What to Expect From Counseling

COUNSELING SERVICES

What to Expect From Counseling
What is Counseling? Counseling is a process in which you meet with a trained professional who can help you sort out issues, assist in decision making, and help you develop and achieve your personal goals. You and your counselor engage in a collaborative process to examine current difficulties or distress in a safe and confidential atmosphere. The counselor facilitates a working partnership which allows you to improve your skills, begin to resolve your concerns, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Counselors also teach you the life skills and coping strategies for handling challenges today and in the future. Isn’t Counseling Just for “Weird” or “Crazy” People? Absolutely not-Counseling Services are for all people who experience problems adapting to new situations and changes taking place within them. Most students face normal developmental concerns and academic pressures while in college, and at times may feel intense anxiety, anger, sadness, or depression. People come to counseling wanting to feel better about themselves and others, and counselors are trained to assist them in doing so. Here are just a few examples of issues that are addressed in counseling: academic concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, relationship building, homesickness, and self-esteem. How Much Does it Cost? UWRF Counseling Services are free. If you wish to see a mental health provider off campus, counselors can help facilitate with that process. You will need to check with you insurance for coverage. What Can I Expect During the First Appointment? During your first meeting with the counselor, you will be asked to describe your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. Your counselor may ask a number of background questions to more fully understand your situation and ways to help you. This is an opportunity for you and the counselor to decide whether Counseling Services is the best place for you to help yourself. After this meeting, you may decide to continue counseling and schedule follow-up appointments. Will My Information Be Kept Confidential? All counseling records are kept confidential, and are not part of university records. With rare exceptions, no information is released to anyone outside Counseling Services, including other University offices, faculty, staff, or parents without your written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality include life-threatening situations (i.e., when someone is deemed to be an imminent danger to themselves or others; or in cases of child abuse) or appropriate court order. In these cases counselors may disclose information to protect you or others from harm, or to comply with legal mandates. Counseling Services staff members may share information with each other for the purposes of consultation. How Long Does Counseling Last? Individual counseling sessions are typically 45 minutes, the number of visits for counseling is determined by your own needs. On average, students meet with a counselor 3-4 times. Your counselor is committed to providing services that meet your needs in a timely and effective manner. What Can I Expect From My Counselor? The Counseling Services staff consists of certified and trained mental health professionals with backgrounds in psychology, counseling, and social work. Each counselor has a different counseling style and varies in their technique; however, you may expect that your counselor will: Listen, and take your concerns seriously Help you remove barriers to achieve your personal goals Maintain the highest ethical and legal standards of counseling practice Answer your questions directly and honestly How Can I Maximize My Counseling Experience? Attend your sessions regularly and take an active part in them Be as open and honest as you can Be open to trying new or different approaches to dealing with your concerns. Apply what you have learned in your sessions to your daily life Talk openly with your counselor about your progress (or lack of progress) in counseling How Do I Make An Appointment? Call (715) 425-3884. After hours an answering machine will take your call and you will be contacted the next morning. Make an appointment in person by visiting Counseling Services, 211 Hagestad Hall. For emergencies where you feel that you need immediate attention, please let the receptionist know so that arrangements can be made for a counselor to see you as soon as possible. Alcohol-Drug Abuse Services: Alcohol and other drug assessments are available (free unless court-ordered or mandated by Residence Life and then a fee will be charged) for currently enrolled students through Counseling Services.