Health authorities have issued a strong caution about the use of large-group awareness training (LGAT) seminars and life-coaching courses, emphasizing that they cannot replace professional psychological counseling.
On Monday, the Taipei Department of Health reiterated its stance that individuals seeking mental health support should turn to licensed professionals rather than engaging in self-help seminars. The warning follows the widespread attention generated by a recent video from Belgian YouTuber Ceylan Le Compte, known online as 錫蘭Ceylan, which has garnered over 4.9 million views. The video, titled Exposing LGATs: The Dark Side of Personal Growth Seminars, offers a critical look at Le Compte’s own experience with an LGAT course, along with testimony from other influencers who attended similar programs.
Le Compte’s exposé prompted officials from both the Taipei Departments of Health and Education to examine the practices of LGAT courses, which have become increasingly controversial. Lin Yueh-chang, an official with the Department of Education, revealed that the department had received numerous complaints regarding life-coaching programs and LGAT seminars. As a result, 16 facilities were inspected earlier this year, including 12 small offices that did not qualify as short-term cram schools under the Supplementary Education Act. The department also conducted follow-up checks at four other locations, which were not offering courses at the time.
Officials face challenges in overseeing these seminars, as they are often held in various locations, and the organizers are not always transparent about their content. Lin expressed concerns over the lack of clear regulations surrounding these courses.
From 2023 to early 2025, the Taipei Department of Health issued fines in seven cases where individuals violated the Psychologists Act. This law restricts advertising by psychotherapy clinics to only licensed psychologists and counseling psychologists. Two cases were referred to prosecutors due to suspected violations of Article 42 of the Psychologists Act, which states that only licensed professionals can offer psychological services. Offenders could face imprisonment or hefty fines of up to NT$150,000.
Yang Lan-ya, a consumer ombudsman at the Taipei Department of Legal Affairs, stressed that personal development seminars should not be considered a substitute for mental health counseling. She urged those needing mental health support to seek out licensed clinics and professionals.
Taiwan Counseling Psychologist Union deputy director Lin Shang-neng emphasized the difference between psychological counseling, which is based on professional, scientific methods, and LGAT seminars, which are often short-term and emotionally charged. These types of seminars may appear effective but could cause secondary harm to participants due to their rapid and intense nature.
Lu Chin-ning, a member of the Taipei Association of Clinical Psychologists, noted that the effectiveness of personal development courses varies based on the content, the qualifications of the instructors, and the individual needs of participants. However, many such seminars falsely claim to be grounded in psychology, misleading consumers.
Licensed counseling services, Lu explained, are conducted in a supportive environment focused on trust, confidentiality, and respect for the client. Licensed psychologists are also bound by law to offer referrals to other healthcare resources if needed.
The Taipei Department of Health further advised the public to verify that any psychological counseling service is registered with the local health department and holds the necessary licenses. Licensed professionals are required to display their credentials, and counseling centers must follow regulations, including maintaining client confidentiality and providing receipts for each session. Additionally, session records must be kept for at least 10 years.
Officials continue to stress that while personal development courses may offer benefits for personal growth, they are not a substitute for professional psychological care.
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