Who would study psychology unless they had some issues?!
Chapter 396 - 389: Took a Shortcut

Chapter 396: Chapter 389: Took a Shortcut

Xu Pengcheng’s two ideas are quite contradictory.

However, for the Psychological Consultant, it’s actually easier to handle now.

The underlying logic of Xu Pengcheng’s unreasonable cognition has finally been exposed.

Next, we can start to resolve it.

And the solution is actually quite simple.

The techniques of [Humanism] do not require a thorough thinking correction in the consultation room.

Nan Zhubin first provided [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], there are other negative feelings you can’t describe?"

Xu Pengcheng lowered his gaze: "Yes."

Nan Zhubin nodded and then followed up with a [Summary]: "Can I interpret what you just said as—there are two main reasons you can become aware of being bullied but still maintain your current situation?"

"First, hoping to continue to be ’friends’ with everyone; second, hoping everyone can understand you."

"Can I interpret it this way?"

The two points also contain two [contradictions].

Xu Pengcheng thought about Nan Zhubin’s summary and nodded affirmatively:

"That’s right, it is like that."

He leaned forward a bit, more engaged in the conversation.

An accurate summary can enhance [empathy], deepening the consultation relationship.

It also prepares for Nan Zhubin to later dissect the underlying logic of these two thoughts, presenting the [contradiction] as a groundwork.

Starting with the first [contradiction].

"What do you think defines a friend?" Nan Zhubin asked first.

Xu Pengcheng thought about it, unable to offer any [resistance], "It’s when you can mutually understand, care for each other, and help each other in times of difficulty."

Upon receiving this answer, Nan Zhubin immediately presented the [contradiction]: "Then do you think your current relationship with your teammates meets your understanding of ’friends’?"

Using the visitor’s own acknowledged cognition to confront his false cognition.

"...It doesn’t."

This reaction is not enough.

Nan Zhubin thought for a moment and said, "Are you an only child?"

"I have a younger sister."

Good.

"Then imagine if your sister pursued sports in the future and experienced the same thing as you, could you accept that?"

A [role reversal].

The effect was remarkable—

"Absolutely not!" Xu Pengcheng’s voice suddenly raised.

His hands, initially intertwined, suddenly clenched, his knees and calves strained, almost supporting his forward-leaning body off the seat.

This was the first time he displayed such intense emotion during this consultation.

"You’re very excited now, which is completely different from what you just showed," Nan Zhubin said softly. A [Reflective Listening], followed by a [reflective question], "Why is there such a difference?"

"..."

Xu Pengcheng fell silent.

He was obviously in a state of strong cognitive conflict.

This wasn’t a question; the answer was already on paper.

...

Nan Zhubin waited for five breaths.

"It’s different, teacher..."

Xu Pengcheng’s voice shifted from medium volume to low until it was barely audible.

Even if the heart already knew the answer, not saying it out loud still left something unresolved.

If this consultation were in a scolding style, at this moment, you could layer on a [Confrontation], continuing with the rhetorical "What’s different", pushing Xu Pengcheng firmly to articulate the answer, anchoring this growth.

But since the foundation of this consultation is [Humanism], there’s no rush.

The cognitive conflict can still be further extended now.

Nan Zhubin presented the second [contradiction], not as sharply this time.

"It’s alright, let’s first talk about your other thought."

"You mentioned wanting to show your hard work and effort through extra practice, so your teammates could understand you, right?"

"Right," Xu Pengcheng nodded.

"Did you feel any of your teammates have begun to understand you?"

"..."

Xu Pengcheng fell silent.

By now, Xu Pengcheng had started a continuous [defense] and [resistance].

In a typical consultation, it’s usually time to start wrapping up, reviewing previous content, allowing the visitor to [summarize] the development and key points of this consultation.

Then let the visitor slowly sort out the consultation process themselves, waiting for the next session to begin, where the consultant can verify the visitor’s level of growth.

But today’s situation is slightly different from regular consultations, as Nan Zhubin has intervened in Xu Pengcheng’s real life.

Generally, Psychological Consultants can’t do this because beyond the consultation room, consultants and visitors cannot develop any relationship outside of the consultation.

Nan Zhubin managed to find a workaround, but it was within a reasonable scope.

With any other visitor, he couldn’t use the current method.

It’s this particular "workaround" that could lead today’s consultation toward a bright direction.

"As far as I know, some indeed have."

Whoosh—

Xu Pengcheng looked up suddenly.

His pupils suddenly shrank, and his body leaned forward until he almost fell off the sofa.

If the light in his eyes could be materialized, it would brighten the consultation room considerably.

"I’ve talked with your teammates over this period."

It isn’t content from within the consultation room or group counseling, so what Nan Zhubin now says doesn’t breach confidentiality principles.

"Some of them indeed understand you, but—"

Nan Zhubin stopped.

No need for him to say anymore.

"Junkai? Mingchen?" Xu Pengcheng stared intensely into Nan Zhubin’s eyes.

Nan Zhubin naturally couldn’t answer such questions, not even hint at them. He merely smiled without saying a word.

Xu Pengcheng continued to mention a few names. Surprisingly, he very accurately targeted several individuals like the student with thick bangs and another who sat near Zhao Zuo during group counseling.

Nan Zhubin neither confirmed nor denied Xu Pengcheng’s queries but interpreted Xu Pengcheng’s response at that moment.

"It seems you usually pay attention to your teammates’ attitudes towards you, anticipating which teammates understand you."

Nan Zhubin’s voice was deep and steady, offering one last lift.

"Why do you think those teammates who understand you, understand you?"

"Was it because of them noticing your excessive dieting, or perhaps through the ’extra practice’ process you mentioned?"

Xu Pengcheng went silent.

But this time, in silence, he didn’t lower his head; his gaze didn’t wander, and his hands and feet were relaxed.

His gaze was somewhat distant, due to both memory and contemplation.

Three breaths later, he slowly shook his head.

"No."