Support Students, Help Students - Interview with Satoshi Kuzuu from the Student Counseling Center
Yoko Arai
Do you know about the Student Counseling Center at Aoyama Gakuin University? It is located on the first floor of Building No. 7 on the Aoyama Campus, at the very back of the entrance to the Health Administration Center. The Student Counseling Center is a place where counselors specializing in clinical psychology work together with students to find solutions to their various problems. Students can consult not only about stress and mental concerns, but also about personal growth, studying, the future, and relationships. Moreover, you can take a personality test. Family members, faculty, and staff can also use the counseling if their consultation is about students. Their services are offered free of charge. Below is an interview with Satoshi Kuzuu, a full-time counselor at the Student Counseling Center.
Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time today.
Mr. Satoshi Kuzuu: -- Thank you.
What kind of counseling do you receive requests for most frequently at the Student Counseling Center?
-- The most common type is mental health help. However, we also receive a variety of consultations, for instance, about personality, interpersonal relationships, the future, and studying. First and second year students tend to ask about friendships. People tend to be anxious until they get used to their new relationships and new environment. Third and fourth-year students tend to have concerns about their future paths. When they choose their path, they are once again worried about whether they can do well by themselves. They are confused about what kind of attitude they should have when looking for a job and becoming a working adult. In addition, deeper issues are often revealed during that kind of counseling. For example, the effects of the COVID-19, family environment, and difficult experiences. A major anxiety can cause other anxieties. Sometimes the person in question is unaware of their major anxiety.
Please tell us about the mission of the Student Counseling Center.
-- We focus on "for what" instead of "how to.” Our mission is not only to solve the problems and anxieties that appear in real life, but also to help with the essential problems and anxieties in the background. However, of course, simple consultations for temporary solutions are also welcome. Please feel free to come here.
Mr. Kuzuu, what do you think about counseling?
-- I think of counseling as helping the client face their own true feelings.
We have an ideal self and a real self. It is natural that the two are different. If the two diverge from each other too much, you will get really tired. It is hard to keep trying all the time at school or at home. We often criticize our real selves for being different from our ideal selves which can lead to feeling inferior or to hurting ourselves. To prevent this, it is important to recognize the discrepancy within ourselves.
We have an ideal self and a real self. It is natural that the two are different. If the two diverge from each other too much, you will get really tired. It is hard to keep trying all the time at school or at home. We often criticize our real selves for being different from our ideal selves which can lead to feeling inferior or to hurting ourselves. To prevent this, it is important to recognize the discrepancy within ourselves.
So, you are saying that we have to be aware that the non-ideal is also one part of us, lazing around at home, even though they are not perfect.
-- Yes. It is important to make a "contract" with yourself, to decide it is okay to be lazy at home, but you have to study hard at school. To recognize the different aspects inside you, you must first know yourself. To make it easier for clients to express their true feelings, the counselor aims to make the client feel relieved and loosen their anxiety and tension. Therefore, counselors provide counseling calmly.
What coping methods do you recommend when people are having a hard time mentally?
-- It depends on the person. One method is remembering the way you have gotten over hard times in the past and trying to do the same thing again. Some people may feel good by sharing their feelings with friends or family while some people prefer physical relaxation like taking a hot bath or walking around. It is also important to know whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. The solutions that suit each are different. If you are introverted, it is good for you to make time to relax alone. If you are extroverted, it is better to spend time with others.
How do you personally deal with stress?
-- I sing my favorite songs, watch dramas, and have conversations with friends and family. I can say I am introverted and extroverted. As the best coping method, many people say, “sleeping is the best way.” I also recommend a yoga pose, Savasana, to lie on your back and relax.
Could I have a quick word from you to wrap up this interview?
-- You can feel free to come here! It is inside the school and best of all, it is free. For questions about mental health, personal growth, self-understanding, serious concerns, or anything else, we are here to help you. The Student Counseling Center is open to all students. Please feel free to come to the office.
That's all for this interview. Thank you very much for your time today.
-- Thank you very much.
The Student Counseling Center will give you a helping hand. If you are in a tough situation, do not take it all on yourself, as the Student Counseling Center makes your school life and your whole life better.
