If you are condsidering setting up an appointment with a counselor you may have some of the following questions on your mind:

• Why contact the Counseling Center?

• What types of issues bring most people to the Counseling Center?

• What can be discussed at the Counseling Center?

• How can the Counseling Center help you?

• Do I need to have an appointment?

• How do I set up an appointment?
  

Why contact the Counseling Center?

Many students feel that asking for help is may be a sign of weakness. Or possibly worse, they feel that their concerns aren’t serious enough to need to talk to a counselor. We hope that this way of thinking changes as they realize that confronting a problem is a positive sign of health and maturity and strength. Having problems, feeling anxious or depressed, and needing help at various points in life are universal experiences. Being able to acknowledge those feelings is an important step in taking care of yourself in a healthy and appropriate manner.
Our staff is available to help students gain perspective on any personal problems. It can be helpful to talk with skilled counselors about concerns with relationships, stress, anxiety, or depression. Services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, short-term individual counseling, stress management, referrals, and medication. Couples counseling is also available.

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What types of issues bring most people to the Counseling Center?

Some issues include but are not limited to:

• Poor academic performance and study skills
• Documentation for academic withdrawal
• Roommate conflicts
• Homesickness and difficulty adjusting to the university
• Disappointing social relationships
• Alcohol and other substance use and abuse
• Difficulty in love relationships
• Loneliness and isolation
• Eating and body image problems
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety
• Sexuality and sexual identity
• Family conflict
• Grief and loss

10 additional reasons people visit the Counseling Center

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What can be discussed at the Counseling Center?

Basically, Anything.

Any problem that is causing you concern is appropriate. Sometimes we may think my problem isn’t serious enough to seek help, but the important factor to consider is to which extent does your concern seem to interfere with your activities, thoughts or feelings.

Relationships with parents, boyfriends or girlfriends, roommates, and even your feelings about yourself may be stressful or a source of distress. Almost all of us have occasional problems in relationships with others, especially during the college years when there is so much going on in your life. As you continue through the University, you may become concerned about commitment to another person or to a career. Your relationship with your partner can create new conflicts or demands that you had not anticipated. You may also be in a relationship that is abusive or unhealthy and not know what to do. It is not uncommon to feel upset, anxious or depressed, and to be unsure about why or what to do.

Sexual concerns and behaviors may be distressing, especially if your own values and beliefs differ from those of your family or friends. Some students may be questioning their sexual orientation or be uncomfortable with their sexuality or are concerned about what kinds of behaviors are acceptable or healthy. These are all appropriate for discussion with our counselors.

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How can the Counseling Center help you?

Counseling, most simply stated, is an interaction between a person who is "stuck" in some way and in need of help, and another person who is trained in helping people get "unstuck." You can count on speaking to a counselor who listens objectively without judgment – while keeping your issues completely confidential. Beginning to talk about your issues with a concerned counselor can go a long way towards resolving problems. We can offer you the opportunity to better understand your feelings and why they are problematic now. As you understand your current concerns, you may discover new ways of expressing your feelings and may choose to try out new behaviors.

At first, you may feel anxious or shy, perhaps even a bit self-conscious or weak. Counselors understand that it's normal to feel uncomfortable and cautious during the first meeting, and they try to help by promoting an accepting environment in which you will feel at ease. As you gradually begin to trust your counselor, you'll probably find that you can be more relaxed and open.

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