In-Person or On-line video counseling?

The Fall 2022 semester marks the 1st time since March 2020 that some in-person sessions may be an option for students seeking counseling at Counseling and Career Services.  However, due to counselor availability and the possibility of additional surges in Covid-19 cases, decisions about such options are subject to change.   Because on-line counseling emerged as a more convenient way for students to attend counseling sessions, we will continue to offer on-line video counseling for students (as well as for students who shows signs of being positive for Covid-19 or other illness or  have been a close contact with someone who is).   

However, for students who prefer in-person and unmasked counseling, that will also be an option based on counselor availability (as long as there are no threats to the health of the student or counselor due to signs of Covid-19 or other serious and contagious illness, such as the flu). 

WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU?

While there are certainly advantages to in-person counseling over on-line delivery, those are significantly reduced with the requirements of wearing a mask.  For this reason, students who need to wear a mask will be better served by on-line service.   While not always the case, it is certainly quite common for emotions to surface in counseling.  So much of the expression of emotion is hidden when most of the face is covered by a mask, making on-line counseling where the clients and counselor can see more of each other's facial expressions, a more helpful and informative experience.  Also, those emotions that surface in counseling often include some tears. For many students, that leads to sniffling or needing to blow their nose, and wipe tears, all of which can't be done while wearing a mask, at least not comfortably and without an awkwardness that interrupts the meaningful interactions of a counseling session.

Naturally, there are advantages to in-person counseling, as students do not have to worry about being interrupted by roommates or others entering the space they are using for their sessions.  Also, for many, sitting in the same space with a counselor offers a greater sense of connection than video-camera's can permit, especially when internet connections are less stable.  

We encourage you to discuss the pros and cons with your counselor as to which is best for you, once you have your initial appointment.   We hope this page offers you some guidance on which option is best for you when you schedule that first appointment.  Simply let the receptionist know which you prefer, knowing that you can change your mind at a later time if that makes the most sense for you (and works with the schedule of your counselor).