Frequently Asked Questions & Common Myths
Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy and how can it help?
Therapy is a personalized experience and will be unique for each student, however in general, therapy is a collaborative process which involves the development of a unique, confidential, helping relationship. In a university counseling center, the therapist acts as a facilitator in helping the student to solve problems and feel better. The therapist will listen closely to understand the student鈥檚 experience and unique circumstance and then together the therapist and student will work toward achieving the student鈥檚 personal goals.
Talking about what is important and impacting someone, in a supportive and safe environment allows a person to gain insight, enable personal growth, and feel supported with their concerns. Through discussion the student can better understand their feelings and thoughts, as well as learn skills and techniques that help students overcome the obstacles and challenges they are currently facing.
What kind of concerns do students bring to the counseling center?
No concern is too small or too big. We are here to help with any issue that is causing distress or impacting your college experience. Click HERE to see common areas of concern for students seeking counseling.
I have tried therapy in the past and it was not beneficial, how will this time be any different?
The single best predictor of whether therapy will feel helpful is whether you and the therapist are a good fit. Some therapist's personality and style are better suited to certain clients. Don鈥檛 give up, you may need to try a couple different therapists before you find the best fit, but it鈥檚 worth the effort!
What can I expect for my first appointment?
Prior to your first appointment you will be asked to complete the online intake packet as well as a brief clinical assessment. The therapist you are scheduled with will review this information prior to your first appointment. During the first appointment you and your therapist will work together to clarify your needs and wants and identify a plan on how to improve your situation. Sometimes this means scheduling a follow-up therapy session or sessions but can also include campus and/or community referrals.
How many sessions would I attend? How long and how often are sessions?
As mentioned previously, no two situations or experiences are the same, so the length and frequency are going to vary for each student. Some students only need or want a few sessions; other students may need or want more long-term therapy which can be weeks, months, or even years.
Can I request a certain certain therapist or switch therapists?
If you have a particular request before being assigned a therapist, please let us know. Although we cannot always fulfill your request, when asked we do try to honor this request.
If you are considering switching therapists, you have the option to speak directly with your current therapist first and let them know you would like to change therapists. It is recommended to discuss openly your progress or any concerns you may have about your experience in therapy directly with your therapist. If you do not feel comfortable speaking about the change with your current therapist, you may call or email caps@moravian.edu and ask to be reassigned to a different therapist. The wait time for an appointment with a new therapist may be longer.
Will you share information with my parents, professors, coach, advisor, etc.?
The American Psychological Association Code of Ethics and PA state law considers the personal information you discuss in therapy to be confidential, therefore CAPS strictly protects the confidentiality of information shared during sessions, as well as the attendance to any therapy service. This means that no record of therapy is made on an academic transcript, and that information regarding your therapy is not released without your written permission to anyone. There are some exceptions to confidentiality, however. If there is a possibility of harm to yourself or another person, or in cases of child or elderly abuse, CAPS staff are mandated to report certain information to appropriate authorities. Confidentiality will be discussed in the first session but can be discussed at any session if you have questions or concerns.
Common Counseling Myths
Something is wrong with me or I am weak if I seek help from a therapist?
Truth: Students seek counseling every day for a variety of concerns. Everyone can benefit from having someone to talk to in a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere. Furthermore, reaching out and asking for help takes courage. In fact, we believe seeking support is a sign of perseverance and strength.
Counseling will fix my problems and I will better right away.
Truth: The goal of therapy is not for someone else to 鈥渇ix鈥 your problem. The therapists are here to help you identify concerns and to set goals for yourself. Solving those problems may involve working with your therapist to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. In doing so, you can explore your options and make a decision for how to best achieve your goals. YOU are the best one to fix your problems!
A therapist cannot understand what I am going through, because they are not going through it themselves.
Truth: Every person is unique and to completely understand someone else鈥檚 situation or experience is difficult. However, the Therapists have been trained to learn about, be sensitive to, and respectful of the unique experiences of each client. Those experiences may include concerns related to gender, age, cultural background, racial/ethnic differences, sexual orientation, gender identity, family-of-origin, or socioeconomic issues. Therapists do not have to personally identify with a student鈥檚 background or issues to provide professional, clinical help.