“It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.”
-Ursula LeGuin
What You Can Expect from Counseling
Counseling provides a safe setting in which to explore many things including emotions, needs, hopes, wounds, strengths, experiences, challenges, relationships, issues of faith and call. Initially, the healing process may bring discomfort as one reconsiders experiences and tries new behavior. Self-understanding, efficacy, resilience, and a sense of abundance increase through the resolution or integration of feelings, issues, and patterns that have limited one’s joy, flexibility, or positive relationships, including one’s relationship with God. Because therapy is a collaborative process, it is important to address anything that hinders the deepening of trust in the therapist-client relationship. Shared wisdom, non-judgment, curiosity, motivation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit contribute to a positive counseling experience.
Confidentiality
Information shared in counseling is confidential*. However if injury to self or others is an “imminent danger,” therapists take appropriate steps to ensure safety, which may require breaking confidence. In non-emergencies, if you would like your therapist to speak with an off-campus therapist, a psychiatrist, or a PTS administrator, you must sign a release of information form.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to be charitable to views other than my own. Christian charity was shown to me, not just in the readings for class, but from the professors, and the Seminary community.”