A new batch of practicum counsellors begin in July. Kindly note immediate sessions may not be possible.
1. What can I expect after signing up through the Google forms?
After the admin pairs you up with an available trainee counsellor, you will receive a confirmation via email. The trainees will be in touch with you to schedule a first session with them. If you do not hear from them, email us at mum.mopcpracticum@monash.edu.
2. Why are counselling services free here?
The Monash Practicum Counselling Services is first and foremost a training ground for future counsellors. The services are provided by Monash University Malaysia counselling trainees who are currently in practicum training and are unlicensed. However, the practicum counsellors are supervised by experienced and licensed mental health professionals.
3. Can I sign up even though I do not live in Malaysia?
If you do not live in Malaysia, it is recommended that you seek counselling services in your country of residence. This is for risk management reasons as we do not have access to your local health-care services for case escalation purposes.
4. Can I sign my children up?
Counselling for minors are not available at this moment. All clients need to be legally an adult (18 years old and above) to sign up.
5. How long will sessions take?
A typical counselling session takes 60-90 minutes. The total number of sessions depends on individual needs. Punctuality is crucial as rooms are limited and sudden session extensions are not possible.
6. Where will counselling sessions take place?
All counselling sessions are in-person and take place in dedicated counselling rooms at Monash University Malaysia.
7. Can I choose my counsellor?
You can indicate your preferences in the sign-up sheet and we will do our best to match a best fit according to your needs. It is not a guarantee that you will get your preferred counsellor.
8. Does anyone know I am attending counselling?
Your privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance. The trainee counsellor only discusses your case with their clinical supervisor and no information will be shared and discussed outside the session. Only the supervisors and the assigned counsellors would know of your engagement with our services. However, confidentiality may not apply in certain risky or dangerous circumstances. More information will be provided, during your first session with the assigned practicum counsellor. You may ask for the identity of the clinicians' supervisors.
9. Why are the sessions recorded?
As the trainee counsellors are still in training, audio and video recording are necessary to protect you and ensure the students deliver quality counselling service. Students also review the recording with their supervisors for their learning and development. The recordings will be locked and kept confidential, and will typically be deleted upon completion of the training process.
10. How do I know if counselling is working for me?
Every counselling relationship is unique to you and your counsellor. It is crucial that you find your practicum counsellor to be emphatic and understanding towards your problem situations. If you feel stuck throughout the counselling process, you are very welcome to express feedback towards your trainee regarding your needs in counselling.
Under any circumstances you feel the session are not beneficial, you are welcome to voice your discomforts in sessions. If necessary, request a different practicum counsellor through the website.
11. Whom should I approach if I have a conflict with my practicum counsellor?
Please reach out to the practicum coordinator, Mr Justin, via email at yap.yeeaun@monash.edu. You can choose to be reassigned to another counsellor trainee.
12. How do counselling sessions end?
This will be discussed with your counsellor depending on your needs. Both you and the counsellor have the right to terminate the session at any point in time.
13. Can non-Monash Malaysia students request for counselling?
Yes, anyone can sign up.
14. I would like counselling for my relationship with another person. Can I apply for counselling?
Yes, you are welcome to apply and talk to your counsellor about your relationship issues. They are trained to help you work through your problems. However, you may need to seek services elsewhere if you are seeking couples counselling together with your partner.
15. The counsellor I signed up for did not get back to me, what do I do next?
If the trainee did not get back to you after 48 hours of signing up, please inform us @ mum.mopcpracticum@monash.edu.
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