WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Counseling is a process of becoming more aware of choices and alternatives in order to address a variety of concerns. The interaction between counselor and student is a cooperative effort to meet personal, social, and educational goals leading to a greater sense of choice and a deeper sense of self-confidence.

HOW CAN COUNSELING HELP?

Most students come for counseling when they find their usual ways of managing problems aren't working. Others are interested in enriching their lives by learning more about themselves. Some reasons for seeking counseling might include:

• Feeling lonely and without friends
• Roommate problems
• Anxiety over studying or taking tests
• Out-of-control behavior
• Sense of depression
• Difficulties with family or other relationships
• Over-sensitivity
• Problems with eating and drinking
• Balancing work and school
• Feeling down about one's self
• Lack of direction in personal goals

SERVICES

Short-term Personal Counseling
Depending on a student's needs, he or she can meet with a professional counselor for one or two visits or throughout the semester. All appointments are free and confidential.

Group Counseling
Short-term groups are an excellent means of addressing shared issues and concerns in a confidential setting. Successful groups that the Counseling Office has offered include:

• Relationships Group
• Women's Issues Group
• Men's Issues Group
• Children of Divorce Group
• Freshman Group
• Crisis Response Group

Workshops
The Counseling Office is available to conduct workshops for students on a variety of topics. Some of our workshops include:

• Stress and relaxation
• Time management
• Improving communication style
• Assertiveness training
• Recognizing signs of emotional distress
• Managing anger
• Dealing with life transitions
• Acquaintance Rape Prevention

SELF HELP RESOURCES

The Counseling Office's Self-Help Library contains a wide selection of books, audiotapes, videos, and pamphlets on a variety of mental health topics including, anxiety and stress management, sexual abuse, relationships, grief, eating concerns, personal growth, and other important issues. These materials are available to assist students in solving specific problems as well as to promote personal growth and development. Students can borrow these materials free of charge.

• Online Self Help Resources
• Audio/Video Self Help Resources
• Self Help Books Available in the Counseling Office Library

REFERRAL INFORMATION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

If you are questioning whether a student might be a good candidate for receiving counseling, or if you need further information on making a counseling referral, please take a look at The Counseling Office Referral Guide for Faculty and Staff.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

Confidentiality and trust are essential to the counseling process. Consequently, information shared during counseling and the identity of counseling clients will not be disclosed to anyone without the student's express (usually written) consent.

Conditions requiring exceptions to confidentiality occur very infrequently, and they are discussed with prospective clients prior to beginning counseling.