Counseling... it's not what you think

There are many myths about what Counseling entails. Unfortunately, images of old men with beards, clients on couches and patients in asylums still define counseling for many individuals who might benefit from what counseling offers today. Often, people dismiss counseling as something "for crazy people" or professional help for people with "major problems," however, most of these descriptions come from people who have never been to counseling. See below for answers to frequently asked questions.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a helping process that takes place within an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, and trust. Counselors work with students confidentially to help them understand themselves, their behaviors, feelings, and relationships. The purpose of counseling is to help students identify their personal strengths and develop ways to live life more fully.

Who goes to counseling?

All sorts of people go to counseling, most often people who need help with problems such as...

Managing anxiety

  • Coping with and reducing stress
  • Adjusting to loss (death, relationships, jobs)
  • Increasing self-understanding
  • Making difficult decisions and clarifying choices
  • Assertiveness training
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Resolution of personal issues
  • Eating concerns
  • Drug/alcohol issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Academic concerns (test anxiety, study skills)
  • Improving communication (with parents, faculty, friends, roommates)
  • Gender issues
  • Coping with incidents of sexual assaulter other trauma

Does counseling work?

Research shows that counseling is effective. While the length of counseling is dependent on the patient issues and the goals, some people will experience significant relief after only one or two sessions and others will continue counseling over a longer period of time. There are a variety of counseling approaches tailored for different problems but generally all types of counseling involves is a collaborative process with great involvement of both the client and the counselor. What is counseling like?
Counseling is like a massage for your brain; it gives you an objective, non-judgmental person to help you explore problems you're experiencing in your life. It gives you somebody to talk to in confidence that you can unload your feelings about life and what you're struggling with.

I've decided to go to counseling. How do I make an appointment?

To make your first appointment first, call the Health and Counseling Center at 303.871.2205 (7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday). The front desk staff will make an appointment for you for an Initial Consultation. Please tell the front desk staff if you are experiencing a crisis and need to be seen immediately. The counseling center strives to provide services in a timely and consistent manner. However, during peak times of the year (e.g., mid term examinations and finals), it may take longer than a few days to receive an appointment for an initial consultation. Students, faculty, staff, or parents who are concerned about a student or desire consultation or assistance in making a referral are encouraged to call the center.

Will my parents be able to see my counseling record?

No. Your parents will not have access to your counseling or medical records. In addition, the University of Denver has a pledge regarding health information:

We understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. We are committed to protecting health information about you. We create a record of the care and services you receive from us. We need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this health care practice, whether made by your personal doctor, counselor or others working in this office. This notice will tell you about the ways in which we may use and disclose health information about you. We also describe your rights to the health information we keep about you, and describe certain obligations we have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information.

We are required by law to:

  • Make sure that health information that identifies you is kept private;
  • Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information about you; and
  • Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.