In an overly competitive society, there is an increasing number of cases in which people think their lives are unhappy, or experience negative psychological symptoms. It is no wonder that a considerable number of people in this modern society are suffering from mental illness. This is why psychological counseling is becoming more important. So, I would like to introduce the 'Student Life Counseling Center' at DU.

<Interviewer> L.L.F reporter, Hyeon-Bin Song

<Interviewee> Su-Jung Lee, a researcher and counselor in the ‘Student Life Counseling Center’

Q1. What counseling does the ‘Student Life Counseling Center’ provide to students?

A1. The ‘Student Life Counseling Center’ is a professional counseling center that helps students solve their hardships in university and adapt to campus life. Our center provides several counseling services such as personal and group counseling, psychology testing and mentoring programs to help students improve their self-awareness and problem-solving skills. We also offer various customized programs that are useful to certain students, such as academic probation students, disabled students, and international students.

Q2. How does the counseling process work?

A2. Our center currently offers counseling in two ways: face-to-face and online. In the case of face-to-face counseling, you should visit the center to fill out the application and have a reception interview. After that, you will have one-on-one personal counseling with a counselor. However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 face-to-face counseling is currently available only for students facing a serious psychological crisis. Thus, most of the counseling is currently online. We offer online counseling through various media such as ZOOM, email, and chat applications.

Q3. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

A3. Personally, I feel very happy when students who have consulted with me tell me that they are now doing well after the conclusion of counseling or that they think of me when something good happens. Even if they don't contact me at all, I get to find the true value of my job when I see them safely graduate from university and get along well in society.

Q4. What would you like to say to DU students?

A4. Worry, depression, anxiety, and all psychological difficulties can happen to anyone. Are you putting up with all the hardship alone? If you find it difficult to share your concerns with people around you and think that you need someone's help, please share them here at the ‘Student Life Counseling Center’. We are always with you, and we are always ready to talk to you. You're not alone!

In addition to the services above, there are lots of detailed programs available to everyone. You can check all the information about the programs on the website of the center. I hope you will get useful help from this center and spend your campus life with a healthier mind.

L.L.F reporter Hyeon-Bin Song