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Ask UHCS provides general physical and mental health information only and should not be considered specific medical or psychological advice, a diagnosis, treatment or a second opinion. If you have an existing condition that could be adversely affected by information provided on this site, or if you have an urgent health problem consult with a health care provider before acting on information contained here.

Newest Question

Do you take Walk-in appointments? (4/13)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health & Matt Mallin, MSSA, LCSW

For Health Appointments: Health Services uses an appointment system for students seen by doctors and nurse practitioners for routine needs.  This reduces wait times for student patients and increase efficiencies.  Often, there are available appointments for the current and next day.

If a student has a time sensitive issue and no appointment is currently available, (by phone, on-line or in-person), they can ask the health center receptionist for a "Same-Day" appointment.  The staff assigned to Same-day appointments may see the student/patient, based on the schedule and immediacy of need. 

The health center is not an emergency or urgent care facility.  If the concern threatens "life or limb", the Rescue Squad should be called at:  911 for immediate transport to the hospital emergency department.

For Counseling Appointments: Counseling Services primarily operates by asking students to make an appointment (phone 472-1305 or in person) before seeing a counselor. Often, there is little wait time before an appointment can be found that fits your schedule. However, Counseling Services does reserve two appointment slots per day, M-F, at 11am and 2pm, for emergency same day appointments. These are primarily meant to be used for situations involving danger to self or others or other immediate concerns.


Previously submitted questions and answers:

Can I refill my birth control prescription at the University Health Center? (10/12)
Answer by Liz Falk, MS, WHNP-BC

If you are interested in obtaining prescription birth control through UHCS, there are two options. You may set up an appointment for a women’s health annual exam ($20). Alternatively, if you’ve had a recent physical exam with another health care provider, bring in copies of your most recent physical exam (within the last year) and Pap test results (if 21 years old+) for a Courtesy Contraceptive Consult visit (no charge for visit). If you have questions about a birth control method, you may be seen for a Contraceptive Concerns visit (no charge).

If you'd like to set up an appointment, you may visit our MyUHCS web portal to set up an appointment online, or contact us by phone at (262) 472-1300.

I get very mad at the smallest things,like a unannounced change in my schedule, I get so mad I feel like I need to hit something or even someone. I don't really know where all this anger is coming from but it sort of scares me and not sure what to do to control please help. (4/11)
Answer by Matt Mallin, LCSW

Thanks for submitting your question. There are many reasons that might contribute to anger outbursts. We’d want to know if this is a recent change in the way you normally react to these situations or if you have had difficulty with anger for a long time. It sounds like from your question that this is more recent. Regardless, often when we have a lot of stress going on in our lives, that stress gets funneled into anger over the things we might not otherwise get upset about. Imagine a pitcher of water filled to the very top… any new stress or frustration gets added to the pitcher and it runs over, no matter how small. Things like the amount of sleep we (don’t) get, our nutrition, sickness, and drug or alcohol use can also contribute to having more difficulty controlling our emotions.

Anger can also be a sign of depression that most people don’t think about. Rather than being necessarily sad or down, sometimes people feel angry and irritable instead. Feeling overwhelmed, not enjoying things you usually enjoy, feeling helpless, suicidal ideation, or wanting to isolate from others are other common symptoms of depression.

Even if we don’t know the source of the anger immediately, we want you to know that there are a lot of goo d strategies for helping take some of that control back. If you are getting to the point where you feel you may injure another person, it’s important that you do your best to attempt to remove yourself from the situation. Even if you are talking to someone at the time, being able to say “I can’t talk about this right now” and going to your room or taking a walk can be an important step in breaking the anger build-up. A counselor might also work with you on finding calming/relaxation strategies that work for you, as well as helping you learn the signals in your body that are cues to anger.

It’s hard feeling like our emotions are in control of us sometimes, and it can be frustrating to deal with it alone. We’d recommend that you consider making an appointment with us. You would meet with a counselor who would be able to do a full assessment of the things that may be contributing to your specific anger issues. From there, you would work to build a plan of intervening with that anger. It can also be nice sometimes to have somebody to speak to about things that maybe we don’t feel as comfortable talking about to friends or family, or to someone who doesn’t have an immediate “side” about a particular issue.
Appointments can be made by calling 472-1305, or in person at the reception desk of the second floor of the Ambrose Health Center (Corner of Prairie and Starin). Thanks again for submitting your question. Good luck and we hope you’ll make an appointment soon… we’re here to help.

Is your STI testing just a test kit, or is it an examination? And also, do you provide medication if needed? (12/10)
Answer by Forrest Bright, DNP, APNP, BC

We will perform a history and physical for an STI examination. We would order the appropriate tests based on our interview and examination. Generally STI testing can be done with a urine specimen (for some bacterial STIs), blood draw (for some viral STIs), and/or swab/culture collection for other STIs. We do not perform "kit" testing. If a client is in need of treatment, we do provide, for a fee, appropriate medication. We may also provide a prescription if that would be a more appropriate choice.

What is the best way to get rid of a wart on your feet? (11/10)
Answer by Donene Rowe, MD, Medical Supervisor

A wart is a viral infection of the cells of the skin. In order to get rid of the wart the cells containing the virus are destroyed. Unfortunately, there is no "best" way, but there are a number of things that can be tried. Over the counter there are wart medications and wart freezing systems that are sometimes helpful. Also covering the wart with duct tape and using a foot file or pumice stone to remove dead skin over the wart can be helpful. Treating the wart in that way may take several weeks to months for the wart to resolve.

In a doctor's office the wart can be frozen or treated with a chemical to destroy the wart. For warts on the bottom of the feet this often takes several treatments, giving the skin 1-2 weeks to heal between treatments.

Finally, most warts will eventually go away on their own, but it can take many months for this to happen.

Does the university have a prepared response if bedbugs are found to be on campus? What assistance will be offered to students?
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health Services

Yes. If concerns arise over skin lesions possibly related to bed bugs, students are encouraged to seek an appointment with a health care provider. For UHCS appointments, call 262-472-1300 and press option #3. If the student lives on campus, please also contact your hall director.

Lately I have been having difficulty sleeping. I find my heartbeat increasing and I find it very difficult to sleep. Even if I do fall a sleep, it's only for a few hours. What is wrong with me?(10/10)
Answer by Matt Mallin, LCSW, Associate Counselor

It’s difficult to know what exactly could be causing your trouble sleeping without more information. Any number of things can disrupt our sleep at night, from physical illness and diet to anxiety and worry. Worry is frequently mentioned as a leading cause of sleep disruption by students every year. If you find yourself thinking anxiously about the past day, or what you have to do tomorrow, or feeling like your thinking about everything at once, those are common signs of anxiety. The increased heartbeat could also be a sign of anxiety as well, as your body is reacting to the stressor of the worries. The good news is, there are several things that can be done to help you address that anxiety and worry. Make an appointment with Counseling Services to more fully explore what’s going on.

Another good option for you to start with would be to make an appointment at Health Services just to make sure there is no physical illness explanation for your concerns. Remember, there is no charge for an appointment at either Health Services or Counseling Services. Getting good sleep is an important part of our overall health, so please consider these options for yourself.

Do you supply free condoms or them at a cheaper price? I know some clinics do and I was wondering if UHCS does too? (09/10)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health Services

Condoms may be purchased at the Health Service Reception office located on the first floor front entry way of the Ambrose building. They may also be purchased during a clinic visit at the health service.

The cost is five condoms for $1.00. We accept cash, check, Purple Points and can also bill to the student's bursar account as a generic health service charge. Costs are covered for students (now includes men as well as women) currently enrolled in the Family Planning Medicaid Waiver Program.

How do you know when warts are gone when they are on your feet and on the palm of your hand area? (09/10)
Answer by Donene Rowe, MD, Medical Supervisor

You can be mostly sure that warts are gone when you can no longer see or feel a hard lump at the site where they had been. You do however, need to give it some time, about a month, to make sure that there is not lingering virus that starts up another wart before you can be even more sure.

Is there couples therapy available at the health center? If so, how much does it cost and what are all the details about how it works? (6-10)
Answer by Matt Mallin, MSSA, LCSW, Associate Counselor

Couples therapy is available at no cost at UHCS (like all forms of counseling at UHCS). The only requirement(s) is that one member of the couple must be a current UW-W student.

One can make an appointment in person at the second floor of the Ambrose Health Center or by calling 262 472-1305. It is important to indicate at the time of making the first appointment that you are seeking couples counseling. When the couple arrives for the first appointment, whichever member of the couple that is the UW-W student, or both if both are actively enrolled, will be asked to fill out basic paperwork.

When that paperwork is completed, you will meet with the counselor together and usually a basic assessment (current issues, risk concerns, family history, mental health/physical health, drug or alcohol use, etc) is completed via discussion with the counselor for each member of the couple. The counselor will also likely ask about goals you have to work on in the relationship, and any areas of concern you have.

From there counseling becomes a collaborative process between the students involved and the counselor, working on different aspects of the relationship and communication needs as best fits what is going on for the couple. Every therapist brings his/her own unique style to therapy, so it is difficult to say exactly what will happen over the course of therapy, and each couple is unique in their needs. All information shared with the therapist is confidential. All sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes, and the couple and the therapist will determine how frequently sessions are held (it is typical to start out meeting once peer week after the assessment has been completed, though this is not set in stone).

Also, in order to promote an environment of fairness and non-bias, if one or both members of the couple have an individual counselor at UHCS, it is important to ask to schedule with a counselor who is not his/her individual therapist. Please call the office and ask to speak with a counselor if you have any more questions regarding couples therapy. Thanks for asking!

I have a pain on my right side. It's around my collarbone and goes down to into my right armpit. It hurts bad when i lift my right arm and it's stiff and painful. I'm not sure if it is just a pulled muscle or what? (02/10)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health Services

The best next step is to make an appointment at a clinic (UHCS is an option) unless you feel you need a more immediate medical evaluation via urgent or emergency care (911).

It is not possible to evaluate without having a physical evaluation. There is no cost to be seen at the campus health service. There are minimal fees for lab, medications or other services. Please call if further questions or to make an appointment at 262-472-1300.

Is there a sperm donation site near campus or any surrounding towns where I could make extra money for school?(01/10)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health Services

We do not have any listing of sperm donation sites. You may consider consulting with a fertility clinic in the Milwaukee or Madison area to see if they have a referral site.

I am a new transfer student to UWW and am doing a program entirely online. Since I am not attending the college physically, is there a form I need to fill out to waive the immunizations? (12/09)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health Services

The immunization material is not a pre-matriculation requirement for on-line programs. If it appears as part of your requirements, this is not applicable. If there are any concerns with removing it from the check boxes, please call the Health Service for assistance.

My digestive system makes very loud noises. So I don't eat 12hrs before any class which is very difficult and still my system makes loud noises. So I miss a lot of class and my grades are slipping. It's so embarissing. How has UWW handled a situation like this in the past? And how could I go about getting help for this?(11/09)
Answer by Judy Lembrich, RNC

It is necessary for us to collect more information and perhaps to do an exam before we make any recommendation. Please call and schedule an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner or Doctor, call 262-472-1300, and press 3 to schedule an appointment.

If i think i have Chlamydia and i have all the symptoms what will happen if i dont go get treatment?(10/09)
Answer by Linda Lamont, APNP

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Untreated Chlamydia can lead to a number of problems, including sterility for men and women alike.

Untreated Chlamydia in men can infect the urethra (the tube by which men and women pass urine), epididymitis - an infection of the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm away from the testes), or proctitis - an inflammation of the rectum.

In women, Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)* and scarred fallopian tubes. Women who develop PID are also at higher risk for chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus). PID and ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening. Chlamydia may cause premature births (giving birth too early) and the infection can be passed along from the mother to her child during childbirth, causing an eye infection, blindness, or pneumonia in the newborn.

If you're sexually active, it's extremely important to be tested for Chlamydia and other STIs, even if you don't have any symptoms. The risk of passing an untreated infection to your partner is very high.

There are various methods that can be used to test for Chlamydia. Urine tests are commonly used. Basically, the test involves urinating into a specimen container and sending the sample to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available in 2 -3 days. Treatment, which is very effective, consists of taking an antibiotic.

Most UWW students qualify for free STD testing and treatment of a Chlamydia infection can cost as little as $4. All testing and treatment for UWW students is confidential at the University Health and Counseling Center.

For more information call 262 472 1300 Ext. 2211

*Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Sudden low-grade or high fever; chills
Frequent urination, burning when urinating, or inability to empty bladder
Abnormal or foul discharge from vagina or urethra
Irregular bleeding or spotting
Bleeding or pain during or after intercourse
Swollen abdomen and/or lymph nodes
Lack of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Increased menstrual pain and cramps
Women with PID may experience some or none of these symptoms; symptoms range from very mild to painful enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room.

I bruise very easily and for no reason? I dont know if i should see a doctor for it, or not. Also my joints and muscles have been feeling tight and a uncomfortable feeling lately. What could it be? and what should i do?(10/09)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, RN, MS, Director of Health

An appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner is advised as a full history and physical exam would be needed to provide appropriate medical assessment and care. Please see your personal health care provider or call the UWW health service 262-472-1300 and press #3 for the UHCS health service appointment line if you wish to make an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner on campus.

Do you do walk-in lab testings or is that by appointment? (9/09)
Answer by Marsha McKinnon, Registered Nurse Clinician

Students need to schedule an appointment if coming in for lab work. If we are doing courtesy lab they need to have a physicians order when they come in.

How many consecutive times can an alcohol-based hand sanitizer be used before it becomes ineffective? (09/09)
Answer by Ruth Swisher, Director of Health

It is recommended to use soap and water whenever possible as a first choice for hand washing. It is further recommended to use soap and water after 3 uses of hand sanitizer whenever possible. If not possible, hand sanitizer would then be used however it is less effective after three or more uses.

Can a student who doesn't attend UWW or have insurance use the services on campus for a low fee? (2-09)
Answer by Marilyn J. Kile, LCSW, Wellness Coordinator

UHCS only provides services to enrolled students, with a few exceptions for staff and faculty e.g., flu shots and Employee Assistance Services.

Enrolled students do not need health insurance to use UHCS.

I think that I might have ADHD. Does the Health Center provide any professional screenings or services for such a condition? (2-09)
Answer by: Ruth L. Swisher, RN, MS, Health Service Director

The Health Service can provide medication and follow-up for someone who has the diagnosis established but does not have the resources to do the testing that may be required to establish the diagnosis initially. A student may certainly make an appointment to be seen by either a UHCS health or a counseling professional to discuss services and options for needed care. Please call 262-472-1300 for an appointment.

If I think I have an STD but not sure which one. Would someone be able to look at my problem and tell me what's wrong? If so, how much would it cost? (1-09)
Answer by : Linda Lamont, APNP, BC, Nurse Practitioner

It is important to accurately identify the cause of any STD because treatments vary. Some people will try to identify STD's by pictures or descriptions from friends or off the internet. The problem with this approach is sometimes they think they have a STD - and they may not. This causes a lot of worry for no reason - something none of us need. Or they do have a STD and need treatment but most treatments require a prescription so a visit to a health care professional is needed anyway. Some STD's should be treated sooner rather than later because of potential complications. For example, if Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are not treated in a timely fashion, they have the potential of scarring the fallopian tubes making getting pregnant difficult.

No one wants to think they have a STD much less talk with a stranger about the possibility of having an STD. But a visit to a health care professional is confidential and your privacy is carefully guarded. Our campus health center staff are experts at working with people to understand their STD risks, screening options, and treatment choices.

There in no charge to enrolled UW-Whitewater students for an office visit to see a physician or nurse. The costs of specific STD tests can be found under FEES. There is a public health program and the Family Planning Waiver Program that may available to cover some testing costs for students who qualify.
So the bottom line is come in and talk with a professional; determine your risks, the best financial options both for testing and, if needed, treatment.

How long do lab results take? (2-08)
Answer by Germaine Olm, MT (ASCP), Senior Medical Technologist

Lab result turn-around time varies depending upon the test ordered. Most in-house test results are available during the patient visit. If we must send the test/s to a reference lab, most results are available within 24 hours. Some may take up to a week, i.e. cultures or tests that the lab runs only on certain days of the week.

Is there a service available for driving students to/from classes while they are injured, for example, on crutches?
Answer by Ruth Swisher, RN, MS, Health Service Director

UWW offers services to students with temporary disabilities, coordinated by the Office of Student life and supported by the Center for Students with Disabilities, (CSD), and other offices within the Division of Student Affairs. Students with temporary disabilities who need transportation should contact the CSD at 262-472-4711 for information about transportation available for a fee.

Temporary disabled parking permits can be issued for on-campus use. Contact the Parking Services Office, located in the Visitor Center, at 262-472-1011 for details .

How long does it take for nicotine to get out of the body?
Answer by Judy Lembrich, RN,C, Nurse Clinician

The length of time it takes for nicotine to leave the body varies depending on the type of tobacco used, the depth and frequency of inhaling, etc.. It usually is gone within 24 hours.

The psychological addiction to nicotine is a much different story, and is the reason quitting tobacco use is difficult. If you or a friend are having difficulty with the quitting process, congratulations for trying! Beginning the process is the most difficult first step. I would be happy to assist you with the process: Judy Lembrich, RN. Call for an appointment: 472-1300.

You may also call the “Quit line” 1-800-784-8669 (toll free assistance for the tobacco cessation process). They also are offering free Nicotine replacement therapy on a first come/first serve basis. As of 10:20 AM, Jan. 14th they still had supplies remaining of all 3 of the products.

Good Luck!!

My boyfriend back home and I were both virgins when we started having sex with each other so we don't have to worry about STIs right?
Answer by linda Lamont, APNP

On the surface, the easy answer would be you are good to go.
But... the problem is the potential risks if one partner 'kind of' had sex before (or since) but didn't consider it sex. Genital contact, even without penetration, can potentially result in STI's as can mouth to genital contact. Some STI's, including two of the more common ones, chlamydia and gonorrhea, can potentially lead to an inability to become pregnant in the future. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is commonly transmitted between sexual partners and has been found to be the cause of some cervical cancers. HPV can take several weeks after exposure before it is evident. Unfortunately several of the STI's cause no outward symptoms.

Let's play this situation out a bit further. Your partner tells you he has never been sexually active. You do believe him and don't want to start a relationship on distrust by asking him to go for testing. So what do you do? You could start being sexually active, wait a time, and then be checked to see if you got anything. But think about it... if you did get an STI you'd no longer trust him AND you would have an STI. What a lousy combination not to mention a major damper on a relationship.

Ideally, you would suggest that each of you go for evaluation before becoming sexually active. Explain that you really value the relationship and by going for testing, each of you demonstrates a commitment and respect for each other. Will all people agree to this? Hopefully. But if they won't go, it answers one question, how they view you and the relationship.

The bottom line is see your health care provider, discuss your risk factors, and follows their recommendations. It is time and money well spent.

Further questions? Contact the nurse at University Health & Counseling Services 472-1305 x2211 or call 472-1300 for an appointment.

Online resources:
www.4women.gov

www.cdc.gov

I think my roommate might have an eating disorder, and I'm concerned. What should I do?
Answer by Jill Mallin, M.A., Outreach Counselor

This can be a very difficult and scary time for you and your roommate. Eating disorders are complex physical, emotional, and psychological conditions. Disordered eating is often a person's method of coping with or avoiding feelings and events. Your friend's attitudes about food, weight, and body image may be leading to strict eating and/or exercise habits that can have serious consequences. It may be difficulty to confront someone that you think has an eating problem, but I urge you to do so anyway. Your concern can make a difference, even if the person seems unreceptive at first.

Note: How many of you assumed from the question above that the writer was referring to a woman? Keep in mind, 5-10% of those suffering from eating disorders are men, and this number is constantly rising. Don't assume that just because someone is male that he can't have an eating disorder.

Explain why you are concerned and worried about him/her
Tell him/her how you feel about what has been going on. Explain that your concern comes because you care. list specific things that s/he is doing that have you concerned; avoid giving generalizations.

Don't attack the person, confront the behavior
Use "I" statements to express your concern. Say things like "I get upset when you don't eat for two days."

Avoid giving simple solutions and becoming the "food police"
Don't say: "If you'd just eat more, you'll be okay!" Eating disorders are NOT about food. Improving nutrition is just one aspect of a recovery process that also address underlying issues that are driving the behaviors.

Take steps to get help
Encourage him/her to seek counseling; even offer to go with him/her the first time.

Be there
Be there for him/her with no judgment.

Remember: You CANNOT force someone to seek help or change their habits. The best you can do is to voice your concerns, provide support, and know where to go for more information.

Consult with a professional
Talking with the professional counselors at Counseling Services can help reduce the anxiety you may be feeling and provide a confidential space to discuss these issues.

For further information or questions, or to meet with a counselor in person to talk more about these or other issues, contact Counseling Services at 472-1305.

Useful websites:
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. http://www.andred.com

National Eating Disorder Association http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

What are some tips to cope with stress during test times?
Answer by Gwen Hering, MS, LPC, Counselor
Many college students experience increased anxiety when taking exams. Students have said they feel as though their "mind suddenly goes blank", or their chest feels tight and their heart begins to beat faster. Students sometimes experience feelings of nervous tension in different areas of their body, often accompanied by increased perspiration. The following is a list of Do's and Don'ts for dealing with test anxiety:

  • Don't wait until you feel motivated to start studying. Start studying and the motivation will follow.
  • Don't cram for an exam. The amount you learn won't be worth the stress.
  • Don't think of yourself or the test in a negative sense. Positive self-talk can help put a lid on the negative thoughts that can cause, and/or perpetuate anxiety.
  • Don't stay up late studying the night before an exam. Try to stop studying at least 12 hours before taking the exam. This helps clear the mind of distractions and increases information recall during the test.
  • Don't spend time with classmates who generate stress for you on test day. (Especially if students are waiting in the classroom and quizzing each other prior to test time).
  • Don't take those last few moments before the test for last minute cramming. Take time to relax, go for a walk, listen to music, read the newspaper, or some other relaxing distraction.
  • DO remind yourself that the test is only a test, not a measure of your self-worth or your value as a person, or ability to succeed in life.
  • DO a reality check. How important is this exam in the grand scheme of things? Keep it in perspective!
  • DO reward yourself after the test with a healthy meal and/or movie, a good novel.
  • DO tell yourself that you will do your best on the test, and that will be enough!
  • DO prepare for the test: There is no substitute for studying and preparing. Try to begin studying at least a week in advance.
  • DO practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and/or meditating.
  • DO practice good self care like: Eat Well, Get Enough Sleep, Exercise, Have a balanced study schedule, Strive for Balance DAILY.

To learn more about test anxiety, try looking at the following sites:

freedomfromfear.org

www.montana.edu/wwwcc/docs/test-anxiety.html

I've been thinking about coming in for some counseling but I'm not sure what goes on in counseling. What's it like?
Answer by Jill Mallin, Ph.D., Outreach Counselor

I have heard numerous questions over the years about what counseling is like. We all have our own ideas about the answer to this question, often influenced by the media's depiction of therapy. I would like to clarify what you might expect if you decide to give counseling a try, whether here at UHCS or elsewhere. It is my hope that providing this information will help eliminate some of the fear associated with this unknown process.

Allow me to paint you a picture of what happens during therapy. After you have completed some paperwork, the therapist will often begin by asking you what is bringing you to counseling, ask you about your daily functioning (i.e., How is your sleep, eating habits, anxiety level, alcohol and drug use? Are you making it to classes or skipping work?) and take a short history.

The time it takes to become comfortable with your therapist varies. Talking to a complete stranger about personal issues takes some getting used to! Chances are, your counselor is well aware of this and will assist you in feeling as comfortable as possible during the process.

As you move further into therapy, your sessions may be different depending on your therapist's style and approach. For instance, some counselors may ask you to participate in experiential exercises, such as role-playing a conversation or drawing pictures. Others choose to focus on how your thinking about the situation is interfering with your functioning. Some therapists look specifically at how family and relationship dynamics are related to your presenting issue. Still others use a combination of these and other approaches.

Often, clients will be assigned homework to complete outside of session. Don't worry, this does not mean writing a ten-page research paper! A typical homework assignment might be to continue reflecting upon issues raised in your most recent session by journaling about it, or perhaps practice some new skill discussed in session (such as being assertive). Because most counseling sessions last for 50 minutes once a week, there is a great deal of time when you are NOT in therapy to be thinking about and incorporating issues raised in session.

How long does counseling normally last? The answer to this question is "it depends". The timeline of therapy is usually discussed at the beginning of counseling and depends on how long the client would like to devote to examining this concern, the length of time the client has been dealing with it, the complexity of the issues, etc.

I hope this information has helped take some of the mystery out of what happens behind therapists' closed doors. Please contact Counseling Services at 472-1305 if you would like to schedule an appointment or talk with someone further about how counseling could benefit you.

 

Last Updated: 10/03/12