Frequently Asked Questions
What is counseling?
Can't I talk to a friend?
How messed up do I have to be?
What are common problems?
How does it work?
How often do I come?
What can I do?
What can I expect?
Can I change counselors?
The life of a college student is exciting and stimulating; however, it can also be stressful and bring academic, interpersonal or interpersonal challenges. Counseling can provide an opportunity to sort through these concerns with a trained, objective, and non judgmental person. Counseling is a process with the goal of helping students gain more positive control of their lives. Counseling is not magical, nor will a counselor solve students’ problems for them. Rather it is an opportunity to gain information, explore alternatives and clarify thinking. If used well, it can offer insights that can be applied to future life situations. Successful counseling involves a commitment from the student and a willingness to try new ways of thinking or acting. Good mental health is not the absence of problems, but an ability to use appropriate resources to help resolve problems.
You can and should talk to friends. Social support is very important for emotional health. However, there are times in life when what a professional can offer – objectivity, confidentiality and years of professional training and experience – is needed.
Absolutely not! College is a time of great change. There are developmental concerns and academic pressures, and everyone responds differently. It is rare for a person to not experience some challenges as he or she learns to navigate through this new world of college. Family and friends can be very supportive during these years, but sometimes getting professional help is desired or needed. People see counselors for a wide variety of reasons. It is often a wise choice and a sign of strength to seek out professional help.
Counseling is aimed at helping students understand and manage life’s stressors. Any personal issue can be discussed. Students are also seen for career and major decisions. Typical concerns include:
Depression
Anxiety
Adjustment to college
Stress Management
Self-esteem
Eating issues or body image
Relationship and family issues
Grief or loss
Career exploration and decision-making about a major
Assertiveness
Sexual orientation/identity
Test or speech anxiety
Sexual assault
Other concerns
Counseling is not magical and change doesn’t happen overnight or without effort. However, virtually all students surveyed who used the WSU Counseling Center feel counseling was beneficial and state they would return in the future if a problem arose.
It varies. Sometimes people meet with a counselor only once and don’t need to continue. Others meet with a counselor a few times throughout the semester. WSU Counseling Center provides short-term counseling to students. If a student presents with concerns that are sufficiently complex to make a satisfactory resolution unlikely within the boundaries of short-term counseling, your counselor will provide you with a referral to an off campus counselor who will be able to more adequately meet your needs.
Successful counseling is a joint process between you and your counselor. It involves your motivation and willingness to try new ways of thinking or acting. To increase the likelihood of success the following recommendations are made:
- Attend scheduled sessions. (If you cannot, please be courteous and cancel in advance. We often have a waiting list!)
- Be as specific as possible about why you are seeking counseling and how you want your life to be different.
- Work with your counselor to set goals.
- Discuss progress.
- Be as open and honest as possible.
- Be willing to try new ways of thinking or acting.
- Complete, or at least attempt, “homework” given.
- Tell your counselor if you don’t think you are being helped.
At the WSU Counseling Center you can expect to see a qualified, licensed professional with experience in college mental health. While counselors’ styles differ slightly, all will:
- Create a safe place for you to talk
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Take your concerns seriously
- Ask questions
- Provide support and understanding
- Work with you in finding solutions to your problems
- Maintain ethical and legal standards of confidentiality
- Help during a crisis
- Refer serious cases for appropriate treatment
Can I see a different counselor?
Yes, in many cases. We want you to find the best match possible, and sometimes this means working with a different counselor. You may request another counselor at the Front Desk of the Counseling Center. Requests will be handled on a case by case basis. There are times when you may be referred off campus to a therapist or service that is better able to help with your situation. If it is in your best interest to see someone for long-term counseling, a referral will be made to the appropriate resource in the community.
Last Modified: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:51 by Shraddha Bista
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