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| The figure of Prof. Latipun, Ph.D., a psychology professor. (Photo by Lintang PR of UMM) |
Again, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) inaugurated a new professor in psychology: Prof. Latipun, Ph.D., on August 9th. He delivered a scientific oration related to counseling and therapy oriented towards self-recovery abilities. It is also a strategy for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the humanitarian field.
According to his research, every human being has the will to solve his or her own problems. This principle can also be developed in counseling and therapy practices. Although it involves other parties in solving problems, counseling and therapy should give it back to the client. Therefore, the client can overcome and develop the problem in the following days.
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“It is called self-recovery: individuals’ effort to handle, recover, or restore their condition to a normal and optimal condition. However, early assistance from professionals and others is still needed to increase the individual’s willingness to resolve their problems by themselves,” explained Latipun.
Self-recovery-oriented counseling and therapy follows four main principles. Firstly, it emphasizes self-involvement in facing life challenges. The second is to rely on the client’s internal strengths rather than external ones. The third principle is prioritizing the individual process of exploring themselves, learning from experience, and improving coping skills. Finally, each individual is responsible for solving their problems and can develop optimally.
Regarding its relevancy to the SDGs, Latipun explained that counseling relates, especially in the humanitarian field. Generally, counseling aims to generate mature and mentally healthy people, which aligns with the goal of SDGs “to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
“This counseling strategy based on self-recovery is in line with the purposes designed by the United Nations related to the SDGs. Mental health and individuals’ ability to self-recovery in dealing with their various (life) problems are urgent strategies,” asserted the psychology professor.
On the same occasion, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of Indonesia and the Chairman of the Daily Board of Trustees of UMM, Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, MAP., attended the inauguration. He said that serving as a professor is an ideal that every lecturer should have. It is an incredible achievement, so he did not congratulate Latipun on passing a range of academic journeys.
Muhadjir said that psychology is irreplaceable even though AI occupies it. Psychology experts will always be necessary in the dynamics of life. Additionally, they are related to the development of SDGs, for example, with the objectives of health and welfare programs.
“In the previous era, we know that mental health was not considered as essential as the physical one. But now, the stereotype has shifted. The awareness about mental health has emerged,” ended Muhadjir. (imh/wil)
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