Counselling
Start with your fellow JETs if you need someone to talk to without worrying about language barriers. Many of them have probably experienced or are experiencing the same problems as you.
Your workmates at school or in your office can often help with small things.
It’s your supervisor’s job to look out for you, so don’t be afraid to ask.
If you can’t talk to your supervisor about things easily, your Prefectural Advisor (PA) is also a good option.
The CLAIR JET Line operates during working hours (M-F, 9am-5:45pm): 03-5213-1729. JET Line is answered in English by a JET Programme Coordinator (PC). All of CLAIR’s PCs are former JETs who have received training in counseling techniques and are very well versed in JET Programme issues. PCs can help you find professional advice and consultation from members of its Counseling System Committee. They can also give you information about Self-Support Group Leaders for speakers of languages other than English.
After working hours, you can call the AJET Peer Support Group (8pm-7am) for a chat or advice. PSG is a listening and referral service for all JET participants. The volunteers are all trained by professionals and all are current JET participants. This is a completely anonymous and confidential service. You don’t have to give your name, or even the area of Japan you are from. It’s available every night when PAs and other phone lines are often unavailable. They‘re also open every day of the year, including Christmas and summer vacation time. Whether you’ve had a bad day at work, need to see a doctor at 3:00 am or just want to speak English with someone, the volunteers at PSG are available to listen. If you are interested in volunteering, the AJET Peer Support Group starts recruiting in March. You should get an e-mail from your PA around this time. The PSG National Coordinator can be contacted anytime at jetpsg@yahoo.com : 0120-437-725
There are also non-JET counseling options, including the Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) which provides free, anonymous, and confidential telephone counseling from 9am to 11pm, 365 days a year. Trained volunteers can offer counseling and support, as well as information on a broad range of English-speaking services in Japan.
The TELL number is 03-5774-0992.
Rainbow Plaza (IMS Bldg 8F, Tenjin.) offers free legal and personal counseling in several languages in one of their conference rooms. Call for language availability and to make an appointment. Tel 092-733-2220. Counseling with professional psychologist 1pm- 6pm Mon, Wed & Sat. Legal counseling 1pm-4pm first and third Saturdays.
Dr. Kohei Horikawa [Kurume] is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst (IPA member). Horikawa Hospital, 510 Nishi-machi. Tel 0942-38-1200.
There are plenty of people out there who can help you, and please don’t hesitate to ask for help.