Guidance and Counseling Unit
Overview
Welcome to the Guidance and Counseling Unit. From here you will be able to access information about the Counseling Unit as well as find helpful information about a variety of issues you or someone you know may be facing.
The Unit offers students help with their personal counseling and behavioral health needs, including individual and group counseling, academic counseling, stress management and recovery support, crisis intervention, psychological screening and consultation.
The Unit also provides free consultations to faculty and staff who are confronted with personal and professional issues, thereby improving the general wellbeing of all members of the Technical University community.
The center has also been liaising with executives of halls of residence to organize seminars and workshops for students. The Unit’s active presence has also been felt by the larger community of Ho as it uses the Technical University Radio Station (VP FM) to share psychological perspectives on issues.
Our Purpose
Our primary goal is to promote a healthy campus environment and enhance student learning. We help both staff and students to remove barriers to success and personal wellbeing. We help everyone to maintain balance, especially as they try to adjust to academic life and make the best of their stay at Ho Technical University.
Why Seek Counseling with us?
• Mostly, people seek counseling for the first time because someone close to them--a family member, friend, or doctor--has suggested they get help.
• Others, because they have identified specific goals or issues that they wish to work on.
• In some cases, a person may be mandated to attend counseling as part of a court ruling or by a parent or guardian (if the person is a minor).
• A common misconception is that people who go to counseling are "crazy."
• On the contrary, having a mental health condition is no different than having a physical ailment
• There need not be shame in seeking help.
• Also, most therapy clients are people struggling with common, everyday issues.
• A common misconception is that people who go to counseling are "crazy."
• On the contrary, having a mental health condition is no different than having a physical ailment
• There need not be shame in seeking help.
• Also, most therapy clients are people struggling with common, everyday issues.
• There is virtually no "right" or "wrong" reason to enlist the help of a mental health professional.
• The help of the right therapist can promote self-actualization, empower self-growth, improve relationships, and reduce emotional suffering.
• A therapist or counselor is there to work with clients or counselee collaboratively on whatever is most distressing or important to them.
• Often in therapy, a client and the therapist will explore much more than just the client's initial presenting problem(s)--that is, the main problem that brought the client to therapy.
• Together, the client and the therapist will decide the goals of therapy, and if the therapy should be short- or long-term.
Typical Concerns
The issues that are dealt with by the Guidance and Counseling Unit are:
• Academic: time management, procrastination, test anxiety
• Developmental/family issues: fear and guilt, anger, frustration, family crisis
• Personal issues: anxiety, loneliness, depression, anger, guilt, low self-esteem, grief, alcohol/drug issues, self-harm, eating disorders, identity issues
• Relationship issues: roommate problems, boyfriend/girlfriend difficulties, marital issues, sexual concerns, pre-marriage
What You Can Expect
Some of the services provided by the center are:
• Confidentiality within the limits of the law
• Courteous and respectful reception by staff
• Counseling records DO NOT become part of your academic record.
• No charge for services
• Appointment by phone
• Walk-in service
• Referral when necessary
Contact Information
LOCATION
Afese Block, Ground Floor,
Next to the Office of the Dean of Students,
PHONE
020-703-9932 / 024-4055-763
OFFICE TIME
8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday
Final Comments
• Don’t wait until things are really bad
• Feel free to walk in and see the Counselor
• You can’t lose anything
• Look out for each other!