continue with counselling
Scotland's largest voluntary social care organisation is launching an innovative new counselling scheme in the Lothians next week.
The ABBA project, run by the Church of Scotland’s social care arm CrossReach, is a holistic approach to the treatment of anger, bullying, bereavement and abuse (ABBA).
And on Thursday 3rd March there will be a grand launch of the service at the St Andrew’s Centre in Dunbar.
ABBA complements the existing generic counselling service in East Lothian.
The creative therapeutic scheme aims to assist individuals and families suffering from these issues and support the communities in which they live. The project is free to use, but people are encouraged to make a donation as means allow.
CrossReach’s Lothians counselling manager, Jacqui Lindsay, said: “We are really excited about the opportunities that this new project will give us.
“Abuse, bullying, bereavement and anger are four huge issues facing adults and young people today.
“It will enable us to reach those most in need of our services in a creative and flexible way, whilst striving to support other professionals and individuals working alongside those struggling with these life affecting problems.”
The project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Tyne Esk Leader 2007-13 programme.
Ms. Lindsay continued: “Without that financial support, we would not have been able to offer this extension to the counselling services already provided by CrossReach in the Lothians.”
Ends.
Notes to news desks:
All media are invited to the launch at St Andrew’s Centre, 9 Bayswell Road, Dunbar, EH42 1AB between 12 noon and 2pm on Thursday 3rd March. There will be an opportunity to speak to staff and volunteers about the project.
CrossReach Counselling: Lothians is one of 80 social care projects operated by CrossReach (Church of Scotland Social Care Council).
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Brief psychotherapy
Brief psychotherapy or Brief therapy is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches to psychotherapy. It differs from other schools of therapy in that it emphasises (1) a focus on a specific problem and (2) direct intervention. In brief therapy, the therapist takes responsibility for working more pro-actively with the client in order to treat clinical and subjective conditions faster. It also emphasizes precise observation, utilization of natural resources, and temporary suspension of disbelief to consider new perspectives and multiple viewpoints.
Rather than the formal analysis of historical causes of distress, the primary approach of brief therapy is to help the client to view the present from a wider context and to utilize more functional understandings (not necessarily at a conscious level). By becoming aware of these new understandings, successful clients will de facto undergo spontaneous and generative change.
Brief therapy is often highly strategic, exploratory, and solution-based rather than problem-oriented. It is less concerned with how a problem arose than with the current factors sustaining it and preventing change. Brief therapists do not adhere to one "correct" approach, but rather accept that there being many paths, any of which may or may not in combination turn out to be ultimately beneficial.
Contents [hide]
1 Founding proponents of brief therapy
2 Notable therapists
3 See also
4 External links
[edit]Founding proponents of brief therapy
Milton Erickson was a master of brief therapy, using clinical hypnosis as his primary tool. To a great extent he developed this himself. His approach was popularized by Jay Haley, in the book "Uncommon therapy: The psychiatric techniques of Milton Erickson M.D."
"The analogy Erickson uses is that of a person who wants to change the course of a river. if he opposes the river by trying to block it, the river will merely go over and around him. But if he accepts the force of the river and diverts it in a new direction, the force of the river will cut a new channel." (Haley, "Uncommon therapy", p.24, emphasis in original)
Richard Bandler, the co-founder of neuro-linguistic programming, is another firm proponent of brief therapy. After many years of studying Erickson's therapeutic work, he wrote:
"It's easier to cure a phobia in ten minutes than in five years... I didn't realize that the speed with which you do things makes them last... I taught people the phobia cure. They'd do part of it one week, part of it the next, and part of it the week after. Then they'd come to me and say "It doesn't work!" If, however, you do it in five minutes, and repeat it till it happens very fast, the brain understands. That's part of how the brain learns... I discovered that the human mind does not learn slowly. It learns quickly. I didn't know that." (Time for a change, 1993, p.20)
Rather than the formal analysis of historical causes of distress, the primary approach of brief therapy is to help the client to view the present from a wider context and to utilize more functional understandings (not necessarily at a conscious level). By becoming aware of these new understandings, successful clients will de facto undergo spontaneous and generative change.
Brief therapy is often highly strategic, exploratory, and solution-based rather than problem-oriented. It is less concerned with how a problem arose than with the current factors sustaining it and preventing change. Brief therapists do not adhere to one "correct" approach, but rather accept that there being many paths, any of which may or may not in combination turn out to be ultimately beneficial.
Contents [hide]
1 Founding proponents of brief therapy
2 Notable therapists
3 See also
4 External links
[edit]Founding proponents of brief therapy
Milton Erickson was a master of brief therapy, using clinical hypnosis as his primary tool. To a great extent he developed this himself. His approach was popularized by Jay Haley, in the book "Uncommon therapy: The psychiatric techniques of Milton Erickson M.D."
"The analogy Erickson uses is that of a person who wants to change the course of a river. if he opposes the river by trying to block it, the river will merely go over and around him. But if he accepts the force of the river and diverts it in a new direction, the force of the river will cut a new channel." (Haley, "Uncommon therapy", p.24, emphasis in original)
Richard Bandler, the co-founder of neuro-linguistic programming, is another firm proponent of brief therapy. After many years of studying Erickson's therapeutic work, he wrote:
"It's easier to cure a phobia in ten minutes than in five years... I didn't realize that the speed with which you do things makes them last... I taught people the phobia cure. They'd do part of it one week, part of it the next, and part of it the week after. Then they'd come to me and say "It doesn't work!" If, however, you do it in five minutes, and repeat it till it happens very fast, the brain understands. That's part of how the brain learns... I discovered that the human mind does not learn slowly. It learns quickly. I didn't know that." (Time for a change, 1993, p.20)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Know of more fundraising events?
Let us know
in response to the tragic earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday, several events across New Zealand have been organised to raise money for relief funds.
Concerts
Sunday, February 27:
• A Christchurch Relief Fundraiser - Auckland's indie bands have got together to hold their own Christchurch earthquake relief concert. Proceeds to the New Zealand Red Cross. Sunday, 6.30pm. Whammy Bar and Wine Cellar on K Rd, Auckland. Minimum $10 S donation. Click here for more info.
• Kotahitangata (One People) - Sola Rosa, King Kapisi, Homebrew, LA Mitchell, Anna Coddington and more. All proceeds to NZ Red Cross Earthquake Appeal. R18. Sale St, Freemans Bay, Auckland. From 5pm. Click here for more info.
• Opera with William Winitana - Christchurch earthquake benefit concert. Napier Botanical Gardens, Napier, 5pm to 7pm.
• Sirens - the water ballet by the Wet Hot Beauties. Parnell Baths, Judges Bay Road, Auckland from 6pm.
Saturday, March 5:
• Ghettozoid (UK) Christchurch Earthquake Fundraiser. 420 Night Club, K Road, Auckland, 6pm. Click here for more info.
Sports
Saturday, February 26:
• New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles. All proceeds from this NRL preseason game will go to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland. Gates at 3.30pm, curtain-raiser 4pm, main game kick-off 6pm.
Theatre
Sunday, February 27:
• Well Hung - An Auckland Theatre Company production at the Maidment Theatre, Auckland. Proceeds will go to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. 4pm.
Other
Saturday, February 26:
• Swim for Christchurch, 1km ocean swim at Auckland's Milford Beach. All proceeds to the Canterbury Earthquake appeal. You must bring and wear your own swim cap. Cash donations only. Sign up 7.30am, swim begins 8am. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, March 2 and Thursday, March 3:
• Bear Grylls - Star of the Discovery Channel's Man vs Wild, with Tiki Taane and comedian Cori Gonzalez. Proceeds to Canterbury Earthquake Relief Fundo and Wellington Children's Hospital. Auckland's Sky City Convention Centre on March 2 and at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on March 3. Tickets for the Auckland show through Dash Tickets and Wellington tickets through Ticketek.
Sunday, March 20
• 2011 Coatesville Classic Half Marathon and Fun Run. All proceeds to charity - $2500 to Coatesville Primary, $500 to Coatesville Scouts and remaining profit (up to $20,000) to Christchurch recovery funding. Click here for more info.
August
• NZ Kilimanjaro expedition. A team of New Zealanders and friends in London have decided to take on the challenge of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, in August 2011 to help raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Fund. They aim to raise $5895 (the height of Kilimanjaro in metres) and donate through the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Click here to donate and email Chris Flack at cjflack@gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
in response to the tragic earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday, several events across New Zealand have been organised to raise money for relief funds.
Concerts
Sunday, February 27:
• A Christchurch Relief Fundraiser - Auckland's indie bands have got together to hold their own Christchurch earthquake relief concert. Proceeds to the New Zealand Red Cross. Sunday, 6.30pm. Whammy Bar and Wine Cellar on K Rd, Auckland. Minimum $10 S donation. Click here for more info.
• Kotahitangata (One People) - Sola Rosa, King Kapisi, Homebrew, LA Mitchell, Anna Coddington and more. All proceeds to NZ Red Cross Earthquake Appeal. R18. Sale St, Freemans Bay, Auckland. From 5pm. Click here for more info.
• Opera with William Winitana - Christchurch earthquake benefit concert. Napier Botanical Gardens, Napier, 5pm to 7pm.
• Sirens - the water ballet by the Wet Hot Beauties. Parnell Baths, Judges Bay Road, Auckland from 6pm.
Saturday, March 5:
• Ghettozoid (UK) Christchurch Earthquake Fundraiser. 420 Night Club, K Road, Auckland, 6pm. Click here for more info.
Sports
Saturday, February 26:
• New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles. All proceeds from this NRL preseason game will go to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland. Gates at 3.30pm, curtain-raiser 4pm, main game kick-off 6pm.
Theatre
Sunday, February 27:
• Well Hung - An Auckland Theatre Company production at the Maidment Theatre, Auckland. Proceeds will go to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. 4pm.
Other
Saturday, February 26:
• Swim for Christchurch, 1km ocean swim at Auckland's Milford Beach. All proceeds to the Canterbury Earthquake appeal. You must bring and wear your own swim cap. Cash donations only. Sign up 7.30am, swim begins 8am. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, March 2 and Thursday, March 3:
• Bear Grylls - Star of the Discovery Channel's Man vs Wild, with Tiki Taane and comedian Cori Gonzalez. Proceeds to Canterbury Earthquake Relief Fundo and Wellington Children's Hospital. Auckland's Sky City Convention Centre on March 2 and at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on March 3. Tickets for the Auckland show through Dash Tickets and Wellington tickets through Ticketek.
Sunday, March 20
• 2011 Coatesville Classic Half Marathon and Fun Run. All proceeds to charity - $2500 to Coatesville Primary, $500 to Coatesville Scouts and remaining profit (up to $20,000) to Christchurch recovery funding. Click here for more info.
August
• NZ Kilimanjaro expedition. A team of New Zealanders and friends in London have decided to take on the challenge of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, in August 2011 to help raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Fund. They aim to raise $5895 (the height of Kilimanjaro in metres) and donate through the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Click here to donate and email Chris Flack at cjflack@gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Starting over again
news caounseling laters information
Psychologist EMILY KARIUKI, 28 went to college to study business and later biology but today she owns her own counselling practice. She spoke to Wambui Thimba
Tell us a little about your occupation?
I am a counselling psychologist and I run my own psychological practice known as Emiwell Counselling Services situated in Kilimani, Nairobi.
Why did you go into self-employment?
First, I have a one-year-old daughter and I wanted to have a job that gives me the flexibility to work my own hours so that I can ensure that I spend quality time with her.
Second, I wanted to challenge the view that there is no market for people who have done psychology in this country. There is a great need for psychological services proven by the rising number of divorces, cases of depression, suicide attempts, paedophilia, rape, addiction, conflicts within families, murder and even road rage, which is an anger management issue. The list is endless.
What were you doing prior to starting your company?
I was working at a drug rehabilitation centre in Karen as part of my Master’s in Counselling Psychology course requirement. I completed 500 supervised hours of counselling work, which included individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy and teaching of life skills.
Have you always wanted to be a psychologist?
Initially, I was studying business in an Australian University, which was my parents’ choice, then I later changed to human biology. I discovered my love for psychology when I undertook two psychology courses as part of my human biology degree. I would spend most of my time reading psychology books instead of biology books, which I only read during exam time.
EMILY KARIUKI
After my father passed away in 2004, I decided to relocate to Kenya because I wanted to be close to my mother and siblings. It was then that I decided to try to transfer my course credits to a public university in Nairobi so as to continue my human biology studies but the process was going to take close to a year. I talked to my mother about pursuing psychology and she was very supportive. I applied for psychology at USIU and begun my studies.
How was studying in Australia different from Kenya?
I had freedom to do whatever I wanted, which was not what I was used to at home. Therefore, I had to learn some self-discipline, as it was very easy to get carried away in the fast life.
During the first year there I spent most of the time trying to fit in with the crowd there but I soon realised that I would end up losing direction completely. I was lucky that I was there with my elder sister so I did have a support system but we both still missed being home.
What were the challenges of coming back home and starting from scratch?
My main challenge was matching up to my peers as I felt they were all working yet here I was starting my first year of university all over again. This experience taught me that I should always hold myself up to my own standards and not focus on what others are doing. This attitude helped me focus on my own goals and consequently led me to excel in my studies and profession.
What services do you offer?
Pre-marital therapy is my main focus now due to the rising numbers of divorce in this country. If people engage in professional pre-marital counselling, it reduces their chances of getting divorced as they have explored the main issues likely to bring about differences in their union.
Other services include family therapy, self-improvement, addiction, after care, stress management, and couples therapy. I also want to venture into career counselling services.
What are the challenges of starting your own business?
The main challenge was raising capital to start the business and to find an affordable office, but I thank God that I have a great support system that helped me raise capital and helped me find a suitable location.
Reaching out to the clients can also be difficult at times. I do get numerous people calling to enquire about the services but not all of them manage to gather the courage to taking that first step. Most eventually call again and make an appointment.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My greatest achievement so far would definitely be motherhood. My daughter Amilia has changed my whole being. She is my motivation to be at my best. I am also proud of receiving the highest female graduate GPA (grade point average) award last year at USIU. The highlight of my career would be starting a successful psychological practice.
Long-term goals
I plan to grow my client base in order to offer employment to other psychologists of different specialisations.
Psychologist EMILY KARIUKI, 28 went to college to study business and later biology but today she owns her own counselling practice. She spoke to Wambui Thimba
Tell us a little about your occupation?
I am a counselling psychologist and I run my own psychological practice known as Emiwell Counselling Services situated in Kilimani, Nairobi.
Why did you go into self-employment?
First, I have a one-year-old daughter and I wanted to have a job that gives me the flexibility to work my own hours so that I can ensure that I spend quality time with her.
Second, I wanted to challenge the view that there is no market for people who have done psychology in this country. There is a great need for psychological services proven by the rising number of divorces, cases of depression, suicide attempts, paedophilia, rape, addiction, conflicts within families, murder and even road rage, which is an anger management issue. The list is endless.
What were you doing prior to starting your company?
I was working at a drug rehabilitation centre in Karen as part of my Master’s in Counselling Psychology course requirement. I completed 500 supervised hours of counselling work, which included individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy and teaching of life skills.
Have you always wanted to be a psychologist?
Initially, I was studying business in an Australian University, which was my parents’ choice, then I later changed to human biology. I discovered my love for psychology when I undertook two psychology courses as part of my human biology degree. I would spend most of my time reading psychology books instead of biology books, which I only read during exam time.
EMILY KARIUKI
After my father passed away in 2004, I decided to relocate to Kenya because I wanted to be close to my mother and siblings. It was then that I decided to try to transfer my course credits to a public university in Nairobi so as to continue my human biology studies but the process was going to take close to a year. I talked to my mother about pursuing psychology and she was very supportive. I applied for psychology at USIU and begun my studies.
How was studying in Australia different from Kenya?
I had freedom to do whatever I wanted, which was not what I was used to at home. Therefore, I had to learn some self-discipline, as it was very easy to get carried away in the fast life.
During the first year there I spent most of the time trying to fit in with the crowd there but I soon realised that I would end up losing direction completely. I was lucky that I was there with my elder sister so I did have a support system but we both still missed being home.
What were the challenges of coming back home and starting from scratch?
My main challenge was matching up to my peers as I felt they were all working yet here I was starting my first year of university all over again. This experience taught me that I should always hold myself up to my own standards and not focus on what others are doing. This attitude helped me focus on my own goals and consequently led me to excel in my studies and profession.
What services do you offer?
Pre-marital therapy is my main focus now due to the rising numbers of divorce in this country. If people engage in professional pre-marital counselling, it reduces their chances of getting divorced as they have explored the main issues likely to bring about differences in their union.
Other services include family therapy, self-improvement, addiction, after care, stress management, and couples therapy. I also want to venture into career counselling services.
What are the challenges of starting your own business?
The main challenge was raising capital to start the business and to find an affordable office, but I thank God that I have a great support system that helped me raise capital and helped me find a suitable location.
Reaching out to the clients can also be difficult at times. I do get numerous people calling to enquire about the services but not all of them manage to gather the courage to taking that first step. Most eventually call again and make an appointment.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My greatest achievement so far would definitely be motherhood. My daughter Amilia has changed my whole being. She is my motivation to be at my best. I am also proud of receiving the highest female graduate GPA (grade point average) award last year at USIU. The highlight of my career would be starting a successful psychological practice.
Long-term goals
I plan to grow my client base in order to offer employment to other psychologists of different specialisations.
What Is Exit Counseling?
judsification
Exit counseling is a type of intervention targeted toward individuals who are involved with a cult. It is also known as strategic intervention therapy, thought reform consultation, or simply, cult intervention. This type of intervention is used to counsel families of cult members as well as cult members themselves. It is usually aimed at trying to get a cult member to see the truth, repairing family relations, and integrating individuals back into society, if necessary.
Many times, family members who are worried about their loved ones being involved with a possible cult are the first ones to initiate exit counseling. Members who have been kicked out of, or walked away from, a cult may also look into exit counseling. The majority of individuals who participate begin this counseling voluntarily, meaning that they are not forced or coerced in any way.
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Family members who inquire about exit counseling will usually have initial meetings with an exit counselor. This counselor will usually prepare the family for the subsequent counseling sessions that may take place. They will also provide background information on cults in general and possibly the specific cult in question.
After the initial meetings, it is often the family's job to convince the cult member to meet with the counselor. It is important that the cult member enters exit counseling willingly. He should not be forced, coerced, or tricked. Many experts agree that forcing him will often cause him not to trust people who are not involved with the cult, or who he thinks of as outsiders.
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During the exit counseling sessions, an individual is also allowed to leave or take a break whenever he wants. Regardless of how erroneous they may seem to other people, his opinions are always respected as well. Counselors may try to educate the cult member on his specific cult, cults in general, or mind control tactics. In some cases, former cult members may even be brought in to speak with him. Based on the information provided to them, most cult members will then make a decision on whether to stay involved with the group or leave.
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If individuals choose to stay involved with the cult after exit counseling sessions, they are free to do so. Counselors will then work with the family members, teaching them the best ways to communicate with their loved one. For example, they must learn to be caring and non-judgmental. Otherwise, their loved one may feel even more alienated and decide against turning to his family for help if he ever decides to leave the cult.
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Deciding to leave can be one of the hardest decisions for a cult member to make. He may have problems adjusting to life outside of the cult. Some specific problems can include feelings of guilt or depression, problems making decisions, paranoia, or anxiety. Exit counseling can help these types of individuals learn or relearn how to live outside of a cult.
Exit counseling is a type of intervention targeted toward individuals who are involved with a cult. It is also known as strategic intervention therapy, thought reform consultation, or simply, cult intervention. This type of intervention is used to counsel families of cult members as well as cult members themselves. It is usually aimed at trying to get a cult member to see the truth, repairing family relations, and integrating individuals back into society, if necessary.
Many times, family members who are worried about their loved ones being involved with a possible cult are the first ones to initiate exit counseling. Members who have been kicked out of, or walked away from, a cult may also look into exit counseling. The majority of individuals who participate begin this counseling voluntarily, meaning that they are not forced or coerced in any way.
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Family members who inquire about exit counseling will usually have initial meetings with an exit counselor. This counselor will usually prepare the family for the subsequent counseling sessions that may take place. They will also provide background information on cults in general and possibly the specific cult in question.
After the initial meetings, it is often the family's job to convince the cult member to meet with the counselor. It is important that the cult member enters exit counseling willingly. He should not be forced, coerced, or tricked. Many experts agree that forcing him will often cause him not to trust people who are not involved with the cult, or who he thinks of as outsiders.
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During the exit counseling sessions, an individual is also allowed to leave or take a break whenever he wants. Regardless of how erroneous they may seem to other people, his opinions are always respected as well. Counselors may try to educate the cult member on his specific cult, cults in general, or mind control tactics. In some cases, former cult members may even be brought in to speak with him. Based on the information provided to them, most cult members will then make a decision on whether to stay involved with the group or leave.
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If individuals choose to stay involved with the cult after exit counseling sessions, they are free to do so. Counselors will then work with the family members, teaching them the best ways to communicate with their loved one. For example, they must learn to be caring and non-judgmental. Otherwise, their loved one may feel even more alienated and decide against turning to his family for help if he ever decides to leave the cult.
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Deciding to leave can be one of the hardest decisions for a cult member to make. He may have problems adjusting to life outside of the cult. Some specific problems can include feelings of guilt or depression, problems making decisions, paranoia, or anxiety. Exit counseling can help these types of individuals learn or relearn how to live outside of a cult.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Counseling Services
Counseling Services
The Counseling Center is committed to providing a range of services intended to help students develop improved coping skills in order to address emotional, interpersonal and academic concerns. The Counseling Center provides individual, couples and group counseling, and all of these services are paid for through the Health Services Fee. The Counseling Center offers primarily short-term counseling, but we do provide referrals to the community when students could benefit from longer term services.
Making the Initial Appointment
Initial Appointments are made on a same-day basis by calling the Counseling Center (333.3704) any time after 7:50 a.m. These appointments tend to fill up quickly, and students are encouraged to call early on the day that they would like to meet with a counselor.
Your first appointment will provide you with an opportunity to talk confidentially with a counselor about your immediate concerns. Your counselor will talk with you about some of the reasons you scheduled the appointment and will evaluate what services or resources will be most helpful for you. Some students find that talking with a counselor once is sufficient to resolve the immediate concern. If further services would be beneficial, these will be discussed and a recommendation will be made by the counselor. These additional services may include resources offered by the Counseling Center or referral to another campus or community resource.
The Counseling Center also provides emergency consultations to students with urgent mental health concerns between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please call 333-3704 if you have an immediate need to meet with a counselor. After 5:00 pm and on weekends, please contact the Crisis Line at 359-4141 to speak with a counselor.
Individual & Couples Counseling
The Counseling Center has a diverse professional staff that works from a variety of theoretical perspectives. We provide individual, couples’ and group counseling focused on a range of clinical issues. Students come to the Counseling Center for a wide variety of reasons – a list of the most common presenting concerns is at the Student Concerns page. Many of the students who come into the Center are experiencing academic difficulties, including time management issues, concentration problems, lack of motivation, or questions about study skills. Some students are having trouble adjusting to college life or are having conflict with a roommate or their parents. Many of our clients have a specific concern related to depression, anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse, eating concerns or a similar clinical issue.
Group Counseling
Group counseling is often the most beneficial option for many student concerns. Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that usually involves 4-10 clients and 1 or 2 experienced group therapists. Most therapy groups meet every week at the same time for 1-2 hours. During that time, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback. Interpersonal interaction is highly valued and encouraged. Group counseling may be particularly useful for students who are having difficulties in their relationships or who want to learn about themselves and their connections to other people. Group counseling is the only long-term treatment option offered at the Counseling Center. For more information, please see the groups page.
Referrals for Private Therapy
If concerns exceed the scope of the Center’s short term counseling focus, or if recommended resources are not available within the University, your counselor will refer you to private therapy or other appropriate community resources. The cost of such therapy is not included in your student fees. Student Health Insurance, or other comparable health insurance plans, may reimburse part of the cost of private therapy. Your counselor will discuss additional possible options to help defray costs if a referral for private therapy is made.
The Counseling Center is committed to providing a range of services intended to help students develop improved coping skills in order to address emotional, interpersonal and academic concerns. The Counseling Center provides individual, couples and group counseling, and all of these services are paid for through the Health Services Fee. The Counseling Center offers primarily short-term counseling, but we do provide referrals to the community when students could benefit from longer term services.
Making the Initial Appointment
Initial Appointments are made on a same-day basis by calling the Counseling Center (333.3704) any time after 7:50 a.m. These appointments tend to fill up quickly, and students are encouraged to call early on the day that they would like to meet with a counselor.
Your first appointment will provide you with an opportunity to talk confidentially with a counselor about your immediate concerns. Your counselor will talk with you about some of the reasons you scheduled the appointment and will evaluate what services or resources will be most helpful for you. Some students find that talking with a counselor once is sufficient to resolve the immediate concern. If further services would be beneficial, these will be discussed and a recommendation will be made by the counselor. These additional services may include resources offered by the Counseling Center or referral to another campus or community resource.
The Counseling Center also provides emergency consultations to students with urgent mental health concerns between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please call 333-3704 if you have an immediate need to meet with a counselor. After 5:00 pm and on weekends, please contact the Crisis Line at 359-4141 to speak with a counselor.
Individual & Couples Counseling
The Counseling Center has a diverse professional staff that works from a variety of theoretical perspectives. We provide individual, couples’ and group counseling focused on a range of clinical issues. Students come to the Counseling Center for a wide variety of reasons – a list of the most common presenting concerns is at the Student Concerns page. Many of the students who come into the Center are experiencing academic difficulties, including time management issues, concentration problems, lack of motivation, or questions about study skills. Some students are having trouble adjusting to college life or are having conflict with a roommate or their parents. Many of our clients have a specific concern related to depression, anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse, eating concerns or a similar clinical issue.
Group Counseling
Group counseling is often the most beneficial option for many student concerns. Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that usually involves 4-10 clients and 1 or 2 experienced group therapists. Most therapy groups meet every week at the same time for 1-2 hours. During that time, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback. Interpersonal interaction is highly valued and encouraged. Group counseling may be particularly useful for students who are having difficulties in their relationships or who want to learn about themselves and their connections to other people. Group counseling is the only long-term treatment option offered at the Counseling Center. For more information, please see the groups page.
Referrals for Private Therapy
If concerns exceed the scope of the Center’s short term counseling focus, or if recommended resources are not available within the University, your counselor will refer you to private therapy or other appropriate community resources. The cost of such therapy is not included in your student fees. Student Health Insurance, or other comparable health insurance plans, may reimburse part of the cost of private therapy. Your counselor will discuss additional possible options to help defray costs if a referral for private therapy is made.
Addiction Counsellor
Addictions can allow people a temporary escape from their problems, and can develop from many activities; alcohol, drugs, eating, gambling, shopping, sex and use of the internet.
Stigma surrounds the word addiction which is an inability to stop repetitive behaviour in spite of the harmful consequences.
Research shows that millions of people suffer from an addiction of some sort. For many their craving or impulse offers a short-term escape from the realities of their life and is often used to deal with depression or anxiety. For most, the long term consequences bring extra guilt and shame which eventually create an increasingly destructive cycle drawing in family and friends.
Addictions are often associated with activities that initially bring pleasure and release from everyday life and pressures. Chemicals produced in the brain which encourage us to partake in activities and enjoy the ‘highs’ and ‘satisfactions’ are usually stimulated by these activities. The human brain uses dopamine, produced when we fall in love and similar to cocaine, to motivate; and endorphins, what we feel after vigorous exercise and similar to heroin, to reward behaviour.
When life is empty and these chemicals are not naturally present; when we are low or depressed, the tendency to addiction can increase. Stimulation and reward are often ingredients of addiction: drugs, eating, gambling, shopping and sex all produce highs which need to be repeated. The following lows increase the feelings of hopelessness.
A skilled counsellor can help the client to start to understand their emotional needs and face the realities of life with more hope of addressing the underlying problems attached to their mis use of alcohol and other drugs. Again, research would indicate that the Bio/Psycho/Social Model of therapy is most beneficial in addressing a client’s mis use.
Stigma surrounds the word addiction which is an inability to stop repetitive behaviour in spite of the harmful consequences.
Research shows that millions of people suffer from an addiction of some sort. For many their craving or impulse offers a short-term escape from the realities of their life and is often used to deal with depression or anxiety. For most, the long term consequences bring extra guilt and shame which eventually create an increasingly destructive cycle drawing in family and friends.
Addictions are often associated with activities that initially bring pleasure and release from everyday life and pressures. Chemicals produced in the brain which encourage us to partake in activities and enjoy the ‘highs’ and ‘satisfactions’ are usually stimulated by these activities. The human brain uses dopamine, produced when we fall in love and similar to cocaine, to motivate; and endorphins, what we feel after vigorous exercise and similar to heroin, to reward behaviour.
When life is empty and these chemicals are not naturally present; when we are low or depressed, the tendency to addiction can increase. Stimulation and reward are often ingredients of addiction: drugs, eating, gambling, shopping and sex all produce highs which need to be repeated. The following lows increase the feelings of hopelessness.
A skilled counsellor can help the client to start to understand their emotional needs and face the realities of life with more hope of addressing the underlying problems attached to their mis use of alcohol and other drugs. Again, research would indicate that the Bio/Psycho/Social Model of therapy is most beneficial in addressing a client’s mis use.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELING
counseling family work
When considering marriage counseling, it's difficult not to wonder whether seeing a marriage counselor will actually work. This article provides some objective information based on data obtained from a national survey of marriage and family counselors and their clients. Also presented are several interesting opinions provided by individuals who have actually been through marriage counseling and were asked to comment on whether or not seeing a marriage counselor proved effective in helping their relationship.
An honest marriage counselor would agree that the motivation of a couple may be the single most important factor in determining the success of marriage counseling. It's unlikely that even a brilliant counselor would be able to save a marriage where one spouse has already decided upon a divorce, and a mediocre marriage counselor can probably help a couple who are utterly committed towards making their marriage work. With this in mind, research has been made in an effort to determine, on a more scientific level, the effectiveness of couples counseling.
In an article published by Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, clients of marriage and family counselors from 15 different states reported on their experience with counseling. The findings indicated that marriage and family counselors treated a wide range of issues in relatively short-term fashion, couple and family therapy are briefer than individual therapy, and that client satisfaction and functional improvement are quite high.
[*] Specifically, of clients from 526 marriage and family counselors in 15 different states:
98.1% rated services good or excellent
97.1% got the kind of help they desired
91.2% were satisfied with the amount of help they received
93% said they were helped in dealing more effectively with problems
94.3% would return to the same therapist in the future
96.9% would recommend their therapist to a friend
97.4% were generally satisfied with the service they received
63.4% reported improved physical health
54.8% reported improvement in functioning at work
73.7% indicated improvement in children’s behavior
58.7% showed improvement in children’s school performance
[*] Excerpted from "Clinical Practice Patterns of Marriage and Family Therapists: A National Survey of Therapists and Their Clients", Journal of Marital and Family Therapy--Volume 22, No. 1
While the above study provides raw data that supports the effectiveness of marriage and family counseling, a very interesting discussion on the question "Does Couples Counseling Work" from a public forum devoted to this topic offers a less clinical, but still positive view. Based on what seems to be a very honest and frank discussion among couples "who've been there," the answer to the question of whether or not marriage counseling is effective is a positive one. Read these posts on the Berkley Parents Network.
Regardless of the studies and opinions which seem to support the effectiveness of marriage / couples counseling, there are those who question it's effectiveness. An article on the about.com portal, had this to say:
The science of marital counseling is being studied in great detail these days. Research is showing that it is not as effective as people think, that women seem to get more from it than men, and that it might not have a lasting effect on the couple's marriage.
What type of couple gets the most from couple therapy? The answer is young, non-sexist, still in love, open couples.
Which couples receive the least from therapy? Some factors that can make couple therapy unsuccessful include couples who wait too long before seeking help, and often one or the other is set on getting a divorce and is closed to any suggestions that may save the marriage.
Excerpted from the marriage.about.com portal
Unfortunately, the data supporting the above-mentioned research is not specifically cited in the article. The article seems to imply that couples who seek counseling because they want their relationship to work are more likely to succeed with marriage counseling than are those who enter into counseling with the (perhaps hidden) truth that they already want out.
When considering marriage counseling, it's difficult not to wonder whether seeing a marriage counselor will actually work. This article provides some objective information based on data obtained from a national survey of marriage and family counselors and their clients. Also presented are several interesting opinions provided by individuals who have actually been through marriage counseling and were asked to comment on whether or not seeing a marriage counselor proved effective in helping their relationship.
An honest marriage counselor would agree that the motivation of a couple may be the single most important factor in determining the success of marriage counseling. It's unlikely that even a brilliant counselor would be able to save a marriage where one spouse has already decided upon a divorce, and a mediocre marriage counselor can probably help a couple who are utterly committed towards making their marriage work. With this in mind, research has been made in an effort to determine, on a more scientific level, the effectiveness of couples counseling.
In an article published by Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, clients of marriage and family counselors from 15 different states reported on their experience with counseling. The findings indicated that marriage and family counselors treated a wide range of issues in relatively short-term fashion, couple and family therapy are briefer than individual therapy, and that client satisfaction and functional improvement are quite high.
[*] Specifically, of clients from 526 marriage and family counselors in 15 different states:
98.1% rated services good or excellent
97.1% got the kind of help they desired
91.2% were satisfied with the amount of help they received
93% said they were helped in dealing more effectively with problems
94.3% would return to the same therapist in the future
96.9% would recommend their therapist to a friend
97.4% were generally satisfied with the service they received
63.4% reported improved physical health
54.8% reported improvement in functioning at work
73.7% indicated improvement in children’s behavior
58.7% showed improvement in children’s school performance
[*] Excerpted from "Clinical Practice Patterns of Marriage and Family Therapists: A National Survey of Therapists and Their Clients", Journal of Marital and Family Therapy--Volume 22, No. 1
While the above study provides raw data that supports the effectiveness of marriage and family counseling, a very interesting discussion on the question "Does Couples Counseling Work" from a public forum devoted to this topic offers a less clinical, but still positive view. Based on what seems to be a very honest and frank discussion among couples "who've been there," the answer to the question of whether or not marriage counseling is effective is a positive one. Read these posts on the Berkley Parents Network.
Regardless of the studies and opinions which seem to support the effectiveness of marriage / couples counseling, there are those who question it's effectiveness. An article on the about.com portal, had this to say:
The science of marital counseling is being studied in great detail these days. Research is showing that it is not as effective as people think, that women seem to get more from it than men, and that it might not have a lasting effect on the couple's marriage.
What type of couple gets the most from couple therapy? The answer is young, non-sexist, still in love, open couples.
Which couples receive the least from therapy? Some factors that can make couple therapy unsuccessful include couples who wait too long before seeking help, and often one or the other is set on getting a divorce and is closed to any suggestions that may save the marriage.
Excerpted from the marriage.about.com portal
Unfortunately, the data supporting the above-mentioned research is not specifically cited in the article. The article seems to imply that couples who seek counseling because they want their relationship to work are more likely to succeed with marriage counseling than are those who enter into counseling with the (perhaps hidden) truth that they already want out.
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