Northern Arizona University - College of Education
College of Education - Student Resources
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PO Box 5774
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5774
(928) 523-2611
Personal Counseling in the Practicum Lab - F.A.Q.
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Issues and Questions |
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WHEN TO SEE A COUNSELOR
Sometimes the reason for seeking help is indicated by obvious, severe problems in living. More often, the person's difficulties are less extreme and yet cause them a great deal of stress. At other times, the reason is of a more subtle nature in which the person simply wants to learn more about him/herself. Common to each is the desire to make a change. Here are some instances when counseling might be helpful:
- to satisfy a curiosity about counseling
- to gain professional assistance in your search for personal growth
- to get career counseling
- to feel better about yourself or make changes in your lifestyle
- to get help in making decisions or solving a problem
- to improve your social skills
- to improve your relationships with other people
- to change some of your attitudes toward yourself or others
- to feel better emotionally by alleviating depression, anxiety, or guilt
- to receive help for a personal crisis or stressful life situation
- to alter a specific problem like shyness, overweight, a sex problem, etc.
- to receive help in coping with your day-to-day life
- adjustment to academic and social aspects to college
SIGNS THAT INDICATE A NEED FOR HELP
The earlier you receive help, the more effective that help will be. So it is very important that you not wait until the problem reaches a crisis. Some signs that indicate you should get professional assistance are the following:
- persisting depression
- wide mood swings from one extreme to the other
- inability to concentrate or deal with minor decisions or problems
- severe tension or anxiety
- sudden inability to get along with other people
- feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
- distortions of reality such as hallucinations
These are problems that many people experience at one time or another, but if these symptoms are persistent and on-going, concern is justified. If you are hesitant about starting counseling, you may want to try one session to see whether you really need counseling in the opinion of the counselor you see.
THE FIRST INTERVIEW
After your first session with a counselor you will probably know whether you can benefit from counseling. You may be referred to another counselor within the practicum lab or in the university or community who may be more appropriate or have the right expertise to help you. You may also be referred to a group that deals specifically with your concern (e.g., stress management).
SOME MYTHS ABOUT COUNSELING
MYTH: "Counseling means going once a week for a very long time." Actually, counseling does not have to long-term to be effective. Some concerns may be improved in one or just a few sessions.
MYTH: "A client meets with a counselor for one hour each week." Actually, this is just a tradition. The frequency and length of sessions should be discussed with your counselor and special arrangements can be made based on your needs.
Do not be afraid to ask questions at the first interview. You may need more information to make a final decision about whether to enter counseling.
WHAT HAPPENS IN COUNSELING?
People who enter counseling should have reasonable expectations. Counselors cannot guarantee that your problems will be solved; counselors are not miracle workers. You have the responsibility to put forth effort and to not expect the counselor to "fix" everything. Counseling is a cooperative effort in which both the counselor and the client participate in setting the goal and working to reach it. Instead of solving all your problems, the counselor should encourage you to develop the ability to cope on your own.
Only you will be able to decide whether counseling is helpful for you. There are usually ups and downs in counseling, but you should have an overall sense of progress toward your goal. Once you have reached your goal you can end counseling, unless you wish to set some new goals to work on. It is also up to you to request a change of counselors if the one you have been seeing has not helped you. But give the counselor a fair chance, since it usually takes time for a positive relationship to form and results to show.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Each participant in a counseling relationship has rights and responsibilities.
CLIENT:
Clients should have realistic expectations and take an active role in the relationship. This will happen when you:
- work toward a clear understanding of what you want from counseling
- share your reasons for starting and ending counseling
- communicate about how you feel about the counselor
- tell the counselor whether you think counseling is helping
- arrive promptly and actively participate in the counseling process
COUNSELOR:
Your counselor should focus the interaction on you and behave in a professional and ethical manner. To accomplish this he or she needs to:
- truthfully represent him/herself to you
- help youunderstand the counseling process
- refer you to someone else when necessary
- demonstrate a willingness to listen
- listen in a non-judgmental, empathic, and attentive fashion
- be prompt and responsible in all counseling interactions
- make only professionally acceptable demands on you (if in doubt, ask to see the counselor's supervisor and discuss it with him or her)
CONFIDENTIALITY
Counselors are bound to confidentially by their personal and professional codes of ethics. As a training facility, sessions will be taped or observed by the supervising psychologist or counselors in training. The identity of the client and any personal information is not revealed to anyone without the written request and signed consent of the client (certain legal exceptions will be explained to you before any counseling takes place).
If you feel you have been mistreated by or received inadequate services from a counselor, you should first discuss the problem with your counselor's supervisor. You may be assigned a different counselor or referred to a more appropriate agency. The department chair is also available for questions or comments at (928) 523-7103.
