Our Commitment to Mental Health: Introducing KURES (Koç Univesity Counseling Service)
Release Date 2024-01-09 16:00
InnovationKURES (Koç Univesity Counseling Service)
In our commitment to their success, we would like to introduce you to KURES (Koç University Counseling Service). Our dedicated unit offers a carefully curated array of student support services, going beyond academic excellence to enrich Koç University students’ emotional resilience and fortify their well-being throughout their university experience.
1. What is KURES, and what services does it provide?
Koç Univesity Counseling Service (KURES) is a beacon of support for students seeking to understand themselves better, navigate challenges, and grow into responsible individuals. The aim of Counseling Service is to provide professional support to the students to get to know themselves better, to develop solutions for the problems they experience, to adapt to their environment at a balanced and healthy level, and to grow up as responsible individuals in society. The services provided by KURES regarding this context are as follows;
- Counseling Services
- Preventive Works (Personal Development Seminars, Workshops, Group Studies, Videos, and Brochures)
- Sexual Harassment Prevention
2. What types of situations typically lead students to seek support from KURES?
KURES (Koç University Counseling Service) is the unit where students can apply for professional support when they feel psychologically distressed. KURES team serves free of charge. Situations that require psychological counseling generally include relationship difficulties, depression, anger management difficulties, problems related to self-esteem, exam anxiety, failure to study efficiently, family conflicts, fears and phobias, and substance use and addiction. The student follows a path towards developing solutions and effective coping methods by identifying the current problem and its causes together with the psychological counselor. When deemed necessary, referrals are made to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists at KUPTEM (Koç University Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy Center) for psychiatric assessment and psychotherapy. KUPTEM is located in the Health Center.
3. What is the difference between KURES and KUPTEM?
KURES is a unit that provides psychological support and counseling, and it works under the Dean’s Office. KUPTEM works under the Health Center and provides psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluation, and treatment. When necessary, these two units work in cooperation and make inter-unit referrals.
4. What is the content of the Preventive Work?
KURES supports the personal and academic development of students throughout the year by organizing development seminars, workshops, group activities, videos, and brochures on various topics. The themes of these activities are determined by some common issues experienced. The purpose of Personal Development Seminars is to raise awareness of the components of the university on physical and mental health issues. Within the preventive work, Development seminars focus on topics such as effective communication, motivational skills, methods of coping with exam anxiety, relationships, breathing and stress management, mindfulness, anger control, and adaptation to university life. While workshops and group sessions provide the opportunity to overcome difficulties with interactions with other students who have difficulties in similar areas in a safe environment, videos aim to inform individuals about some common situations and their solutions.
5. What is Sexual Harassment Prevention?
Prevention of sexual harassment in working, learning, and living areas is one of the main principles of Koç University. KURES continues to present the online training that was prepared in 2016 in order to prevent and raise awareness of sexual harassment. The Sexual Harassment Prevention Awareness Training consists of main concepts about sexual harassment, methods of preventing and combating sexual harassment, and information regarding the complaint/reporting processes and ethical principles. In addition to Sexual Harassment Awareness Training, the counselors of KURES (Counseling Services) provide information on the subject and the process of a possible complaint. At the same time, KURES provides psychological support depending on the needs of the students who have witnessed or were subjected to sexual harassment.
6. Does shared information during the psychological counseling sessions in KURES remain confidential?
The principle of confidentiality is strictly followed at Counseling Service. The information shared in these sessions is kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone apart from the Koç University Counseling Services (KURES). However, if the student has a risk of harming himself/herself or someone else, this information is shared with the student’s family and the necessary parties for protection purposes. Meanwhile, the student is informed about the subject in advance.
7. How can students schedule an appointment?
Students can apply by following the steps in the “Application” section on the KURES website or by sending an e-mail to kures@ku.edu.tr. If the appointment needs to be canceled/postponed, students are expected to inform their counselor 48 hours in advance. Students can communicate about your appointment by sending an e-mail.
8. How can students contact the KURES team?
The contact details for reaching KURES during the hours of 08:30 to 17:30 are as follows:
- Elif Isın Akkol
Managing Counselor
- Esra Yavuz
Psychological Counselor / Clinical Psychologist
- Hazal Ergüneş
Psychological Counselor / Clinical Psychologist
- Dilan Hazar
Psychological Counselor / Clinical Psychologist
- Büşra Uzunay
Psychological Counselor / Clinical Psychologist
9. Where is the KURES Office located?
KURES psychologists’ offices are located in the Student Center. Our psychologists also serve in Koç University Hospital on certain days. When students apply for KURES, the psychologist will share the office information according to their schedule.
