 Here
are some common fears and facts about counseling and seeking help.
FEAR: My
problems are too small and trivial to talk about.
FACT: Any concern is a valid concern. Talking with a caring professional
might help put into perspective just how big or small your concerns are.
FEAR: People
who go to Counseling Centers are crazy or weak or weird.
FACT: The truth is that most students who seek help at the Broene Counseling
Center are “regular’ people” trying to find ways to
feel better and live less stressful lives. Some people are more emotionally
troubled than others. But, not everyone who seeks help is emotionally
“disturbed”. Since most people experience some degree of emotional
distress at various points in their lives, seeking counseling as a step
in coping with this distress is certainly not an indication of having
a psychiatric disorder. Instead, this kind of choice represents a courageous,
mature, and responsible attitude.
FEAR: I should
be strong enough and have faith enough to solve my own problems.
FACT: Choosing to seek help and ask for help shows wisdom and courage.
It also affirms the way we
human beings were created: to be in relationship to each other. Plus,
counseling is a
tremendous benefit to any Calvin student, so why not use it?
FEAR: People
might find out that I went to see a counselor.
FACT: Counseling sessions are confidential and do not become a part of
your academic transcript.
Typically, the only way others might become aware of your choice to see
a counselor is if
you decide to tell them. You may even discover that you want a selected
number of people
to know that you are seeking help.
FEAR: Making
an appointment and then talking with a stranger about personal stuff seems
kind of scary.
FACT: A certain amount of discomfort or anxiety is understandable. We
all feel a bit apprehensive
the first time we meet someone, particularly when talking about important
things having to do
with our lives and our struggles. However, Broene Counseling Center counselors
understand
the anxiety at the beginning. You will be encouraged to speak, but at
your own pace and with
the assurance that you have a safe place in which to do it. Most students
realize quickly that
there is tremendous relief in just talking.
FEAR: I’m
afraid my counselor will make me talk about stuff I’m not ready
to talk about.
FACT: Counseling is NOT about making people do anything. Its about collaboration.
You and
your counselor form a “team”. You will not be asked or forced
to talk about anything you
are not wanting to talk about. Your counselor may, at some point, indicate
that there seem to
be some issues which might be helpful to discuss and which you might be
avoiding, but this
will be done in a spirit of teamwork and caring.
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