Popular Myths About counseling

Counseling – not advice giving

Counseling-not a crutch

Grilling for information…….

Only for major problems

‘Fixing’ children ‘ in trouble’

for crazy people

Myths about counseling It is the same as advice giving Grilling for information… You go to the counselor when you are ‘in trouble’ Help for people with really major problems A crutch for people who are just too weak to handle life. Something for crazy people

What is counseling? is a helping process which takes place in an atmosphere of acceptance, respect and trust. is confidential and non judgmental. purpose of counseling is to help A person recognize their strengths and to make them independent in problem solving.

Counseling involves

What does counseling involve? The counselor listens to A person’s experience and feelings with empathy The counselor equalizes the relationship and both counselor and Client try to find shared meaning and perspective Both parties arrive at a focus for change and work towards it.

Confidentiality Done or communicated in confidence. Counselors are firmly committed to the code of confidentiality. Limits of confidentiality. Communicated to the Client in the beginning.

Counseling can help with…… managing anxiety coping with and reducing stress adjusting to loss (death, relationships, job) increasing self-understanding making difficult decisions and clarifying choices social skills Conflict resolution Anger management Assertive training Relaxation training resolution of personal issues eating concerns drug/alcohol issues self-esteem academic concerns (text anxiety, study skills) improving communication (with parents, faculty, friends, roommates) coping with incidents or trauma