The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), successfully held an international public lecture for undergraduate psychology students under the theme “Becoming a Skilled Counselor: Practical Approaches in Individual and Group Counseling.” The event took place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, starting at 08:00 AM (WIB) at the 3rd Floor Auditorium, Abdullah Sigit Building.

The session featured an international speaker, Prof. Dr. Siti Aishah binti Hassan from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), a distinguished expert in counseling and educational psychology. Her presence was part of the visiting professor program aimed at enhancing global academic exposure and strengthening international collaboration within the Faculty of Psychology UNY.

In her lecture, Prof. Siti Aishah emphasized the importance of mastering practical counseling skills, both in individual and group settings. Moving beyond theoretical understanding, students were introduced to real-world counseling dynamics, including building rapport, practicing active listening, and applying effective intervention strategies tailored to clients’ needs.

“A competent counselor is not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and empathetic in real-life situations,” she highlighted during the session.

The event was highly interactive, with strong engagement from students throughout the lecture. The discussion and Q&A sessions provided opportunities for participants to explore real counseling cases and gain insights into professional challenges in the field, including cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations in modern counseling practice.

This public lecture reflects the Faculty’s commitment to enhancing practice-oriented learning and preparing students to become competent and professional graduates, particularly in psychological services.

Through this activity, students are expected not only to understand counseling concepts academically but also to apply them effectively in professional contexts.