Resources

Give Yourself Time

Starting university means stepping into a new way of life that you will share with new people. Like every transition period in life, beginning university can bring about both excitement and anxiety.

Being away from familiar sources of support may increase your anxiety. It is helpful to keep in mind two key points when starting university:

1. Separating from familiar people, places, and situations.
2. Adjusting to new people, places, and situations.

Meeting new people, adapting to a new school system, and adjusting to new courses may seem challenging, and that is completely natural. Especially in the first months, you may experience intense emotions such as stress, anxiety, worry, or fear. However, this is a temporary phase. To ensure this period remains temporary, it is important to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that help you adapt to university life.

There are two things to remember:

• You are not the only one experiencing these emotions — many other students are also new to university life.
• Feeling anxious at first is a natural process and does not mean you are inadequate.

Tips for Adapting to University Life More Easily

• Give yourself time: The situations that seem stressful at first will soon become a routine part of your daily life.
• Acknowledge and accept your emotions: Leaving behind familiar places and routines to enter a new environment can initially feel overwhelming. The most important step in coping with your emotions and adjusting to university life is being aware of the sources of your difficulties.
• Avoid making impulsive decisions: Try not to make sudden choices like dropping out of school or returning home. Instead, take your time to think things through, and if possible, seek advice from professionals before making major decisions.
• Engage in social activities: Joining student clubs and participating in activities that interest you is an essential part of student life. Meeting experienced students and exchanging information with them will have a positive impact on your university experience and interpersonal communication skills.
• Take care of your physical health: Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy sleep routine. If you feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek professional support. Remember that physical health affects mental well-being.
• Think about your academic goals: Setting achievable goals and pursuing your interests and skills will help you progress further.

Avoid Harmful Habits That May Negatively Affect Your Life

When dealing with difficult situations, remind yourself that smoking, alcohol, or substance use will not provide positive solutions. Additionally, internet or gaming addiction is another way some people try to cope with challenges. Be mindful of whether these activities interfere with your daily responsibilities and obligations.

Pursue Your Academic and Career Goals
Attending your classes regularly and being aware of your responsibilities will make it easier to manage your academic tasks at university. Setting career goals is one of the most valuable steps toward achieving success.

Other Important Points:

• Give yourself time.
• Maintain a balance between studying and leisure activities.
• Avoid skipping classes.
• Get your university email address and check it regularly. Keep up with announcements on the university website.
• Establish daily routines and find hobbies that motivate you.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your professors questions about your courses.
• If you are struggling with these issues or any other concerns and need support, you can visit the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center.

All services at the Psychological Counseling Center are conducted in accordance with ethical principles and confidentiality policies. The center provides support in handling psychological challenges, setting realistic goals, and achieving them. In individual counseling sessions, you can discuss personal concerns in a safe environment and work toward goals set together with your counselor. In group sessions, you can explore your inner world, relationships with others, and ways to better understand and improve your life.

When Should You Seek Support?

Students can visit the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center if they seek support for:

• Understanding themselves and their surroundings better
• Coping with feelings of loneliness or shyness
• Developing effective interpersonal communication skills
• Boosting self-confidence and assertiveness
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Finding direction in their professional field
• Overcoming lack of motivation and decision-making difficulties
• Dealing with grief and loss
• Addressing sleep disorders
• Handling depression, thoughts of self-harm, or harm toward others
• Managing issues related to eating habits, alcohol, or substance use
• Coping with adaptation difficulties

In short, any student facing personal challenges that interfere with their academic progress can seek support from the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center.

What is Shopping Addiction?

Shopping addiction is classified as an impulse control disorder in which an individual (regardless of gender) feels an uncontrollable urge to shop and experiences withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and problems with anger management) when unable to obtain the desired item.
According to the literature on shopping addiction, Impulse Control Disorder is the inability of a person to regulate impulses, desires, and gratification-related behaviors in a way that is beneficial to themselves or those around them. The individual experiences an intense urge or pleasure while engaging in the problematic behavior, making it difficult to control. Uncontrolled impulsive actions often result in harm to both the individual and their surroundings.

Symptoms of Shopping Addiction

• If you find yourself shopping as a way to cope with both positive and negative emotions or situations,
• If you are unable to stop your urge and desire to shop,
• If you experience an intense attraction and excitement while browsing products in stores or online,
• If you feel a temporary sense of relief and happiness after shopping but then experience deep regret,
• If you focus on the act of purchasing rather than the cost of an item—whether expensive or cheap—just for the sake of acquiring it,
• If you store away purchased items without using them or forget about them due to owning too many,
• If you feel the need to provide incomplete or misleading information to your family, friends, or social circle about your shopping expenses,
• If you constantly fantasize about what you could buy if you had a higher budget or credit limit,
• If you experience financial difficulties due to your shopping habits but still cannot stop,
• If your shopping habits negatively impact your relationships with family and friends,

If you identify with multiple of these symptoms, your quality of life may be affected, and shopping addiction may be a concern.

Possible Causes of Shopping Addiction

• Inability to cope with both negative (sadness, loneliness, anxiety) and positive (excitement, happiness) emotion
• The need to suppress or fill an emotional void
• Seeking excitement and pleasure
• The need for approval and acceptance
• Perfectionism
• The belief that owning material things increases life satisfaction and success
• The rise of online banking and e-commerce platforms
• The increased use of credit cards and the belief that installment payment options make purchases more appealing
• Difficulty in controlling impulses, desires, and urges
• Low self-esteem
• Depressive mood

Factors That Make Recovery from Shopping Addiction Difficult

• The belief that every purchased item is necessary and useful (e.g., “I might need this one day”)
• Refusal to acknowledge or take shopping addiction seriously
• The belief that excessive shopping does not negatively impact daily life
• The belief that every discount must be taken advantage of
• Inability to create a structured spending plan based on prioritized needs
• The false belief that emotional needs can be fulfilled through shopping

Tips for Managing Shopping Addiction

• Acknowledge your shopping addiction and avoid denial.
• Create a hierarchical needs list and stick to it while shopping.
• Review your credit card usage and avoid spending beyond your prioritized needs.
• When struggling to cope with emotions or situations, engage in alternative social activities instead of shopping.

How Can Psychotherapy Help?

Through psychotherapy, individuals can:

• Understand the nature of their addiction
• Recognize emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with shopping addiction
• Reorganize their life based on a structured spending plan
• Develop strategies to manage risk factors that hinder recovery
• Identify the underlying emotional needs that drive their shopping urges

The university selection process is the final stage of a long exam marathon. This period can hold different meanings for different prospective students. Just as each student has unique abilities, their expectations for the future and their dreams also vary. Viewing this process as the most crucial step shaping the future—or as an irreversible and life-altering decision—can lead to stress and anxiety. However, it is important to remember that career journeys are always open to change and development.

Choosing a university is only the first step in your career and professional journey; it is not the entire journey. Making the right university choice is significant for future planning, but it is equally important to acknowledge that change is always possible. Every decision involves an element of uncertainty, but by focusing on the positive and known aspects of your choices, identifying career paths that suit you, and researching university rankings and program quotas, you can reduce stress and anxiety during this process.

The biggest challenge during the university selection period is the effort to make the “right choice.” The right choice is one in which the prospective student:

• Is aware of their interests, talents, and future expectations,
• Has sufficient knowledge about the profession(s) they want to pursue,
• Researches and selects universities that offer the best opportunities for professional development.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right University and Program

1. The right choice begins with knowing yourself.
   A correct decision starts with self-awareness, understanding your interests and abilities and envisioning where and how you see yourself in the future.
2. The right criteria are unique to each student.
   Every student is unique. Their personality traits, curiosity about the world, and expectations for the future differ. Therefore, the ideal university, program, and ranking order vary for each individual.
3. Choose programs where you can maximize your potential.
   Everyone has an innate potential, and realizing this potential can boost self-confidence. Choosing programs that align with your interests is an important step toward unlocking your abilities.
4. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to choose this profession?"
   Prospective students should thoroughly research both the advantages and challenges of their chosen career path. It is crucial to explore job opportunities, working conditions, and career prospects. Consulting professionals in the field and reviewing university program introductions can provide valuable insights.
5. Define your expectations from university life.
   Choosing the right university is just as important as choosing the right program. Consider both academic and social opportunities offered by universities. Make sure the institutions you are researching align with your expectations and aspirations. Attending university open days and engaging with university representatives can help you make informed choices.
6. Be certain about every choice on your preference list.
   When ranking universities and programs on your preference list, consider not only admission rankings but also your personal interests and priorities. While it is important to have realistic goals, you should also ensure that each option on your list aligns with your wants and expectations.
7. Maintain open communication with your family.
   Effective communication with your family is essential. Listening and empathizing are two key factors in building healthy discussions. During the selection period, students should clearly express their thoughts, feelings, and future expectations to their families. A strong family dialogue can reduce stress and provide new perspectives through their suggestions and experiences.
8. Seek guidance from professionals.
   Listening to too many opinions from various sources can be overwhelming and confusing. It is essential to obtain accurate information from reliable sources. Consulting career counselors, university representatives, and professionals in your field of interest will provide the most precise, comprehensive, and professional insights.

Final Thought
Ultimately, the right choice starts with knowing yourself. The career path that aligns best with your strengths, interests, and aspirations will be your best choice.

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is most commonly defined as "a state of intense fear or distress that peaks within minutes, occurring in response to specific situations, over a period of time, or unexpectedly in a repetitive manner."
Additionally, panic attacks can occur within the context of anxiety disorders, but they may also be associated with other mental health conditions (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders) and certain medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, vestibular disorders, gastrointestinal issues).

Other definitions of panic attacks include:

• An illusion of perception: Panic attacks often involve misinterpreting physiological symptoms such as heart palpitations, numbness in the hands, or dizziness. These sensations may lead the individual to believe they are experiencing a heart attack, a brain hemorrhage, or losing their mind.
• An alarm system: During and after a panic attack, individuals often strongly believe thoughts such as, "You are not okay, nothing is going right, something is wrong, you are in danger" (emotionally, physically, or cognitively). This functions as a "fight or flight" response, where the body prepares to either confront or escape from perceived danger.
• An emotional build-up: Panic attacks may be a release point for suppressed emotions stemming from past trauma, distressing events, or unresolved issues. Triggers from the individual’s current environment or past experiences can bring these emotions to the surface.

Possible Causes of Panic Attacks

• Exposure to excessive stress and inability to cope
• Difficulty managing exams and job interviews
• Symptoms of anxiety (worry, tension, uneasiness)
• Challenging life circumstances
• Depressive symptoms (fatigue, lack of motivation, negative thoughts)
• Accidents or natural disasters
• Loss and grief
• Unemployment
• Increased workload and difficulty managing responsibilities
• Negative life events
• Sleep and eating disorders

Symptoms of a Panic Attack

• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
• Chest pain or tightness
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
• Fear of dying

How Long Does a Panic Attack Last?

There is often a discrepancy between perceived and actual time during a panic attack. People experiencing panic attacks often feel as though time is moving very slowly. Physiologically, a panic attack lasts up to 30 minutes, but due to misbeliefs (e.g., "This will never end, how many hours has it been, I will suffer from this forever"), the perceived duration may feel much longer, prolonging distress.

What to Do If Someone is Having a Panic Attack?

If someone around you is having a panic attack, they may be overwhelmed by intense anxiety and unable to think clearly at that moment.

How You Can Help:

•    Speak in short and simple sentences using direct and firm language:
         ◦ "Sit here" (Encourage them to sit somewhere calm, preferably in an open space.)
         ◦ "You are safe" (Reassure them that they are not alone and that support is available.)
         ◦ "We can call for medical assistance, but give yourself some time."
• Guide them to focus on a simple physical movement, such as raising and lowering their arms repeatedly.
• Encourage breathing exercises: "Let’s try breathing together. Follow my breath - inhale and exhale with me."
• Stay with them and maintain your own calmness to help them feel safe.

How to Cope with Panic Attacks?

If you frequently experience panic attacks, the first step is to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions related to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, trembling, increased heart rate, or breathing difficulties.
Once physiological causes are ruled out, beginning a psychotherapy process can help by:

• Understanding the physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms of panic attacks
• Addressing misinterpretations of symptoms and correcting distorted perceptions
• Identifying triggers that maintain the cycle of panic attacks
• Exploring underlying causes of panic attacks and developing healthy coping mechanisms
   

Dear Academicians,

Under the Psychological Counseling Center within the Office of Student Affairs, our Guidance and Counseling Services and Individual Counseling Services aim to identify, understand, and address problems, determine possible solutions, and develop strategies for relevant issues.

In line with these goals, we are sharing this document prepared by our Psychological Counseling Center to help academic advisors better understand students' primary guidance needs and take a more solution-oriented approach.

As you know, students often turn to their academic advisors as their first source of knowledge, experience, and support in their search for answers and solutions to their concerns. Therefore, the problem-solving approach and communication that academic advisors establish with students within their roles and responsibilities are of great importance for both students and advisors.

Below, we provide information that we believe will contribute to academic advisors' efforts to guide and support students.

Determining Whether a Student’s Concern Falls Within an Academic Advisor’s Responsibilities

• The academic advisor should first assess whether the student’s question or issue falls within their scope of responsibilities.
• If the question or issue is within the academic advisor’s responsibilities, the student should be asked to explain the matter in detail to ensure a clear understanding of the situation.
• The issue should be addressed comprehensively, with an empathetic and solution-oriented approach aimed at resolving the problem.
• The student should be encouraged to provide feedback during or after the process to help monitor and improve internal procedures.
• While not mandatory, it is advisable to provide solutions in written form to prevent misunderstandings, facilitate quick resolution, and help the student better grasp the response. Additionally, how students contact faculty members—whether via email, office calls, or face-to-face meetings—is at the discretion of the academic advisor based on their preferred conditions and availability.
• If the student’s concern is not within the academic advisor’s scope of responsibilities, they should be referred to the appropriate office or department, such as:
• Office of Student Affairs
• Financial Affairs Office
• Psychological Counseling Center
• Career and Alumni Office
• Internship Coordination Office

Referral to the Psychological Counseling Center (PDM) and Medical Unit
If an academic advisor observes that a student is experiencing motivational difficulties, challenges in adapting to university life, communication problems, time management struggles, or psychological issues (such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, or self-harm behaviors), the student should be referred to the Psychological Counseling Center (PDM) or the university medical unit.

Best regards,
Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center

Whether you have lived with your family until now or have experienced dormitory life before, moving in with a new roommate can be a bit stressful. However, keep in mind that this will be a valuable experience that will add different perspectives to your life. This guide has been prepared to help make this transition easier for you.
Your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend, but as people sharing the same space, mutual respect for each other’s rights is essential. Building a good relationship takes effort and time. One of the most important potential challenges is conflict with your roommate. One of the common causes of interpersonal conflicts is the mistaken belief that your roommate should think and behave the same way you do. Remind yourself that people have different personalities. Your roommate may have different values, come from a different culture, and may not always see things the same way you do.

How to Get to Know Your Roommate

Paying attention to a few key points can help initiate and maintain communication with your roommate.

Getting to Know Each Other

Starting with general topics is usually the best approach. Jumping into personal topics too quickly may feel uncomfortable. You can begin with simple questions like:

• What’s your name?
• Where are you from?
• What is your hometown like?
• What major are you studying?
• What’s your favorite movie?
• What’s your favorite book?
• When is your birthday?
• What kind of music do you like?
• What did you do over the summer?
• How does it feel to be here?
• Who are the members of your family?

Sharing Expectations About Dorm Life

After getting to know each other, discussing expectations about living together and even setting some ground rules can improve communication. You don’t have to establish rules on the first day, but it is beneficial to do so within the first few days. Finding common ground with a new person may be challenging, but it’s an important step to avoid potential issues. Remember, the rules you set can be adjusted later based on mutual agreement.

Some important topics to discuss include:

• Cleanliness and organization
• Shared spaces and belongings
• Study habits
• Sleeping schedules
• Visitors
• Daily routines and personal habits

It’s impossible to have identical personalities and preferences as your roommate. When discussing rules, communicate your expectations without being harsh, demanding, or authoritarian. Your goal is to create a mutually respectful living space. Establishing clear, written agreements may prevent future misunderstandings. Even with well-set rules, problems can still arise over time.

So, what should you do if you experience a conflict with your roommate?

How to Handle Issues with Your Roommate

1. Talk to Your Roommate Directly
   The best way to resolve issues is to talk to your roommate about them. Avoid discussing problems with others before talking to your roommate, as this can make the situation worse. Instead, choose a good time and place to have a discussion.
2. Address Issues Without Delay
   If something bothers you, express it immediately—whether it’s positive or negative. Suppressing emotions or ignoring issues won’t make them disappear. Unresolved negative emotions can continue to affect you without you even realizing it.
3. Focus on Specific Behaviors, Not Personality Traits
   Your roommate may have many positive qualities, even if one of their behaviors bothers you. Address the specific behavior instead of criticizing their personality.

Instead of:
✗ "You’re always like this!"
Say:
✓ "I didn’t like that you used my computer without asking."
 

4. Use "I" Statements Instead of "You" Statements
   Avoid accusatory, critical, or harsh language. Instead, express how their actions affect you personally.

Instead of:
✗ "You never wash the dishes after eating!"
Say:
✓ "I feel uncomfortable when the dishes aren’t washed after a meal."

5. Listen to Your Roommate’s Perspective
   You may have misunderstood or misinterpreted the situation. Regardless of the issue, give your roommate a chance to express their side of the story and listen without being defensive or judgmental.
6. Stay Calm and Keep Your Composure
   If you start to feel angry, avoid saying hurtful words or engaging in destructive behaviors. Instead, take a moment to regain control of your emotions. Once you’ve calmed down, addressing the issue will be easier and more effective.
7. Seek Help if Needed
   If you feel unable to resolve the issue directly with your roommate, seek help from a neutral third party. Dorm supervisors or staff members are available to help mediate and find solutions to dormitory-related problems.
    

What is a Substance?

A substance is any chemical that negatively affects bodily functions. This includes alcohol, nicotine (cigarettes), caffeine, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, synthetic drugs (e.g., bonzai), ketamine, mescaline, amphetamines, and methamphetamines.

Possible Causes of Substance Use

There can be multiple reasons for substance use. Some individuals may start out of curiosity, the desire for fun, peer influence, or the need to feel a sense of belonging. Additionally, people may turn to substances in an attempt to escape emotional pain or difficult situations in the short term. Psychological traits, genetic predisposition, family structure, and cultural influences also play significant roles in the initiation and continuation of substance use.

Effects of Substance Use

• Although substance use may initially seem like a solution to escape negative emotions or situations, it actually increases anxiety, loneliness, and social withdrawal.
• The temporary feeling of happiness, relaxation, or euphoria quickly fades, leaving behind intense sadness, anxiety, and depression.
• Substance use can rapidly escalate into a psychological and social problem. It can trigger depression, anxiety disorders, sexual dysfunctions, sleep problems, eating disorders, and psychotic symptoms (loss of reality perception).
• It can cause cognitive impairments, including IQ decline, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating.
• Physiological effects include breathing difficulties, lung disease, throat cancer, heart attacks, and coma.
• Impaired reflexes and judgment increase the likelihood of accidents (e.g., traffic accidents, physical fights).
• In many countries, drug use, possession, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are subject to legal penalties.
• Substance use does not solve problems; it only delays facing them.

Am I Addicted?

If you recognize several of the following signs, you may be struggling with substance addiction:

• Feeling an intense need to obtain and use substances
• Increasing dosage and frequency over time
• Developing heightened sensitivity to the effects of the substance
• Feeling like the substance has become an essential part of life
• Using substances regularly, to the point of disrupting daily life (school, work, home, etc.)
• Engaging in substance use in dangerous situations (e.g., driving under the influence, risky behavior), despite knowing the risks
• Believing that life cannot continue without substance use
• Continuing substance use despite damaging relationships with family and friends
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as tremors, sleep problems, eating disorders, concentration issues, anger outbursts, or hallucinations) when attempting to quit or reduce use

Common Misconceptions About Substance Use

❌ "People with strong willpower don’t get addicted."
✅ Anyone can become addicted to substances. Addiction has nothing to do with willpower.

❌ "Occasional substance use is harmless."
✅ Even occasional use can cause harm to the body and lead to addiction.

❌ "Substance use does not affect others."
✅ Addiction impacts family, friends, and society. Addicted individuals may lose productivity, neglect responsibilities, and engage in illegal activities to obtain substances.

❌ "Marijuana is harmless and non-addictive."
✅ Marijuana use can cause severe psychological withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and eating disorders and may lead to strong psychological dependence.

❌ "Trying a drug just once won’t hurt."
✅ One-time use can lead to repeated use. After the first experience, individuals may feel less fear about using it again, increasing the risk of addiction.

❌ "Drugs improve social life."
✅ Substance use does not improve social relationships. Instead, it often leads to unstable, irrational, and disconnected interactions.

How Can I Protect Myself from Addiction?

• The best way to prevent addiction is to never start using substances.
• Say "NO" to peer pressure and the temptation to experiment. Practicing refusal strengthens self-control. Those who cannot say "no" to the first offer are more likely to continue using it.
• Avoid social environments where substance use is common.
• Recognize and address your emotions instead of numbing them with substances. Healthier coping strategies include facing emotions, talking to friends, or seeking professional help.
• Make a pros and cons list of substance use. This can help you clearly see the negative consequences and make informed decisions.

If this information is not enough and you need further guidance or support, reach out to your university’s psychological counseling services or a mental health professional for help.

Technology addiction is a condition in which a person feels a strong need to access a specific technological device or platform and experiences withdrawal symptoms when unable to do so.

Symptoms of Technology Addiction

• Spending hours online or using technology
• Losing track of time while using the internet or technology
• Staying up late due to excessive internet/technology use
• Giving false or misleading information about the amount of time spent online to family or friends
• Preferring online interactions over face-to-face communication
• Neglecting responsibilities and tasks to spend more time online
• Becoming irritable and impatient when interrupted while using the internet
• Knowing that excessive time spent online is harmful and feeling guilty, yet still experiencing pleasure from it
• Feeling anxious, empty, or restless when unable to use technology
• Being unable to successfully reduce internet/technology usage despite wanting to

Types of Internet Addiction

1. Online Relationships & Socializing
   Spending time on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and dating websites has become a normal part of daily life. However, experiencing intense urges, curiosity, irritability, or restlessness when unable to access these platforms may indicate addiction.
2. Online Compulsions
   Excessive time spent on shopping, gambling, or betting websites can lead to financial, personal, and social problems.
3. Online Gaming Addiction
   Symptoms include:

• Losing track of time while gaming
• Withdrawing from social life and becoming isolated
• Developing irregular eating and sleeping patterns
• Seeking success in the virtual world that cannot be achieved in real life

Problems Caused by Internet/Technology Addiction

•   Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (numbness, pain, and loss of sensation in the wrist)
• Eye problems (dryness, burning, excessive watering)
• Migraines and dizziness
• Back, neck, and lower back pain
• Eating disorders
• Poor hygiene and lack of self-care
• Sleep disorders and irregular sleep patterns
• Decline in academic performance
• Increased social isolation and withdrawal
• Failure in time management
• Loss of interest in other activities
• Difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention
• Detachment from reality (living in an abstract/digital world)
• Personal, family, and academic/work-related issues

Tips for Overcoming Internet Addiction

• Acknowledge the problem instead of denying it.
• If the first thing you do in your free time is go online, change your routine. Start your day differently at least once a week and motivate yourself to use your time more effectively.
• Engage in other activities such as sports, music, or art to enrich your daily life.
• Gradually replace time spent on the internet with physical or social activities like sports, music, or club events.
• Remind yourself that you are not missing out on anything important by staying away from the internet. Instead, excessive screen time makes you miss out on real-life experiences.
   
• Reflect on why the internet is so important to you. If you use it as a way to cope with challenges, explore alternative coping strategies such as socializing, journaling, or seeking professional help.

If the above suggestions are not sufficient, you may seek further information or support from your university’s psychological counseling services or a mental health professional.

What Services Does the Psychological Counseling Center Provide?
Individual Counseling Services:

All services provided at the Psychological Counseling Center are conducted in accordance with the principles of confidentiality and ethical values.

During individual counseling sessions, you can discuss personal concerns in a safe environment and work toward goals set with your counselor. In group sessions, you can explore your inner world, relationships with others, and ways to improve your approach to life.

The Individual Counseling Services offer support in the following areas:

• Understanding oneself and one’s surroundings
• Coping with feelings of loneliness and shyness
• Developing effective interpersonal communication skills
• Boosting self-confidence and assertiveness
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Exploring career paths and academic direction
• Overcoming lack of motivation and difficulties in decision-making
• Dealing with grief and loss
• Addressing sleep disorders
• Handling depression and thoughts of self-harm or harming others
• Managing eating, alcohol, or substance-related problems
• Overcoming adaptation difficulties

Guidance and Counseling Services:

The Guidance and Counseling Services provide assistance in the following areas:

• Informing students and their families about the center’s purpose and procedures through meetings and observations
• Identifying and addressing problems caused by developmental, social, or cultural factors by developing solutions in collaboration with clinical and specialist psychologists
• Providing psychological counseling to help students develop healthy social relationships, productive study habits, and solutions to academic challenges
• Conducting preventive counseling efforts to help students navigate emotional, social, academic, and career-related difficulties independently
• Conducting research to assess students’ needs
• Referring students to appropriate departments or professionals when necessary
• Offering psychological support and psycho-educational programs

In short, students facing challenges that interfere with their education and personal well-being can seek support from the Psychological Counseling Center.

How to Get the Most Out of the Psychological Counseling Process

To maximize the benefits of psychological counseling:

• Build an open, honest, and sincere relationship with your psychologist or counselor.
• Attend your sessions regularly and be consistent in participation.
• Reflect on what was discussed in the sessions, observe your thoughts and behaviors, and take note of personal challenges.
• Prepare for each session by thinking about your concerns and topics you wish to discuss.
• Complete any recommended assignments and share any difficulties or progress with your counselor.

These factors contribute to a productive and effective counseling experience.

Important Information About PDM Procedures

•  You can apply to the Psychological Counseling Center via email, phone, or in person.
• During the initial application, you will fill out an Application Form and sign an Informed Consent Form, which outlines confidentiality policies and the center’s procedures.
• A first assessment session will be scheduled based on the availability of both the applicant and the assigned professional.
• Sessions last 45 minutes.
• If necessary, the counselor may refer the applicant to an external psychologist or psychiatrist for additional support.
• The responsibility of following up with an external specialist, clinic, or hospital lies with the individual.
• Information shared during sessions remains confidential unless:
         ◦ The individual is at risk of harming themselves or others.
         ◦ There is a legal, ethical, or professional obligation to report the issue to relevant authorities.
         ◦ In such cases, necessary information will be shared with designated professionals and institutions without delay.

Confidentiality Policy

The professionals at Işık University’s Psychological Counseling Center uphold strict confidentiality and ethical principles in their work.

   • All discussions, psychological tests, and personal information are confidential and are not included in academic records.
   • Information will not be shared with third parties without the individual’s consent.

How Can I Apply to the Psychological Counseling Center?

You can visit the center at the Social Center between 08:30 AM – 5:00 PM on weekdays or contact the center via phone or email.

Phone:
444 0799 – 7306 - 7307

Email: 
pdm@isikun.edu.tr 

gozde.ceylan@isikun.edu.tr 

irem.yola@isikun.edu.tr 

You can visit the Clinical Practice and Psychological Counseling Center on the ground floor (Z01A) of the Faculty of Fine Arts between 08:30 AM – 5:00 PM on weekdays, or contact the center via phone or email.

Phone:
444 0799 – 6300