University of Alabama in Huntsville
PA-13: Wellness Program

Counseling is available for various personal issues and topics including, but not limited to: adjustment to university life; stress management; interpersonal relationships with friends, family, or peers; anxiety; depression; LGBTQ understanding; cultural issues and diversity; disordered eating and body image issues. Our counselors offer staff and faculty consultation appointments regarding student and classroom issues. Individual Counseling In individual counseling you have the full attention of one of our counselors in a one-on-one atmosphere of understanding, warmth, and insight. Our counselors can help you in a variety of ways because they are excellent sounding-boards, compassionate listeners, and skillful experts in problems of living. They offer an array of therapeutic interventions such as self-expression activities and traditional therapies. Group Counseling Each semester, we offer a variety of group therapy experiences. A common theme for group participants is wanting to learn how to change thinking, feelings, and/or behaviors to feel better about themselves and cope more effectively with life. Other common group themes include helping participants to better understand themselves and how they relate to others, and developing skills for dealing with certain problems. We offer informal group activities throughout each semester. What to expect from group counseling: Group counseling can provide a supportive and challenging environment where members can discuss their concerns with peers and professionals. Over time, students begin to care about and trust one another in group. Under the facilitation of the group counselors, the group is able to give support, offer alternatives, or gently confront the person in such a way that the group member gains 1.) a new understanding of the issues that brought them to counseling; and 2.) a new experience in relationship with other group members. This allows members to find the assurance and confidence it takes to try new things outside the group environment. What to expect in your pre-group meeting with counselors: It is important to meet with the group leaders prior to starting any counseling group. It is equally important that you are placed in a group that is suitable for you and your needs. In this meeting the leaders will discuss what to expect from group therapy in more detail and answer any questions that you might have. Couples Counseling Couples counseling is designed to assist couples with their relationship problems. It can be used to gain more insight into each other, to learn new and more effective ways of communication, and to learn how to solve problems. Off-Campus Referrals The Counseling Center has relationships with mental health treatment providers in the local community who provide high quality services to UAH students. We refer students to these community providers when a student needs or requests services that are beyond the scope of services we can provide.