Why You Should Go To the Counselor, Even If You're Okay
There is a large misconception on college campuses that students who seek out the services of the Counseling Center are “crazy” or “weak.” Similar to the general population, college students seek out counseling for a wide range of concerns, from struggles with the transition to college life to more serious concerns such as eating disorders, substance abuse problems and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The counseling relationship is a professional one and is very different from a relationship with a parent, partner or friend. A counselor will attempt to help a student cope with problems, enhance personal growth and increase self-awareness by establishing a positive and trusting relationship.
Counselors provide a comfortable, nonjudgmental and safe environment for students to share personal struggles and receive feedback and tools for how to help overcome challenges.
Common misconceptions of counseling:
- Counseling is only for people that are “crazy” or that need to be institutionalized
- That a counselor will tell you what you should or should not do
- A counselor can share what is said with parents and professors
- That seeking counseling is a sign of weakness
- Counseling requires a long-term commitment
- Counseling benefits many types of people; those with chronic problems and those dealing with situational concerns
- Counselors will respect your autonomy and help you make your own decisions
- For the most part, counseling is confidential and information will not be shared unless you give your written consent. Your counselor will go over the limits to confidentially at the onset of counseling, typically during the first session
- It can take a lot of strength and courage to tell someone about personal struggles
- Counseling can help with both short-term and long-term problems, and length of time can be decided on between you and your counselor
If you are struggling with the challenges of college life or would like to learn more about yourself, try working with a counselor. All Berkeley Campuses have a counselor and students can receive services free of charge. Most students find counseling helpful for working through concerns that are negatively affecting college life.
adapted from WELLWVU