Deciding to seek counseling can be a big step. Many students are afraid that their friends, roommates, faculty members, or university staff will find out that they have had counseling and will treat them differently. They are concerned that they will stand out or be viewed differently from others on campus. They fear that undertaking the clinical counseling process may also be seen as a sign of weakness. Students will sometimes have the mistaken idea that "I should be able to handle the problems on my own" and that if they can’t, they are not being spiritual enough or are “just not strong enough”. Others are concerned about what their families will think. “They are here to learn, not to deal with emotional issues.” Deciding to seek counseling takes courage and commitment. It is a decision that is made through careful consideration and the realization that sometimes extra guidance and support may be needed to work through some of life’s bigger challenges. The Aldersgate Center is staffed by well-trained, licensed, or license-seeking clinical counselors and graduate students working on their internships. There are several different types of counseling services and the counselor will work individually with each student to address his or her reasons for seeking counseling. All counseling at The Aldersgate Center is based upon an integration of sound psychological practices with Christian principles. A deep concern for the psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, and academic well being of the students is the guiding force behind the services provided. Counseling is an individual experience. Each person progresses through the process differently, and benefits differently. The Aldersgate Center Clinical Counselors are bound by the standards of confidentiality and are dedicated to working with each student to address his or her needs. To make an appointment with a counselor contact The Aldersgate Center either in person or by telephone, and print out and complete the Confidentiality Rights and Responsibility Form. Bring the form to The Aldersgate Center when you make your appointment, or before your first appointment.

A counselor meets with an individual student in a safe, confidential environment where the student can explore concerns and circumstances. They work together to form a therapeutic relationship with trust so that the student can examine the deeper emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The counselor will listen with a non-judgmental attitude and will lend support and guidance as the student “works through” the affecting issues. These may be relationship concerns, mental health concerns (depression, stress/anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or other mental health diagnoses), or social concerns. The student and the counselor work together to reach the student’s goals for therapy and for enhancing personal and academic life.

Counseling couples focuses on building or repairing relationships through conflict resolution, building communication skills, or addressing other areas of concern. This counseling strategy can be helpful for married or dating couples who need objective help dealing with such relationship issues.

Marriage is considered to be the most sacred bond that a male and female can enter. Premarital counseling can serve as a means of assessing the couple’s current relationship, addressing communication and conflict resolution skills, budgeting, future parenting, and thoughts and feelings about the other partner’s family of origin. This counseling involves taking a premarital inventory and meeting as a couple with the counselor. This is different from couple’s counseling and is designed primarily as a relationship assessment and building process. If concerns do arise, they can also be addressed in this format.

Group counseling may be offered to provide support and education for those struggling with similar issues. Group availability and sustainability vary from one semester to the next.