NCWC: Counseling at the Health Center

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Counseling at the Health Center

WHAT IS COUNSELING? | What Issues Can I Discuss in Counseling? | WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO IN COUNSELING? | WHAT IS CONFIDENTIALITY?

Updated Monday, May 05, 2008

WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Personal Counseling is focused on emotional, psychological, or interpersonal issues.

Counseling begins with the first session with the counselor. Initially, time will be spent discussing and exploring the concerns that led you to seek counseling. You and your counselor will set specific goals for treatment based on your individual needs, and a determination will be made regarding the most appropriate services for you. Treatment options may include individual counseling, group counseling, a referral to a physician or psychiatrist, workshops on campus, or a referral to another person on staff or in the community depending on the nature of the problem.

The decision to seek counseling is an important one. Research has shown that the more individuals understand about the counseling process, the more likely they are to achieve favorable results.

What Issues Can I Discuss in Counseling?

Counseling can assist you in your personal growth through clarification of your thoughts, feelings, and values. People usually come to counseling because they are experiencing emotional pain or want to improve their lives. Some of the more common issues addressed in counseling include:

Managing anxiety
Implementing stress management techniques
Improving mood and overcoming depression
Adjusting to college and other life changes
Improving interpersonal relationships
Enhancing self-esteem
Surviving grief and loss
Resolving family and childhood issues
Understanding sexual orientation and identity
Ending substance abuse or eating problems
Dealing with emotional trauma
Reducing and/or changing unwanted behaviors

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO IN COUNSELING?

Successful counseling is a joint endeavor requiring your motivation and active involvement in the process. In order to fully benefit from counseling, the following recommendations are offered:

ü Be specific regarding the concerns that lead to your decision to seek counseling.

ü Establish desired goals and outcomes (with your counselor) to be achieved in counseling.

ü Periodically assess your status and progress with your counselor and reformulate goals if needed.

ü Participate actively, and be as open and honest as possible.

ü Ask Questions!!!

WHAT IS CONFIDENTIALITY?

Due to the sensitive and personal nature of counseling, all counseling services are confidential. This means that the information you share with your counselor is not revealed to anyone without your consent. There are some limitations to confidentiality including when the client is threatening to harm self or others.

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