Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "You made significant contribution to Turkey's mental health services"

Üsküdar University held a final sitting about Turkey’s Addiction and Mental Health Risk Profile Map Research Project. A certificate of achievement was presented to 125 students in the field of clinical psychology who took part in the project. Üsküdar University Founding President Prof. Nevzat Tarhan noted that this research revealed very important results and continued “You made a significant contribution to Turkey’s mental health services.”
 
The project’s final sitting was held at Üsküdar University Altunizade Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall. Üsküdar University President Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Üsküdar University Institute of Social Sciences Director and NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatrist   Assoc. Prof. Gökben Hızlı Sayar and Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology Dr. Faculty Member Hüseyin Ünübol were in attendance.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan’s advice to young psychologists

The research was carried out with a one-on-one interviews of 125 participants who hold master's degree in clinical psychology from Üsküdar University. Üsküdar University President Prof. Nevzat Tarhan who made a speech at the meeting, gave professional advice to graduate students who took part in a project.

This is not a thesis study only

Üsküdar University Founding President Prof. Nevzat Tarhan said; “You are at the end of your journey to become a clinical psychologist and psychologist. You conducted a great study. You have not only made a thesis study but you have also made a significant contribution to Turkey's mental health services. You revealed the country’s current condition in terms of mapping the mental health, addiction and behavioral addictions of the country. This is what the State has been trying to achieve.”

These kinds of risk maps are important for the prevention

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan indicated that he made his first research in this area in the 1990's at GATA about substance abuse and presented it as his doctorate thesis and he said, “We did a study among the military service officers. There are very significant and important difference on alcohol abuse rate when I compare that data with today’s data. The current state of the world is along the same line. For this reason, it is crucial to have the risk maps in order to decide on which policies to establish, where to invest in and which subjects to concentrate on. These studies determine the strategic priorities. Information and teams are determined according to priorities. I think this study will enable the State to increase the number of state psychologist staff and therefore the result of this study will result in such conclusion as there is a need for this. There are enormous problems coming at us. Psychology will not be a top profession out of nowhere. We came to the mentioned conclusion through this study. This has been a great study and I thank everyone whoever contributed to this study.”



The priory is to be a good individual

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan gave some advice to the students and pointed out that the priority is to be a good individual above all and he continued as, “Theoretical classes are done and thesis period is about to be finished. When I am asked in the meeting, conferences that what it takes to be a good doctor, a good psychologist; I always say that being a good individual is a necessary priority. If a person cannot be a good individual, then he/she cannot also be a good engineer, good doctor or good psychologist. This is crucial for all professions but it is more crucial to be for the psychologists.

We should have visions about the society and humanity 

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that crime rates and violence increased in the USA during the 2000's and why people do evil. He said;

“New York State University Forensic Psychiatry Unit developed a scale. The core meaning of evil is being investigated in psychiatry. People are successful but are not happy. A new field called “Positive Psychology” emerged while the reason behind the increase of depression and violence are studied. Harvard University started to give lectures on this subject on 2015 and Yale University started the course on 2018. We had this course as compulsory on 2013. What does Positive Psychology explain? It explains what it is to be a good individual. It is not only important to be successful with scientific methodology but how good of an individual we are at the end of our lives. We should have visions about the society and humanity. We benefit the most when we become good individuals. We become happier as we make others happy.”

Tarhan: “Being a psychologist is not only a profession but also an art”

Prof. Tarhan explained, “Patients can sense the good intentions and they become loyal to the treatments. If there is no good intention but self-interest, then the patients also sense this and the connection is lost right away. Your good intentions result in successful treatment and trust. Good faith and good effort are very important in the therapist - client relationship. My second suggestion is to be a good listener and observer. It is important to analyze the patient first and become a good observer instead of practicing whatever it is in your head. It is important to read between the lines of what the patient says and this happens through listening. Obviously this is established by experience. Being a psychologist is not only profession but also an art because you give the best service only when you become a master of this. You will master over the years as you listen carefully. Being an active listener and an observer cause you to mature in years.”



You should have medical and therapy techniques in your treatment method

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan continued as, “My third suggestion is for you to have a certain treatment method”. “When you have a patient in your office, you should be able to apply different techniques rather than holding onto only one treatment style. You should have medical and therapy techniques in your treatment method. It is essential to know whether the patient uses any drugs or whether the patient needs neuromodulation.  Psychopharmacology has a great responsibility when they prescribe drugs. If you have a certain method, you would make less mistakes”.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan concluded: “We must have ethical standards. The human brain thinks these are the principles it has to follow. Anyone who holds principles, has an inner guard unwittingly.  The ethical standards within the self inhibits the wrong doing. The ethical standards block the wrong doing as it protects both the patient and us. Being virtuous always has positive effect in the long term. Being an ethical therapist will protect you in life. You can always hold your head up high.”



Regional representatives gave information about research

Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology Dr. Faculty Member Hüseyin Ünübol gave the outline of the project. Representatives of the three main regions of the research Şenay Dayan, Gaye Göklü and Sena Varlık provided information on “Addiction Types and Risk Maps”. Another regional representative Ayşe Naz Hazal Sezen gave presentation on “Mental Health Variables and Risk Maps”.



Certificate of achievement presented to 125 students

Üsküdar University Institute of Social Sciences Director NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatrist Assoc. Prof. Gökben Hızlı Sayar and Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology Dr. Faculty Member Hüseyin Ünübol presented certificates of achievement to 125 students who currently study in clinical psychology master’s program.


Photos: Zahid Aslan / Meryem Özkan

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)