Counseling Services at Altamaha Technical College

Counseling is a growth process through which students are helped to define goals, make decisions and to solve problems related to personal, social, educational or career  concerns. Counseling services are extended to any student at no cost who is interested in personal growth. ATC’s primary emphasis is on short term personal development counseling to better equip you/the student to deal with personal, social, academic and  educational concerns.  

Counseling is a process of helping you/the student use your own and other resources to achieve answers to problematic questions as well as solving dilemmas that are creating stress in your life. The purpose of counseling is to aid students in acquiring the appropriate skills, attitudes, abilities and insights that will enable you to reach your full potential while attending Altamaha Technical College.

Why do students come to counseling?

Students seek counseling because they experience some type of discomfort or dissatisfaction in their lives.   Some of the areas counseling can address are:

• Personal concerns—issues such as self-esteem, identity, family, artistic, dealing with emotions, sexual identity, problem solving, depression, anxiety, etc.
• Relationship concerns—roommates, significant others, family, marriage, sexual intimacy, & communication skills.
• Career/Professional concerns— career choices, life-planning goals, performance, building self-confidence, etc.
• Academic concerns—improving test skills and relieving test anxiety, improving and enhancing study skills.
• Health related concerns—eating and weight control, developing good mental and physical habits, substance abuse, the healing arts, stress reduction, test anxiety.

Seeking help or assistance is a sign of courage that you/the student want to be all you can be.

How to get the most of your counseling experience

• Don't wait for serious problems to develop.
• Regard counseling as a growth-oriented learning process, entirely compatible with your identity as a college student.
• Be open and honest about your attitudes and feelings with yourself and with your counselor.
• Don't expect your counselor to make decisions for you, or to "fix" you.
• Act from an active rather than a passive position. If you feel you would benefit more from a different approach or direction, or if there is a way to make sessions easier for you, inform your counselor.

Be aware that any new behavior may feel awkward at first. Be willing to apply what you learn from counseling sessions to your daily life. Your success hinges on your ability to incorporate your educational achievements into your workplace, social and family life.

Am I Wasting Your Time?

No, Absolutely not!

Many students who access Altamaha Technical College Support Services feel hesitant at first for a variety of reasons, including the belief that their problem is not important. At Altamaha Technical College we believe that if it is important to you, then it is important to us.

Please remember that we are here to help and that we are glad to work with you on whatever issues you would like to bring to counseling. It is our desire at Altamaha Technical College  to see you/the student succeed in your education.

How Long Does Counseling Take?

The Counseling Office operates on a brief counseling model so your counselor will help you work toward a solution to your concerns in as few sessions as possible. Many students are seen for as few as three sessions. Counseling sessions are usually booked weekly or bi-weekly.

The Counselors will work diligently to address your issues aiding you in finding interventions and skills that will enable you/the student to significantly resolve the problem.

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