Buena Vista University
Counseling Services

Counseling Services

Counseling is a process by which people who are dissatisfied with some aspects of their lives enter into a relationship with a trained professional to gain greater insight into their situation and to develop more effective ways of responding to life experiences. Counseling provides a safe, confidential environment to help a person understand themselves more fully, make their own choices, and become more self-reliant. The counseling process may entail emotional pain, stress, and life change. Although counseling helps most people, it is not always or completely effective. Progress is improved when the client is motivated to look at and resolve issues over time.

The first visit to the Counseling office will be a time for you and your counselor to explore personal concerns and help identify appropriate counseling services, whether in the BVU Office or at a community agency. Some concerns may require more long-term or specialized treatment, in which case, an appropriate referral will be determined. Referrals to other community resources may be suggested if the issues are outside the expertise of the counselor. During times when the counseling schedule is filled, it may be necessary to place you on a waiting list and you will be scheduled into the earliest available opening for a regular counseling session. If you need more immediate service or are feeling like you can’t wait please discuss this with the counselor or staff upon making the appointment.