Usually a first time counseling session involves the student giving the counselor background information and talking about what led them to schedule an appointment. The student and counselor will work together to articulate a list of goals (i.e. improved mood, increase in coping and stress management skills, improved communication skills, improve a particular relationship, improve self-esteem, improve time management skills) the student would like to accomplish while attending counseling. Following sessions will focus on goal attainment.
If the counselor determines that it would be in the student's best interest to work with someone with specialized experience or who is available for an increased level of care, the student will be given referral resources.
These are signs that stress is having an impact on your life. The sooner you reach out for help, the better.
Amy Machgan, LPC has worked with college students since 2003 in education, counseling, and crisis prevention capacities. Amy enjoys supporting and guiding college students through challenging issues and helping them determine what changes and improvements they want to make in their lives.
Respecting students' privacy is of the utmost importance. Confidentiality is strictly maintained under the guidelines of state and federal laws as well as professional ethics. Students' counseling files are held separately from academic and conduct files.
