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Individual Counseling
What is counseling?
Counseling is any relationship in which one person is helping another person to better understand and solve some problem. The staff in Counseling Services consists of licensed counselors who have training in psychology, counseling, and human behavior.
Common difficulties in counseling
One of the most difficult steps in counseling occurs before you even see a counselor for the first time. Deciding to seek counseling is the first step. Once this decision has been made, the want to change has been set in motion. Also, in the course of counseling you may come to realize that you see situations a bit differently. With the guidance from your counselor you will be able to work through all areas of concern at your pace. It is important that you discuss concerns or frustrations about the counseling process with your counselor.
What can you expect from your counselor?
You can expect someone who will listen to your concerns and guide you develop a better understanding of them so that you may cope with them more easily and effectively. Your counselor will be willing to answer some questions about herself or himself directly and honestly.
Counselors have various approaches to helping people change. They may ask you to do "homework” outside of your sessions. Feel free to ask questions about an area of your counseling experience.
Counselors have expertise in helping people reach their goals, but they do not have "magical" skills or knowledge, and will be unable to solve your problems directly for you. Your counselor will work with you, but won't do for you what you are capable of doing for yourself.
Your responsibilities in counseling
Your main responsibilities in counseling are to attend your regularly scheduled sessions, talk about what is bothering you as openly and honestly as you can, and complete any tasks or homework assignments you and your counselor establish.
You also need to let your counselor know if you feel that either you are no longer in need of counseling or if you don't feel like you're making any progress. If you feel that you are not making progress you can ask to be transferred to another counselor.