Counseling Center

As a branch of the Center for Student Development, the Counseling Center strives to equip and encourage students associated with Trevecca Nazarene University toward greater personal and community health. The Trevecca Counseling Center is a welcoming community that provides a safe place for students to find deep connection and holistic wellbeing. We aspire to help students integrate healing into daily life.

Counseling services are available for currently enrolled students and are free of charge for the first eight sessions, and $5 for each session following. Such services as individual therapy, couples therapy, pre-marital therapy, and group are available.

Covid-19 Response - We realize with all that’s happened, having someone to talk to is important. Counseling sessions are currently being held in-person at the Smith House (client's choice of masked or unmasked) or telehealth (for individuals residing in Tennessee).

The Counseling Center is located in the Smith House on Trevecca’s campus, behind Georgia Hall and across from the University Clinic. Services are available for all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Typical office hours are 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., but counselors are available for late-afternoon and evening appointments as well. Please note that the Counseling Center offers one- time scheduled appointments four times a week and has walk-in hours Monday-Friday at 3 p.m.

  • Grief or trauma
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Family problems
  • Roommate challenges
  • Premarital counseling
  • Pre-engagement counseling
  • Addictions

All counseling sessions and communications with a counselor are confidential. This means that RAs, RDs, professors, coaches, friends, family or parents will not have access to your counseling records and will not be informed that you are in counseling.

After you complete some paperwork, a consult session with one of the counselors will give us an idea what you are looking for and help us find a counselor who is a good fit. The first counseling session will involve reviewing information from your paperwork, orienting you to counseling and beginning a conversation about your concerns. Your counselor will also want to obtain some family history and any history of struggles you may have had in the past.

Follow-up counseling sessions between you and your counselor will involve obtaining skills for managing difficulties; having conversations about ways to improve your life; and identifying ways to improve your interactions with others. The nature of your conversations will depend on the concerns you present. A counseling session typically lasts 50 to 60 minutes and occurs once a week.

Student Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect at my first appointment?
Typically you will spend the first few minutes filling out intake paper work that provides your counselor with basic information such as your contact information and demographic information. This information will also include a symptoms checklist and a brief description of why you made the choice to come to the Counseling Center. You will also be asked to read information regarding appointments and confidentiality and sign a document stating that this was provided to you and was explained to you by your counselor. You will then talk to the counselor for the next 50-60 minutes about your current concerns, why you are seeking counseling at this time and information regarding your history and family. It is important that you share any information you feel would be important for your counselor to know. At the end of your session, your counselor will make some preliminary reactions or give some input and you will decide together about future counseling sessions.
How do I know if I need counseling?
Students seek counseling for several reasons. Often times individuals will report feeling “stuck” as they try to work out a personal problem. Although many issues  bring students into counseling, some common themes include depression, anxiety, problems transitioning into college life, relationship problems, eating disorders or concerns, family issues, substance abuse, academic stress or concerns with friends and family. If you are unsure if your concerns can be helped while working with a counselor, we encourage you to make an appointment during which you can work with the counselor to determine if you would like to return.
What is counseling? How does it work?

Counseling is essentially a “partnership” that is formed between the client and the counselor. Through this partnership or relationship the client can begin to find healing and help. You will work with your counselor to form a collaborative team in a nurturing and caring environment. You will identify goals to move you towards feeling better and the task that will need to be completed to accomplish these goals.

Although counseling can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable, your counselor will respect your right to talk about difficult information and will not force you to talk about things you don’t feel comfortable with. Your counselor may at some point feel there is a need to talk about an issue you might be avoiding however this will be done in an environment of caring and collaboration.

Is what I say confidential?

Yes. Everything you say will be kept confidential. There are rare occasions in which a counselor feels the safety of a client or another student is at risk and at that point the counselor will be required to disclose information.

What if people find out I'm seeing a counselor?

Counseling sessions are confidential and will not be part of your academic transcript. Typically, the only way someone will find out you are coming to the Counseling Center is if you share that information with them. You may even find that you want to tell a select number of people that you are seeking help.

Shouldn’t I be strong enough or have faith enough to solve my own problems?

Choosing to ask for help when you are struggling is a sign of strength and maturity. God makes it clear that we are to seek the counsel of others when we are experiencing pain.

How long does counseling last?

Counseling typically last 50-60 minutes and takes place one time a week. However, you and your counselor might decide that you would benefit from more or less frequent appointments. The length of time a student will stay in counseling varies depending on the reason they sought counseling, but most students will attend counseling for 3-8 sessions.

What does it cost?

TNU Undergraduate Student Clients

Sessions 1-8 = Free

Session 9 on = $5.00

  • This restarts each academic calendar year.
  • Students have the option of paying with cash, check, or charging their student account.

TNU Community Clients (Graduate/Adult Studies Students)

All sessions - $15

How can I schedule an appointment?

Students can reach out for an appointment by visiting the Counseling Center SharePoint page and clicking the ‘schedule an appointment’ button, which connects to a form to complete. Students may reach out to Director of Counseling Services Miller Folk at mmfolk@trevecca.edu, or send an email to counselingservices@trevecca.edu.

If I feel I need to speak to someone immediately, is that possible?

If there is an immediate concern we will do our best to meet with you immediately.

It is recommended that you schedule appointments in advance if possible.
The Counseling Center offers walk-in availability Monday through Friday at 3:00 p.m.

If you are in a crisis you can call the on campus crisis hotline at 988 for aid during non-business hours (before 8 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m.) or visit timelycare.com/trevecca and use the TalkNow feature.

My roommate is really struggling with an issue, and I am having a hard time coping with it, can I come in and talk about how her situation is affecting me?

Yes, if you are having difficulty with roommates, friends, or others in your life, please feel free to speak to a counselor.

 

Parent Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my student?

Leaving home and going to college represents a major step into adulthood. Although this can be an exciting time for both you and your child, it can also be a time of loss and intense emotion. The mix of both joy and sadness can be confusing for some parents as they navigate through this time. To help make the college transition easier:

  • Maintain a supportive relationship with your student, especially during the first year.
  • Allow space for your child to approach you and set an agenda for some of your conversations.
  • Be realistic and specific with your child about financial issues, including what you will and will not pay for, as well as your expectations for how he or she will spend money.
  • Be realistic about your student’s academic performance, recognizing that not every straight-A student in high school will be a straight-A student in college. Help your student set reasonable academic goals and encourage him or her to seek academic assistance when needed.
  • Refrain from burdening your child with problems from home that he or she has no control over and can do nothing about.
  • Obtain contact information for people involved in the various aspects of your child’s college experience, and involve your child in a collaborative effort to address the problem.
  • Accept your emotions. It is normal to have mixed feelings when your children leave home. It is normal to feel some level of pain and loss and also some relief when your children leave for college.
  • Support yourself. Develop and maintain your own social support and do your best to maintain your own sense of well-being.
What are common behavioral signs associated with transition?

It is not uncommon for anyone to experience one or more of these signs during some point of their life. These behaviors could raise concern if they occur for an extended amount of time or if your student is experiencing several during the same time period. Parents can assist by monitoring your child’s health and, if needed, encouraging them to seek further help. Be on the lookout for:

  • Loss of interest in activities the student once enjoyed
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Trouble sleeping; too much or too little
  • Significant changes in appetite and/or weight
  • Not going to Class
  • If they have experienced a recent loss
  • Rage
  • Overreaction to criticism
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Flat affect or mood
  • Excessive crying
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
  • Repeated unwanted thoughts or obsessions
  • Intense episodes of fear or panic
  • Social anxiety that affects behavior
  • Physical symptoms; trouble breathing, dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate. Rule out medical cause first.
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Talking /writing about suicide or plans to harm themselves or others (requires immediate attention)

If you have any further questions about your son/daughter receiving counseling services while attending Trevecca, feel free to contact Director of Counseling Services Miller Folk at mmfolk@trevecca.edu.

What should I do when my son or daughter is having difficulty or is in crisis?

As a parent you may be in a good position to help the student acknowledge that there is a problem. Talking promptly, openly and caringly about your observations and concerns will likely have the best result. Here are a few suggestions on how to respond to changes you may observe in your son or daughter.

  • Don’t “put off until tomorrow.” Gently raise your concerns with your son or daughter as soon as you notice problems. Ignoring disturbing behavior is unlikely to “make it go away.”
  • Have a caring, concerned nonjudgmental discussion of your concerns. Choose a time and place carefully to allow for a private and honest discussion.
  • Listen at least as much as you talk.
  • Avoid the tendency to be critical or judgmental.
  • Avoid the temptation to offer easy solutions to problems or to “take care of everything” for your son or daughter.
  • Know your own limits. Do not feel pressured to take on the problems yourself. University staff may be better trained to help students with specific concerns. Being able to refer your daughter or son to university resources if a vital role you can play.
  • Know the resources available to your child on campus. RD’s are available to address any concerns you may have. Your student can also contact the Counseling Center if needed to receive free services.

Although counseling can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable, your counselor will respect your right to talk about difficult information and will not force you to talk about things you don’t feel comfortable with. Your counselor may at some point feel there is a need to talk about an issue you might be avoiding however this will be done in an environment of caring and collaboration.

What about my son or daughter's confidentiality?

The TNU Counseling Center believes that confidentiality is an essential component within therapeutic relationships. If your child chooses to participant in counseling we will keep this information confidential and private. This is according to both state and federal law that mandates that confidentiality be maintained when individuals seek mental health services. We are unable to disclose any information about students who may have been seen at the Counseling Center without written permission from the student. This can be very frustrating for parents and we respect the concern that you have for your child’s well-being. Asking your student for permission to speak to their counselor can easily resolve this concern.

What services are offered at the TNU Counseling Center?

The Center provides 8 free counseling sessions for all undergraduate students. If counselor and student decide to continue with counseling beyond these 8 sessions, the cost is only $5.00 per session.

The Center also host several psychoeducational trainings each semester. The Center works with other departments on campus to develop relevant trainings and outreach for your student to move them towards holistic health.

The Counseling Center also provides various group counseling opportunities. These are arranged based on need and availability of staff.

Who will be providing clinical services to my son or daughter?

The Counseling Center is overseen by Miller Folk. As a training center for the graduate counseling master’s program, the center generally employs about 20 interns who provide services to the campus at large. The counseling interns are supervised by Miller Folk, Jonathon Roy (assistant director of counseling services) and Drea Pryor (clinical supervisor) throughout each semester.