What is counseling?
Counseling is a safe, nonjudgmental process in which you get to share openly about your concerns, issues, or fears. Sometimes by talking through feelings with an objective person we can reach a comfortable resolution, a new perspective, or begin working towards recovery from past issues.
Who is eligible to use Counseling Services?
Any University of Findlay adult undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled and working toward a degree is eligible for services. Students who are 17 years old are encouraged to contact our office to discuss available services.
What can a student expect at the first session?
During the first session the counselor will ask some basic questions and also give the student time to talk about the presenting issue. Perhaps most importantly, the student and counselor will discuss what outcomes are desired from counseling.
What kind of issues do students address?
Students address a wide variety of concerns in counseling. Some topics students have addressed include depressed moods, feeling overwhelmed or anxious, stress, concerns about body image or eating issues, grief/loss, substance use problems, relationship issues, family problems, sexual assaults, sexual identity questions, or childhood issues such as abuse or divorce.
How many sessions are students eligible for?
Counseling is highly individualized, depending on a student's need. Counseling Services offers as many sessions as therapeutically needed to address the specific concern. Students can discuss this with the counselor at the first session.
How long are the appointments?
Each appointment is scheduled for up to 50 minutes.
What are the qualifications of the counselors?
The counseling staff each have a minimum of a masters degree and are licensed as professional clinical counselors in the State of Ohio. Occasionally, graduate students from an accredited counseling program will be working as supervised interns in the office.
How much does it cost?
Counseling Services is free to any currently enrolled UF student.
Is it confidential?
Communication between the adult student and Counseling Services staff is confidential and will not be disclosed without the student's written permission. The law in the State of Ohio provides the following exceptions: If the therapist has knowledge of abuse of a child, elder, or person with a disability taking place in the present time, If the counselor has knowledge of intent to harm self or others, If the counselor receives a court order to the contrary, If the counselor or graduate student is supervised and consults with a supervising staff member within Counseling Services. These limitations to confidentiality will be explained during your first session.
Are there any risks?
Talking about negative experiences or feelings, or making difficult changes in behavior can create emotional discomfort for clients. Self care is a key component to counseling, and will help clients in monitoring significant feelings. The counselor will work with you in this process to keep counseling productive, all the while recognizing the primary goal of your college education.