Counselling involves identifying and building personal strengths and resources which can help you address and overcome challenges in your life. Counselling is focused on improving your understanding of yourself and your situation – and then using this insight to develop plans that can address or resolve your difficulties. Counselling is done in person, not by email.
Who can use The Counselling Centre?
All full-time and part-time Saint Mary’s students can use our services. Couples are welcome to seek counselling as long as at least one partner is a full or part-time student. Staff taking courses can utilize the EAP program through Human Resources.
Is there a limit on the number of available sessions?
In order to provide equal access to all students, counselling is generally around 8 sessions per year. The Clinical Therapist/Psychologist will assess each person individually and may see clients for more than 8 sessions. Of course, some students present with short-term situations that may be addressed in just 1 or 2 sessions.
Why do students enter counselling?
Although students come to The Counselling Centre for many reasons, some of the more common issues include:
Anxiety
Depression
Self esteem
Relationship concerns
Roommate issues
Family conflict
Anger
Grief / Loss
Assertiveness
Note: While we see students for many issues sexual assault victims are referred to a comprehensive service within HRM called Avalon Sexual Assault Centre located at 1526 Dresden Row, Halifax. Avalon provides crisis support, individual and group counselling and court preparation. For more information please visit their website http://www.avaloncentre.ca/ . Our staff are generalists by training. Students seeking assistance with a specialized area can find a Psychologist at www.apns.ca.
Is there a fee for counselling?
Simple answer: No – this is a free service.
Are counselling sessions confidential?
Any information you share with staff is kept confidential and is almost never released without your permission. However, there are situations where confidentially may have to be breached. For example, if your Clinical Therapist/Psychologist had reason to believe that you were potentially at risk of hurting yourself or another person he or she is required to take steps to prevent this from happening - even if it means breaching confidentiality. Also, if your Clinical Therapist/Psychologist is made aware of a situation involving a risk of abuse to a child or another dependent person, he or she is again required to disclose this information. Finally, if there was a subpoena for your files by a court of law, we are legally required to provide this information.
How often and for how long will I need counselling/Academic Coaching?
The frequency and duration will depend on the complexity of the issue(s) to be addressed and also, the goals set for counselling. Most students who can benefit from ongoing counselling attend sessions every two weeks. The frequency of contact is a decision between you and your Clinical Therapist/Psychologist. Academic Coaching sessions are determined by the Student Success Coordinator.
When are appointments available?
Appointments for counselling are normally made from Monday to Friday at 9:30, 10:45, 1:15, and 2:30. There is some flexibility with these times. The Counselling Centre has a new intake system for new students for personal counselling. There are two options, option #1 is to wait for an established appointment which is with a Clinical Therapist/Psychologist for 50 minute for therapy or option #2 is that you can be seen the day you call, come in or email to book a first appointment by meeting with the Clinical Therapist/Psychologist on call who will assess your situation (note: this is not a therapy session). The drop-in appointments will vary in length and can run anywhere between 10-30 minutes.
How long can I expect to wait for my first appointment?
The period of time you may need to wait before seeing a staff person will vary depending on the academic semester and which option you choose (see question above). During the regular academic year (September – April) a two to three week wait is normal for all of our services. The waiting period is generally shorter during the summer months. If you are contacting us because of a current crisis (death in the family, etc.), we will make every effort to see you as soon as possible – often on the same day.
Can I request a certain staff member for personal counselling?
While all staff have areas of interest no staff member specializes in certain areas. You can request a specific person but may have to wait longer depending on their availability.
Will you tell me to take medications?
No. We cannot prescribe or offer advice on medications. We may suggest that you speak to a physician to discuss medications.
Do I really need counselling? Shouldn’t I be able to handle my problems on my own?
We prefer not to ask whether or not clients “need” counselling, but rather, whether they can benefit from our services. University can be a very emotionally challenging time for many students, but it doesn’t have to be. Could you benefit from reducing your stress level? Could you benefit from improving your mood? Would you like more open communication in your relationship? Would you like to increase your self-esteem? Would you like to be more confident? Could you use some support while dealing with a difficult or challenging situation? If so, you may be able to benefit from counselling.
Does The Counselling Centre provide advice on career planning, class selection, or employment?
While these topics do come up in counselling, there are specialized services at Saint Mary’s to help you with these topics:
In general, no, however, it would be helpful if you gave some thought to the issues you wish to address and the goals you have in mind. You may be asked to do “homework” in between sessions. This may involve practicing some of the skills learned, making a conscious effort to think about your situation in a healthier way, or taking specific actions to address your problems outside of the appointment times.
What is the first session like?
When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be asked to complete an intake form. You will also be provided with The Counselling Centre guidelines sheet which explains various aspects of our service. In your first session, staff will ask questions about your background and reasons for seeking help. The first session is essentially an initial assessment of your particular needs and an attempt to determine the ways in which our services can help you best. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about the service.
How do I set up an appointment?
To schedule an appointment call 902-420-5615, drop by our office on the 4th Floor of the Student Centre, or email us at counselling@smu.ca. We do not provide counselling via email. When you arrive for your first appointment you will be required to fill out an intake form before you go into see a Psychologist/Clinical Therapist. We ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time so you can complete the form.
