Personal Counselling - faq
Q. I'm new to counselling, where do I begin?
Counsellors start where YOU would like to start. You may get right to the heart of the concern, or take some time before feeling comfortable talking about what is troubling you.
Q. Is counselling confidential?
The short answer is YES, however, there are some exceptions, including: when there is alleged self-harm or harm to others, child abuse, or a court order to release information. The intake forms you fill out during your first appointment with a counsellor fully explain the boundaries of confidentiality.
Q. What am I expected to do in counselling?
Counselling is work. It is a dynamic, interactive sharing of information in order to reach realistic objectives as determined in the sessions. A counsellor's role is to help you understand the concerns, find the answers and seek solutions.
Q. What kinds of problems do students bring to counselling?
Students come to counselling with a great range of needs or concerns. Stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss - just to name a few. Other examples can be found under Personal Counselling for a more thorough description of student concerns.
Q. Is there a cost to use Counselling Services?
Counselling is a free service available to all Nipissing University students.
Q. Can my partner / friend join me during counselling?
Yes, if you feel more comfortable with another person and that person attends voluntarily.
Q. What if I have a concern that requires special forms of therapy?
We can look at the spectrum of specialized services in North Bay and area. Counsellors maintain a network of contacts including specialists and agencies that accept referrals .
Q. Where else can I go for help?
You are free to go in other or additional directions for help. A counsellor may ask you about any previous counselling you may have had either through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), private practice clinicians or psychologists. We would be pleased to suggest alternatives.
Q. I am concerned about a roommate, what can I do?
Your roommate may very well need assistance, but not be ready to ask for it or even know where to find it. What you can do is provide a listening ear and encourage them to see the most suitable professional. You may even offer to attend counselling services with your roommate.
Q. What can I do about stress?
Everyone feels various amounts of stress at different times during their life. Counsellors will explore your sources of stress and help you identify the coping mechanisms, supports and strengths you have or need. Counsellors might also ask about your self-care and help you gain a new perspective relating to the stress that you are experiencing.
Q. Sometimes I feel lost and unmotivated. Could this be a sign of depression?
Counsellors will explore your feelings and current situation in greater detail. It is natural and expected to experience a range of emotions in response to different events in your life. Feeling sad or down for an extended length of time, with a loss of interests and depleted self-care can be indicators of a depression. Counsellors may suggest combining counselling services, with either your family doctor or the staff in the health center on campus.
Q. I'm not sure I am in a relationship that is good for me. What does a good relationship feel like?
There are different types of relationships - however, there are some common approaches involved in nurturing a healthy relationship. These include: communication, respect, trust and balance. There will be highs and lows in any relationship however, giving attention to these approaches will prove invaluable in weathering the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship.
Q. I think I am being harassed, what can I do?
Counsellors will listen carefully to your harassment or discrimination concerns. We can explore possible ways to deal with the situation or put you in touch with the appropriate person to talk to depending on the circumstances. Nipissing University has a Personal Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and a Code of Students Rights and Responsibilities available in written format. Copies of these policies are available in the Student Affairs Office.
Q. Can I ask for assistance with a petition or appeal?
Certainly. A counsellor will listen carefully to what the issues are first. It also helps if you have had a working relationship with the counsellor. This way the counsellor has a better understanding of who you are and the history of the situation.
Q. What are the educational backgrounds and qualifications of Nipissing University's counsellors?
All counsellors have degrees in social work and are Registered Social Workers with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). In addition, counsellors attend educational workshops to keep abreast of current methods of intervention. Counsellors are required to adhere to a prescribed Code of Ethics. An evaluation form will be given to you during your intake session, which will give you an opportunity to write your opinion after counselling session(s) have completed.
