Korean Job Discussion Forums

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I will be interview Harpeau tomorrow. He will speak about his involvment with counseling in Korea. If you can think of any questions you'd like to ask him, please feel free to post here.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Bass,

Just a suggestion, but you might have him address the difference in privacy here and in western countries. I also think it would be helpful to mention there is a huge social stigma attached to anything related to mental health issues as well.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Yup. Got those on the list. Thanks.

Roch · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Roch · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

tfunk · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

I've never met Harpeau I'm not nuts & I dont play guitar but I'd like to extend a huge kudos to him for his consistent level-headed presence on these forums offering resources to those who are emotionally unbalanced &/or play stringed instruments.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

What are the options for people who are in need of English-language mental health care outside of Seoul?

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

How the pressure put on HS students affects their self-esteem and other HS problems such as suicide, ostricism (wangk-ta) and other similar problems.

Fredbob · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 6:13 am Post subject:

A couple questions:
1) What would the procedure here be to start a mental health practice?

2) Would it be possible to use clinical hours undertaken here to qualify for licensing in the U.S.

3) What are the credentials required for a Westerner to practice here?

4) Are there any opportunities to participate in research here (for foreigners of course), from a researcher standpoint?

5) What relevant volunteer and pay for service opportunities are there in Korea for mental health professionals?

6) A counseling relationship is generally thought to be non-directive and egalitarian, how does the Korean cultural focus on Confuscianism and hierarchy in general affect the therapeutic relationship from the Counselor and from the client perspective?

7) Could you point the ex-pat community to the best information related to culture shock?

Cool

What has been the greatest challenge you have faced professionally in Korea?

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Lots of great stuff, guys. Thanks!

semi-fly · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

What differences if any do you see in mental health care in Korea versus your home country?
- Specifically in cases involving schizophrenia, depression (as a whole), suicide prevention (as it related to overall pressure brought on by both the parents desire for their children to succeed and the pressure associated with an ever growing capitalist society)

How does a foreigner find appropriate support for any number of mental health issues that may arise during his/her stay in Korea (i.e. is there a specific number one calls if they are feeling depressed, suicidal, etc.)?

Have you noticed any form of stigma individuals may encounter for seeking help for their mental aliment (Korea versus your home country)?
- Does it reflect poorly on the employee or employer that the individual has needed the aid of a mental health professional

When all else fails (i.e. medicine) for treating depression have you or any of your co-workers implemented a more harsh form of treatment? (i.e. shock treatment)
- Has this form of treatment shown any form of marked improvement for the individual or have you noticed that it makes the known issue worse.

Have you noticed a marked increase in individuals seeking mental health care over your stay in Korea?
- Without giving individual examples, what if any problems have you seen an increase over your stay in Korea?

I have about 100 more questions, but I don't think he/she will have enough time to cover all the things I wish to ask.

buymybook · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Location: Telluride

1. Why they call the Korean mental hospital the "White House?"
2. Why hardly any Koreans attend 12 step programs?
3. Why someone who drinks a lot isn't considered an alcoholic as long as they don't drink alone?

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

There are many escellent questions here. I'm doing research on a few of them. I do want to remind people that I'm an interfaith-pastoral counselor~ not a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, doctor, psych-ward shrink... I'll do my best to answer your questions.

http://midnightrunner.mypodcast.com/2008/08/Counseling_Foreigners_in_Korea-133804.html