How Counseling Helps

"No tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely; the fragile trees are those that have grown in a sunny valley."

--Seneca the Younger (57 BCE- 65 AD) "On Providence" Moral Essays.

Typical Concerns of Students who Seek Counseling:

• Puzzling or distressing feelings
• Inadequate ability to handle stress
• Getting along with others
• Family concerns
• Losses
• Romantic relationship difficulties
• Depression and anxiety
• Self-defeating behaviors
• Sexual concerns; sexual orientation
• Self-esteem and self-confidence
• Decision-making dilemmas

Personal counseling is a chance to talk over what is on your mind with an objective person who can help you learn new skills and ways of looking at situations so that you will be more capable of solving new problems on your own in the future.

Fact: Lots of students are using Counseling Services (15-20% of the St. Mary's College student body per year).

The Counseling Center is a place to benefit from professional, experienced helpers specializing in college issues. While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems, it also involves the concerns and problems of ordinary students. The counselors are nonjudgmental, objective people who try to make you comfortable in talking --they understand and help you with your initial anxiety. After discussing the concerns that led you to counseling, you and your counselor will decide which services are appropriate. Counseling Services offers free workshops and provides group and individual counseling as well as referrals to other campus and community resources.

If you feel uncertain about whether counseling is for you, we hope you will make an appointment for an introductory meeting and discuss your reservations with a counselor. There is no obligation to continue. Initiating counseling and remaining in counseling are both voluntary. If you would like to see a counselor, please feel call ext.4289 (240-895-4289) or stop by the Counseling Center in Chance Hall.