What is Psychological Counseling?

Why do students seek support from the Psychological Counseling Center?

• Adapting to university life
• Challenges with motivation, decision-making, and studying
• Relationship problems (family, romantic relationships, roommates, etc.)
• Exam anxiety
• Loneliness and shyness
• Career indecision, uncertainty about the future
• Depression, suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety, stress
• Difficulties in interpersonal relationships and a desire to improve communication skills
• Issues related to eating habits, alcohol, or drug use
• Coping with the loss of a loved one
   

Psychological counseling is a professional support process that helps individuals set goals, make decisions, resolve problems, and adapt to personal, social, professional, and academic challenges. This process respects personal rights, prioritizes confidentiality, and ensures impartiality.

A psychologist or counselor provides a neutral perspective, listening without judgment and ensuring that everything discussed remains confidential.
Some individuals seek psychological counseling because they need a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they can talk freely. The counseling process is different from talking to a friend—it offers structured guidance tailored to personal growth.

Those who seek psychological counseling recognize that they are responsible for their lives and are taking a courageous first step toward addressing their challenges.
Change is not always easy; it requires time and effort. A psychologist or counselor does not have a "magic wand" to solve problems instantly.

Psychological counseling is not about receiving advice. Only you know the details of your life, your struggles, and what works best for you. Only you can decide on and implement the most suitable solutions. Your psychologist or counselor is there to guide and support you through this process.

Seeking psychological counseling does not mean that a person is "crazy." It simply means that they want to learn different ways to cope with the difficulties they encounter in life and receive professional support along the way.

During psychological counseling, individuals find a safe space where they can express their emotions, thoughts, dreams, and concerns. Sometimes, simply verbalizing these thoughts and sharing them with someone can be the first step toward finding a solution.

The duration and process of psychological counseling vary from person to person. You can discuss this with your psychologist or counselor.

How to Make the Most of Psychological Counseling?

To benefit fully from psychological counseling:

• Establish an open, sincere, and honest relationship with your psychologist/counselor.
• Attend your sessions regularly.
• Reflect on and follow up on what was discussed in sessions, observing your thoughts and behaviors (sometimes, this alone can drive change).
• Prepare for your sessions by thinking about your concerns and the topics you want to discuss.
• Complete any tasks or exercises given at the end of sessions and share your progress or difficulties with your psychologist/counselor.

We all face challenges in life that can make us feel stressed, anxious, or even depressed. However, if the situations listed below do not reflect your usual state and have been persisting for a while, especially if you experience multiple symptoms, they may indicate an issue that requires professional support.

Significant Changes in Academic Performance or Behavior

• Declining academic performance, difficulty focusing in class
• Skipping classes, frequently arriving late, lack of motivation to study or participate
• Attention or memory difficulties
• Aggressive behavior
• Struggling to prepare for exams, experiencing high levels of test anxiety
• Scoring poorly on exams despite studying
• Procrastinating on studying and assignments

Noticeable Changes in Appearance and Behavior

•  Persistent low mood or lethargy, trouble sleeping or waking up
• Hyperactivity or talking excessively fast
• Constantly red or irritated eyes
• Changes in personal hygiene and self-care
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Using illegal substances or taking unprescribed medication

Talking About Suicide, Self-Harm, or Death

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Withdrawal from friends or family

The specialists at Işık University Psychological Counseling Center protect the privacy of all individuals they work with. Any information shared during sessions remains confidential. However, if a person poses a clear danger to themselves or others (e.g., suicide risk, abuse cases), necessary measures may be taken, and relevant information may be shared with appropriate parties—but only with the individual's knowledge. Confidentiality is only waived in such exceptional circumstances.

Psychological counseling is a process of growth and learning—about yourself, your emotions, and your relationships. At any point in life, a problem that you previously managed to cope with may start to feel overwhelming.

As with any developmental process, psychological counseling requires active participation. Attending sessions consistently and maintaining an open and honest relationship with your psychologist/counselor will help you benefit from this experience.

Your psychologist or counselor will listen to you, assess your situation, and work with you to set personalized goals within a confidential and professional framework.
During the first one or two sessions, information about your concerns, emotions, behaviors, goals, developmental stage, and background will be gathered. This information will then be evaluated holistically and shared with you to create a structured plan for your counseling process.

Seeking psychological counseling is a personal choice. You can contact us at any time, and we will work together to find the best solutions for you. If necessary, we can also refer you to other relevant services or resources. All services provided are free of charge.

Some students may feel hesitant or even afraid of being stigmatized if they seek psychological counseling. It is important to remind them that counseling covers a wide range of concerns—including relationship issues, study techniques, stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.

Here are some ways you can support a friend who may need counseling:

• Let them know that their problems don’t have to be extreme or “serious” for them to seek help.
• Some students may be skeptical or reluctant about psychological counseling. Discuss its benefits, but do not pressure them—leave the door open and give them time to think about it.
• They may prefer external help rather than on-campus counseling. If so, the Psychological Counseling Center can refer them to trusted professionals outside the university.
• Remind them that therapy is a personal choice, and they have the right to accept or decline it.
• If necessary, reassure them that Işık University’s Psychological Counseling Center services are free and confidential.
• Be honest about your own limits. Make sure you are able and willing to support them without neglecting your own well-being.
• If they feel overwhelmed, offer to help them schedule an appointment. You can call the counseling center together.
• If your friend is in distress, accompany them to the Psychological Counseling Center.

If you are unsure of what to do, please call us for guidance.