Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Murph]

Hey guys, I've been a bit down these days, and I am thinking about going to see somebody about it. Then I had a thought run through my head. It seems that for the last six months or so Immigration has been on the war path against foreigners. I've heard some pretty ridiculous stories, and there doesn't seem to be any real concrete rules laid down, it just seems to depend on the person, and the Imigration officer and the position of the planets etc... This is most likely a bit paranoid, but I am a bit worried that if I go talk to somebody I could be refused a new visa in the future based on the fact that I work with children. Of course I am not thinking about seeing a professional for anything that should prevent me from working with children, I've just been down that's all.

So have any of you out there ever seen a councelor, or know of someone who saw a councelor in Seoul? If so have there ever been any negative repercussion due to this? I know that I could just be worrying for nothing, so if you think that is the case please let me know of that as well.

Cheers

[valkerie]

I think you have raised a very important issue for any foreigner seeking treatment (for any kind of medical/emotional issue).

Perhaps u r safer to get help on your own ticket. No insurance details and a false name may be the only way to safeguard your visa renewal option.

[daemyann]

You don't need a counselor to change your disposition.

More than likely, the first suggestion you would receive would be to change your lifestyle.

Just a few ideas.

1. Educate. (...yourself about what you are experiencing.)

2. Exercise. (preferably something you enjoy doing, the more convenient the better.)

3. Actualize. (organize and set goals, no matter how small (smaller is better to begin with), and follow through.

4. Avoid dwelling. (restrict circular thinking by using distractions and new experiences. If you're feeling particularly pensive, force yourself to play Devil's advocate, to think in a way opposite to that which is intuitive for you.)


Many people find talking to a counselor/therapist/psychologist to be very helpful, and for good reason. Nevertheless, with a little creativity and conviction you can find similar reinforcement, interaction and support, without the $300 bill.

PM me if you're looking for specific ideas, discussion, or my plan of world domination.

[Bryan]

I suggest you get the book Mind Over Mood, or better yet, The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns. Both are cognitive-behavioral therapy books that help guide you through self-therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a very legitimate type of psychology, and as you will see at the beginning of Burns' book, it has gone head to head with depression medication in studies and has proved to work better--it solves depression for the long term by getting to the root issues that cause you to be set in certain negative thought patterns.

In fact, I'm willing to bet dollars to donuts that cognitive behavioural self-therapy will be more beneficial to you than any professional therapy that isn't based on the same principles. It will also save you a lot of money. And there are cognitive or cognitive behavioural therapists you can talk to by phone if you need the extra guidance and are willing to spend the money--and it won't leave any Korean track record (you could call the US).

[dr. love]

Hi Murph,

You can call the Seoul Medical Referral System. I have worked with this group before and they are professional and keep your information confidential. They have the contact information for a councelor in Seoul if you like. If you feel you need help, I would recommend you getting it. I wouldn't worry about it coming up on your Immigration Record.


010 - 4769 - 8212 or 010 - 8750 - 8212.

I hope you feel better.