Study Psychologist

Study psychologist provide individual and group counselling, workshops, online courses, webinars and study-related materials. All current activities can be found on this page.

 

Counselling

You can make an appointment with a study psychologist if

  • You are a degree student or exchange student at the Oulu University of Applied Sciences. The services are not available for the students of Open University of Applied Sciences.
  • You need help with study related problems that have not been resolved by other study guidance and counselling

You can contact the study psychologist for study related problems such as:

  • Feeling stuck with the studies
  • Study-related self-esteem
  • Motivation issues
  • Coping with stress and tension
  • Returning to studies after a long break
  • Other issues related to learning, such as exam or thesis anxiety, time management, learning disabilities, problems with writing processes

Please note that study psychologist provide only counselling and cannot do psychological assesments. 

 

The objective of the counselling is together find new perspective, practise study skills and enhance study ability.  Meetings are confidential and last approximately 45 minutes. There are usually 1-5 sessions per student. Counselling is provided on the Linnanmaa campus and remotely.

 

Booking an Appointment

To book an appointment with a study psychologist, send email to opintopsykologi@oamk.fi. Please use your @students.oamk.fi -email for booking. 

Only include the following information in your email:  

  1. As a title, write information of how you wish the appointment to take place: at campus or remotely, or whether both options are ok. 

  1. Your name and what you study 

  1. Your email 

  1. Your phone number 

Please make sure not to include any health related information (such as diagnose) on your email. 

If necessary, please cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. Uncancelled appointments will be counted in the 5 time maximum.   

For other than study related issues: please contact the Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS) for an appointment.  

 

Acute help & crisis situations:

  • Campus Study Counsellor Elina Penger (, crisis counselling)
  • Oulun kriisikeskus (Oulu Crisis Center) offers short term counselling and guidance in crises for anyone living or staying in Finland. Call 044 3690 500 (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm). 
  • Oulun mielenterveyspäivystys (Oulu Mental health service).  Call 044 703 5940 (Mon-Thu 8am–4pm, Fri 8am–3pm).  
  • Oulu University Hospital: for acute psychiatric help call 08 315 2655.
  • Student Chaplaincy
  • Crisis Helpline. Discuss your thoughts, feelings and situation in life with a worker or a trained volunteer over the phone.

Study Psychologists

 

Pauliina Junnikkala

Study Psychologist

 

Kersti Lantto

Study Psychologist

 

Aino Kärpänniemi

Study Psychologist Intern

 

Frequently asked questions

What happens at the appointments

Conversations with study psychologists are confidential and usually take around 45 minutes. At the first appointment you will agree on further appointments (in case they are needed) and on objectives for the counselling process. The objectives could be some of the following: conceptualizing your situation, developing study skills, enhancing individual agency, and discovering new ways of thinking and acting.

What is the difference between the services offered by study psychologists and by FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service) psychologists?

Study psychologists offer help with study-related issues, whereas FSHS psychologists deal with mental health issues. Study psychologists are university employees, whereas FSHS psychologists work in public healthcare. Study psychologist appointments usually occur infrequently, in contrast to the more frequent support offered by FSHS psychologists.

I am a postgraduate student/exchange student; can I book individual counselling?

Yes you can, as study psychologist services are available for all students, including postgraduate students and exchange students. Please note that you may need to queue to get an appointment, which means you might not make it during a short-term exchange program.

Should I book an individual appointment or participate in a group or a workshop?

Individual appointment in the best option when you need one-on-one counselling. Groups and workshops offer the advantage of getting peer support from fellow students. Peer support may help you realize that you are not alone with your problems. Other students may also give you ideas about solving your problems. Groups and workshops are designed so that you can be yourself and participate in conversations in a way that suits you. Groups run for a longer period of time than individual appointments; that is why group participants don’t usually have individual appointments at the same time.

How soon will I get an appointment?

Study psychologist counselling is in high demand, and there is a limited number of appointments available; you will thus have to queue to get an appointment. Queuing usually takes approximately one month, but the situation may vary during the academic year.

Who can I contact in a crisis situation?

In a crisis situation the students of Oamk can contact Campus Study Counsellor Elina Penger (). You can also get help from:

I’m not sure if my field of study is the right one for me or I ponder issues related to working life. Who should I contact?

Couselling related to career and choosing your field of study is provided by career counsellors at the Career Centre, which offers counselling for the students of Oamk and University of Oulu.

I need help with planning my studies. Who can I turn to?

You can get help for planning of your studies from your Tutor Teacher of from your Campus Study Counsellor.

I suspect that I may have dyslexia/autism spectrum disorder/ADHD. Can I contact study psychologists?

Study psychologists don’t conduct diagnostic assessments. Diagnostics and treatment always take place in healthcare settings; for diagnostics and treatment you may contact FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service). However, study psychologists can help you find out how to facilitate your studies or what kind of study techniques suit you best.

My studies have progressed slower than planned. Who can I contact?

Campus Study Counsellors can help you if your studies are delayed. Also study psychologists can help you find out how to facilitate your studies, when you have made a Personal Study Plan with the Campus Study Counsellor.

I’m exhausted and have no energy to study. Should I see a study psychologist?

Study psychologist counselling will benefit you most when you are able to advance your studies, at least to some extent. If, for example, there are no resources for studying due to mental health issues, it is not relevant to see a study psychologist at that moment. Instead, you should contact FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service).

I wish study psychologists could arrange an event or give a lecture or a speech on a specific topic. What should I do?

Study psychologists may arrange events and give lectures and speeches on topics related to studying and supporting studying. Please note that study psychologists’ calendars tend to be fully booked several months ahead; that is why you should contact them well in advance, so that there is enough time for preparing.

Groups and workshops

You can find more information about Academic Affairs´ groups and workshops on our website. Our services are available for the students of Oulu University od Applied Sciences and the students of the University of Oulu. 

 

Moodle Courses

Study Skills Course 

Learn how to learn and feel better! The goal of this online course is to create tools in your toolkit to help your studies progress and increase your study well-being. You will get feedback on your progress from the study psychologists.

Course name: Study skills

Course key: studyskills23-24

  • Course themes: study techniques, time management, motivation, study related self-image and self-esteem, stress management.
  • Participation: You can complete the course independently on Moodle. 

Everyday Acceptance Course

Strengthen your psychological flexibility and stress management skills with the Everyday acceptance Moodle course. The course is based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). You will get feedback on your progress from the study psychologists. 

Course name: Everyday Acceptance

Course key: accept2023

  • Course themes: thoughts and emotions, values, mindfulness, self-compassion and acceptance.
  • Participation: You can complete the course independently on Moodle. 

Webinars

Studying at a University.  Study Psychologist Hilla Marin. Student life and life as a student - what do I need to know about it?

 

Goal orientation and planning. Study Psychologist Hilla Marin.  How to maintain motivation and efficiency as a student? Clarifying the long term goals and creating good plans is motivating. When your motivated, goal oriented and well planned you can also manage your time and stress better. 

 

Time management. Study Psychologist Hilla Marin. How can you make yourself an effective plan for your studies? Why is calendar an important tool for students?

 

Study techniques. Study Psychologist Hilla Marin. There are different studying techniques and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for the other. Self knowledge is important, when searching for the best methods for oneself. When studying different types of materials, it's often best to use different strategies. 

 

Student well-being. Study Psychologist Hilla Marin. Student well-being is always a subjective experience of one's own well-being. It could be described as a state where studies are progressing and there's room for other important things in life as well. What about if well-being is at risk? What to do when you are not feeling well? 

 

Coping with stress. Study Psychologist Pauliina Junnikkala talks about stress management. 

 

Study skills. Study Psychologist Kiia Kilponen tells about academic study skills. 

 

Materials

Tips for studying Padlet. Study Psychologist Pauliina Junnikkala. Tips compiled by a Study Psychologist for more effective studying. 

 

Tips for well-being Padlet. Study Psychologist Pauliina Junnikkala. Study Psychologist´s tips to support well-being. 

 

Supporting your studies guide. Study Psychologist Pauliina Junnikkala. Tips for studying.