AVAILABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING

Who is there to help me?

Our staff includes a number of professional counselors and a clinical psychologist, all with training in counseling or mental health. Our secretary and student workers are trained to respond to your questions with sensitivity, thoroughness, and complete confidentiality.

When should I seek Counseling?

You should seek counseling if you feel:

* Overwhelmed and ready to quit
* in conflict about your career and educational choices
* upset over relationships
* tens, anxious, inadequate, puzzled, depressed
* confused about sex, alcohol, or drugs
* concerned abut weight, food, or exercise issues
* upset over a traumatic event"confused about gender or sexual identity issues

What Kinds of Academic Counseling are Available?

Counseling Services does not provide academic advisement. Academic advisors are available in all the academic departments as well as in the academic advisement center. Counselors are available to consult with students who are changing their majors, on academic probation, or seeking general academic assistance.

What Can I expect from My Counseling Sessions?

We can help you:

* increase self-confidence and self-esteem
* reduce anxieties
* made educational and career life plans
* balance social life, school, and work
* get along better with others
* cope with stress
* develop a clear sense of your options
* find resources to help with your academic performance

How can Counseling Services aid me in my Career/Life Planning?

A counselor will discuss your academic and job experience and career goals with you. In addition, you may be advised to clarify your interests by taking the Strong Interest Inventory, available for a nominal cost in the SCSU Bookstore. This interest inventory may not lead directly to a career, but it will provide a good starting point with your career search. You counselor will interpret the Storng results for you and suggest some next steps.

We also provide the DISCOVER program, a computer-based career planning and information system. Output form that system can help you select a major, conduct a graduate school search, or choose a career path.

What are my Responsibilities as a Student in Counseling?

Because we know that resolving issues requires commitment, we ask that you keep all of your scheduled appointments. If it is not possible for you to keep an appointment, please call to cancel, preferably 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Someone else may be able to take that time.

You most important responsibility is to take the steps necessary to keep yourself healthy emotionally as well as physically. Taking the first step to seek counseling services may be your most difficult one. But it may change your life in a most positive way.