ETSU Counseling Center

 

Personal Counseling

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Our staff of mental health professionals provides short-term, personal counseling.  All currently enrolled ETSU students are eligible for services, which are free and confidential.   In some situations we may need to refer students to more appropriate agencies or providers (e.g. presenting problem is beyond the expertise of our staff or is of a long-term nature).

  What is personal counseling? 

People often confuse our services with academic advisement or career guidance.  Personal counseling is focused on emotional, psychological, or interpersonal issues. Counselors listen carefully to your concerns and help you reach specific goals.  Reaching those goals sometimes means learning new skills, changing behavioral habits, or learning to view the situation differently. 

  Why do people come for counseling?

People typically come to counseling because they are experiencing emotional pain or wish to improve their lives in some way. While people seek counseling for many reasons, some of the common issues addressed in counseling include:

  •     Coping with stress

  •     Improving mood and overcoming depression

  •        Enhancing self-esteem

  •        Managing anxiety

  •        Surviving grief and loss

  •        Adjusting to college

  •        Improving relationships with partners

  •        Dealing with emotional trauma (e.g. abuse, assault)

  •      Understanding sexual orientation and identity

  •         Coping with family and childhood issues

  •         Ending substance abuse

Isn’t counseling just for crazy people or a sign of weakness?

No.  People who seek counseling are usually normal people who are struggling with life circumstances (e.g. relationship break-up, stressful events) or who want to enhance their lives. Most people can benefit from counseling at some time in their lives.  Furthermore, seeking professional assistance is a sign of good coping skills and intelligence, not a sign of weakness.

  How do I make an appointment?

To be seen for an initial appointment, simply come by the Counseling Center (340 D.P. Culp Center) during our walk-in hours (Monday-Thursday, 10 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.)  Please allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for the initial session.   If you are unable to come by during our walk-in hours, call us at 439-4841 to schedule an appointment.

  What about confidentiality?

Due to the sensitive and personal nature of counseling, all counseling services are confidential.  This means that nothing you share with your counselor is revealed to anyone outside of the Counseling Center without your consent.  We do not disclose names of clients to anyone, including family or university officials, without client consent.  There are some situations in which we are required by law to breach confidentiality (e.g. client threatening to kill self or others).  For more information about how we handle client information and about the limitations of confidentiality, click here.

 
This web site is best viewed with Internet Explorer.  Send questions or comments about this web site to:     Connie Yakley at yakley@etsu.edu   Last modified: September 18, 2007 11:46:50 AM,    East Tennessee State University
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