Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counseling?

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

Facts about Counseling
While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems, it can also help:

  • Students choose a major career path.
  • Individuals who have difficulty in self-esteem, communication or assertion.
  • Individuals having academic problems, difficulty juggling school, work and other responsibilities.
  • Students trying to adjust to their new environment.

Myth 2: Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.

Facts about Counseling

  • There is nothing weak about a person who seeks counseling. In fact, it takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences.
  • Individuals who enter counseling are taking the first step in resolving their difficulties.

Myth 3: The counselor will tell you what to do and how to “fix” your problem.

Facts about Counseling

Counseling is not a “quick fix” cure to your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts and concerns, to examine your options and to assist you in achieving the goals you have set.

Myth 4:The counselor cannot understand you unless he/she has had similar experiences or is of the same background.

Facts about Counseling

Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns of students as regards to gender, racial/ethnic, cultural, religious, age, sexual preference and socioeconomic issues.

Are my secrets safe with the counselor?

We treat your records and the sessions that you had with your counselors with utmost confidentiality. Individual counseling rooms are also being used to ensure the privacy of the sessions. However, if we believe that your behavior clearly shows that you want to inflict harm on yourself and on others or if your behavior poses imminent danger to the academic community then we see it proper to inform your family and the school authorities about your condition.

How do I set an appointment?

There are always available counselors who will attend to you once you visit the office. Depending on your availability, you will be assigned to a counselor and will be asked to come back on your scheduled appointment if your concern or purpose of visit to OCCS is not that urgent. Emergency cases are immediately being attended to by any counselor available.

Who will I talk to?

The Office of Counseling and Career Services is manned by professional and licensed counselors who have gathered enough training and experience in dealing with developmental concerns of college students. You have the choice whether to see a female or a male counselor.

How long will a counseling session take?

Depending on the nature of your concern, a counseling session may take 40 minutes to an hour. You may be asked to come back for follow-up sessions until your concerns are properly managed.

How do I know if I need Counseling?

In general, it’s a good idea to consider seeing a counselor if your difficulties persist for an extended period of time, and/or if you experience symptoms that interfere with your daily activities.

The commonly expressed issues and concerns of college students are:

  • Academic: Lack of study habits and skills, low motivation, easily distracted, lack of time management skills.
  • Personal/Social: Decision making, anxiety and stress, depression, anger management, interpersonal/relationship problems, grief and loss, family problems, body image/eating habits, personal growth and self esteem, gay, lesbian, and bisexual concerns, cultural diversity, alcohol or drug misuse/abuse, and dealing with crisis situations.
  • Career: Undecided about present course, career pathing, and future career opportunities.

What benefits do I get from Counseling?

  • Positive Behavioral Change
  • Enhanced Coping Skills
  • Better Decision-Making
  • Healthy Relationships with Others
  • Maximized Opportunities and Potential

What should I do when I know someone is faced with an emergency situation in campus?

First and foremost, stay calm, then listen to what the person in crisis has to say. When in dire need, you may convince the person to seek professional help by accompanying him/her to the Office of Counseling and Career Services (OCCS). Your help will surely make a difference in the life of the person you referred.

OFFICE OF COUNSELING AND CAREER SERVICES (OCCS)

MAIN OFFICE
Room 304 Br. Connon Hall
Telephone: 524-4611 local 419
Direct Line: 536-0226

SATELLITE OFFICE
Room 1505A Andrew Gonzalez Hall
Telephone: 524-4611 local 389

CAREER OFFICE
Room 115 SJ Building
Telephone: 524-4611 local 416
Direct Line: 523-4286

Come and visit us. We are here to help you succeed in college and beyond!