Mental Health Counseling

College can be a fun and exciting time for making new friends, exploring new academic heights, and learning how to make it on your own. College is also about change and facing new challenges. It is not uncommon to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or confused about how to handle such situations. This is where counseling can be beneficial.

Read on for answers to some of the most asked questions about counseling -- its advantages, what to expect, or if it's worthwhile. If you still have questions, you can call the counselor, Lauri Preston, at 301-891-4089 or e-mail her at laurip@cuc.edu.

What is counseling?

How do I know if I need counseling

Are there risks? Any benefits?

How do I make an appoinment

What can I expect if I go?

Do I have to pay?

Will it be private?

Myths about counseling

WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Counseling is the process of discussing difficulties and exploring possible solutions with someone who is a trained mental health professional. Counseling can help you clarify your concerns, gain insight into yourself and others, and learn new ways to most effectively cope and/or resolve problems.

Additionally, counseling provides the opportunity to share private thoughts and feelings in a confidential setting, within a protected time-frame.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED COUNSELING?

People decide to see a counselor for a variety of reasons. If you are having trouble coping with a stressful situation or solving a personal problem, counseling can offer emotional support, new perspectives, and help considering possible solutions.

Other reasons people see a counselor include the following: self esteem issues, relationship issues, difficulties with family, loss and grief, communication difficulties, stress management, anger management, and physical, sexual, or substance abuse.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS? ANY BENEFITS?

Many people believe it is risky to share personal feelings and thoughts with a stranger. All sessions are confidential (see Will it be private?), and your session is a safe place where you are free to explore whatever is troubling you without fear of reprimand or judgment.

Another kind of risk might be the recall of memories that may awaken strong feelings; this can be a painful, sad, or frightening experience. The counselor is trained to provide support and help you cope with whatever comes up. You then benefit by learning to appropriately and healthily deal with these feelings, as well as cope better with friends, family, relationships, and school.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

There are several ways to make an appointment. You may call the counselor directly at 301-891-4089, or contact the front desk in the Center for Learning Resources at 301-891-4106. You may also e-mail the counselor at laurip@cuc.edu

Please note: If you leave a message or send an e-mail, please be sure to give your name, telephone number, and whether the counselor can leave a message at that number or e-mail address. Your privacy is important and highly respected at Counseling Services.

If you just want to stop by, the Counseling Services office is located in The Center for Learning Resources office on the first floor of Wilkinson Hall.

Currently, the counselor’s hours are as follows:
Monday 10 – 6
Thursday 9 – 5
Friday 9 – 12

Every effort will be made to see you within three days of your initial call. If you are in crisis, you can expect to be seen that day, or the day after.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I GO?

During your first session, the counselor will want to get to know you, find out what brought you to seek help, and assess how Counseling Services can best serve you.

In the following sessions, you and the counselor together will set goals for what you would like to accomplish. As counseling progresses, your goals are likely to evolve and change.

Often, people look for immediate solutions, but this does not usually happen in counseling. Instead, the counselor will work with you to help you discover your own unique solutions.

DO I HAVE TO PAY?

Counseling is free for all students (AEP, community, and dormitory), faculty, and staff.

WILL IT BE PRIVATE?

By law, all counseling sessions are confidential. That means the counselor can not share the contents of your session with anyone without your written permission.

Situations involving abuse, suicide, or homicide are the only exceptions: the counselor is legally obligated to report such cases, but will talk with you about it prior to taking that step.

If you are required to see the counselor, you will be given a signed form indicating that you attended. It will be your responsibility to see that the referring party receives the form; this way, you are in charge of who knows about your appointment.

MYTHS ABOUT COUNSELING:

The process and purpose of counseling is often misunderstood, and many people have a negative perception of it. Here are some common myths and the truth about them:

Myth:
Counseling is only for people who have serious emotional problems.

Fact:
Seeing a counselor does not mean you are mentally ill or “crazy”. Everyone has difficulties at some point in their lives, and being able to ask for help is a sign of maturity, health, and strength.

Myth:
Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.

Fact:
There is nothing wrong with a person who seeks counseling. In fact, it takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences. The individuals who enter counseling are taking the first step in resolving their difficulties.

Myth:
The counselor will tell you what to do and how to “fix” your problems.

Fact:
Counseling is not a “quick fix” cure to your problems. The counselor’s role is to help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, to examine your options, and to assist you in achieving the goals you have set.

Myth:
The counselor cannot understand you unless she has had similar experiences or is of the same background.

Fact:
Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns of students with regard to gender, race/ethnicity, culture, religion, age, and socio-economic status.

Myth:
Seeking counseling suggests you do not have enough faith that God will take care of you, and fix your problem.

Fact:
While prayer and faith in God are always beneficial to your life, these practices are not the only options available to you for sorting through issues.

Question: if you broke your leg, would you seek medical attention? Probably. God gave medical practitioners the educational resources, ability, and talent to provide medical services to people. In the same way, He gave mental health practitioners the educational resources, ability, and talent to provide mental health services to people.

The majority of people who seek counseling are normal people who want to find solutions to their problems. Everyone has significant problems at various times in their lives. Counseling can be a normal part of the process of resolving things.