What is Counseling?

Counseling is a collaborative process which involves the development of a unique, confidential, therapeutic, helping relationship. In this relationship, the therapist acts as a facilitator in helping the client to understand more accurately him/herself and the world around him/her; to better understand their feelings and behaviors; and to assist students in their interpersonal relationships. Discussion of whatever is important and impacting someone’s life can enable an individual to grow towards greater freedom in making mature choices and taking responsible action.

What is Counseling Like?

Counseling will be a different experience for different people, as we strive to meet your individual needs based on your unique set of circumstances. In your first session, which is called an “intake” appointment, you will be asked basic, informational questions and work with your therapist to establish goals for counseling.

What happens during the course of your counseling experience may differ over time, based on your situation, progress, or changes in your life. Your therapist may at times suggest exploring potential solutions such as relaxation training, journaling, role-playing, talking with relevant individuals, reading assignments, or even “homework.” How the therapeutic process will progress depends on your needs and goals.

 

What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling is an opportunity to work with your partner on issues that may be impacting your relationship. You may focus on communication skills, conflict resolution, or making decisions about your future together. Your therapist will serve as a mediator and guide during these discussions, and will help you work together to focus on and achieve specific goals for your relationship.

How often will I meet with my therapist?

The frequency of therapy is mutually agreed upon by you and your therapist and is largely based on your presenting issues and the goals of treatment.

It is very important that you arrive early or on-time for your scheduled appointments. Regular, timely attendance of your counseling sessions will help you to achieve your therapeutic goals. If for some reason you are unable to make it to your scheduled session, please call your therapist in advance, preferably 24-hours ahead.

How long will I have to be in counseling?

Many problems can be dealt with in a brief period of time, but this is not always the case. There is no magic number or formula to determine how long it may take. During your initial intake assessment, you and your therapist will have a conversation around making a determination if your needs are best met by the therapist or are beyond the scope of the short-term services offered. If your counseling needs exceed our session limits, your therapist may make a referral to community resources for continued care.

You and your therapist will speak regularly about your progress. Eventually you and your therapist may determine that you have met your therapy goals. At this point, you may discuss your need for continued therapy. You may also bring up this topic at any time during your sessions.

When will I start to feel better?

Again, there is no set timetable for how long it will take until you feel better. Relief may come from a variety of sources, including making changes in your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and choices, and may take time to achieve. However, many students report that counseling can be helpful even after the first session. This may be because of the relief that comes from deciding to seek help, or an opportunity to speak about problems for the first time with someone who is impartial and nonjudgmental. Please remember: it is important that you share with your therapist if you are not experiencing any improvement after working in therapy for some time, so the two of you may determine what changes may need to be made.

What are some common myths about counseling?

• Asking for help is a sign of weakness.

Contrary to this belief, it takes a great deal of emotional strength to seek help for problems that may be too overwhelming to manage alone.

• A therapist will fix my problems right away.

The goal of counseling is not for someone else to “fix” your problems. We are here to help you to identify those concerns and to set goals for yourself. Solving those problems may involve working with your therapist to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. In doing so, you can explore your options and make a decision for how to best achieve your goals. YOU are the best one to fix your problems!

• A therapist can’t understand what I am going through, because they’re not going through it themselves.

We agree that each individual is unique, and to achieve a complete understanding of one’s situation is very difficult. However, our staff members have been trained to learn about, be sensitive to, and respectful of the unique experiences of each client. Those experiences may include concerns related to gender, age, cultural background, racial/ethnic differences, sexual orientation, gender identity, family-of-origin, or socioeconomic issues.

Is counseling only for people with serious emotional problems?

Counselors often work with individuals who are struggling with difficult life circumstances and concerns, as well as those with severe mental illness. Everyone has difficulties at some point in their lives, and sometimes engaging in counseling is a good way to attain support to overcome challenges.

Is what I say in therapy/counseling kept confidential?

Most state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The law in the State of Georgia provides the following exceptions to confidentiality, but even in these circumstances you will be informed before confidential information is revealed whenever possible:

• If the counselor has knowledge of abuse of a child, elder, or a person with a disability.
• If the counselor has knowledge of intent to harm himself/herself or others.
• If the counselor receives a court order to the contrary.

How can I get the most out of my counseling sessions?

You can maximize the progress you make in counseling by being actively involved in the work you and your counselor are doing. Some suggestions include:

• Be on time and try not to miss any of your scheduled meetings, consistency is important with counseling
• Between sessions, make time to think about the things you have discussed with your counselor. Journaling about topics discussed can be helpful.
• Invest in following through on any homework assignments, readings, or books your counselor has suggested for you
• Be as honest and open with your counselor as possible.

How do I know when to terminate counseling?

Give therapy a chance. Consider the first couple of months as a trial period. It usually takes at least that long to experience progress, depending on your problems and issues. Progress is usually inhibited by changing from one counselor to another frequently. In considering when to discontinue treatment, ask yourself whether the problems that caused you to seek counseling have been resolved and whether any additional problems or issues have come to your attention that you may wish to resolve. Also consider the advice of your counselor. A frank discussion of the advisability of terminating treatment is usually useful. Remember that no decision about counseling or psychotherapy is irrevocable. While you may seek advice from others, decisions to begin and end treatment and the choice of counselor are yours alone.