Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center

•  Counseling services are entirely voluntary. A student must be willing and committed to receiving support.
• If a psychologist or counselor determines they are unable to assist a client due to personal or professional limitations, they must refer them to a qualified expert. If the client refuses the referral, the counselor is not obligated to continue the counseling relationship.
• Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in counseling. All information remains private. Psychologists and counselors must follow ethical guidelines regarding the storage, disclosure, and disposal of records and client information.
• If a client presents a clear and immediate danger to themselves or others, the psychologist or counselor must take reasonable action to prevent harm or notify relevant parties. In such cases, consultation with other professionals may be necessary.
• All records related to counseling sessions (session notes, test data, correspondence, recordings, electronic data, and other documents) belong to the professional and are used solely for professional purposes. Client records cannot be disclosed without explicit permission.
• If counseling data is used for research or educational purposes, the client’s identity must remain confidential.
• Clients must be informed about the goals, techniques, rules, and limitations of the counseling process before or during their sessions.
• Psychologists and counselors may consult with other qualified professionals regarding their clients while maintaining confidentiality.
• Counselors must not engage in a professional relationship with individuals they have a supervisory, managerial, or evaluative role over. If no alternative is available and the client urgently requires support, exceptions may be considered with caution.

Center Operations

Students can apply to the center via email, phone, or in person. Upon initial application, students are required to fill out an application form and sign a consent form. Based on the student's academic schedule and the availability of the relevant specialist, an initial appointment is scheduled.

Sessions are limited to 45 minutes. However, if necessary, the specialist may extend the session. In cases that require specialized expertise, students will be referred to an appropriate professional. The responsibility of following up with the referral lies with the student, who may inform the specialist after attending the external appointment.

After the initial consultation, students may be referred to group therapy, individual counseling, or psychiatric consultation based on their needs.
The Psychological Counseling Center is staffed by experienced psychological counselors, psychologists, and clinical psychologists who specialize in working with university students.

Structure

The Işık University Psychological Counseling Center operates under the Health, Culture, and Sports Department. The center currently employs one full-time psychologist and two full-time clinical psychologists.

• To provide guidance and psychological counseling support to university students.
• To help students develop problem-solving skills for emotional, social, educational, and career-related challenges.
• To offer counseling services when needed for problem resolution.
• To identify and address potential challenges stemming from developmental, sociocultural, or other factors, implementing preventive measures when possible.
• To support students in overcoming difficulties and assist in problem resolution.

Areas of Activity

• Identifying challenges students face within the university.
• Implementing solutions to prevent recurrence of issues.
• Offering individual and group therapy for emotional challenges when needed.
• Planning and improving orientation programs to help new students adapt to university regulations, campus life, social events, and student clubs.
• Organizing activities that foster a sense of belonging.
• Conducting consultations and referrals to relevant institutions (e.g., hospitals, health centers) when necessary.
• Helping individuals improve self-awareness, develop skills, and build positive relationships with others.
• Providing career and job selection guidance when needed.

Individual Psychological Counseling Services

Individual counseling provides a safe and neutral environment where students can work on decision-making skills related to social, academic, and career issues, as well as find solutions to their problems.

• Sessions are held once a week, lasting 45 minutes each.
• Topics for individual counseling include:
         ◦ University adjustment
         ◦ Family relationships
         ◦ Friendship issues
         ◦ Personal problems
         ◦ Emotional relationships
         ◦ Anxiety problems
         ◦ Depression
         ◦ Academic success
         ◦ Career counseling
         ◦ Grief and loss
         ◦ Effective study techniques and time management
         ◦ Exam anxiety

Group Psychological Counseling

Group counseling sessions run on a semester basis, with varying durations for each group program. Students can apply for group sessions at the beginning of fall and spring semesters by contacting the center.

Available Group Programs:

• Social Interaction & Adaptation
• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution in Interpersonal Relationships
• Coping with Future Anxiety
• Self-Confidence Development

Follow the announcements section for updates on group sessions.

Guidance and Consultation Services

• Organizing activities to help new students adjust to university life and campus regulations.
• Identifying and reporting student issues, coordinating solutions with relevant university departments.
• Preparing informational brochures on various topics as part of preventive efforts and ensuring accessibility for students and staff.
• Maintaining communication with student clubs and the Student Council to address student needs.
• Collaborating with student clubs to organize seminars and events.