Counseling & Psychotherapy

Who seeks therapy and why?

Many people who are experiencing problems in their lives seek counseling and therapy. Some of the problems that people experience include relationship problems, academic/school related problems, depression, anxiety, trauma, and issues from the past that negatively affect the person's daily functioning.

People seek therapy for different reasons, but most people go to therapy because they want help with specific problems. Many people have talked to friends and family about the problem but are unable to improve things adequately on their own. Therapy should be a safe place in which to talk about your issues and generate some useful solutions.

I thought only "crazy" people went to counseling and therapy…

Many people come to therapy, even those who do not have a mental illness. Everyone has problems at one time or another and most people come to a point where they are not able to find a solution to their problem on their own. Not being able to find a solution to one's problems does not mean you are "crazy." It means you are human.

What could I expect if I decide to try counseling or therapy?

When you come for counseling or therapy you can expect to meet with an individual who has been through many years of training designed to assist people with your type of issues. You can expect your therapist to listen to your experiences and ask you pertinent questions about your life. Your therapist will probably ask you some questions about your background, including your family, atypical experiences, and your relationships with others. The therapist will also ask what you hope to get out of therapy or what your goals are. Most people come to therapy once per week for 50 minutes. During this 50 minutes most people talk about their issues with the therapist. Sometimes the therapist may assign psychological "homework" as one method for the client to make progress outside of session.

Therapists are individuals, so their style will vary from person to person. However there are some things that you can expect from every therapist.

CLIENT RIGHTS

• You have every right to expect your therapist to display respect for you and to convey this respect by keeping appointments as scheduled, by contacting you if scheduling changes are necessary, and by giving her/his complete attention to you during therapy sessions.
• At any point during therapy, you are encouraged to ask questions regarding your therapist's qualifications, training, experience, specialization areas and limitations, and personal values. You will receive thoughtful and respectful answers.
• Since your needs are primary to your treatment, you are encouraged to negotiate therapeutic goals, and renegotiate them whenever you wish. You are further encouraged to ask questions regarding the therapy process, specific treatment methods, therapy fees, methods of payment, estimated length of treatment, office policy and practices, and diagnosis.
• You may refuse any intervention or treatment strategy suggested by your therapist and you may refuse to answer any questions.
• Within the limits of published ethical standards and the law, information you reveal to your therapist will be maintained as confidential and will not be communicated to another person or agency without your written permission. The rare legal limits to confidentiality will be clearly described at your intake session, and you may discuss any aspect of your treatment with others, including consulting with another therapist.
• Your therapist adheres to the American Psychological Association and Ohio State Board of Psychology Ethical Standards for Psychologists. If you have a doubt or grievance regarding your therapist's conduct, you may solicit assistance from these organizations. Under no circumstances are "dual relationships" permitted between therapist and patient, especially including business, social, romantic, or sexual contact of any kind.

Your Counseling Service:Timely, confidential, and professional assistance is available at the UniversityPsychological Services Center(8:00am – 5:00pm, M-F) for UC students located at 316 Dyer Hall. Phone (513-556-0648) or stop in for a no-charge screening interview.

Web Resources: The best psychology sites with valuable information and links to hundreds of other sites on the World Wide Web are Psych Central by Dr. John Grohol and Internet Mental Health.

This fact sheet is provided as a service by the University of Cincinnati Psychological Services Center and the Division of Student Affairs and Services. This fact sheet was prepared by Dr. Joy McGhee and the professional staff of the Psychological Services Center.