Frequently Asked Questions

What is counseling?

Counseling, most simply stated, is an interaction between a person who is "stuck" in some way and in need of help, and another person who is trained in helping people get "unstuck." The reasons for coming are many, and the counseling strategies employed also vary from counselor to counselor. The one constant is that the counselor focuses all energies on trying to help the student. It doesn't always work, but our student evaluation forms suggest that most students who seek counseling believe that it has been helpful to them. And if you feel uncertain about whether counseling is for you, we encourage you to make an initial appointment and discuss any reservations you might have with one of our counselors. There is no obligation to continue.

Can counseling be helpful to me?

The following list contains 25 of the most common concerns voiced by students who come to the Counseling Center for help. Sometimes, a student is struggling with a number of these problems that, taken together, have made life difficult. At other times, a student may have only one of these concerns, but the intensity and/or persistence of the problem has made it hard to function effectively. As you read through these 25 signs, keep in mind that, at times, all of us will have experiences like those described in the items. Normally, these problems are relatively temporary, and we recover fairly quickly. But if you see yourself in a number of the items, or if even one problem is significant enough to really disrupt your life, it might be a good idea to call or drop by the Counseling Center and make an appointment for personal or group counseling.

Difficulty adjusting to life at Pitt
Difficulty adjusting to cultural changes or a new culture
Anxiety related to academic work (e.g., test-taking or public-speaking anxiety)
A change or decline in academic performance
Concerns over whether or not you're in the right major
Lack of direction or feeling unsure about your chosen career
Difficulty concentrating (e.g., when trying to study) and making decisions
Feeling tired, fatigued, as if everything takes a lot of effort
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Change in your sleeping patterns (e.g., difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time)
Change in your eating patterns (e.g., loss of appetite or eating more than usual)
Feeling guilty, worthless, or inadequate
Wanting to avoid most people, even those you like
Wishing you were dead, having suicidal thoughts
Having panic attacks or experiencing intense anxiety for no apparent reason
Crying without knowing why
Bursts of anger or unusual irritability or frequent changes in mood
Use of alcohol or drugs is causing personal and/or academic problems for you
Problems with body image or eating concerns
Having experienced sexual assault, harassment , or stalking
Sexual abuse as a child or adolescent
Concern about sexuality issues
Problems in your relationship (e.g., family, parents. friends, romantic)
Relationship breakup that has really disrupted your life
Difficulty coping with death

Who said college was going to be easy?

The new experiences and greater independence that normally come as students move from high school to university life, while exciting, are also sometimes quite challenging and stressful. You make more decisions for yourself, often decisions that will influence your life in significant ways, and there is the added task of adapting to the social and academic pressures that are so much a part of university life. Sometimes, the pressures are such that students feel like they can't handle them on their own, and talking with friends or relatives either seems impossible or doesn't help. This is an especially good time to consider the possible benefits of counseling.

Don't only "crazy" people go to the Counseling Center?

No way. Counseling at our Center involves the concerns and problems of normal college students just like yourself. The fact that so many students seek our services reflects just how common these issues are.

Why should I tell a stranger things that I haven't been able to discuss with people closest to me?

The fact that a counselor is not a friend or a family member actually makes it easier for him or her to help you. Unlike friends or family members whose advice is often colored by biases and preconceptions, counselors work to be non-judgmental, objective helpers. Your counselor will be working to understand you, your situation, and your goals.

But isn't it going to be hard for me to talk about what's bothering me with a person I don't even know?

Maybe, especially in the beginning. You may feel anxious or shy, perhaps even a bit self-conscious or weak. Counselors understand that it's normal to feel uncomfortable and cautious during the first meeting, and they try to help by promoting an accepting environment in which you will feel at ease. As you gradually begin to trust your counselor, you'll probably find that you can be more relaxed and open.

But what if I cry or feel angry as I talk about my problems?

It's okay to feel and express intense emotions in counseling; in fact, doing so is often one of the most helpful parts of the process. Your counselor's office is a safe place to talk about how you are feeling. And paying close attention to these feelings can also teach you a lot about yourself.

Who will know what I talk about in my counseling sessions?

Without your consent, no one. Everything you say in counseling is confidential, unless your counselor is required, by law, to break confidentiality to protect you or somebody else from harm. If you have questions about confidentiality or its limits, your counselor will be able to answer them.

How long and how often are counseling sessions?

Counseling sessions are normally scheduled on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis depending upon the nature of the problem. Sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

How long are most people in counseling at the Center?

With only a few exceptions, students are normally in counseling for less than a semester. If the nature of the problem suggests that a greater number of sessions will be necessary, we help students to find the kind of help they need.

How does the counseling relationship normally end?

Once you feel that the issues that brought you in for counseling are no longer of major concern, you and your counselor will talk about how and when to end counseling. Ideally, the personal awareness that you've gained and the efforts that you've made in establishing a trusting relationship with your counselor should provide an effective model for self-help long after counseling has ended.

What will I get out of coming to counseling?

The benefits of counseling can be invaluable: to be truly understood, to experience trust and openness with someone, and to learn how to counsel yourself. Seeing a counselor won't make all of your problems magically disappear. But if you have the desire to understand yourself and to change, then you've just taken a powerful step towards that goal.