As society continues to develop, the profession of psychotherapy has also received increasing attention in recent years. If you are planning to enter this field, you may be looking for more learning, practice, and employment opportunities. You may also be looking for insight into the career and life of a practicing psychotherapist. This insightful 90-minute webinar will explore these topics and provide you with valuable knowledge regarding different graduate programs, as well as advantages and disadvantages of pursuing this path. You will come away with a clearer understanding of whether a degree in the field of psychology aligns with your strengths, personality, and desired lifestyle. This webinar will be organized by Ms. Qin Xiaojie, the director of CandleX and a registered psychotherapist in China and Australia. Cost: 150RMB Event time: Sep 24th, 2024 19:30-21:00 Online: Tencent Meeting Language: English or Chinese (depending on the language of the participants) Content: 60 minute presentation+30 minute Q&A To ensure that everyone receives the relevant information they need, participants may submit their questions to the presenter who will prepare the presentation accordingly. Register: Please scan QR code below 随着社会不断发展，心理咨询师这个职业在近几年也越来越受到关注。如果你正计划着进入这个领域，如果你想了解更多的学习、实践和就业机会，以及做为一名心理咨询从业人员的真实职业和生活状态，我们的在线分享活动将为你答疑解惑。 这次分享活动会由CandleX始然心理的创始人和总监，中国和澳大利亚注册心理咨询师秦小杰女士，来分享和回答大家的问题。 费用： 150元 活动时间：2024年9月24日 19:30-21:00 活动地点：腾讯在线会议 活动内容：60分钟演讲+30分钟问答 语言：中文或者英文（根据报名情况确定） 活动流程：分享会参与者，提交自己想得到答案的问题，分享者会根据问题来准备此次演讲，以确保大家得到自己需要的相关信息。 报名：请添加Summer的微信 This webinar will cover the following key areas: Graduate Degree: Psychotherapy is a branch of psychology- how to decide whether to pursue a major in psychotherapy or another kind of psychology degree How to apply for master's degree in psychology with a bachelor's degree in a different field How to optimize your resume to apply for a psychology major Studying Abroad: The differences in psychotherapy degrees in various countries (UK, USA, Australia) The impact of having a degree on future employment in China and foreign countries Employment: At present, the counseling/psychotherapy market in China lacks standardization; guidance for how to maintain ethical career development The skills, background, and experience required by employers; understanding the current market Career and Personal Matching Index: Each profession has its unique characteristics. How to determine whether your interests, hobbies, personality traits, and expected lifestyle are suitable to be a counselor. Main points to understand when choosing this profession Note: Xiaojie has a Master's degree in counseling from Monash University in Australia. She is a registered counselor at ACA in Australia and a Level 3 psychotherapist in China. For those who need to have a deep understanding of degrees and job markets in other countries, please be aware of this. 这次分享会将涉及以下几个重点方面： 学科： 心理咨询是心理学的一个分支，如何考虑是读心理咨询还是读其他心理学科的专业； 针对本科学历不是心理学的硕士申请者，如何跨行申请。 如何更好的准备你的简历，让你在心理专业申请上加分。 留学： 心理咨询的学位在不同的几个发达国家（英国、美国、澳大利亚）的差异; 以及学位对今后执照在中国或者外国就业的影响。 就业： 目前国内心理咨询市场服务提供者鱼龙混杂、市场缺乏规范，心理咨询师的良性发展路径； 雇主所需的技能、背景和经验，以及目前市场上的工作和就业情况。 职业和个人匹配指数： 每个职业都有它的特性，你的兴趣爱好、个性特征以及期待的生活工作方式是否适合做心理咨询，将心理咨询当作职业你应该了解的主要内容。 备注：主讲人的背景是澳洲的心理咨询硕士学位，在澳洲ACA为注册咨询师，中国三级心理咨询师，对于需要深度了解其他国家的学位和就业市场请合理期待。 This webinar will provide enthusiasts with a guide towards entering the field of counseling/psychotherapy, while stimulating more competitiveness and professionalism within the industry. If you would like to learn more, please sign up to join our discussion. Qin Xiaojie's introduction: 这次在线分享活动将为爱好者们提供一个进入这个领域的重要途径，也将为咨询行业提供更多竞争力和专业性。如果你想了解更多的信息，欢迎加入我们的讨论。 秦小杰女士的简介如下:

In April 2023, Xiaojie Qin, psychotherapist and the director of CandleX, facilitated a highly engaging and informative workshop on wellbeing and stress management specifically tailored for foreign media outlet staff in Beijing. The workshop aimed to equip the team with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of the fast-paced and demanding media industry in China, particularly with regards to managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. One of the most notable aspects of the workshop was its casual and interactive format. Participants were seated comfortably around sofas in an intimate setting, fostering a sense of intimacy and camaraderie. With a group of over 10 individuals, Xiaojie led a series of thought-provoking exercises and discussions that encouraged open sharing of experiences and mutual learning. This approach not only made the workshop enjoyable but also strengthened the sense of community and support among the staff, fostering a more positive and supportive work environment. Another notable highlight of the event was Xiaojie's exceptional expertise and profound compassion. Thanks to the intimate setting of a small group, she was able to address a diverse array of questions and concerns from the staff, offering personalized advice and guidance tailored to their unique needs. This level of personalized care and attention to detail provided staff with a clearer sense of direction as they navigated the challenges of their careers. At CandleX, we specialize in delivering tailored workshops and presentations that cater to the specific needs of different workplaces. What sets us apart from other mental health and wellbeing providers is twofold: firstly, we have been actively involved in community mental health since 2015, working closely with individuals to understand their personal stories and incorporating these into our workshops, adding depth and engagement beyond just theoretical knowledge. Secondly, Xiaojie, as a multi-faceted mental health professional with extensive experience in both individual and couple counseling, is highly sought-after by many workplaces for her ability to deliver experiential workshops that emotionally engage and resonate with participants. For more information on what we have worked on, please visit our website and go to ‘events’.

Xiaojie Qin Psychotherapist, Director of CandleX Sep 2024 When you observe your breath, you notice there’s a rise and a fall. The same goes with our heartbeat, the temperature of rotating seasons. There’s that rhythmic Yin Yang patter. However, in our rush from one task to another, we often overlook the importance of transitions and the need to pause between endeavors or phases of life. There is a societal pressure to constantly be productive and engaged, with rewards and praise often reserved for those who maintain a packed schedule. As a mentor of two high school teenagers, I constantly remind them to leave some space in their schedule. Our inability to take breaks and rest is concerning. Moreover, there is a stigma attached to taking a break or stepping away from one's usual routine. Sometimes, life presents us with opportunities to pause and reflect, but we may feel embarrassed or ashamed or fear of missing out if we find ourselves temporarily unemployed or in need of time off. We rarely discuss the value of these moments in school or within our families, and many of us struggle to comfortably embrace the idea of downtime. It took me years of practice to learn how to use the spaces between tasks and milestones effectively, and I still have a long way to go. But I am heartened to see that some youngsters are increasingly comfortable taking the time to figure things out before making life-altering decisions. During my one month downtime time (闭关)in Brazil , I encountered a group of highly motivated young people with a deep interest in nature, some of whom are embarking on gap years. I had the pleasure of interviewing Katherine, a Chinese recent college graduate in the US who chose to take a break before pursuing her career. Her experiences and challenges offer valuable insights into the benefits of taking time off and how it can enrich our lives. I hope to share her story and the lessons she learned with you. I call this time: In Between In order for us to take this concept and learning to teenagers, CandleX’s teen mentee Katie’s reflected on this interview while editing it. Katie Lai High school student in Hongkong China 2024 Xiaojie and Katherine’s interview has said a lot. In the whirlwind of our daily routines, it’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness, always chasing the next deadline or achievement. I found that it’s so easy to overlook just how crucial it is to step back and take a deep breath. As Xiaojie and Katherine emphasized, hitting pause is a powerful way to reconnect with oneself and gain some much needed perspective. Ever feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to find your own pause. Give yourself permission to slow down and rediscover your true self. It may sound reckless, but sometimes the best way to move forward is to take a moment to stand still.

As I prepare to contribute to World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, I've found solace in revisiting a video we created in 2019. This powerful piece, which conveys crucial messages to those grappling with suicidal thoughts, remains as relevant today as it was then. Over the summer, we've been actively raising awareness about suicide prevention, a campaign that started in July and concludes in September. Now, let's revisit this video together and continue the vital conversation, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle. Xiaojie Qin Psychotherapist and the Director of CandleX

On August 24, 2024, Xiaojie Qin, Psychotherapist and Director of CandleX, joined talented and famous artists Xie Nanxing and Fan Ranran, hosted by esteemed exhibition curator Nataline Colonnello, at the final forum of the group exhibition "Liminal Stages: Exploration on Perception, Existence, and Technological-consciousness" under the theme "Unlocking the Mysteries of the Soul: Psychological Perspectives in Contemporary Art". This event was hosted at the esteemed Wind H Art Center in 798 Beijing, was nothing short of a transformative experience that delved deep into the intricacies of the human psyche.   From the moment guests entered the venue, they were immersed in an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and artistic intrigue. The carefully curated setting complemented the profound subject matter, creating an environment conducive to deep reflection and open dialogue. The discussion centered around the intricate interplay between art and psychology, with a particular focus on how contemporary art can serve as a mirror, reflecting and provoking introspection into our deepest selves. The panelists delved into topics such as identity, perception, emotion, and the subconscious, offering nuanced and thought-provoking insights that resonated deeply with the audience. One of the most striking aspects of the forum was the way in which the artists' works were used as springboards for discussion. The artworks of Fan Ranran and Xie Nanxing, were talked about not just for its aesthetic merit but also for the psychological nuances it conveyed. The panelists expertly dissected the layers of meaning embedded within the works, revealing how they not only mirrored the complexities of the human psyche but also invited viewers to engage in a process of self-discovery. What made this forum truly exceptional was the sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the panelists across different disciplines. There was a palpable energy in the room as they bounced ideas off each other, challenging and supporting one another's perspectives. This dynamic exchange of thoughts and ideas not only enriched the discussion but also inspired the audience to think critically and creatively about the art they were seeing and the themes being explored.   For more information of the event review, you can check it out on Wind H Art Center(山中天艺术中心)’s official bilingual WeChat account: 论坛回顾｜解开心灵之谜：当代艺术中的心理学角

Just as we all need to know how to perform CPR in case of a cardiac emergency, it is equally crucial that we learn how to support someone who is suicidal. Xiaojie Qin Psychotherapist and Director of CandleX We understand that supporting a friend, family member, or colleague who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempts can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. You may feel helpless, confused, or even frightened. But you are not alone in this journey. We are conducting an online workshop in Aug 2024 from Beijing, exclusively for those who are providing support to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or attempts. Event Details Date: 3pm-5pm, Friday, 25th Aug 2024 Content: 40-60mins webinar and 60 mins interactive workshop Platform: Online Registration: Helen Ya (QR code below) Who should Participate: you have or are dealing with a colleague, a friend or a family member who is suicidal Fee: 380rmb, no refund (financial aid available for those with limited income) Presenter and Facilitator: Xiaojie Qin  (profile in the end) Suicide happens more often than we think. Check out this new interview video: Real Answers: A Look at Suicide 2024 If you are hesitant about attending group sessions to discuss sensitive topics, at CandleX, we offer a pre-treatment guidance session , which is one on one. We provide this private session as an option. Xiaojie,, partially volunteers her time to offer this support. Please be advised that each person is only eligible for one such session, with a maximum duration of 60 minutes. Expected Outcome Understanding of Suicidal Stages: Attendees will develop a basic understanding of the psychological stages associated with suicidal ideation. This knowledge will help them identify when someone may be in crisis and in need of immediate intervention. Ability to Differentiate Real Suicidal Risk: Participants will learn to distinguish between genuine suicidal expressions and those made for attention or other reasons. This skill is crucial in ensuring that true emergencies are not overlooked or underestimated. Awareness of Do's and Don'ts: Participants will gain clarity on the appropriate actions to take when supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. They will also learn what not to do, avoiding potentially harmful reactions or statements. Resources Available for extra support: Participants will get a list of resources available in China both professional and psychosocial support, including those for English-speaking residents in China. About Facilitator  - Xiaojie Qin Psychotherapist, director of CandleX. She has been promoting awareness on suicide, engaging in suicide prevention community work since 2015, through conducting and engaging in panel discussions, workshops and webinars, interviews and media outreach, providing individual support to people as a therapist. Check out some of what we have done on the topic of suicide since 2015: Making Up for My Existence | Depression Stories Event Review | Panel Discussion on Opening up About the Taboo In the Moment of Blur | Sam’s Story with Depression Lesson 6.3 Caring for a friend with depression- reacting to suicide/crisis situations Suicide Awareness: My Reflections | Community Writing Talking about suicide: what I have learned | event review Awareness Raising Partners

In July 2024, CandleX I interviewed four individuals well-known in the wellbeing community in China. The intention was to raise awareness of a topic that we do not discuss sufficiently. They were not aware of the questions beforehand. These questions were challenging, and after the interviews, they were given time to consider whether they wished to continue participating in our awareness-raising initiative in Beijing for the community regarding suicide. We are grateful that they chose to join us in focusing attention on suicide. If you have lost someone to suicide or are experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempts, please get in touch with us by scanning the code below. In the meantime, you can visit our website to learn more about the psychosocial support available at CandleX and beyond. From July to September 2024, we will be conducting support groups and webinars to support those in need. 2024 Suicide Awareness Raising Partners

15th July 2024, Xiaojie Qin, Psychotherapist and Director of CandleX joined Qi Social Innovation Center on their opening day of their year-long fellowship program for youth innovation. Xiaojie, as a psychotherapist, and mentor of youth, have extensive experiences working with teenagers. Xiaojie, as a social entrepreneur, shared her experiences designing projects and the formula of a long lasting drive and source of innovation by bringing the attention to the inner world of the innovator. We are very excited to see Qi Social Innovation Center launching the year-long program to high school students, and providing them an environment and intensive support to explore their potential and build their awareness, and promote social services that will be driven by this generation. We encourage you to subscribe to their channel, and know more about what they do as a social enterprise, and don’t miss the next opportunity you have to grow with them.

Xiaojie Qin Psychotherapist, Director of CandleX April 2024 On long journeys, our hearts yearn for clarity, hoping to find answers that guide our way. May these travels enlighten our minds, and bring us closer to the truth we seek. As poetic as it is, many of us returning home disappointed with the fact that clarity seems to be just in other people's stories. As someone who happen to have both successful and unsuccessful experiences, I know traveling, this act it self, doesn't bring clarity. what's missing in that equation? I want to attempt to answer that question reflecting on my most recent trip in Brazil in March 2024. I went to Atlantic Forest in Brazil and stayed in the raw tropical jungle for about 3 weeks, disconnecting from the unnecessary stimuli in the city. During this time, I gradually regained the sharpness of my senses. The serene mind and grounding experience of being one with nature in the wilderness revitalized me to the extent that I felt lighter, more at ease and whole, and more joyful. Upon returning home to the hustle and bustle of Beijing, a megacity, the first two weeks after coming home have been particularly challenging. I did not feel as though I had gained any clarity, and instead, I encountered a significant amount of confusion in trying to comprehend each day as though something doesn't feel right. Prior to my trip, I had a daily structure and underlying principles that drive my days forward with a momentum. However, post-jungle trip, I feel even more uncertain about certain things, let alone the ambiguous things, which has led to frustration, confusion, and even a sense of defeat. As someone who is accustomed to getting things done quickly, I know that I must resist the temptation to return to my normal working schedule despite the urge to do so. Fortunately, I have a supportive boss who trusts me in always trying to best at work, and that boss is me. I continue to remind myself to do less than what I expect of myself until the confusion fades in its own time. Oh, the irony! Did it not take years of practice to simply learn to PAUSE? A pause after a relaxing jungle trip? Yes, indeed! In that disorienting space, I finally began to comprehend that the foggy feelings I am experiencing is an essential phase for integrating my emotional jungle experience into the logical mind that dictates my schedules and activities that make up my life. I have always held the belief that our body and mind possess the incredible gift of syncing with each other, allowing us to evolve into the next version of ourselves. However, this evolution cannot occur unless we take a pause. Kinda like a you can not use your phone when new software is being installed. We must learn how to pause, and most importantly, to be brave enough to pause, and the magic will ensue naturally. Two significant turning points in my career occurred after extended revitalizing rests in Thailand and India. Both times, I embarked on a path that didn't know that exist. Actually they did not exist. I created those paths for myself, not right away after my trips, but months and months after my trip. Did I know I was creating those path. during those months, I didn't. I simply slowed down and give up finding solutions to issues, and start devoting my energy in areas that I feel called for, aka, what I want to do. Looking back, the dots all align. As Steve Jobs famously stated: "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards." He described a phenomena with such precision. I can not agree more. We can not THINK about what we want. We can not use the logic mind to fix a problem that the logic mind creates in the first place. Therefore, we must pause, take a significant, daunting pause. Allow yourself to see the world through the eyes of your heart, and wait patiently. As time passes, clarity will emerge in your vision. Deep within my heart, I know that in the coming months or even longer, things will settle into their rightful places, and if I remind myself to pause, they will find even better places. I have experienced this before, and I will again. So there it is. Have you grasped the concept? The other half of the equation is pause. So, pause.

"I don't know how to talk about it." When we lose someone to suicide, suddenly, we find ourselves without words that could help us understand what's happening inside us, and the thought of discussing it with others is stressful. I also cannot fully say that I know how to talk about it on the community level either, even though I have done many talks, presentations, and workshops around this topic, and I am a therapist who works with clients who are suicidal or who have lost someone to suicide. My heart goes out to people whose lives have changed when they lose someone to suicide. Xiaojie Qin Psychotherapist, Director of CandleX In 2024, the month of World Suicide Prevention Day (10th Sep 2024), CandleX invites you to step into a space where we sit with the fact that we do not know how to talk about losing a loved one to suicide, and see where facing it might lead us. Event Details Date : 19:00-21:00, Sat 27th July 2024 Fee : 150rmb. Financial aid available for people with financial constraints- please contact admin. Location : Online from Beijing Language : English Registration : Scan Yoopay QR code to register The registration includes a screening form, consent confirmation, payment, and participation confirmation. Contact person : Helen Ya will send you a meeting link once confirmed Facilitator :  Xiaojie Qin  (profile at the end) What to expect: A 120-minute online event that aims to provide a safe and supportive space for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. This isn't a typical psychoeducational workshop; it's a shared journey where we'll all participate and work together to discover more about this sensitive topic. Who should attend? Individuals and families who have lost a loved one to suicide. Why should you attend? The grief that accompanies such a loss is often complex and layered, making it difficult to navigate. When suicide is involved, the grieving process can become even more complicated, often leading to trauma- and stressor-related disorders (TSD) or other mental health challenges. How should you prepare yourself for the event? Facing the topic of suicide can be daunting, especially for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. There may be hesitation, fear, and doubt in participation. The best way to prepare yourself is to take a leap of faith, and connect with others with similar experiences. The following resources are available to help you continue with your healing journey: Support Group Pre-Treatment Guidance Therapy Crisis Hotline We have been working on reducing stigma around suicide, and provide psychoeducation and psychosocial support since 2015. Please check out some of our articles below: Making Up for My Existence | Depression Stories Event Review | Panel Discussion on Opening up About the Taboo In the Moment of Blur | Sam’s Story with Depression Lesson 6.3 Caring for a friend with depression- reacting to suicide/crisis situations Suicide Awareness: My Reflections | Community Writing Talking about suicide: what I have learned | Event Review What are the principles of the event? By coming together in this space, we can offer each other empathy, support, and understanding. We'll create a confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can share your stories, experiences, and perspectives. There's no pressure to talk, and everyone is encouraged to approach the topic with self-compassion and empathy. Together, we'll work to navigate the complexities of grief and trauma after losing a loved one to suicide. We may not have all the answers, but by sharing our stories and experiences, we can gain valuable insights and perspectives that will help us move forward. You will find details of group principles and event guidelines that need your consent in the yoopay registration link. About the facilitator:

If you or anyone around you is in a situation where you are in need of advice or help, here are three suggestions as to what you could do to resolve the situation. Learn how you can help yourself: We’ve completed our online “Classroom”, which are articles we’ve written with the goal to support the community in taking care one’s mental health and giving guidance on how to respond to depression. If you are a friend or a family member of someone who is in a crisis, please go to our website and find “classroom”. Read “Lesson 6 Caring for A Friend with Depression” If you are experiencing a depressive episode, please go to our website and find “Classroom”. Read our 3 articles on “I have Major Depression” for self-help. 2. Go to CandleX’s Mental Health Peer Support Group in Beijing This is our website: www.CandleX.cn 3.Reach out to the crisis hotlines listed below For anyone in need of assistance in times of crisis, or just a listening ear, below are some recommended hotlines. They all offer anonymous, confidential support services and some of them offer it in the form of live chat. All services are free of charge: callers only need to pay the normal phone call rate. In addition to these, below are some that offer English services. You can call them to make an appointment with the doctors. For specific fees and rates, please contact the hospitals directly. In times of crisis, one may feel lost about what to do. Make a daily plan. Do one thing at a time. You can also read our blog on people in our CandleX community who have struggled with depression and shared their experiences. visit: www.candlex.cn/my-story-with-depression Please always believe that you're not alone, there're always people could be leaned on. And also, we love you. Please never ever give up hope.

CandleX's founder and Director, Xiaojie Qin, is a psychotherapist. If you need psychotherapy, please contact her via her therapy email at xiaojieqin2020@163.com As mental health awareness grows, more and more people are curious about seeking psychotherapy. CandleX aims to provide learning resources to support those who may be navigating this space for the first time. In this educational video series you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions, practical advice, and nuanced insights from psychotherapist Qin Xiaojie that will help you make informed decisions along your therapeutic journey. Watch videos here!