APU’s School of Psychology (SoP) held a Tongle Workshop: Active Listener Training for students; led by a registered counsellor, the session taught vital listening skills, covered sensitive topics, and provided practical exercises, earning praise for its effective and compassionate approach.

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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Psychology (SoP) recently held a vital full-day workshop; Tongle Workshop: Active Listener Training for its students. 

Led by Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong, with support from Ms Dhevaania C. Gendsen and Mr Tan Wei Yu, the event aimed to arm 41 budding psychologists with key active listening and basic counselling skills. 

The session was facilitated by Ms Farhana Nabila Fakarudin, a registered counsellor from the Tongle Group, who brought her extensive experience in youth work, mental health advocacy, and community-based interventions to the fore. 

Ms Farhana began by exploring the fundamental traits of a good listener — patience, presence, and non-judgmental acceptance. 

She then guided students through the core principles of active listening, stressing the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication in creating a safe and supportive space for those in need. 

Throughout the day, students were prompted to reflect on their own listening habits, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness in their interactions with others. 

This training directly aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, by boosting mental health literacy and providing participants with communication skills that promote more inclusive and empathetic communities. 

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to addressing complex and sensitive topics, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. 

Ms Farhana shared real-life case examples from her practice, giving students a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of individuals in crisis.

She introduced the concept of a psychological safety plan, explaining its use as a practical tool for supporting someone with suicidal thoughts. 

Her compassionate and down-to-earth approach demystified these sensitive subjects while reinforcing the critical ethical responsibilities of offering help. 

The afternoon session gave students the chance to put their new knowledge to the test. 

Through role-plays and guided exercises, participants applied the concepts they had learned in a safe and structured environment. 

This hands-on training allowed them to build confidence, receive constructive feedback, and begin to develop their own authentic counselling style. 

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. All participant praised the workshop for its ‘in-depth explanation of ways and strategies to connect and listen to people who may be struggling’. 

They also found the Tongle Workshop on safety planning particularly meaningful with the commended for its powerful blend of theory, real-world application, and emotional depth. 

Overall, the workshop was an invaluable learning experience. By engaging with real cases and practising under the guidance of an expert, students gained a deeper insight into the responsibilities and challenges of being a supportive listener. 

The SoP extends its gratitude to Ms Farhana and the Tongle Group for their collaboration, reaffirming APU’s commitment to developing ethical and practice-ready graduates in the field of mental health.