Counseling is something that is misunderstood by many people. These are some
common myths about counseling:
| MYTH 1: |
Counseling is only for people who
have serious emotional problems. |
| Fact: Only a very small percentage of our
clients have serious emotional problems. While counseling does deal with
people who have emotional problems, it can also help the following:
Individuals who have difficulty with self-esteem, communication,
or assertion.
Individuals having academic problems, difficulty in test-taking
and/or test anxiety.
Students having difficulty juggling school, work, and other
responsibilities.
Students trying to adjust to their new surroundings.
Most students work through some areas of concern that are disrupting
their lives in some way. It is smart to utilize the resources available
to you. |
| MYTH 2: |
Seeking counseling is a sign of
weakness. |
| Fact: There is nothing weak about a person
who seeks counseling. In fact, it takes strength, insight, and courage
to confront problem areas, or areas you would like to improve. The
individuals who enter counseling are taking the first step in resolving
their difficulties. They are taking responsibility for their lives. |
| MYTH 3: |
The counselor will "fix" your
problems. |
| 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 the goals you have set. |
| MYTH 4: |
Counseling is too expensive for me,
and it goes on forever. |
| Fact: Counseling rates vary. Our Counseling
Center will work with you on assessing your mental health needs, and
will assist you in finding an affordable counseling service if you
decide that you need a referral to a private practice. |
| MYTH 5: |
The counselor cannot understand you
unless he/she has had similar experiences or is of the same background. |
Fact: Counselors are trained to listen carefully and respect individual
differences and life experiences including the specific concerns of
students with regard to the following:
gender
racial/ethnic or cultural diversity
disability
religion
age
sexual preference/orientation
socioeconomic issues
|
| MYTH 6: |
"No one is going to tell me
what to do!" |
| Fact: The task of the counselor is
definitely not to tell you what to do. Instead, your counselor will help
you explore solutions to your concerns. Once you have chosen your goal,
your counselor can help you get there. |
| MYTH 7: |
If I go for counseling, all my
professors will know my problems. |
| Fact: Your counselor will keep all
information you share with him/her confidential. This means even the
fact that they have met with you will not be told to anyone (including
parents, professors, and family) without your permission. Your counselor
will discuss the limits of confidentiality as you begin the first
meeting. |
| MYTH 8: |
The fact that I’ve gone for
counseling will become part of my academic record. |
| Fact: Counseling records are kept
separately from academic records and are protected by law. Release of
any information is permitted only after a student provides written
consent, or there is a subpoena or court order. You can discuss any
concerns about this at your first visit. |
| MYTH 9: |
Counseling doesn’t work. I’ve tried
it already. |
| Fact: The counseling process looks
different with each counselor, for each problem, so always try again. |
| MYTH 10:
|
Change is simple. |
| Fact: Important changes often take time and
energy in order to occur. Counseling may not provide a "quick fix" to
your problems, but it can be a useful part of working toward meaningful
and successful life change. |
Deb Carli Graff, Erica Maleski, Dan Nowak, and Barb Weyenberg are proud to
serve as NTC counselors. If you would like to see one of them, please contact
the Student Services Counseling Center by calling 675.3331, Ext. 4850.
