Spring Break
Counseling Services: Somebody to lean on
Kimberly Tsao
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Features
If your friend needs an intervention, SJSU's Counseling Services may be just the place.
Ann Brandewie, a part-time licensed counselor for Counseling Services, said sometimes people come in with concerns about a pregnant friend or relative.
"Depending on the person's culture, religious beliefs, we would talk it through and see what the person is wanting or needing," Brandewie said.
In such cases, they might try to get the person to attend a joint counseling session.
"Some groups, they're drop in. You just come," Brandewie said. "Other groups - the facilitator would like to meet the person first to see if this group would be appropriate for them and if they'd be appropriate for the group, to see if it meets their needs."
One such group is the Women's Circle, which is for female students to talk with one another and share their problems.
"Maybe their issue is so specific that they would benefit more from a one-on-one weekly session, versus a group session," she said.
Brandewie said there are two women's groups every semester. Most groups have two facilitators but are limited to six to 12 students.
"It's only so people feel like they can really develop relationships with the people within the group 'cause people go in and out of groups," she said, "and it's not conducive to instilling a lot of trust."
If there is a demand for it, though, they would start a third women's group, she said.
"I think outside workshops are very hard to find sometimes and when they are - they are charged, so I think cost - cost would make a difference," she said.
Students come in, fill out forms and then undergo a 10 to 15-minute assessment counseling session first, to go over concerns, preference for counselors and confidentiality, Brandewie said. Exceptions to the confidentiality rule include harming one's self or others.
Wiggsy Sivertsen, former director of counseling services, said abortion does not count.
Ann Brandewie, a part-time licensed counselor for Counseling Services, said sometimes people come in with concerns about a pregnant friend or relative.
"Depending on the person's culture, religious beliefs, we would talk it through and see what the person is wanting or needing," Brandewie said.
In such cases, they might try to get the person to attend a joint counseling session.
"Some groups, they're drop in. You just come," Brandewie said. "Other groups - the facilitator would like to meet the person first to see if this group would be appropriate for them and if they'd be appropriate for the group, to see if it meets their needs."
One such group is the Women's Circle, which is for female students to talk with one another and share their problems.
"Maybe their issue is so specific that they would benefit more from a one-on-one weekly session, versus a group session," she said.
Brandewie said there are two women's groups every semester. Most groups have two facilitators but are limited to six to 12 students.
"It's only so people feel like they can really develop relationships with the people within the group 'cause people go in and out of groups," she said, "and it's not conducive to instilling a lot of trust."
If there is a demand for it, though, they would start a third women's group, she said.
"I think outside workshops are very hard to find sometimes and when they are - they are charged, so I think cost - cost would make a difference," she said.
Students come in, fill out forms and then undergo a 10 to 15-minute assessment counseling session first, to go over concerns, preference for counselors and confidentiality, Brandewie said. Exceptions to the confidentiality rule include harming one's self or others.
Wiggsy Sivertsen, former director of counseling services, said abortion does not count.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Neil signo
posted 6/19/09 @ 10:41 PM PST
There's a reason why people dont get jobs until after high school. They ( county child welfare rights services) know its one more thing to do, means you cant do homework or get rested. (Continued…)
youparttime guys
posted 6/29/09 @ 8:47 AM PST
I am wondering about the high school teacher. The person clearly said:
1. Harvard was in walking distance from my home in the 1960's.
2. I am a Electrical Engineer. (Continued…)
San Diego Movers
posted 7/03/09 @ 7:03 AM PST
It's always good to have some sort of support group so you can talk out your problems with people you can trust.
counseling services
posted 7/27/09 @ 10:56 AM PST
Respecting culture, religious beliefs and other peoples views are an important sensitivity for counselors.
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