What is counseling?
Counseling is no more than an interaction between two people in which one individual shares their concerns with another who is trained in the field of counseling. Counseling can be instrumental in the development of skills that help students effectively confront and cope with uncertainties and conflicts. Through sessions with a professional counselor, a student can clarify his or her thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions also provide an opportunity to learn and practice skill for healthy, proactive living.
Who comes to counseling?
Counseling Services offers support assistance and information to any St. Lawrence University Student interested in exploring counseling as an option. Consider counseling for yourself or refer friends when:
- An objective listener might help by adding fresh insight
- Academic standing is questionable
- Feeling overwhelmed, suicidal or hopeless
- Frightened by certain thoughts or actions
- Having problems with time management
- Withdrawing from most relationships
- Needing assistance with contacting other sources of support in the community
- Alcohol, drug or food abuse interferes with relationships or work
- Concerned about family issues
- Normal sleeping and eating patterns are disrupted for extended lengths of time
- There is little satisfaction in work or relationships
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse has occurred
- Normal support systems have been exhausted or are unavailable
- Overwhelmed from supporting others
If you can identify with any of these issues or if you have identified other issues, perhaps counseling is for you. One appointment does not commit you to long-term counseling. Many concerns are difficult to resolve alone and just hoping that they will disappear is not the most efficient solution.