What is Counseling Like?

During your first meeting at the Center, the counselor will ask you to describe your current concerns and situation and will gather some background information about yourself. Some students find that this initial appointment is all that they need to explore and clarify their feelings and options. If you and your counselor decide that additional services would be beneficial, he or she will determine what you would like to gain from counseling and assist in the setting of goals. Counseling tends to be problem-focused, eclectic, and culturally appropriate. The particular counseling strategies employed vary from counselor to counselor, but each counselor focuses all energies on trying to help the student.

You may feel anxious or shy at the beginning of counseling, perhaps even a bit self-conscious or weak. The counselors understand that it is normal to feel uncomfortable and cautious, and they try to help by providing an accepting and non-judgmental environment in which you will feel at ease. As you begin to trust your counselor, you will probably find that you can be more relaxed and open. At times, you may find it difficult to control your emotions, and it is important to understand that this is a normal part of counseling. It is completely acceptable to feel and express intense emotions, and doing so can be a helpful part of the process. The counselor’s office is a safe place to talk about how you are feeling and this can teach you a great deal about yourself.

tudents often meet with their counselors on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, depending on the needs of each student and the availability of the counselor. Sessions are typically 1 hour long. Homework assignments may be given between sessions to gather further information and to assess the effectiveness of counseling. Once you feel that the issues that brought you in for counseling are no longer of major concern, you and your counselor will talk about how and when to end counseling. Ideally, the personal awareness that you have gained will be of benefit long after counseling has ended. Counseling does not always work, but most students who seek counseling believe that it has been helpful to them. When the Center is unable to provide the type of services that are needed or requested, an appropriate referral will be made to an outside agency.