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You may think that the only reason a person seeks counseling is because they've got "something wrong" with them. This is not true. Counseling assists you with wellness skills, as well as helping you deal with your blocks and problems. You can seek counseling because you want to get coaching in enhancing your intelligence and intuitive ability, improve your life skills and excel in your relationships and at your work. Sometimes it's just a matter of getting feedback on a decision-in-the-making with a non-parental adult.
Counseling can help you improve self-esteem, organize your time and life better, make reasoned decisions, cope with difficult experiences, overcome self-defeating behavior, deal with your feelings of worry, sadness, confusion, anger, sorrow, misfortune, loneliness, or disorder in life, and learn to reduce your stress and relax.
Counseling is sought for a variety of reasons, among which all of the following problems are included: adjustment to college life and learning, abuse issues, academic stressors, alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety/panic attacks, career confusion and choices, depression, eating disorders, family concerns, grief/loss, homesickness, loneliness/isolation, physical stress, personal relationships, religious issues, sexual identity, self issues, etc.
"But I Don't Want To See A Counselor!"
Many people know they are trying to cope with a difficult personal or family problem but don't want to ask a counselor for help.
A Few Fears and Myths About Seeing a Counselor:
- "You have to be REALLY WACKO to see a counselor!"
- "Other people's problems are more serious than mine"
- "What good will it do? I'll still have to deal with my problems on my
own anyway"
- "I saw a counselor once and it didn't really help much."
- "It would be too scary and embarrassing talking to a "stranger" about my personal feelings and thinks that have happened in my life."
- "Most counselors are crazier than I am!"
- "I'm afraid to tell my problems to anyone...they will think I'm nuts and I'll feel like a bad person"
- "Seeing a counselor is the LAST RESORT... I should wait until I am
at the end of my rope before I see if a psychologist could help."
- "What could it hurt, I'll give it a try..."
- "I'll make one appointment and see if I find it useful..."
- "If I don't like the counselor I talk to...I don't have to go back..."
- "I'll ask to see someone else if I don't think the counselor's approach will work for me."
What other options are available?
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WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE COUNSELING PROCESS?
You may be reluctant to go to the Counseling Center because you don't know what to expect. Unless you are in an immediate crisis, upon arrival you are asked to fill out an intake form, which is a basic information form. This is kept as part of your confidential file.
You may wonder if counseling appointments or information will somehow end up on your "permanent record." This is not true. All sessions are free, private, and confidential. Only with your written permission are we free to share information with anyone.
You will meet with a member of the counseling staff for about an hour, or perhaps less. Some sessions require more, so we try to give you all the time you need.
Usually you will see whoever has the first available appointment when the call is made. However, you are free to request to speak with a specific member of the staff, if you wish. During busy times, this may present you with a delay in being seen.
During the first session, the counselor will usually try to ascertain what your problem or issue is. They will try to see if counseling is the best approach to it and give a brief explanation of the counseling process. The counselor will usually wind up by asking you if you wish to make another appointment, wait and call if you need to talk more, or would like a referral to another person or agency.
In order to benefit fully from counseling, the following recommendations are offered:
- Attend scheduled sessions.
- Be specific about the concerns that led to your decision to seek
counseling.
- Establish with your counselor desired goals and outcomes to be
achieved in counseling.
- Discuss your progress with your counselor as you go along, and modify your goals if necessary.
- Participate actively, and be as open and honest as possible. Be prepared for your sessions.
- Complete (or at least attempt) any "homework."
- Tell your counselor if you don't think you're being helped.
Myths about Counseling
Counseling is something that is misunderstood by many people. These are some common myths about counseling:
MYTH 1: Counseling is only for people who have serious emotional problems.
FACT: While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems it can also help:
- Students choose a major or career path.
- Couples who want a stronger relationship, or are contemplating a
commitment or marriage.
- Individuals who have difficulty with self-esteem, communication, or assertion.
- Individuals having academic problems, difficulty in test-taking and/or test anxiety.
- Students having difficulty juggling school, work, and other
responsibilities.
- Students trying to adjust to their new surroundings.
FACT:There is nothing weak about 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 3: 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 is there 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 4: The counselor cannot understand you unless he/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, racial/ethnic, cultural, religious, age, sexual preference/orientation, and socioeconomic issues.
[Adapted from the University of South Florida website]
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"Are My Feelings NORMAL?"
"Do I need an appointment with a Counselor?"
In the course of a lifetime most of us will experience several personally traumatic incidents. The break up of an important relationship, serious conflict within our family, failing an important exam, the death of a friend or family member, an unwanted pregnancy, a serious health problem, being victimized by a violent act, etc. There are normal reactions to these intense and/or abnormal events. Although painful, these feelings are part of the natural healing process. There's very little you can do to make yourself not experience these uncomfortable feelings, but there are things you can do to promote a healthy recovery. If you have experienced an intense personal situation of traumatic event recently, you may experience some of these reactions:
Physical Reactions
Fatigue, Insomnia, Hypersomnia, Under Activity, Headaches, Nightmares, Hyperactivity, Startle Reactions, Exhaustion, Diarrhea.
Cognitive Reactions
Difficulty with Concentration; Solving Problems; Making Decisions, Memory disturbance; Flashbacks, Inability to attach importance to anything other than the incident.
Emotional Reactions
Fear, Guilt, Emotional numbing, Over sensitivity, Anger, Irritability, Anxiety, Depression, Violent fantasies, Feelings of helplessness, Amnesia for the event.
"Should I see a counselor?"
Are You Unsure that Your Feelings or Your Behavior is:
- "Serious enough to get professional help" or
- "Is getting out of my control" or
- "Is outside what most people consider the 'normal range'
Act on your feelings of uncertainty and consult with one of the counselors. Seeking the advise and perspective of a counselor can help you regain your certainty and help rebuild your confidence in the course of action that is right for you. Pay attention to your feelings and behavior.
[Adapted from San Diego State University webpage]
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WHAT IS TELEPHONE CONSULTING?
Feeling STRESSED, FRUSTRATED, or DISTRAUGHT?
Would you like to talk with someone about it and still have anonymity?
Try a Telephone Consultation at 888-2620.
Telephone Consulting offers a unique opportunity for Canisius students to consult with a counselor about problems and concerns. You don't have to make an appointment, negotiate scheduling conflicts, or wait for a scheduled appointment to talk with someone. (If we're busy seeing someone you may have to ask for a call-back.) You don't have to worry about coordinating transportation to a counselor's office. Instead, you can call us when you want, at your convenience, in the privacy of your residence hall room, apartment, or home. We are a confidential telephone consulting service.
Telephone Consulting is staffed by the college counseling staff. It is not uncommon for students to be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, family or relationship difficulties, academic pressures, or worries about the future. During a telephone consultation we will listen and talk with you about your concerns, explore feelings, help you make connections, discuss options and strategies, and, if needed or requested, refer you. We are also available for consultation on how to best help a friend or acquaintance who might be having a problem.
If you want to talk about it, call us at 888-2620.
Why Call?
Here are some possible reasons for calling the Telephone Consulting:
Telephone Consulting is staffed by the college counseling staff. It is not uncommon for students to be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, family or relationship difficulties, academic pressures, or worries about the future. During a telephone consultation we will listen and talk with you about your concerns, explore feelings, help you make connections, discuss options and strategies, and, if needed or requested, refer you. We are also available for consultation on how to best help a friend or acquaintance who might be having a problem.
If you want to talk about it, call us at 888-2620.
Why Call?
Here are some possible reasons for calling the Telephone Consulting:
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You're trying to get some perspective on a difficult situation.
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You or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
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You're unsure or confused about a relationship.
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You're feeling lonely, depressed, or discouraged.
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You're in therapy or waiting to see a therapist, but need to talk
with someone NOW. -
You're an international student having difficulties adjusting to life in the United States.
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You're having a hard time making decisions, concentrating, or studying.
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You're feeling hassled by friends, roommates, or parents.
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You want help with an immediate personal crisis.
You're looking for a therapist in the community or for other community resources and services.
[Adapted from the University of Texas, Austin website]
WOULD GROUP COUNSELING HELP ME?
Group counseling is a form of counseling that usually involves 4-10 clients and 1 or 2 experienced group counselors. Most groups meet every week at the same time for 1-2 hours. During that time, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback. Groups can provide a safe and confidential environment in which to gain support, guidance, and insight into a variety of concerns.
There are primarily two types of people who may find group counseling helpful. The first type of person is usually someone who struggles with relationships. Involvement in a group is helpful for this type of person because the group format provides a safe and encouraging environment in which to learn and practice more effective and rewarding ways of communicating and interacting with others. Typical concerns addressed in this type of group can include:
There are primarily two types of people who may find group counseling helpful. The first type of person is usually someone who struggles with relationships. Involvement in a group is helpful for this type of person because the group format provides a safe and encouraging environment in which to learn and practice more effective and rewarding ways of communicating and interacting with others. Typical concerns addressed in this type of group can include:
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loneliness/isolation
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Shyness/discomfort in social situations
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Excessive dependence in relationships
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Superficial relationships/lack of intimacy
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Frequent arguments with people
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Difficulty trusting others
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Being easily hurt or offended
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Needing a lot of reassurance from others
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Afraid of being left
The second type of person who may be able to benefit from group counseling is the person who is having difficulty dealing with a painful experience from their past or is struggling with an ongoing issue that may or may not be beyond their ability to change. The support and direction provided by a group in these types of situations is beneficial in allowing someone to see they are not alone in their struggle, assisting them in making changes when possible, and coping better with their difficulties when change is not possible. Topic addressed can include, but are not limited to:
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Grief and loss
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Alcohol and drug abuse
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Survivors of crime/assault/disaster/divorce
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Survivors of physical/emotional/sexual abuse
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Dysfunctional families
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Eating disorders
If you would like more information about group counseling or are interested in creating or participating in a group, please contact the Counseling Center at 888-2620.
HOW DO I REFER A FELLOW STUDENT?
Routine Referrals:
If, in your judgment, the student could benefit from individual counseling or participation in a group or workshop and the situation is not of an emergency nature, ask the student to call (2620) or stop by the Counseling Center in the tunnel under Frisch Hall and speak with our secretary. If possible, accompany the student to the Counseling Center and have them make an appointment in person.
Unsure of What to Recommend or How to Respond?
Try a Telephone Consultation. A brief confidential telephone consultation with one of our counselors may help sort out relevant issues, explore alternative approaches and identify other resources.
*Parts of this section adapted from "Group Psychotherapy", University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, Counseling Center, 1999.
HOW DO I REFER A FELLOW STUDENT?
Routine Referrals:
If, in your judgment, the student could benefit from individual counseling or participation in a group or workshop and the situation is not of an emergency nature, ask the student to call (2620) or stop by the Counseling Center in the tunnel under Frisch Hall and speak with our secretary. If possible, accompany the student to the Counseling Center and have them make an appointment in person.
Unsure of What to Recommend or How to Respond?
Try a Telephone Consultation. A brief confidential telephone consultation with one of our counselors may help sort out relevant issues, explore alternative approaches and identify other resources.
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