Students bring many types of concerns to the Counseling Center. At the start of counseling, the counselor and student identify a specific goal for therapy. The student's responsibility in counseling involves attending scheduled appointments, communicating concerns openly, and actively participating in the exploration of issues. The counselor is responsible for listening carefully to the information shared, offering alternative strategies and viewpoints, and providing resources to assist the student in resolving the problem. Usually, counseling meetings are scheduled for about an hour weekly for up to twelve sessions.
Confidentiality is an essential component of any therapy relationship.
By law, counselors must protect information disclosed in the counseling process. Information about a student's participation in counseling cannot be discussed with faculty, staff, parents, friends and others unless that student has given explicit authorization. Counseling records are kept in separate and locked file cabinets, and are only available to Counseling Services staff. State law requires that confidentiality be set aside in limited circumstances to ensure safety. These circumstances include the reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse, and the imminent threat to life through suicide, homicide, or the failure to meet basic health or safety needs due to mental illness.