisions, especially in challenging moments like calling a parent about a teen’s suicidal thoughts, or referring them to specialized services. I know I couldn’t do this work without Him. His presence allows me to navigate difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and courage.
Q: What keeps you motivated every day?
A: It’s not one story. Each teen who stops to say hi, shares something heavy, or seeks guidance reminds me why I chose this path. Counseling is about walking with them through life, helping them feel cared for, and showing that someone is listening.
Through our work with the PSS Mobile Unit, we aim to walk with teens, listening deeply, so they feel understood and supported. We pray that every teen in Lebanon knows they are cared for, both by people and by God.