What To Expect From Counseling

Assessment

What will happen in counseling depends on the special needs and strengths of each person seeking assistance. For this reason, each counseling experience is unique, just as each individual is unique. The first one or two meetings are usually spent clarifying the problem and examining what solutions have already been attempted. This is often referred to as the assessment phase of counseling. During this time your counselor may gather information about your past, your personal style and relationship patterns, as well as your intellectual and emotional functioning. This aids the counselor in determining which counseling strategies might be most helpful for you. Once given the chance to clarify your issues, you and the counselor will be better able to formulate realistic, achievable counseling goals.

Problem Resolution

There are many different approaches available to you in working toward problem resolution. Typically this phase of treatment will include learning new problem-solving or coping skills, increasing self-understanding, exploring life patterns, and gaining a better sense of how you are influenced by relationships and your surroundings. Counselors frequently focus on students' unique strengths and past success experiences in this phase of treatment. Working together, you and your counselor can identify and implement the most effective solutions based on your unique circumstances.

It is important to address any concerns you have about your working relationship with your counselor, including any expectations or concerns you have about the counseling process. You have a right to be informed, and the counselor has a responsibility to address your concerns.