Sunday, November 2, 2008

Where can I find free counseling?

Residents of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the public may access counselling services and guidance from Psychology & Counselling Services Unit (Unit Khidmat Psikologi & Kaunseling – UKPK) founded by the Psychology Studies & Human Development Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, UKM.

UKPK, which currently runs daily, from Monday to Friday during office hours, does not only offer counselling and guidance services but also provides consultation and psychological evaluation services.

UKPK offers professional services to elevate mental, emotional and physical health.

This Unit also conducts psychological tests and evaluation to identify individual psychological traits or profiles in the process of self-realization.

Psychology & Counselling Services Unit (Unit Khidmat Psikologi & Kaunseling – UKPK) is managed by the academic personnel of the Centre of Psychology Studies & Human Development

UKPK operates on the sixth floor, D Block, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, UKM, contactable via landline numbers 03-89215210, 03-89215208, 03-89213596. To those who would like to correspond via e-mails, you may write to ppppm@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my, zainah@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my, mazl01@hotmail.com

Sunday, July 27, 2008

What are the hours and days counseling services are available?

Each private counselors may have their own schedules in providing counseling services in their areas. However, for those is Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya areas, the following hours and days are observed:

Monday - Friday: 9 am - 6 pm

Please be advised that the contact details are only for securing counseling appointments with the respective counselors. We do not provide tele-counseling as the effectiveness of such services is questionable.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

What are the effects of counseling that I should expect?

Most clients can expect to benefit from counseling, making positive change in their thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors. Some however, may not find counseling profitable, and a very few may have a negative counseling experience. Even the most successful counseling and therapy may at times be uncomfortable, as you deal with emotionally difficult issues. As you make personal changes, changes may also occur in your relationships with others.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a client?

Rights
As a client of Counseling Services, you have rights to prompt service, respect, and confidentiality.

Prompt Service.
Your call to secure an appointment with a counselor is the first step of the counseling process. The counselor will ask you questions about the nature of your concerns and your personal history. At the first meeting, you and your counselor will discuss the type of treatment that would be most helpful. You may continue to work with the same counselor or you may be referred to another counselor. If it is determined that your needs are beyond the scope of services provided by MY Confidential, you will receive referrals to other sources of assistance. Our goal is to provide the best possible service.

Respect.
MY Confidential counselors are committed to treat all clients with respect, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. They demonstrate this respect by keeping appointments, by making every effort to notify you if a change in time is necessary, and by giving you their complete attention and avoiding interruptions during sessions.

Responsibilities
In order to make progress in therapy, your active participation in the counseling process is essential. Fulfilling the responsibilities listed below is important in helping us to assist the many students who seek our services.

Promptness.
Counseling sessions are generally 60 minutes long. Arriving promptly for your sessions will allow you to make the most of the available time. If you know that you will be late for an appointment, please notify us.

Attendance.
It is your responsibility to keep scheduled appointments. If you need to cancel an appointment, please call or send a text message to the counselor of your choice as soon as possible. If you decide to discontinue counseling, please inform your counselor of your decision.

No-Show Policy.
If you miss a regular appointment, you must contact your counselor within two (2) working days if you wish to schedule another appointment with the same counselor at the same time. If we do not hear from you within this time, we are unable to guarantee your regular appointment time.

How much is the counseling fees?

At MY Confidential, we use a unique sliding scale fee structure that depends on the income category as well as the number of dependents of the client. This is only applicable for a 60 minutes individual counseling session. Therefore, the fee may range from RM180 to RM300 per 60 minute session. There is a flat rate of RM450 for a 90 minutes couple/marriage counseling session. A charge of RM50 for every extra subsequent half hour.

Why private counseling service?

There are many counseling centers throughout Malaysia that provide counseling to the general public, either free of charge or for a minimal fee. The counselors serving at such centers are on the payroll of the organizations they represent.

However, for individuals who find being seen walking into such counseling centers as somewhat daunting, or those high profile individuals who have a higher need for confidentiality and privacy of their personal lives, MY Confidential's virtual nationwide network of private counselors would be the best solution for them in seeking much needed help.

The location of the counseling sessions is confidential and is only made known to those who have secured and confirmed their appointments with counselors of their choice. By doing so, an extra element of confidentiality is assured to all potential and current clients.