Answer: I remember the first time I went to see a counsellor. I was so nervous! I try to remember that when I meet with students now, and I’m glad you are asking for some information to help the process. The SCS website gives a more detailed explanation of the issues (crisis counselling, personal, career, educational) that students can bring to counselling and there is also a link to a video interview, where I had a chance to explain my vision of the counselling process (I broke out in a cold sweat, by the way, when I learned it was on YouTube , but it’s there if you are curious).

The bottom line is that counselling is often most helpful when it is done collaboratively. The student and the counsellor need to develop a shared sense of the problem and the desired change, and then work together to develop a plan for creating that change. This might mean students learn and experiment with a regular practice for stress management, someone with ADHD may experiment with a new strategy to improve their academic performance, a student uncertain about their future might explore how personal qualities relate to career options, or students may attend counselling to begin to address past traumatic experiences that continue to interfere with their well-being. We also support students to build their resilience. Attending a workshops is also an option. We often hear students say how nice it was to be in a group where there is a shared interest in the issues at hand, but that first step is sometimes hard to make.

I hope this helps to make stepping up to our counter in U216A, or making that phone call to book an appointment, just a little bit easier.

Mirjam Knapik

Associate Professor, Registered Psychologist