Counseling is a process that is intended to help people take more effective control of their daily lives. It is a process of sharing thoughts and feelings in confidence with someone who is objective and who is a good listener.

Counseling is cooperative. Counselors do not solve people's problems, but rather they serve to enhance the efforts the person is already making- by discussing new approaches to solving a problem, by giving needed information, by helping to clarify thoughts and feelings, or just through listening. (Counselors do not tell you how to live your life.)

Counseling is self-improvement. The reasons people come to counseling are as varied as the individuals involved. Some of the reasons include a desire to increase self-confidence, clarify values and priorities, cope with stress, overcome depression, improve relationships with friends and family, improve motivation, or become more assertive. In other words, counseling can be a way to improve oneself-a positive and healthy step toward greater self-awareness and change.

Counseling is preventive. The cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes achieved through counseling can continually be applied to new life situations, safeguarding against the future development of serious problems and enhancing coping ability when problems arise.

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Lack of self-esteem and confidence
• Eating problems
• Body image issues
• Roommate/friendship conflicts
• Procrastination
• Family issues
• Abusive situations (Sexual, Physical, Emotional)
• Relationship issues
• Drug and/or alcohol use
• Adjustment to new life stages
• Loneliness
• Achievement concerns
• This list is not fully inclusive! There are as many reasons for counseling as there are people.

Absolutely not! It would be an unusual student who at some time did not experience problems adapting to new situations and changes taking place within oneself. Most students face concerns and academic pressures while at Grinnell and might at times feel intense anxiety, anger, sadness, or depression. Sometimes, because of the nature or magnitude of the personal concern, getting help may be desirable. Students come to Walk-In Counseling or to Poweshiek County Mental Health wanting to feel better about themselves and others. Counselors are trained to assist people with personal growth, with awareness of self and environment, and with developing the skills they need to cope with problem situations. We believe that when students seek another objective perspective through the utilization of counseling services, that the students are demonstrating courage and wisdom.

(Portions of the information above adapted from http://www4.cord.edu/counseling/)