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

Chapter 81 Never Study Psychology!
Although Nan Zhuren and Chen Ting listed seven terrifying events, the time allotted for a formal consultation is generally only enough for one or two desensitization training sessions.

This was also Nan Zhuren's original plan.

However, Chen Ting has already fought against Wang An and has made considerable progress, so she no longer needs to proceed in such a gradual manner.

Desensitization training starting from Level 1 terrorist incidents is merely for the purpose of caution and verification.

In fact, even after the Level 5 terror event, Chen Ting's subjective terror score was only "3".

It falls into the category of "somewhat scared, but bearable".

So Nan Zhuren continued as he was.

He also appropriately extended today's consultation time, setting a target of one hour.

Any longer, and the effectiveness of the consultation may be compromised.

The wall clock runs fast, and before you know it, it's almost at the end.

Nan Zhuren was multitasking, guiding Chen Ting while keeping an eye on the time, thinking to himself: It's time to end this.

"Okay, open your eyes."

"How many points would you rate the fear you just experienced?"

This time, Chen Ting answered rather slowly.

“I was a little scared, but… I even felt a little nostalgic.” Chen Ting was unsure. “That thing could have triggered my fear, but when I relaxed following your rhythm, Teacher Nan, I felt very comfortable, happy, and satisfied.”

Nan Zhuren steered the conversation back on track, urging, "What about the score for fear?"

Chen Ting thought for a moment: "When I wrote this down, I thought I would be very scared, maybe a 4 or even a 5; but as for how I felt just now, maybe only a 2, or even less."

The desensitization event that Chen Ting just experienced was "Wang An confessing his feelings to me for the first time during class."

When writing about the event, this is a situational event with a terror level of seven, which is the highest level.

However, when it comes to subjective feedback, the rating is even lower than that of a level 6 horror scenario, not even reaching 3 points.

Nan Zhuren was very satisfied with the result: "Congratulations, Chen Ting."

"So our long-term psychological counseling can almost come to an end today."

Chen Ting lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact with Nan Zhuren.

"Let's briefly review our entire consultation process."

Nan Zhuren began guiding the consultation into the "summary" stage, helping the client review each gain they made during the consultation, thereby consolidating the consultation results.

"When you first came here, you pretended to have depression and went to several therapists and hospitals. At that time, Wang An hadn't contacted you a second time, right?"

"Yes." Chen Ting's voice was a little muffled.

“Through projective testing, I have determined that you have stress issues…”

"And then you never came." Nan Zhuren paused, then spoke of his unethical actions as a counselor, "I found your contact information, and I'm glad you mustered the courage to come alone at that time..."

"Then, we used sandplay therapy..."

"Then your mother came, and that's when you grew up again..."

"The next step is to cut off Wang An, this stressor..."

Nan Zhuren paused for a moment. He wasn't just talking to himself; he wanted to make sure Chen Ting had received the information.

"Do you still remember the precautions I taught you at the end?" Although Chen Ting had her head down, she was listening intently.

Now, when asked a question, he answers it as follows:

“I used to be too withdrawn, so I need to build a social support system. Simply put, it means making more friends so that I can get support when I encounter difficulties. Of course, I also need to screen my friends.”

Nan Zhuren nodded: "That's right. Based on today's assessment, your stress issues have been mostly resolved. What remains is the so-called 'gradual healing,' which requires time to work with you to overcome."

"There is no need for further consultation."

Chen Ting pursed her lips.

"My assistant might come in later to try and sell you something, but don't listen to him." Nan Zhuren smiled and put a finger to his lips as a shushing gesture.

"If you still have any subjective discomfort, you can go to your school's psychological counseling center in the future. I graduated from there. Objectively speaking, the teachers there charge several times more than I do outside, and their quality is far superior to counselors in the community."

Nan Zhuren joked, "Now it's all open to students for free. You need to learn to make good use of the resources the school provides."

This consultation was not only the last one that Nan Zhuren considered, but also the last one in Chen Ting's consultation package.

Currently, Chen Ting's parents have no intention of renewing her contract. Of course, Nan Zhuren also doesn't want Chen Ting to renew her contract.

This is why Nan Zhuren takes Chen Ting's transference state seriously. In some extreme transference states, clients may spend money to purchase counseling beyond their financial means, just to see the counselor more often.

This is something that is explicitly prohibited within the industry, and it is also something that Nan Zhuren deeply abhors.

……

"Teacher Nan, are you afraid that I'll transfer my affections?"

Chen Ting, who had been looking down, suddenly looked up.

Nan Zhuren's prepared speech suddenly stopped.

"Like I said, I did a lot of research on psychology beforehand. Transference is a fundamental concept in psychoanalysis, how could I not know it?"

Chen Ting made a sly expression: "Teacher Nan, you stood by my side when I was in the most danger and helped me overcome difficulties. This goes far beyond what a counselor should do."

“In some ways, you’ve given me more support than my family has.”

"You're handsome, kind, and have done so much for me—I think I must have some feelings for you."

Nan Zhuren pursed her lips, controlling her expression.

"But I also know what this feeling is like, it might be the suspension bridge effect or something else. In any case, it needs to be controlled, it's a feeling that can be troublesome for both of us."

Chen Ting laughed freely: "I understand that if I want to get rid of Wang An's influence on me, you are actually one of the factors I need to overcome, right?"

"So I'll do it, to start a new life—and you want me to do it, right?"

Nan Zhuren remained silent.

Chen Ting stood up, drew back the curtains, and let the sunlight stream in, making the room warm.

"You see, I'm really good at stealing the counselor's lines. In fact, I recently started studying psychology, and if I had to say what influence you've had on me, this is probably the biggest one."

Nan Zhuren hesitated for a moment, and after a short silence, finally spoke his first words:

"Never study psychology, it's like jumping into a fire pit..."

(End of this chapter)