Information for Parents and Family Members
Counseling and Psychological Services at Dubois Health Center recognizes that the college years are transitional years not just for students but also for their parents and family members. This transition while being an exciting and eventful time in each person's life might create stress and unwelcome challenges. Here are a few resources and ideas that might prove helpful.
As your son or daughter moves through his or her college years, you will inevitably witness physical, emotional, intellectual, social and even spiritual changes. Although sometimes difficult to understand or appreciate, these developmental changes are part and parcel of the movement into adulthood. In many instances, a young person requires assistance in understanding or working through these life changes. During the college years, the entire family goes through a transitional period. That is where the counselors of CAPS can be of help.
Initial appointment
Students can schedule an appointment with a counselor by calling us at (407) 628-6340 or visiting us at the Counseling Center at Dubois Health Center in Elizabeth Hall. Usually, students can meet with a counselor within the week, but if the student is in crisis, we ensure that a counselor is available to meet with him or her almost immediately.
Counselors are also available after hours for crisis situations.
Consultation with Parents/Family Members
Knowing how or when to intervene when your son or daughter is experiencing distress is a difficult decision. You [Parents] are welcome to call Psychological Services for guidance on ways to assist your son or daughter. Depending on the situation, office managers will connect you with a counselor immediately or will have a counselor return your call as soon as possible. It is important to remember that professional counselors are ethically and legally bound by confidentiality laws and cannot reveal information to you without appropriate releases having been signed by the student.
Confidentiality and Parents
While we welcome questions from parents, we cannot share information unless appropriate releases have been signed. We appreciate the fact that parents often worry about children who are away at college and want to know how counseling is progressing. However, in order for counseling to be effective, student clients must believe that - unless they themselves choose otherwise - what they talk about in session will be held in confidence. There are some exceptions to this. See our link on confidentiality. If you believe that it is important to talk with your student's counselor, please ask your son or daughter if they would be willing to sign a release permitting the counselor to consult with you. You may also ask to talk with another member of our counseling staff in order to convey information to your student's counselor.
Resources for Parents:
Books
- Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years, by Helen E. Johnson, Christine Schelhas-Miller
- Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger
- Let the Journey Begin: A Parent's Monthly Guide to the College Experience, by Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay
- When Kids Go to College: A Parents Guide to Changing Relationships, by Barbara M. Newman and Philip Newman
- You're on Your Own (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years, by Marjorie Savage
Online Resources
Beloit University compiles a list every year that they've named the "Mindset List." This list details the mindset of an incoming freshman for that year. While you've lived through everything with them, sometimes it's helpful to take a look at this list to get a sense of their mindset from a different perspective.
