Counseling is a growth process through which individuals are helped to define goals, make decisions, and solve problems related to personal, social, educational, and career concerns.  This process is carried out with a trained professional and a client.

The following are some of the things that you can expect:

• You will be doing most of the talking.
• Sometimes you may experience painful feelings before you start feeling better.
• What you talk about with the counselor is confidential.
• Your professors and parents WILL NOT be informed about what you discuss during the sessions.
• There are some limits to confidentiality; however, these will be explained and given to you in writing on your first visit.
• While in counseling, you can talk about whatever is concerning you at the time.
• The counselor will help you examine your concerns and assist you in finding a means to fulfill your goals.
• The Counseling Center has many methods of counseling such as individual counseling, biofeedback and relaxation, assertiveness training, and group therapy.

Counseling and the therapeutic process is something that is misunderstood by many people.  There are some common myths about counseling:

MYTH 1: Counseling is only for people who have emotional problems.

FACT:  While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems it can also help:

• Students choose a major or career path.
• Individuals who just want to understand themselves better.
• Couples who are contemplating marriage or want a stronger relationship.
• Individuals who have difficulty being assertive.
• Individuals having problems with grades and tests and/or are experiencing academic failure.
• Students having difficulty juggling school, work, or parenting.
• Students trying to fit in and adjust to their new surroundings in Huntsville.

MYTH 2:  People in counseling are inherently weak.

FACT:  There is nothing weak about a person who enters counseling.  The individuals who enter counseling are, in fact, taking the first step in solving their difficulties.  A lot of people would view this as courageous.

MYTH 3:  Change is simple.

FACT:  Change is not always simple and may take time and energy to happen. Therapy is not a "quick fix" cure to your problems.

MYTH 4:  The counselor is your "psychic" who tells you what to do with your life and how to "fix" your problems.

FACT:  The counselor is there to help you achieve the goals you set and help you resolve your problems.  While counselors will NOT tell what to do, they will help you explore the potential ups and down side of your choices.

MYTH 5:  The psychologists at the counseling center can prescribe medications for me such as anti-depressants for my problems.

FACT:  Psychologists do not prescribe medications - a psychiatrist or a general physician prescribes medication.  The Counseling Center does not dispense any medications.  If you need a prescription drug, the Health Center on campus has physicians who will be able to assist you.  However, this is something you can discuss with a counselor, and the Health Center may refer you to the Counseling Center.

Counseling may be of help to you if you feel concerned about:

• Where you are going with your life.
• Picking the wrong female, male, friends.
• Something you have never told anybody, but feel like you should.
• Not knowing how to study.
• Studying.
• You do your homework, but don't seem to learn.
• The fact that you received all "A"s and "B"s in high school and now are on academic probation.
• Deciding on a major.
• Feeling stressed out or anxious.
• Feeling sad or depressed most of the time.
• The fact that you were popular back home and now don't seem to be able to meet people in college.
• Drinking or using drugs.
• Feeling like you can't go on.
• Thinking that things always go wrong.
• Your physical or learning disability.
• Either eating too much or too little.

If you feel that any one of these applies to you, you may find it helpful to come to the University Counseling Center and talk it over with a counselor.

The following are examples of the kind of services offered at the Center:

Individual Services:

Personal Counseling | Stress Management | Test Anxiety | Couples | Interpersonal Difficulties | Biofeedback | Neurofeedback | Adult Survivors of Child, Physical, and/or Sexual Abuse

Group Counseling:

Typical groups offered: Women's Group | Assertiveness Training | Interpersonal Counseling Group | Adult Survivors of Child, Physical, and/or Sexual Abuse | Eating Disorders

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assistance:

Individual Counseling for Alcohol and Drug Abuse | 12-Step Alcoholic and Substance Abuse Groups | Adult Children of Alcoholics

Vocational Services:

Individual Career Exploration and Testing | SIGI-Plus a Computerized Career Guidance program

Educational Services:

Individual and Group Study Skills Assistance and Time Management | Computerized Study Skills Test and Remediation | Academic Assistance for Students with Disabilities | LearningPlus Diagnostic test and remediation in math, writing, and reading

If you would like to learn more about counseling at the Counseling Center, call or stop by to make an appointment to talk with a counselor.  The Counseling Center is located across from the Lee Drain Building, next to the Farrington Building.  The telephone number is (936) 294-1720.

The counseling services are available to you during the academic period (you must be enrolled in school to use the services).  On your first visit, you will be asked to fill out some paperwork and will visit with a counselor for about 30 minutes.  After that initial visit, you can make further appointments with a specific counselor with whom you feel comfortable.  Most students feel a little anxious the first time they see a counselor, but once you make that initial appointment, it becomes a lot easier!!!

E-MAIL POLICY
The staff of Sam Houston State University Counseling Center welcomes contact with students. However, we feel that e-mail is not the best method to use in serving students.   It does not protect our clients' rights to confidentiality.  Also, e-mail is not the most effective means to contact us.  We may be away for various reasons for example vacation, professional meetings, or training.  In addition, we do not access our e-mail after hours or on the weekend.

If you need to speak with a counselor, please call or stop by our office.  The Counseling Center is located across from the Lee Drain Building, next to the Farrington Building.  The telephone number is (936) 294-1720.  If you have an emergency after hours, please contact UPD at (936) 294-1794.