Counseling
Counseling? Who Needs It?
What is counseling?
Counseling is a chance to talk confidentially with someone who can help you learn skills and new ways of looking at situations. This can help you be more capable of solving problems on your own.
Some students benefit from one or two sessions of problem-solving, while some concerns may warrant further counseling sessions. Although counselors may differ somewhat in their approaches, there are certain similarities that characterize counseling. In the beginning stage of counseling, your counselor will ask about your concerns to gain a deeper understanding of you. As counseling proceeds, trust between you and your counselor builds and a working partnership is developed. The counselor will help you to explore your feelings, make decisions, and resolve your concerns.
Counseling Center services are fee to currently enrolled UF students.
What kind of counseling is available?
The Counseling Center offers counseling in three different ways:
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Couples Counseling
While the Counseling Center offers counseling for a wide variety of concerns, we also offer some specialized services. these include:
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling
- Women's Counseling (including eating disorders, sexual assault/ abuse/harassment)
- Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Counseling
- Math Confidence Counseling
- Counseling for Students with Disabilities
- Career Exploration and Decision-making
Who are the counselors?
All of our counselors have had training and experience specific to working with college students. Our training and interests span a broad range of approaches to counseling.
How do I make an appointment?
Currently registered students can come to the Counseling Center in 301 Peabody Hall Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm to schedule an appointment. At the first appointment, the counselor and student make decisions about what kind of help is needed and will be most beneficial. Students requiring immediate help can be seen on an emergency basis on the same day.
If ongoing counseling is recommended, does that mean there is something wrong with me?
No! The college years are an exciting, but sometimes stressful time. Many students encounter situations that are challenging and confusing, or their usual ways of handling problems may not be working well for some reason. Everyone needs some extra help sometimes.
Why do people come to counseling?
Here are some common concerns:
- confusing and distressing feelings
- low self-confidence
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- substance abuse
- problems with eating and body image
- relationship problems
- academic performance
- adapting to college life on your own
Will anyone at the Counseling Center tell my professors that I am coming to counseling?
No! Counseling Center records are not a part of your educational records. Only you can give consent for us to release any information about you. Any information that you provide and counseling records are strictly confidential, except in life-threatening situations or in cases of suspected child or elder abuse.
What can I expect from my counselor?
You can expect someone who:
- will be accepting of differences of race, cultural background, ability, gender, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation.
- will maintain the highest ethical and legal standards of confidentiality.
- is interested in listening to your concerns.
- will be open to discuss anything you wish.