Fact or Fiction

There are many common misconceptions that perpetuate stigma and resistance to the possibility of counseling.  We encourage you to learn more about professional counseling and try it out for yourself to see how you could benefit.

FICTION

Counseling is only for people who are experiencing serious emotional and mental health concerns.

FACT

While counseling can be utilized for those who are experiencing serious mental health concerns, it can also help those who are experiencing general problems in living or seeking to engage in self-improvement. Some examples of reasons to seek counseling may be anything from developing time or stress management skills to major depression or anxiety.

FICTION

Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.

FACT

It can be very difficult to seek counseling and ask for help. Seeking counseling is a courageous way of managing any challenges you may have or improve upon areas that are already going well. It takes a lot of strength to seek counseling.

FICTION

Counselors can give advice and tell me how to fix my problems.

FACT

There is no “easy button” to fix life challenges, and counseling takes a level of work and commitment. Counselors do not provide advice, but rather help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, examine your options, clarify goals, and assist you in achieving the goals you have set. Counselors recognize you are the only expert of your life.

FICTION

Counselors will try to put me on medication.

FACT

Medication is not right for everyone. If your counselor thinks that medication may be helpful, you and your counselor will discuss the option of seeing a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor that specializes in prescribing medication for the biological aspects of managing mental health issues (while a counselor assists with managing the psychological aspects). Meeting with the psychiatrist does not automatically mean that you will be started on medication. If recommended, the benefits and risks of various medications will be discussed, but the ultimate decision is yours. If you decide to give medication a try, research shows it will be most effective when combined with counseling.

FICTION

If I go to counseling everyone will know and judge me in a negative way (i.e. I’m “crazy” or “out of control”).

FACT

Counselors are legally bound to maintaining confidentiality with some exceptions. You are able to decide for yourself if you would like to share with others that you are attending counseling. Going to counseling shows a willingness to explore and improve yourself in a safe and judgment-free space. Seeking counseling is like seeking relief from a cold or physical ailment – it helps your mind much like how you help your physical body.

FICTION

The counselor cannot understand me unless they had similar experiences or is of the same background.

FACT

Individual reactions to similar events or experiences can vary widely, but basic human emotions are the same across individuals and cultures. You do not have to personally experience the same thing as another individual to understand what it might be like. Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including specific concerns of students with regard to gender, race/ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Working with an empathic, objective, respectful counselor is very powerful and can result in tremendous changes in feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

FICTION

I have great social support (family, friends, etc.), so I don’t need to talk to a counselor.

FACT

Friends and family can be great sources of support and advice. Social support is one of the best mediators of stress and other psychological issues. But, these individuals can be biased in our favor (in fact, we like for them to be!) and, therefore, less able to help us see different perspectives, different solutions, and so forth.