PERSONAL COUNSELING

What is personal counseling?

Personal counseling is when you talk to a trained person (counselor) about a problem that is upsetting you or interfering with your academic or personal life. 

What does the counselor do?

The counselor helps you deal with your problems so that you become more successful as a person and as a student. For example, if you are worried about your studies or you are having difficulties with your friends, other students or teachers, the counselor will help you deal with these problems. You may also have normal feelings of shyness or nervousness being new at Zayed University. The counselor can help you with this also.

What should I do if I want to talk to a counselor?

All you have to do is drop by Student Services and ask to speak to the counselor.

Will the counselor always be available to talk to me?

You can see the counselor anytime you have a problem or need someone to talk to. The counselor will try her best to talk to you when you first come and see her.  However, if she is not in her office or meeting with another student, leave your name and student ID number.

She will get in touch with you as soon as possible through the GroupWise.

What will the counselor do when I go see her?                                       

She will listen to you and ask you questions to try and understand the problem. She will then help you find ways to deal with it.

Will anyone else know what we have talked about?

Anything you say to the counselor will remain confidential and private. She will not tell your friends or teachers what you have talked about.  However, if your problem is very serious, the counselor may need to talk to her supervisor and your family.  She will not do that before talking to you.

What happens if I need to talk to her again?

You can drop by her office once more or make an appointment to meet with her during one of your breaks. You can see her as many times as you need.

What else is available in the Counseling Department?

Each semester the counselor offers different types of support groups for students. Only students who are interested in these groups join, as no academic credit is given for them. The groups are held during students' free time. 

What are groups?

Groups are when several students meet to talk about a common issue. For example, how to deal with test anxiety.  By discussing things together, students end up helping each other and themselves.

What should I do if I am interested in joining one of the groups?

The counselor will let you know when the groups will start through GroupWise. If you are interested, sign up as soon as possible.

For more information on personal counseling and the groups, please contact the personal counselor on your campus.