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Psychological Counseling

Counseling Q&A

Psychological counseling is a professional helping service that primarily involves one-on-one sessions to assist clients in addressing issues related to relationships, family, interpersonal matters, academics, and emotions, while also enhancing self-awareness. Additionally, we offer group counseling, which typically involves 8-12 participants and usually takes place over 6-10 sessions, with a counselor leading the discussions. The Counseling Center also periodically organizes various growth groups, covering topics such as interpersonal relationships, gender identity, career exploration, stress management, emotional regulation, and self-exploration.

Each counseling session lasts for 50 minutes and is generally conducted once a week, although adjustments can be made for special circumstances. The number of sessions depends on the individual’s needs and counseling goals. Counseling takes place in the consultation rooms at the Psychological Counseling Center, which provides a safe and comfortable environment where clients can discuss their concerns with the counselor in confidence.

If you notice that your daily life is being affected and you are experiencing any of the following conditions, it may indicate that your difficulties have exceeded what you can handle on your own:
A. Psychological state: Feeling troubled, anxious, inexplicably down or overly excited, or lacking motivation in many areas.
B. Physical state: Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, excessive sleepiness, vivid dreams, or insufficient sleep), eating issues (overeating or loss of appetite), or other physical discomforts.
C. Life changes: Increased interpersonal isolation, heightened interpersonal conflicts, changes in academic performance or daily routines, etc.
If you recognize any of the above situations, psychological counseling may help you get back on track.

Both chatting and psychological counseling involve expressing one’s state through verbal communication, and the conversation may achieve a basic level of empathy. However, counseling and chatting differ. Counseling is a process of self-exploration and understanding, where issues are examined from different perspectives and discussed. The goal is to find solutions to problems, ultimately empowering individuals to make changes.

Psychiatrists primarily address mental health issues, such as insomnia, anxiety, prolonged low mood, delusions, hallucinations, and severe emotional distress, through medication. If a psychologist identifies a need, they may refer the client to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment, with the client’s consent. Psychologists, on the other hand, focus on general psychological issues, such as emotional stress, family problems, relationships, or career planning, providing psychological services. Counseling should be conducted when the client’s mental and emotional state is stable, and sometimes, counseling is most effective when combined with medication. The Counseling Center also offers consultations with psychiatrists, providing initial diagnosis, medication advice, and mental health education.

The Psychological Counseling Center offers three main categories of tests: personality/self-exploration, mental health/adaptation assessment, and career-related evaluations. Through the analysis and interpretation of test results by a counselor, followed by discussion, clients can gain a better understanding of their needs, current mental and physical state, and personality traits. This process helps clarify self-interests, values, emotions, and interpersonal patterns, providing valuable insights when facing changes and making decisions. Ultimately, it opens up new possibilities and directions in life.

In accordance with ethical regulations, the privacy of clients is protected, and the content of counseling sessions is kept confidential. Information will only be disclosed to necessary parties with the client’s consent. However, if the client poses a risk to their own or others’ safety, or if legal obligations require reporting, the counselor will notify relevant personnel to provide the necessary assistance, prioritizing the client’s protection.

The number of sessions needed varies from person to person, and it cannot be guaranteed that one session will resolve the issue. Problems that have persisted for a long time require time for expression and thorough exploration. By discussing the issue from different perspectives, the goal is to find a solution to the problem.

Come visit the Psychological Counseling Center in person! We are located on the second floor of the west side of the Student Activity Center. A counselor will conduct an initial consultation or assessment lasting 30-50 minutes to understand your needs. This helps us arrange a suitable counselor or provide relevant information for further assistance.

To better assist you in addressing your concerns, your counseling psychologist may sometimes refer you to another counseling psychologist or physician who may be more suited to your needs. However, this will only be done with your consent. If you feel the need to change counselors, you are also welcome to discuss this option.

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Initial Consultation Explanation

If you need a counseling session, you can apply for individual counseling at the center. However, before starting formal individual counseling, there is an initial consultation process.

The purpose of the initial consultation is to understand your current situation and identify the assistance you need. Basic information will be collected, and your concerns will be briefly discussed to ensure that subsequent individual counseling or other assistance can be arranged more efficiently and appropriately.

The following are the procedures and important notes for the initial consultation:

The initial consultation is by appointment only. You can make an appointment by calling 03-8906896 or visiting the center’s front desk. Provide your department and year, student ID number, name, phone number, and available dates and times for the initial consultation. The front desk staff will confirm your appointment, and once confirmed, you can come to the center at the scheduled time for your initial consultation.

< Reminder >

  1. If you arrive at the center without an appointment and request a consultation/initial consultation, it is likely that the time slot is already booked. In such cases, we will not be able to provide immediate counseling, and you will need to make an appointment with the front desk and return to the center later.
  2. The initial consultation will be conducted by the counseling psychologist on duty at that time, who may not necessarily be the counseling psychologist you will work with for ongoing individual counseling.
  3. The initial consultation lasts about 30 minutes, so please try to schedule a time when you have sufficient availability.
  4. English Initial Consultation Hours for This Semester:
    • Tuesday: 14:00-17:00
    • Wednesday: 09:00-12:00 / 14:00-17:00/18:00-21:00
    • Thursday:09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00
    • Friday: 09:00-12:00

Individual Counseling Explanation

Individual counseling involves a one-on-one conversation between the counseling psychologist and the client. In a safe and confidential space, the counseling psychologist listens to you with empathy, respect, and full attention to understand your situation. The counseling psychologist assists you in clarifying your feelings and thoughts, identifying blind spots, and gaining greater self-awareness. This process helps you utilize both internal and external resources, enabling you to face various life situations on your own.

If you are willing to pursue counseling, here are a few things to know:

  • Individual psychological counseling services at our center are provided free of charge to students of the university.
  • Counseling sessions are typically held once a week for 50 minutes each, with adjustments made if necessary.
  • Counseling takes place in the individual counseling rooms at the center.
  • If you are unable to attend a session, please inform the center at least 24 hours in advance, either by phone or other means (in person, email).

Appointment Process

Individual Counseling Flowchart

  • Step 1.

    Visit the Center / Phone Appointment

  • Step 2.

    Complete the Individual Counseling Application Form and Initial Consultation Consent Form. The initial consultant accepts the case and understands the main issues.

  • Step 3.

    Take a copy of the Initial Consultation Consent Form and wait for further contact.

  • Step 4.

    After the individual counseling is confirmed and arranged, we will notify you and tell you the relevant information (date/time, etc.)

  • Step 5.

    Come to the center according to the agreed individual counseling time

    (Notice: If you are unable to attend the counseling session, please call or write to ask for leave. Otherwise, if you do not attend for the second consecutive time, the service will be cancelled.)

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