Student Services
- Student Services
- Student Health 101
- Resources
- Academic Skills Centre
- Academic Advising
- Disability Services
- Career Services
- Indigenous People’s Centre (IPC)
- Orientation Events
- Dean of Students
- Office of International Activities
- Personal Counselling
Contact Us
Student Services
Room 105
270 - 18th Street
Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 6A9
Phone: (204) 727-9739
Fax: (204) 725-2143
Email: letain@brandonu.ca
Personal Counselling
Student Health 101
What is Counselling?
Counselling involves the development of a relationship between a client and a trained professional (e.g., Counsellor) that focuses on the client’s concerns and difficulties. It is a process in which individuals have the opportunity to improve upon their understanding of themselves, including their patterns of thoughts, behaviour, feelings, and the way in which these may have been problematic in their lives. Counselling also provides individuals with opportunities to examine how to tap into existing resources or develop new ones that enhance their lives and relationships. Counselling is a collaborative effort as it involves the counsellor and client working together to identify goals.
Do “normal” people need counselling?
The idea that only “crazy” people seek out counselling is a common myth. In fact, a large segment of society will benefit from counselling at some point in their lives. Individuals seeking out counselling face normal developmental and life concerns. Difficulties managing stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, identity concerns, poor self-esteem, relationship problems, and loneliness are only a few of the reasons for which people may choose to engage in the counselling process. University students seek counselling for the above issues along with more population-specific concerns such as career indecision, exam anxiety, academic pressures, homesickness, adjustment to their new surroundings, and difficulties balancing work, school and home life.
How Do I know if I should seek Counselling?
It may be an appropriate time to seek help if you are experiencing any of the following:
Should I see a counsellor?
In the course of a lifetime, most of us will experience several personally traumatic incidents. The break up of an important relationship, serious conflict within our family, failing an important exam, the death of a friend or family member, an unwanted pregnancy, a serious health problem, being victimized by a violent act, etc., can all cause psychological upset. Seeking the advice and perspective of a counsellor can help students regain their certainty and help rebuild their confidence. You may want to speak with one of our counsellors if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
Physical Reactions
Fatigue, insomnia, sleeping too much, under-activity, headaches, nightmares, hyperactivity, startle reactions, exhaustion, diarrhea.
Cognitive Reactions
Difficulty with concentration, solving problems, making decisions, memory disturbance, flashbacks, inability to attach importance to anything other than the incident.
Emotional Reactions
Fear, guilt, emotional numbing, over sensitivity, anger, irritability, anxiety, depression, violent fantasies, feelings of helplessness, amnesia for the event.
Counselling Services
If you are experiencing any or all of the symptoms listed above, we encourage you to consider seeing a counsellor. YOu can have individual appointments with one of our personal counsellors, who are located in Room 105 McKenzie Building (Student Services). To book an appointment, call (204) 727-9739 or you may also email us at janzen@brandonu.ca
There are other options, for instance, you may wish to read articles on a wide variety of issues, problems and possible steps toward healthy resolution. Some excellent articles are available at:
How can I best benefit from counselling?
As a client, there are certain steps you can take to help make the counselling process more beneficial to you. We recommend the following:
Source: How can I best benefit from counselling
Code of Ethics