If individual counseling at Student Counseling Service (SCS) is recommended, you will work with your assigned clinician on a plan including the expected duration and frequency of meetings, as well as, any additional referrals that may benefit you. The process used is guided by safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment.

Solutions Sessions

Sometimes you may wish to check-in with a clinician for a single session when you are experiencing a particular life challenge or have a focused need. Solution Sessions are intended to be same day single session appointments to focus on reducing distress and supporting you with solutions to address your concerns. Student Counseling Service clinicians have designated times when they are available for Solution Sessions; it is not always possible that you will see your regular clinician should you be already receiving services at SCS. Solutions Sessions can be arranged using the same process to initiate services.

Short-Term or Brief Counseling

Brief therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is short-term in nature and typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. The aim is to emphasize students' strengths and to help them to work actively towards well-defined goals through a collaborative relationship.

Many students find that brief therapy helps to keep the meetings focused and productive. The time-limited nature of counseling can encourage the student and clinician to work together effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, brief therapy has been shown to be suitable for a wide variety of students and concerns, such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, stress, and lifestyle changes. Research has shown that various forms of time-limited therapy yield very good results.

To get the most out of a brief therapy experience, students are encouraged to think about their goals, about how they would like things to be different. With the help of the clinician, students will explore ways to reach their goals. This also involves a willingness to devote energy to out-of-session work that the clinician may recommend.