Graduate Announcements

19th National Guidance and Psychological Counseling Students Congress Held at IZU

27.07.2024

The 19th National Guidance and Psychological Counseling Students Congress was held with great enthusiasm at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU), in collaboration with the Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Association.

The congress, themed "21st Century Skills: Current Needs and Innovative Approaches in Psychological Counseling and Guidance," provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange between industry professionals and students.

The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yüksel Erdoğdu, Head of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department at IZU, who emphasized the significance of the congress and thanked the participants.

On the first day, IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Güney continued the opening addresses. Acar elaborated on important topics such as "Social Loneliness," while Güney highlighted the need to strengthen the character and values of the youth. The opening keynote was presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Dinç, Head of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department at IZU, offering contemporary perspectives in psychological counseling.

Throughout the day, inspiring lectures by Prof. Dr. Binnur Yeşilyaprak and Dr. Olcay Yılmaz, along with interactive workshops, allowed participants to engage in active learning. The evening featured eagerly anticipated oral presentations and a quiz competition.

The second day began with an inspiring keynote by Prof. Dr. Metin Pişkin, Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Guidance and Psychological Counseling Association, focusing on innovative approaches in education. The program continued with informative presentations by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yıldız and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oğuzhan Kırdök.

Afternoon sessions included workshops, raffles, and a student panel, fostering active information exchange among participants. The live music performance "From Melis’s Voice" added cultural and artistic richness to the congress.

The final day began with an inspiring lecture by Dr. İbrahim Bilgen, followed by in-depth workshop sessions. The congress concluded successfully, providing valuable insights into future directions in the field, with prominent figures from the industry in attendance.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Güney participated in the closing session, where the final declaration was read and a closing panel was held.

In his closing remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar expressed satisfaction in hosting the event, highlighting the evolving role of PDR beyond schools due to increasing needs and demands. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary skills and specialization, advising students to develop competencies both vertically and horizontally. Acar thanked the students for organizing such a scientific event.

Participants were presented with plaques, and memories of the congress were immortalized through photographs taken throughout the event.

The active participation of attendees at every stage of the congress and the deep understanding of current practices underscored its importance. This major event, hosted by IZU, solidified its place as a platform for sharing the latest developments in the field of psychological counseling and guidance.