Counselors listen carefully to your concerns and help you reach specific goals.  Reaching those goals sometimes means learning new skills, changing behavioral habits, or learning to view the situation differently.

  Why do people come for counseling?

People typically come to counseling because they are experiencing emotional pain or wish to improve their lives in some way. While people seek counseling for many reasons, some of the common issues addressed in counseling include:

    * Coping with stress
    * Improving mood and overcoming depression
    * Enhancing self-esteem
    * Managing anxiety
    * Surviving grief and loss
    * Adjusting to college Improving relationships with partners
    * Dealing with emotional trauma (e.g. abuse, assault)
    * Understanding sexual orientation and identity
    * Coping with family and childhood issues
    * Ending substance abuse


* Normal Developmental Life Changes (e.g. transitions to school, new career)
* Romantic Relationship Issues
* General Relationship Issues
* Work-related problems
* Financial Difficulties
* Existential / Spiritual Concerns (e.g. making meaning out of life circumstances)
* Adjustment to physical and chronic illness
*Adjustment to chronic pain
* Marital / Couples Strife
* Sexual concerns
* Identity issues
* Feelings of Depression / Sadness / Melancholy
* Anxiety / Nervousness
* Adjustment to emotional, social, or physical trauma
* Coping with racism, sexism, or other prejudice and stereotyping
* Stress
* Career confusion / dissatisfaction
* Family of origin issues
* Parenting issues
* Grief / Bereavement
* Eating Disorders
* Current family conflict
* Problematic personality patterns that interfere with relationships and work
* Attention / hyperactivity issues
* Coping with Sexual harassment and assault
* Addiction / Substance Dependence / Substance Abuse


What is counseling?

Counseling is a chance to talk confidentially with someone who can help you learn skills and new ways of looking at situations. This can help you be more capable of solving problems on your own.

Some students benefit from one or two sessions of problem-solving, while some concerns may warrant further counseling sessions. Although counselors may differ somewhat in their approaches, there are certain similarities that characterize counseling. In the beginning stage of counseling, your counselor will ask about your concerns to gain a deeper understanding of you. As counseling proceeds, trust between you and your counselor builds and a working partnership is developed. The counselor will help you to explore your feelings, make decisions, and resolve your concerns.

CWC services are free to currently enrolled UF students.
What kind of counseling is available?

The CWC offers counseling in three different ways:

    * Group Counseling
    * Individual Counseling
    * Couples Counseling

While the CWC offers counseling for a wide variety of concerns, we also offer some specialized services. these include:

    * Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
    * Multicultural Counseling
    * Women's Counseling (including eating disorders, sexual assault/ abuse/harassment)
    * Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Counseling
    * Math Confidence Counseling
    * Counseling for Students with Disabilities
    * Career Exploration and Decision-making

Who are the counselors?

All of our counselors have had training and experience specific to working with college students. Our training and interests span a broad range of approaches to counseling.
How do I make an appointment?

Currently registered students can come to the CWC  to schedule an appointment. At the first appointment, the counselor and student make decisions about what kind of help is needed and will be most beneficial. Students requiring immediate help can be seen on an emergency basis on the same day.
If ongoing counseling is recommended, does that mean there is something wrong with me?

No! The college years are an exciting, but sometimes stressful time. Many students encounter situations that are challenging and confusing, or their usual ways of handling problems may not be working well for some reason. Everyone needs some extra help sometimes.
Why do people come to counseling?

Here are some common concerns:

    * confusing and distressing feelings
    * low self-confidence
    * depression
    * anxiety
    * stress
    * substance abuse
    * problems with eating and body image
    * relationship problems
    * academic performance
    * adapting to college life on your own

Will anyone at the CWC tell my professors that I am coming to counseling?

No! CWC records are not a part of your educational records. Only you can give consent for us to release any information about you. Any information that you provide and counseling records are strictly confidential, except in life-threatening situations or in cases of suspected child or elder abuse.
What can I expect from my counselor?

You can expect someone who:

    * will be accepting of differences of race, cultural background, ability, gender, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation.
    * will maintain the highest ethical and legal standards of confidentiality.
    * is interested in listening to your concerns.
    * will be open to discuss anything you wish.


* Relationship Issues/Development of Healthy Relationships

    * Childhood Trauma and Abuse
    * Grief and Loss
    * Body Image
    * Blended Families
    * Trust and Intimacy
    * Coming Out/Identity Issues
    * Sex and Sexual Intimacy
    * Cutting and Self-Harm
    * Non-Traditional Families
    * Complicated Mourning
    * School Problems
    * Issues of Self-Worth