To talk. There is strong evidence that given the opportunity to talk about concerns and problems in a safe and comfortable environment, most people can find a way to address their concerns and solve their problems. Students come to talk about depression, relationship issues, and problems with families, academic concerns, as well as eating disorders and sexual assault. Unless you are one of those rare people who has never had a problem, the counseling center is designed for you. In fact, if you have never had problem, we would really like to meet you.
I am concerned about a friend, what should I do?
If you are concerned about a friend, it shows you care about them and want to help. If you think your friend might benefit from counseling, you can play an important role in helping them by referring them to services in CSD. If you would like to learn more about how to make a referral and/or help a friend, take a look at How to Help a Friend. You may also call the office (781-891-2274) and ask to speak to a counselor for more assistance. If you have any concerns about some one's immediate physical safety, contact University Police (X-3131)
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Why not just talk to a friend?
Very often a friend is all we need. Talking to friends can help immeasurably. But, sometimes there are things that we don't want to share with a friend and sometimes we are looking for someone who has had experience with a particular concern. The staff of CSD have over 80 years of combined professional experience in helping people. They have all worked with people who have had concerns similar to yours, and they also have experience in how to deal with those concerns. Friends can be great, but if they have no idea what you are going through and no idea how to get past it, it just may not be enough.
So this "talk" must be different. What will happen to me?
A lot of people have the misconception that psychologists or counselors "do" something to the clients who come in for counseling or therapy. Nothing could be further from the truth. It would be more accurate to look at counseling as a process where two people come together to better understand the concerns of the person or client coming to the center. From this point they jointly work toward a strategy to potentially resolve problems or better manage concerns. In one big way, though, this conversation is really different. It is focused solely on you and your needs.
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What do we talk about that makes a difference?
The staff in CSD are in agreement that how a person feels is directly related to how they think and act. During the process of counseling, your counselor will be interested in how these three areas tie together for you and how some change can be made to alleviate your concern. You are a whole person with mind, body and spirit intimately tied together, where a change in one can easily affect a change in the others. Each part of your life is critical, as it is a part of the whole you.
So why is there a counseling center at Bentley anyway?
College can be incredibly stressful. Given the move away from home and family, the extra pressure of a rigorous academic program, the countless new people you will meet, and the expectation that you soon must function as an adult and find a place for yourself in a very competitive world can be overwhelming. Very often these pressures and others cause trouble around areas that were weaknesses even prior to coming to college. Or sometimes they create their own new trouble. The college recognizes that these pressures are there and they want students to have all the possible resources they might need to manage these pressures so that they can make the most of their educational experience.
So it's like a pit stop - get fixed up and get back to the real business of school and life?
Not exactly. Many students find that the issues they deal with in counseling are the most important and vital parts of their life. Likewise, what goes on in counseling is its own brand of education where you are the subject and you can learn a great deal. This learning is something that can be of value throughout your life.
You can see any one of the staff in the center that you choose. However, we generally try to get you an appointment the next day and to insure this, we will make your appointment with a counselor who is available when you are able to come in. But, you have the final choice. If you do not make a good connection with the first person you see, or would just like to try someone else, you can speak with another.
Do I have to come in to make an appointment?
You can, by coming to the office at LaCava Campus Center, Room 166, or by calling 781-891-2274. Or, if you are in crisis and feel that it is critical to speak with someone quickly, there is an emergency hour each day from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
I don't think I would feel safe sharing something really important. What if people found out I was there or what I talked about?
This is next to impossible. No information, even the fact that you visited is released to anyone outside the center, and this includes parents, faculty, staff and friends. This is just a part of the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association to which the entire staff is committed. We know how sensitive an area this is, and if you have concerns about confidentiality, please talk to one of our counselors about this issue.