4I- Next Steps

http://healthcare.utah.edu/uni/services/whole_therapy.html

Therapy. When most people here this word it gives a feeling of unease.  People feel as if it is something that makes you weak. This was an opinion that a was very familiar while I was growing up.  My parents grew up in family's that felt that they needed to deal with all of their problems by themselves.  They were too proud to admit that they ever needed help.  Why should I be any different?

This week, when looking through the options for this section in the blogs, I came across the option to visit the Counseling Services office.  I realized that by doing this, I would be opening up to everyone on the internet much more than I had intending on doing.  I sat and debated on whether or not this was a topic I wanted to touch and I decided that in order for all of you to get a better picture of me, I needed to do this. 

While walking to class, I noticed the sign that said "Counseling Services" with a big arrow pointing toward the door.  Later that day, I decided that I would at least check it out.  I walked in, paranoid that everyone was looking at me. I had no idea what it entailed, but I continued in.  The receptionist handed me forms to fill out, in which I was very honest while answering.  They gave me an appointment for the next week.

The receptionists were helpful and pointed me to talk to someone they felt would be beneficial in my situation. Seeing that I had never gone to talk to anyone before, I had no idea what to expect.  I was nervous and was worried that someone would judge me because of the fact that I could not deal with my problems on my own.  

I arrived that day with knots in my stomach.  I sat down next to the first person I felt that would not judge me for my past experiences and mistakes.  As I told her my life story I realized that not only did talking to someone release much of the tension that had built up inside of me, but it also allowed me to look at my situation in a third person perspective and think logically for once. By the end of my session, I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders.  

I would strongly recommend people to go visit the counseling services.  They are located in Engleman Room B219.  Don't be afraid to just walk in and ask for an appointment.  It doesn't matter what your reasons behind going are, they can help you achieve whatever you may be having trouble with.  Just know that they are there for you if you ever need them.

Take advantage of the free services that Southern provides!