Personal Counseling

Counseling Services is committed to providing counseling from a Christian perspective for Union University students with respect for individual differences based on race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, spirituality, and sexual orientation. We strive to provide an atmosphere in which students can feel secure and comfortable to explore their personal, academic, or other concerns. The many transitions encountered by students during their college years involve significant change, increased responsibility, and important decision making. Social and emotional concerns can also generate conflict or dissonance which make it difficult for students to function at their best. Our role is to assist students with personal difficulties in an unbiased, objective way and expand their ability to cope with personal development and environmental demands through their own resources. Typical issues and concerns which bring students to counseling may include:

• Adjusting to college life
• Family problems
• Relationships
• Depression
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Motivation and goal setting
• Roommate conflicts
• Lack of self-confidence
• Decision making
• Stress management, relaxation
• Feeling blue, lonely
• Death of a loved one
• Test anxiety, study skills
• Time management
• Eating problems
• Substance abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Sleep problems
• Marital or premarital concerns

We respect your privacy and will provide you with information about our confidentiality policy. Counseling records are private and not a part of any other university records. Appointments of 45-50 minutes in length are typically scheduled once weekly, unless the nature of the concerns warrants more frequent contact. Because we are sensitive to the demands on your time, we use a short-term therapy format, which is effective for the majority of counselees. Sometimes students may need longer term counseling and support and this is also available. Students whose needs are beyond the scope of Counseling Services will be provided with referral and consultation services.

Assessment Services

The Myers-Briggs Test is available for which students may register to provide information to assist them in personal growth and decision making. Vocational testing is available in conjunction with Career Services. Screening for Attention Deficit Disorder is also available.

Education and Outreach Services

Counseling Services is available to student organizations, residence complexes, classes, and other groups upon request to provide programs on such topics as dating violence, stress and anger management, assertiveness and communication training, burnout, healthy life styles, and others. Arrangements can by made by calling 661-5322.