Individual counseling at the counseling center is usually based on a brief treatment model

• Staff members will meet a student at least once to assess their current situation and needs.
• Short-term Individual counseling is typically 4-8 sessions of 45-50 minutes.

Group Therapy is often the ideal treatment for students

• Groups provide support, a sounding board, camaraderie, promote social skills and problem solving as well as insight and self-awareness. Group participation can promote more  change and connection than individual therapy.  
• Students are required to protect the privacy of the other attending members.
• Members of an ongoing group are expected to consistently attend as the development and maintenance of safety and trust within the group will partly depend on whether members can rely on each other to be physically present.

Counseling usually involves meeting on a consistent basis

• For many students, it is a relief to know that they have a set hour to talk and to work with a professional about what is bothering them.
• We understand if you have to attend to an unexpected emergency (i.e. illness or personal/family emergency), but we may not be able to reschedule your appointment for the same week.

Students are expected to notify their therapists of future cancellations

• The counseling center often has a waiting list, and thus, if we know of a cancellation in advance, we are able to use that time to help other students.
• If you are aware of a future appointment you can’t attend, please provide us at least a week in advance notice.
• If you are sick, then please prioritize your health over your appointment (unless it is a crisis).
• Since the counseling center sets consistent, weekly meetings, we expect you to anticipate and manage your workload so that you can attend your regularly scheduled individual and/or group appointment.
• Students who miss repeated appointments will likely be referred elsewhere for treatment.

If a student has an issue with the therapist/therapy, they are encouraged to talk about it in session

• Having a problem/issue with your therapist/therapy is actually a fairly common experience. Speaking to them about it is often a useful part of the work. In fact, there are times that this can be the most helpful part of therapy.
• Whatever the issue, we encourage you to talk with your therapist so that both of you can reach an understanding and work out an appropriate solution. There are no restrictions on what you can say to your therapist, they will not take it personally, (and you can always come back the next week and talk some more).

Other Important Points

• We always try to protect your privacy. If you see any counseling staff outside of our office (in a workshop, class, the Student Center, on a path) they won’t greet you or say “Hello” to you unless you do so first.
• We can’t tell your professors, coach, friends, parents, or anyone else that you even attend therapy without consent from you – almost always in writing – except in life or death emergencies.
• Therapists cannot accept gifts from clients. Instead, we encourage students to verbally share the message that they wanted to convey through the gifts