Online psychology students’ project Lahendus.net (English: Solution.net)

Triinu Puussaar (MA) and Katrin Kukk (BA)

Tallinn University & University of Tartu

2013

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• Lahendus.net offers free of charge and anonymous psychological e-counselling via emailing system.

• Project was launched in 2001 by the Estonian Association of Psychology Students and it became an independent NGO in 2011.

• The main target group is 13-25 year old children and young adults in Estonia.

• There are about 150 letter replies per month and 800-1000 new users on the webpage per year.

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People in Lahendus.net

• Volunteer students from the two universities:

– about 50 active online counsellors;

– 8 board members.

• Also volunteer trainers (various specialists).

• Supervisors (professional psychologists):

– two group supervisors (in Tallinn and in Tartu);

– one supervisor constantly available via internet. 4

Professional support

• Regular group supervisions in both cities.

• Online individual supervision and feedback.

• Trainings three times a year.

• Extra trainings about organisational skills.

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Peer support

• Regulated admission requirements.

• Older Brother/Sister system.

• Inner code of ethics and quality standards.

• Support and also control by the board.

• Covisions.

• Motivational get-togethers.

• Private communication channels.

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Our joys and accomplishments:

• Collaborations with other mental health organisations and projects.

• Extensive database.

• Youth trainings branch.

Our concerns and challenges:

• Financing the project.

• Keeping everyone's motivation constant.

• Not enough various resources to fulfil all our exciting ideas 7

“I consider the practice and training (supervisions) from Lahendus.net the most valuable source for my psychology related

knowledge base.”

– Triin Ulla, our long-term contributor

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Occupational experience

• Student’s first practical counselling experience.

• Opportunity to ask professionals directly and learn from them.

• Personal feedback and tutoring via Older Brother/Sister system.

• Learn to notice and understand others’ problems.

• Learn proper communication style. 9

Personal development

• Will to help.

• Getting to know yourself.

• Develop an tolerant and open-minded attitude.

• Empathy and support.

• Tutoring skills.

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Organisational activity

• Voluntary work.

• Valuable contacts.

• Running for the board.

• Organisational “career”.

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Lahendus.net - Solutions within yourself.

Making difference in ourselves and others by helping each other.

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THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

• Lahendus.net’s webpage: www.lahendus.net

• Lahendus.net’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lahendusnet

• Project manager’s contact: projektijuht@lahendus.net

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