Counseling & Career Development Center
Frequently Asked Questions
For Students : Frequently Asked Questions
Students often have questions about our services, what counseling is like, how to schedule appointments, and so forth. We have provided some commonly asked questions and their answers for you here. If you have additional questions or need further clarification, please give us a call at 478-5541.
What is counseling?
(from The University of Buffalo Counseling Center)Counseling is a collaborative process which involves the development of a unique, confidential helping relationship. In this relationship, the counselor acts as a facilitator in helping the client to understand more accurately him/herself and the world around him/her. Individuals are helped to understand their feelings and behaviors, their relationships with others, their particular situation, choices, and decisions. Discussion of whatever is important and relevant enables individuals to grow towards greater freedom in making mature choices and taking responsible action with themselves, relationships, family, and studies.
If I go see a counselor, does that mean I'm "crazy?"
Not at all! That someone has to be "crazy" to see a counselor is an unfortunate myth that is still prevalent in our society. At the Counseling Center, we see students because they have concerns about a variety of things, most of which are very common or "normal" sorts of concerns. Even some of the more serious mental health issues are fairly common in our society. For instance, clinical depression will affect approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 or 10 men in a lifetime, and 19 million Americans each year. Anxiety is just as common, if not more so. Feeling overwhelmed by stress seems to be an experience we all have from time to time.
What happens when I talk with a counselor for the first time?
It is not uncommon for students to be a bit nervous or hesitant when they meet with a counselor for the first time. They sometimes wonder if they are supposed to act a certain way or talk about their deepest secrets. Students often find that after they speak with a counselor, their concerns were unfounded and the experience of getting things "off your chest" was relieving. Your first meeting with one of our psychologists is what we call an "intake." In this session, your counselor will also ask you some basic questions about such things as academics, work, relationships, family, etc. This is your opportunity to help your counselor get a good idea of the "big picture" regarding your situation. During this session, you can expect at least three things to happen. First, you will have a chance to discuss what you have been experiencing that brought you to a counselor. Second, your counselor will ask you what you want to achieve in counseling. Third, your counselor will present options for helping you reach your goals.
How long are counseling sessions? How often will I meet with my counselor?
Counseling sessions last for 50 minutes. Students are allowed up to 15 sessions per academic year. You and your counselor will discuss and agree upon how many visits may be useful for you, as well as how often you will meet. Sometimes students meet with their counselor each week, other times they meet together every other week. Still other times, students meet weekly with their counselor for awhile, then later they may taper off their sessions to every other week or even once a month.
Is what I say in counseling kept confidential?
The staff at the Counseling and Career Development Center adheres to professional, legal and ethical guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association. In doing so, we maintain confidential records of all counseling. This means that information about your contact with the Counseling Center does not go on your academic record, nor is it released to any other office or individual without your permission and signature on a written release form. However, there are some rare exceptions to confidentiality. Counselors are mandated to report certain information in which there is possible harm to the client or another person, in cases of child or elder abuse, or in the event of a court order. While these situations can happen,they are very rare. It is important to remember that your counselor's primary goal is to provide a safe environment in which you will feel comfortable to talk about your personal concerns.
Please feel free to submit questions that you would like to see answered on this page.
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| Counseling
and Career Development Center Forest Drive Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460-8011 Phone: 912-478-5541 Fax: 912-478-0834 |
This site was last updated on 12/28/07. Please contact us with questions or comments. | |