Psychology majors of Van Lang University meets international advisor Tuyet Brown.

On October 16, 2022, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Van Lang University organized a seminar "Counseling and Treatment of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Today's Youth" with the participation of more than 200 Psychology major students. The seminar was organized to equip students with a system of knowledge on counseling and therapy for adolescents' emotional and behavioral disorders and some basic skills in psychotherapeutic counseling.

The topic was led by Ms. Tuyet Brown (MSc.) – a Clinical Social Worker. She is a counselor and psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience. Ms. Tuyet Brown worked for Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Boston and Los Angeles and was licensed to work independently in the US as a clinical social worker. At the same time, she is also an international consultant who works at NGOs and is a lecturer at several universities in Vietnam. 

Speaking at the program's opening, Dr. Pham Van Tuan - Head of the Psychology Department of Van Lang University, shared: "The seminar brings the most general knowledge about psychotherapeutic counseling and psycho-social problems in young people. This is essential knowledge for any Psychology major student. Hopefully, students will take advantage of this opportunity to get more useful information and then apply the skills and knowledge acquired to the learning process and practical work”.

The seminar consisted of 2 main sessions, taking place in the morning and afternoon on October 16. At the seminar, Ms. Tuyet Brown helped students distinguish the concepts of a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a psychotherapist. According to her, being a psychotherapist is the most complex job in the field of psychology. Students who are oriented to become psychotherapists not only spend time learning the knowledge in books but also need to invest time in studying in-depth materials. 

Ms. Tuyet Brown also shared with students 06 common psychological and social problems among young people today including: depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, schizophrenia and domestic violence. In each issue, Ms. Tuyet Brown provided specific analysis for expressions, classifications, easily confused concepts, and examples to help attendees understand deeply. Ms. Tuyet Brown said: “What I say here is probably just a few tips of a huge iceberg. However, I hope these shares will be helpful to young people and motivate you to be the one to research and give the most accurate answers to help your clients in the future."

Along with specialized knowledge, Ms. Tuyet Brown encouraged students to learn more about physiological therapy techniques in order to ease daily stress and regenerate youthful energy for both themselves and their clients. 

Sharing with students, Ms. Tuyet Brown believes that psychologists need to balance personal life and work: “Build yourself a life full of joy through healthy habits such as exercising every day, spending time doing things you like and actively sharing with the community.” That is also the secret helping her always maintain a comfortable and optimistic spirit.

Huynh Kieu Thien An, a student of the 25th Course majoring in Psychology, shared: "Currently, I am majoring in Psychotherapy. Two years ago, I also attended Ms. Tuyet Brown’s seminar, and she inspired me to continue pursuing my studies. I decided to participate in this seminar because I wanted to meet her again to learn more about counseling and psychotherapy for young people, especially teenagers, to support the work I pursue.” 

Going beyond the constraints of a regular class, expert-led seminars invested by Van Lang University are considered a tool to promote creativity in learners, helping them to visualize specifically their positions and jobs, and be inspired to become a knowledgeable generation who are good at skills, and confident in being pioneers in the professional field they are pursuing.

News: Nam Vuong - Hoai Anh
Photo: Yen Nhi - Thinh Tran