What is individual Counseling?
Individual counseling is a collaborative process in which a unique, confidential helping relationship is developed between a counselor and a willing client. In this relationship, the professional counselor acts as a facilitator to help the client to understand more accurately him/herself and the world around him/her. The counselor and client explore the client's feelings and behaviors, relationships with others, choices and decisions, as well as the client's current situation.

What happens during a counseling session?
During the first meeting with a counselor, you will be asked to describe your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. This first session is an opportunity for you and the counselor to decide whether Northeastern Counseling is the best place for you to help yourself. If you decide to continue recieving services here you will set goals pertaining to the issues presented to work on with the counselor. When appropriate, some students are referred to another resource. Your case will be reviewed by the clinical team and assigned to a counseler based on your needs. Many clients find that the initial interview itself is all they need to explore and clarify their feelings and options. The number of sessions that a client meets with a counselor really depends on the needs of the individual, the severity of the issues, and on the coping mechanisms of the person. All of this will be discussed early on in counseling, so that the student has a good idea of what their commitment and responsibility is in the counseling relationship. Sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

What are my responsibilities in counseling?
Because we know that resolving issues requires your commitment, we ask that you keep all of the appointments you schedule. If it is not possible for you to keep an appointment, please call to cancel, preferably 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Someone else may be able to take that time. Your most important responsibility is to take the steps necessary to keep yourself healthy emotionally, as well as physically. Taking the first step to seek services may be difficult for you, but it may change your life in a most positive way!

What about confidentiality?
Northeastern Counseling Center carefully guards your confidentiality. Counselors respect their client's right to privacy and avoid unwarranted disclosures of confidential information. No information about you or your appointments, including the issues discussed, will be released unless you give specific, written consent. There are, however, situations where counselors are mandated by law to report certain cases to local authorities or emergency services. In these cases, confidentiality will be breached without the consent of the client. These instances are:

* When there is clear and imminent danger to self or others.
* Suspected or reported physical or sexual abuse to self or other in the case of a minor (under age 18 -- mandated reporting)
* Suspected or reported physical or sexual abuse to elder
* Suspected or reported physical or sexual abuse to a disabled individual with severe impairment.

At these times, the counselor will inform the client of such a breach of confidentiality. If you have any questions regarding our services or confidentiality, please feel free to call one of our offices.


Note to Parents: Although we are unable to discuss with you whether your child has come to Northeastern Counseling Center, we do encourage you to talk to your child if you are concerned about his or her well-being. Support and understanding from family members often times helps alleviate some of the stress and tension that can build up. If you feel that your child needs some additional support, you can refer him or her to our office for assistance.