Counseling Services

Counseling Q&A
What is Personal Counseling?
Personal counseling is a professional relationship designed to help you with personal problems. The counseling relationship differs from both social friendships and patient-doctor relationships. Instead of giving specific advise, counselors serve as skilled listeners who help you to clarify issues and to deal more effectively with your problems. Counselors work with you; they don't do things to you.

What if I start feeling suicidal or very upset or as if I can't cope?
If you feel this way, please call (252) 738-3234 and ask to speak with a counselor right away. If VGCC is not open or a counselor is not available, immediately call Mental Health at 1- 877-619-3761 or dial 9-1-1.

Shouldn't I solve my own problems?
Counseling doesn't solve your problems for you. It helps you clarify issues so you can solve problems on your own. A goal of counseling is to make you more self-sufficient, not more dependent.

Isn't counseling for "crazy" people?
Talking to a counselor doesn't mean you're crazy or weak. Actually, it's a sign of health and strength to recognize when you have a problem and to seek outside assistance for it.

What kind of problems are appropriate for counseling?
All kinds ... Relationships, family, drugs or alcohol, sex, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, sexual orientation, loneliness, stress, eating problems, or your academic studies are just some examples. Whatever it is that troubles you, we invite you to talk with us about it.

Is counseling expensive?
Not at Vance-Granville Community College (Student Affairs) - Personal counseling won't cost you anything. It's one of the many services provided free-of-charge.

Does counseling go on my official record?
Absolutely not - Counseling services are confidential! Except for rare life-threatening emergencies, everything you say remains between you and your counselor.

Who are the counselors?
The counseling staff in Student Affairs is made up of professional, master's level counselors.

How long would I come for counseling?
Student Affairs offers short-term personal counseling - Some problems lend themselves to one or two sessions, others may require several appointments. The length of time you will be seen for personal counseling is determined by the nature of your issues, which you and your counselor will discuss.

What if I need long-term counseling?
Counselors can refer you to agencies and private therapists in the area for counseling (also called "psychotherapy") which may continue for a longer period of time. Many agencies see clients on a "sliding-fee" scale, which means you are charged according to what you can afford to pay.

Who is eligible for personal counseling?
All Vance-Granville Community College students are eligible for personal counseling services.

Suppose I'm very upset and can't wait?
If it's an emergency and you're on campus, come in to Student Affairs. A counselor will meet with you, speak with you about the situation, and decide with you what needs to be done next. If you have an emergency when Student Affairs is not open, go to Campus Security or call Security at (252) 738-3373 or "0" for the operator, and/or 9-1-1.