The words therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably. The Greek origin of the word Therapeia means healing, and Therapeuein, to minister to. Therapy is a unique experience in which you choose to set aside time each week to work in collaboration with a therapist, to address issues which have become problematic to your behavioral and emotional well-being. Therapy becomes a time and space for you to discuss these concerns with a trained professional, who is an objective, non-judgmental listener, who will help you view your struggles in a different light, and develop creative solutions.

The initial session is a time for you and your therapist to get to know one another. You will be asked many questions as your counselor works to gain a deeper understanding of your concerns. You and your therapist will begin to talk about which treatment options would be most helpful in addressing your particular issues. If you have questions, be sure to ask them as this helps build a collaborative relationship with your therapist as you establish goals for your time together.

BHCS incorporates a brief therapeutic model with an emphasis on developmentally-oriented therapy directed at helping students succeed in the college environment. The number of counseling sessions are determined by a clinical assessment and the BHC counselor/supervisor. When specialized or longer term services are needed, we can assist in making referrals to off-campus professionals.

Student Health Fee must have been paid for the current semester in order for an appointment to be scheduled. There are no costs for individual counseling services for registered students who are actively taking and participating in courses at Palomar College.

Some of the issues commonly addressed are:

• Interpersonal Relationships – Roommates, disappointing friendships, dating, communicating, engagement and marriage, breaking up, handling conflict, handling anger, overcoming shyness, risking intimacy.
• Questions of Identity and Self-Worth – Who am I, why am I here, what do I believe or not believe, what about my achievements and failures, do I belong . . . am I loved?
• Transitions, Decision-Making, and Planning – Adjustment to college life, academic and career choices, choosing a major, re-entry from off-campus programs and ministries, joining and quitting a team, transfer or withdraw, . ..“what will I do after I graduate?”
• Family – Leaving home, divorce, separation, adoption, blended families, affairs, abuse, holidays, financial stress, significant life events, significant others.
• Depression – Can’t sleep, can’t get out of bed, can’t concentrate, can’t stop crying, don’t care, suicidal thoughts, self-destructive actions, medications.
• Anxiety – Stress, worry, procrastination, obsessions, and compulsions, panic attack, post-traumatic stress.
• Grief and Loss – Losses stemming from life’s changes such as, growing up, moving parents divorcing, or loss from deaths of family members, friends, or pets.
• “Sometimes Hard to Talk About” Concerns - Unplanned pregnancy, sexual assault, pornography, sexual identity, addictions, substance abuse, sex, behavioral illness.

Each of our therapists are licensed professionals within the state of California. A good, general description of our work is as Primary Care Counselors. We specialize in the developmental stage in which you, as a college student are in. We have expertise in most of the related issues common within this stage. As professionals, we do continuing education, targeting emerging areas of interest and need. In an area in which one of us may not be as familiar, we will obtain additional education, consult with a colleague or we make a referral.

We have a number of students taking medication who work with the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center and the prescribing physician to coordinate continued treatment. The Counseling Center and the Student Health Center collaborate to provide referrals to off-campus psychiatrists for medication consultations when needed.

Our web site and the Counseling Center Library provide excellent links and resources for behavioral health screenings, prevention, as well as general information on behavioral health issues. We also have a variety of brochures in our office which you are welcome to read and take with you.

Here are some common warning signals a friend might display if they are struggling:

• Forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating
• Dramatic changes in performance, procrastination
• Anxiety, nervousness
• Low energy, sad appearance
• Uncontrollable crying
• Irritability, low frustration tolerance
• “Hyper” or agitated behavior, sleeplessness
• Extreme weight gain or loss
• Marked deterioration in personal hygiene
• Talking about hurting themselves or someone else
• Strange or bizarre behavior, thoughts, or ideas
• Incoherent speech

If you see some of these signs, you may want to talk with your friend about your concerns. You can begin by asking a question as simple as “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately”, or “how are things going” and then listen to what they have to say. You may want to encourage them to come to Behavioral Health Counseling Services to talk with a therapist about their challenges. You can also make a one-time consultation appointment with one of our therapists to discuss your concerns

If your needs cannot be met through short-term counseling, you will be referred to outside community resources. Also, if your needs require a specific type of expertise that is not available at the Behavioral Health Counseling Center, you will receive a referral into the community. Behavioral Health Counseling Services may provide a referral after the initial session or during the course of treatment as these needs become apparent.

Reasons why you may need a Referral:

• If you have symptoms or concerns requiring specialized services not available through the Behavioral Health Counseling Center, such as:
• If you need to be seen more than once a week or there is a need for long-term intensive therapy due to:
• Significant drug and alcohol dependence or abuse, or past failed treatment.
• Significant and/or long-standing eating disorders that may pose a medical danger.
• Psychological evaluation for ADD, ADHD, any learning disability, or neuropsychological testing.
• A history of multiple hospitalizations.
• A history of repeated suicide attempts and/or chronic suicidality.
• Evidence of progressive deterioration in behavioral or emotional functioning.
• Manifestations of psychotic symptoms or severe manic symptoms.

• DO understand the purpose of our initial session together is to review your paperwork, understand your concerns, and discuss what would be of most help. Changes to the problem areas where you have concerns will most likely come later.
• DO be as honest as you can. You will get the most out of counseling if you are open and honest about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
• DO identify your goals. Think about what changes are most meaningful to you. Focus your time and energy on defining those changes and work toward them in session and between sessions.
• DO be patient with yourself and the process. Remember, it is a process. Most problems have taken months or years to develop, so it may take longer than you expected to move through them.
• DO make a commitment to your treatment. Be present at all sessions. Come prepared, knowing what you want to discuss. Practice the suggestions you and your counselor come up with. Keep your therapist informed about issues in your life.
• DO expect to experience some discomfort. Therapy can be an enriching experience, but it can also be challenging. Keep coming to counseling even when you feel challenged. Your therapist will be there to help you through it.
• DO take ownership of your counseling experience. We will not tell you what to do; rather we will serve as an ally, a guide, and a resource in the process. Only you can make the changes you desire in your life.
• DO ask questions. If something is not working for you or not helping, please bring this up with your therapist. If you are considering not returning to therapy, it is important to talk with your therapist about your concerns. If you desire a different therapist, it is okay to talk about this and see what other options are available. Let your therapist know what you are thinking. We appreciate and welcome your feedback as it helps us more effectively assist you.
• DO tell your counselor when you are ready to end therapy. Your therapist may give you recommendations for further work, yet you will know best when it is time to move forward with the changes you’ve implemented, without further assistance from your therapist.
• DO enjoy the experience! The opportunity to change and grow is full of wonder and grace.