On 7th August 2024, the Student Services Department conducted the fourth session of the Peer Counsellor Program, titled “How Changing Your Thoughts Can Transform Your Life.” Facilitated by licensed counsellor Teh Chia Li, the workshop attracted eight students from various faculties.

The session began with participants introducing themselves, followed by a discussion on why people react differently in similar situations. Ms. Chia Li provided insights into Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and introduced 10 common unhelpful thinking patterns. Students engaged in a mini-activity to recognize their own thought patterns, followed by completing a Dysfunctional Thought Record worksheet to document their thoughts and emotions.

A key highlight of the session was a role-play in which a student volunteered to act as a client while Ms. Chia Li demonstrated counselling techniques using the Dysfunctional Thought Record. This practical exercise provided participants with the opportunity to observe and learn essential skills for peer counselling.

Reflecting on the session, Goh En Qi, a Bachelor of Computer Science (Intelligent Systems) student, noted, “I learned about the 10 most common unhelpful thinking patterns. I also learned that by shifting our automatic thoughts, we can instantly change the way we view a situation or person. It was indeed a very fruitful workshop.”

This session underscored the importance of self-awareness and cognitive strategies in personal growth.