Who would study psychology if they didn't have some kind of problem?

Chapter 209, Hui: Pupil Earthquake

At this point, Cheng Hui's problem is clear.

The most direct impact of Chen Jie's death on Cheng Hui was excessive self-blame.

According to Cheng Hui's own account, she took full responsibility for Chen Jie's deteriorating condition and his eventual suicide, or even the majority of the responsibility.

This kind of excessive self-blame is naturally an irrational belief.

To put it a little more coldly, if someone sees an elderly person fall to the ground after a car accident on the street and doesn't dare to help them up, leading to the elderly person's eventual death—can we say that this person killed the elderly person?

Obviously it can't be done.

According to Cheng Hui's own account, one thing is true—she and her other roommates did not have an obligation to take meticulous care of Chen Jie.

She was able to pay attention to Chen Jie during class, meals, and daily activities, and at the same time, she adjusted her own lifestyle and habits for Chen Jie's sake.

These are already considered very considerate changes and compromises.

It is perfectly reasonable and understandable that the mindset and behavior of those around people with depression will change after a long period of time.

This also highlights the importance of paying attention to the families of visitors. Cheng Hui and her two roommates, who had only known Chen Jie for a short time, were also affected by this.

So, what kind of impact will it have on the actual family members who have been taking care of the visitors for years?

Is it possible that this could create another visitor, or even a patient?
Are mental illnesses that are "contagious" or even "hereditary" related to this?

This has always been an important research topic in the field of psychology.

……

Let's bring the topic back to Cheng Hui.

Let me summarize her situation.

She was unable to let go of Chen Jie's death due to excessive self-blame, which led to her developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after witnessing Chen Jie's death.

Meanwhile, due to the further damage PTSD caused to her life, Cheng Hui developed various complications, such as the depressed mood she displayed as soon as she entered the room.

Nan Zhuren organized a complete logical route.

Although Cheng Hui's condition, like Chen Ting's, falls under the category of PTSD, their situations are completely different.

Chen Ting's factors are mostly of a "realistic" nature—Wang An has been putting pressure on her.

In comparison, Cheng Hui had almost no control over the realities she could change; the issues were all related to her perception. Whether that could be considered a form of luck is debatable.

So, regarding Cheng Hui's current situation...

How should we intervene?
“Given your current situation, there is a method called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) that would be very suitable for you,” Nan Zhuren said.

In theory, for cognitive issues, Rational emotive behavior therapy is often the first choice.

For example, Cheng Hui's irrational belief of "excessive self-blame".

First, it can be argued that the primary responsibility for Chen Jie's situation spiraling out of control lies with her parents and counselor.

Alternatively, one could start with the statement: "You truly have no responsibility or obligation."

You have done your best within your own scope.

Instead of dwelling on the past, it's better to focus on the present or the future, such as visiting and comforting Chen Jie's parents.

The above are some ways to correct irrational beliefs.

During this consultation, Nan Zhuren instructed Cheng Hui to learn this method so that she could use it even when she was alone.

“However—” Nan Zhuren looked at Cheng Hui’s condition.

He also has a new idea.

For clients with post-traumatic stress disorder, especially in the case of Cheng Hui, there is actually a better option.

——【Group Counseling】.

Group counseling is a form of psychological counseling conducted in a group setting, led by one or more professional facilitators, and using the interaction among group members to achieve therapeutic effects.

Many films and television dramas feature a scene where a group of people with similar problems gather together, sit in a circle, and share their recent life experiences, emotional feelings, and insights.

This is one form of group counseling.

It is especially suitable for patients with PTSD. In the United States, there are often organizations that bring together PTSD veterans to heal each other's battlefield trauma. In the group, patients sitting together can feel the sense of security of "being with like-minded people", satisfy their need to confide in others when talking about their problems, and gain practical experience from other people with similar problems.

Of course, when a group of people with the same problems come together, in addition to healing each other, there is also the risk of them collapsing together.

At the same time, because group counseling requires counselors to deal with multiple clients at once, the requirements for counselors are particularly high.

However, group counseling is indeed effective and efficient.

Given Cheng Hui's current situation, the best approach is to bring together all those who have experienced problems due to Chen Jie's death for group counseling.

However, given Nan Zhuren's status, it would be somewhat difficult to gather all these people together at the same time.

However, the implementation of psychological counseling techniques is not rigid; it varies from person to person and is tailored to specific individuals.

A group of people can't be found, but one person is easy to find.

That person is—

Nan Zhuren himself.

With Nan Zhuren's abilities, one person can achieve the effect of a group.

At the same time, such open and honest communication allows Nan Zhuren to obtain the information he needs while treating his clients.

It can be said that right now, the best method that Nan Zhuren can use to target Cheng Hui, and that can achieve multiple objectives at the same time, is the one that is most effective.

……

Nan Zhuren took a deep breath.

I gave myself another "emotional readjustment" session.

Confirm that your idea is rational and feasible.

Then, he slowly said, "After your friend passed away, did you try to find out anything about her?"

Let's lay the groundwork first.

Cheng Hui shook her head.

"I dare not look into it, and I will even deliberately avoid looking into it."

“I only vaguely heard that her parents seemed to be very affected, and so did her therapist.”

Nan Zhuren nodded.

Look into Cheng Hui's eyes.

"Is your friend named 'Chen Jie'?"