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

Chapter 393 Taking a Clever Trick
Xu Pengcheng's two ideas are both very contradictory.

But for mental health counselors, things are actually easier to handle now.

The underlying logic behind Xu Pengcheng's irrational perception has finally been exposed.

Now we can start working on the solution.

The solution is actually quite simple.

The techniques of humanism do not require thorough thought correction in the consulting room.

Nan Zhuren first offered a reflective listening: "You mentioned before that you felt wronged when you were bullied. Besides that, you had many other thoughts—can I understand that in addition to feeling wronged, you also had other unpleasant feelings that you couldn't describe?"

Xu Pengcheng lowered his gaze: "Okay."

Nan Zhuren nodded, then added a summary: "And what you just said, could I interpret it as—the reason you're aware you're being bullied yet still maintain the status quo is mainly due to two reasons."

"First, I hope to continue being 'friends' with everyone; second, I hope everyone can understand you."

"Can I interpret it this way?"

The two points also contain two contradictions.

Xu Pengcheng considered Nan Zhuren's summary for a moment and nodded in agreement:

"Yes, that's right."

He leaned forward slightly, becoming more engaged in the conversation.

Precise summarization can enhance empathy and deepen the counseling relationship.

This also serves as a prelude to Nan Zhuren's later dismantling of the underlying logic of these two ways of thinking, revealing a contradiction.

First, there's the first contradiction.

"What do you consider to be a friend?" Nan Zhuren asked first.

Xu Pengcheng thought for a moment, unable to offer any specific answer to this question: "It's just that we can understand each other, care for each other, and help each other when we encounter difficulties."

Upon receiving this answer, Nan Zhuren immediately presented the contradiction: "Do you think your current relationship with your teammates aligns with your understanding of 'friends'?"

Use the client's own stated beliefs to confront their own erroneous beliefs.

"...Does not meet the requirements."

This response is insufficient.

Nan Zhuren thought for a moment and asked, "Are you an only child?"

"I have a younger sister."

well.

"Now imagine if your younger sister also takes a sports exam and encounters the same experience as you, could you accept it?"

An identity replacement.

The results were remarkable.

“Absolutely not!” Xu Pengcheng’s tone suddenly rose.

His already interlaced hands clenched tightly, and he strained his knees and calves, almost supporting his leaning body as he stood up.

This was the first time he had expressed such strong emotions during this consultation.

“You’re very agitated now, completely different from how you were just now,” Nan Zhuren said softly. A reflective listening exercise was followed by a reflective question: “Why is there such a difference?”

"..."

Xu Pengcheng fell silent.

He was clearly experiencing a strong cognitive conflict.

This is not a question; the answer is already written on the paper.

……

Nan Zhuren waited for five breaths.

"This is different, teacher..."

Xu Pengcheng's voice changed from medium to low volume in his reply, until it was almost inaudible.

Even if you already know the answer in your heart, it still feels like something is missing if you don't say it out loud.

If this consultation had been lecturing, a confrontation could have been added at this point, using a rhetorical question like "What's different?" to continue the discussion and push Xu Pengcheng to provide an answer in a more assertive tone, thus solidifying this growth moment. However, since the underlying theme of this consultation is humanistic, there's no rush.

The current cognitive conflict can continue to expand.

Nan Zhuren presents a second [contradiction], but this time it's not presented in such a sharp way.

“That’s okay, let’s talk about your other idea first.”

"You said you hoped to demonstrate your hard work and dedication through extra practice, so that your teammates would understand you, right?"

“Yes.” Xu Pengcheng nodded.

Have you noticed any teammates starting to understand you?

"..."

Xu Pengcheng remained silent.

Now, Xu Pengcheng has begun to continuously defend and resist.

In a typical consultation, it's now appropriate to start considering concluding the consultation, reviewing the previous content, and allowing the client to summarize the development and key milestones of the consultation.

Then, the client is asked to go back and slowly reflect on the consultation process. When the next consultation begins, the counselor will then verify the client's level of growth.

But today's situation is different from the usual consultations; Nan Zhuren has intervened in Xu Pengcheng's real life.

Typical counselors cannot do this because outside the counseling room, counselors and clients cannot develop any relationship outside of counseling.

Nan Zhuren did take a shortcut, but it was a shortcut within reasonable limits.

He couldn't use this method with any other visitor.

It was this "coincidence" that allowed him to steer today's consultation in a bright direction.

"As far as I know, yes, it does exist."

whoosh-

Xu Pengcheng suddenly looked up.

His pupils suddenly contracted, and he leaned forward so much that he almost fell off the sofa.

If the light in those eyes could be visualized, the consultation room would be several degrees brighter now.

“I’ve spoken with your teammates over this period of time.”

It's not the content of a consultation in a counseling room, nor is it the content of group counseling, so what Nan Zhuren is saying now does not violate the principle of confidentiality.

"Some of them do understand you, but—"

Nan Zhuren stopped talking.

He didn't need to say anything more.

“Jun Kai? Ming Chen?” Xu Pengcheng stared intently into Nan Zhuren’s eyes.

Nan Zhuren naturally couldn't answer questions of this caliber, nor could he even offer a hint. He simply smiled without saying a word.

Xu Pengcheng continued to utter a few more names. Surprisingly, he pinpointed them very precisely to the student with the thick bangs and the student sitting on the left during group counseling, among others.

Nan Zhuren neither confirmed nor denied Xu Pengcheng's question, but instead offered an interpretation of Xu Pengcheng's reaction at that moment.

"It seems that you usually pay attention to your teammates' attitudes towards you, and you have expectations of those teammates understanding you."

Nan Zhuren's voice was deep and steady as he performed the final lift.

"Why do you think your teammates understand you?"

"Was it during the process of seeing you diet excessively, or 'helping you exercise more,' as you just mentioned?"

Xu Pengcheng remained silent.

But this time, he remained silent. He didn't lower his head, his eyes didn't wander, and his hands and feet were relaxed.

His gaze was somewhat unfocused, partly from reminiscing, and partly from contemplation.

After three breaths, he slowly shook his head.

"No."

(End of this chapter)