Why come to counseling?
Students come to counseling for a variety of reason. They may want to simply share their thoughts and feelings in confidence with a trained counselor who is objective and a good listener. This is often helpful when there are challenging decisions to make as well as when individuals want to feel better about themselves or about their relationships. Counseling may also help students change their behavior in order to deal more effectively with a problem. They may become aware of strengths and resources they can use to their benefit. At other times, counseling may help by providing students with certain types of information, or by teaching new skills that are beneficial to them. Counseling may also help individuals see themselves and others in a different light. This is not to say that counseling is easy. Successful counseling may involve that students become more aware of feelings and/or behaviors that are not particularly comfortable or effective for them. However, with the help and support of a trained counselor, students can learn how to confront such feelings and behaviors so that changes may develop that are designed to promote a healthier quality overall quality of life.
Is counseling only for people who have emotional problems?
While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems it can also help students with academic skill concerns, individuals who just want to understand themselves better, couples who are contemplating marriage or want a stronger relationship, students who have difficulty being assertive, others who may encounter academic challenges and/or experience test anxiety, those having difficulty juggling school, work, and parenting, as well as new students trying to adjust to their new surroundings.
Some say that people in counseling are inherently weak. Is this true?
There is nothing weak about a person who enters counseling. Students who enter counseling are, in fact, taking the first step in resolving their difficulties.
Who can use Student Counseling Services?
Student Counseling Services offers a variety of services to PVAMU undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled.
Do I need an appointment to see a counselor?
Counseling sessions are scheduled by appointment. You can call 936-261-3564 or come to Student Counseling Services to schedule an appointment. However, if there is an emergency or crisis, a counselor is available 24 hours a day through our on-call crisis system. See “Appointments & Emergency Services” for more information.
What happens after I make an appointment?
At the time of your first appointment, you will be asked to complete some preliminary documents. You will be asked to describe your concerns by the intake counselor and what you hope to gain from counseling. This intake session is an opportunity for you and the counselor to decide how best to address your concerns and to identify the most appropriate services for your needs.
Is the information that I tell the counselor confidential?
All communications between you and your counselor will be held in confidence and will not be disclosed to any outside agency unless you give written authorization to release the information. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality. See “Confidentiality/Ethical Statement” for more information.
Can counselors prescribe medication to address my mental health concerns?
Counselors do not prescribe medication – a psychiatrist or a general physician prescribes medication. SCS does not dispense medication. If you need a prescription, SCS will provide you with a list of referrals and resources to assist you.