Frequently Asked Questions

A. Counseling can simply be sharing your thoughts and feelings in confidence with a trained counselor who is objective and a good listener. This is often helpful when you have decisions to make. Sometimes counseling may help you to change your behavior in order to deal more effectively with a problem. You may become aware of strengths and resources you can use to your benefit.

At other times, counseling may help by giving you certain types of information, or by teaching you new skills. Counseling may help you see yourself and others in a different light. This is not to say that counseling is always easy. Successful counseling may mean you will become aware of feelings and behaviors that are not particularly comfortable or effective for you. With the help and support of a trained counselor, you can learn to confront such feelings and behaviors so you can make changes that will lead to a more satisfying life.

Generally, people come for counseling because they want to feel better about themselves or about their relationships. Some specific reasons include:

•  Clarifying values and priorities.
•  Dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.
•  Dealing with eating issues.
•  Enhancing your ability to cope more effectively with stress.
•  Improving your relationships with friends and family.
•  Increasing self-confidence and assertiveness.
•  Overcoming feelings of depression.
•  Overcoming loneliness and shyness.
•  Understanding your sexuality.

The Counseling Center offers both brief and long-term individual counseling, though most services are of a brief nature, usually lasting one to ten sessions. University students come with concerns about their academic progress, daily living, adjustment to the university, or relationships with others. Individuals wishing to continue their work on a long-term basis are often encouraged to join an appropriate group. Support and referral services are also available for students with chronic, complex issues. Non-enrolled spouses seeking individual counseling, children and families are referred to the Community Counseling Center.

A. The Counseling Center offers a variety of services to students. See "Appointments" for more information.

A. Our hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. See "Appointments" for more information.

A. Counseling sessions are scheduled by appointment. You can call 903-886-5145 or come by the Center to set up a time. However, if there is an emergency or crisis, a counselor is available 24 hours a day through our on-call system. See "Appointments" or "Emergency Services" for more information.

A. All communications between you and your counselor will be held confidential and will not be disclosed to any outside agency unless you give written authorization to release the information. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality. See "Confidentiality" for more information.

Student Services Building, Room 204
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
903-886-5145 (Day)
903-886-5868 (After Hours)