Study Psychologist
What does a study psychologist do?
The aim of a study psychologist’s work is to support students’ learning ability and well-being in the higher education community. The work of a study psychologist focuses on community-based support for studying and learning:
- organising info sessions, workshops and groups for students on topics such as learning difficulties, neurodiversity, study skills and supporting personal well-being
- training and consulting teachers and guidance staff, on issues such as accessible learning environment, support for study skills, learning difficulties and neurodiversity
- materials and content on study well-being and study ability to be distributed and used in the community
- peer guidance and support for students, such as peer mentoring and participation in tutor trainings
- contributing to various working groups
- individual counselling in specific situations that have not been addressed by other guidance and counselling services
Individual counselling
Individual counselling of students by a psychologist is limited and appointments cannot be booked directly with a psychologist. In situations where counselling or collaboration with a student psychologist is considered necessary, referrals are made through the university social workers. The service provided by the study psychologist is not a health service, and the study psychologist will not conduct tests for learning difficulties or ADHD, for example.
Individual counselling by a psychologist takes approximately 1-5 sessions, depending on the situation and need. The counselling can take place face-to-face or remotely. The aim of the meetings is to find ways to achieve a self-directed, sustainable and well-being studying. Together we will take a closer look at the situation and create an individual goal for the work. For example, we can develop study skills, look for new ways of working and thinking, and explore feelings related to studying. Topics for guidance may include:
Highly demanding and self-critical behaviour, perfectionism
Overload in studies, stress management
Concentration and time management challenges
Intense avoidance of study-related issues, procrastination
Learning difficulties
Studying with ADHD or autism
Performance anxiety or anxiety in other social learning situations
Returning to studies after a long break
Being stuck with thesis
Studying with an illness or other life-impacting challenge
Difficulty fitting in with the study community, loneliness
Contact information
You can contact study psychologist by emailing opintopsykologi@luc.fi. Please send a message if you would like to give feedback or if you need a training session (for staff mainly), a presentation or a workshop. Please note that there is no direct appointment booking for individual counselling for students.