WHAT IS COUNSELING

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WHAT IS COUNSELING? What Can I Expect?
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The decision to begin counseling is an important
one. Clients have reported both a greater level
of comfort and more favorable results when they
understand what to expect from the counseling
process.
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What Can I Expect In The First Session?
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The first counseling session is called an Intake
and is designed to obtain relevant background
information and to identify the specific concerns
that led you to seek counseling. At the
conclusion of the Intake, the counselor will
discuss appropriate Counseling Center resources
and any other recommendations for assisting you
in resolving your concerns. Recommendations may
include referrals to workshops,group counseling,
psychiatric consultation, or to other campus and
off-campus services.
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Myths about Counseling
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Counseling is something that is misunderstood by
many people. These are some common myths about
counseling
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MYTH 1

• Counseling is only for people who have serious
• emotional problems.

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FACT

• While counseling does help those with who have a
  crisis or emotional problems, it is also intended
  for
• 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, or
  experiencing test
• anxiety.
• Students having difficulty with time and stress
  management.
• Students trying to adjust to their new
  surroundings.

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MYTH 2

• Seeking counseling is a sign of personal weakness.

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FACT

• It takes courage to explore sensitive feelings
  and painful experiences. Individuals who seek
  counseling are taking the first step in resolving
  
• their difficulties.

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MYTH 3

• The counselor will tell you what to do and how to
  "fix" your problems.

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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 your goals.

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MYTH 4

• The counselor cannot understand you unless he/she
  has had similar experiences or is of the same
  background.

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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.

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Successful counseling is a joint process
requiring your motivation and active involvement.
The more actively involved you are, the more
effective counseling will be for you.
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The Counseling Center is located in Student
Services (SVC) 2124 and open 8-500 PM Monday
through Friday. All services are confidential.
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University of South Florida