Personal Counseling

Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed out? Having relationship or family problems? Feeling anxious? Depressed? Angry? Dealing with grief or loss? Dealing with disordered eating or substance abuse issues?

Students have Access to (2) Two Professional Counselors

• Judy Brennen, M.A., LISAC
  Call for Appointment
  Prescott: 928-771-6183
• Pat Miner, Master of Social Work
  Call for Appointment
  Verde: 928-634-6563

How Your Counselor Can Help

Personal counselors are available to listen, guide, and refer you to the appropriate resources on campus or in your community.  Counselors provide you a safe and objective arena to talk about what is happening in your life and explore ways to address those concerns.

What is Counseling?

Counseling is a process in which a counselor and a student work together to resolve issues, identified by the student to be causing disruption in their life.  Issues addressed vary from student to student.  Some common topics explored have been adjustment to college life, homesickness, relationship problems, increased stress, anxiety, sadness, grief, substance use, and academic performance problems.  The student will bring commitment to this process by the courage they show in being an active participant; establishing goals, exploring potential solutions, and experimenting with new and different ways of thinking, perceiving, and behaving.

What to Expect

Initially, the counselor will be asking many questions to gain an understanding of you and your needs.  In partnership, we will formulate a plan and develop alternative methods for addressing your current issues.  Counseling sessions last 50 minutes each, with up to 6 sessions per semester.

 If it is determined that a student requires more extensive counseling, all efforts will be made to refer the student to providers offered through his/her health insurance company or local therapists/agencies.

(back to top)

How to get the Most out of Counseling

• Don't wait for serious problems to develop
• Regard counseling as a growth-oriented learning process, entirely compatible with your identity as a college student
• Be open and honest about your attitudes and feelings with yourself and your counselor
• Don't expect your counselor to make decisions for you or "fix" you.
• Give feedback. Let your counselor know if you feel you would benefit more from a different approach or direction.
• Be aware that any new behavior may feel awkward at first. Be willing to apply what you learn from counseling sessions to your everyday life.

Confidentiality

Personal counseling files are confidential and kept separately from academic files. All aspects of counseling are confidential. By law, counselors are obligated to break confidentiality and report:

• Incidents of sexual abuse or physical abuse of a minor or elder.
• The intention to seriously harm self or others.

Online Resources

• American Association of Suicidology is dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide.
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders and to improving the lives of all people who suffer from them.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with mood disorders.
• MentalHelp.net is a resource to find comprehensive depression information, causes, FAQs, treatment information, and more.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses.
• Suicide Prevention Action Network is  dedicated to preventing suicide through public education and awareness, community action and federal, state and local grassroots advocacy.
• ULifelife is an online resource center for college student mental health and emotional well being.

Cancellation Policy

"No shows" and cancellations with less than 24-hour notice will be counted as one of your sessions.

(back to top)