Typically you will spend the first appointment, called an assessment, completing paperwork with your counselor that provides him/her with basic information such as your contact information and demographic information. This information will also include a symptoms checklist and a brief description of why you made the choice to request counseling services. You will also be asked to read information regarding appointments and confidentiality and sign a document stating that this was provided to you and was explained to you by your counselor. You will then talk with the counselor about your current concerns, why you are seeking counseling at this time, and information regarding your history and family. It is important that you share any information you feel would be important for your counselor to know. At the end of your session, your counselor will make some preliminary recommendations or give some input and you will decide together about future counseling sessions.

Students seek counseling for several reasons. Often-times individuals will report feeling “stuck” as they try to work out a personal problem. Although many issues bring students into counseling, some common themes included depression, anxiety, problems transitioning into and out of college life, relationship problems, eating disorders or concerns, family issues, substance abuse, academic stress or concerns with friends and family. If you are unsure if your concerns can be helped while working with a counselor, we encourage you to make an appointment during which you can work with the counselor to determine if you would like to return.

Counseling is essentially a “partnership” that is formed between the client and the counselor. Through this partnership or relationship the client can begin to find healing and help. You will work with your counselor to form a collaborative team in a nurturing and caring environment. You will identify goals to move you towards feeling better and the tasks that will need to be completed to accomplish these goals.

Although counseling can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable, your counselor will respect your right to talk about difficult information and will not force you to talk about things you don′t feel comfortable with. Your counselor may at some point feel there is a need to talk about an issue you might be avoiding; however, this will be done in an environment of caring and collaboration.

Yes. Everything you say will be kept confidential. There are rare occasions in which a counselor feels the safety of a client or another student is at risk and at that point the counselor will be required to disclose information.

Counseling sessions are confidential and will not be part of your academic transcript. Typically, the only way someone will find out you are coming to the Health & Counseling Services is if you share that information with them. You may even find that you want to tell a select number of people that you are seeking help.

Choosing to ask for help when you are struggling is a sign of strength and maturity. God makes it clear that we are to seek the counsel of others when we are experiencing pain.

Counseling typically lasts 50 minutes and takes place one time a week or every other week. However, you and your counselor might decide that you would benefit from more or less frequent appointments. The length of time a student will stay in counseling varies depending on the reason they sought counseling, but most students will attend counseling for 3-8 sessions. There is no session limit on the number of sessions you are eligible for. As long as you are an enrolled Geneva student, counseling is available for you.

Counseling services are free to all enrolled undergraduate students. Our staff can also meet with enrolled graduate students, faculty, and staff for a one-session consultation and assist them with connecting to a professional counselor off campus.

There are a few options. You could use this online form. After this online form is completed, it will immediately be emailed directly to the Director at alsolman@geneva.edu. You can also call us at 724-847-4081 to schedule an appointment.

If there is an immediate concern we will do our best to meet with you immediately. It is recommended that you schedule appointments in advance if possible.

Yes, if you are having difficulty with roommates, friends, or others in your life, please feel free to speak to a counselor.