Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Free and confidential services for SFA students
We often work with individuals who are struggling with difficult life circumstances and concerns, as well as those with severe mental illness. Everyone has difficulties at some point in their lives, and sometimes engaging in counseling is a good way to obtain support to overcome challenges.
Counseling is not a sign of weakness. Attending counseling is a sign of willingness to understand and surmount any challenges present in your life. It takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and difficult experiences.
We don't give advice. Giving advice (that is, telling you what to do) is not the function of a professional counselor. Your counselor can help you process your thoughts and feelings, understand any challenges or concerns, brainstorm ideas and evaluate options, and give an alternate perspective or way of thinking, but ultimately you are responsible for any decisions you make.
We also do not:
- write emotional support letters
- help you decide your major
- or arrange academic accommodations.
We help students identify goals and potential solutions to problems that cause distress, leading to improved self-esteem and increased coping skills, social connectedness and optimal mental health. Many scientific studies have shown that counseling can be effective in working with a variety of problems. However, a commitment is necessary for change to be seen. You can talk with your counselor about the commitment you'll be expected to make in terms of time, effort and goal setting.
Choosing the right format should be based on multiple factors, including:
- which issues and concerns you are facing
- scheduling considerations
- and availability of resources.
The following formats are offered at the Health and Wellness Hub:
Ethics statement
Our counselors subscribe to the following ethical standards:
- American College Personnel Association, College Student Educators International
- American Counseling Association
- National Association of Social Workers
- National Board of Certified Counselors
- Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
- Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors
- Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners
Confidentiality statement
Confidentiality is of the utmost concern for counselors, which is reflected very clearly in the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics. The only individual who will have direct access to your files, including information discussed in your sessions, is the counselor with whom you are working.
Records are kept on each session and are not part of your academic records.
No information about your counseling sessions will be released outside counseling services to anyone without your written authorization, apart from the following exceptions:
- When there is risk of imminent harm to you or another person, your counselor reserves the right to take reasonable action to protect life.
- When a court of law orders a counselor to release information, your counselor is bound by law to comply with such an order.
- If your counselor has reason to believe that a child, elderly person or disabled person is in danger of being physically, emotionally or sexually abused, then your counselor is obligated by law to report such abuse to the proper authorities.
- If you disclose sexual misconduct by another mental health professional, your counselor may be required to file a report.
Note: Email is not a confidential form of communication. For confidential communication, you are encouraged to contact our office by phone or in person.
Client's rights
Counseling services clients have the right to:
- receive counseling regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religious beliefs, social/economic class, outward appearance, body size/shape, disability, impairment or political ideology
- ask questions about the process of counseling and procedures used
- ask about counselor credentials and training
- expect that all information disclosed in counseling will be kept confidential with the exceptions described in the "Counselor-Client Agreement"
- participate in the planning of their counseling services
- request a different counselor from the one assigned
- terminate counseling at any time
- and file a grievance about services offered and/or received.
Caring Jacks: crisis response and suicide prevention training
This engaging and interactive suicide crisis intervention training is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to support individuals experiencing a suicide crisis. Through a combination of expert-led presentations, real-life scenarios, role-playing exercises and reflective discussions, participants will learn how to recognize the signs of a suicidal crisis, effectively communicate with those in distress and provide the appropriate interventions. The goal of the training is to empower participants to take immediate, informed action when faced with a suicide crisis.
Upon completion of this two-hour in-person training, participants will receive a certificate of completion recognizing their competence in suicide crisis intervention and their ability to refer individuals for further support. Sign up by completing the presentation request form.
Additional resource:
The University of Texas at Austin's Healthyhorns offer a video with insightful perspective on how you can help prevent suicide among your loved ones and peers.
Individual counseling
We offer brief individual counseling with a focus on helping you improve your daily functioning and achieve academic success. Counseling is a collaborative process that involves a nonjudgmental, supportive counselor who works with you to set goals and establish strategies to meet those goals.
All our counselors are considered "generalist counselors," which means we're able to address a large range of concerns. We do receive specific training on a variety of topics, including:
- addiction issues
- adjustment issues, including adjusting to college life
- anxiety and depression
- eating disorders
- gender identity and sexual orientation
- grief
- relationship difficulties
- sexual assault
- stress management
- and racial discrimination and/or trauma.
What to expect with your first appointment
Your first appointment is a 30-minute initial consultation. You may schedule a weekday appointment or choose a walk-in appointment. Walk-in appointments are are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the appointment, your counselor will review with you the limits of confidentiality, share which services are offered through our office, and learn why you are seeking counseling. Together, you'll come up with a plan, including options for both on- and off-campus referrals, if needed.
Couples (for partners and roommates)
Sometimes, it's hard to get along. We're here to help you navigate the difficulties you might be having with your partner or roommate. In couples counseling, we can help give you the tools to better communicate and resolve conflict as we strive to create an environment where you feel safe to express yourselves to one another.
What to expect with your first appointment
Your first appointment is a 30-minute initial consultation. You may schedule a weekday appointment or choose a walk-in appointment. Walk-in appointments are are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the appointment, your counselor will review with you the limits of confidentiality, share which services are offered through our office, and learn why you are seeking counseling. Together, you'll come up with a plan, including options for both on- and off-campus referrals, if needed.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is helpful because it provides a supportive space where individuals can connect with others, share their experiences, gain new perspectives and realize they are not alone in their struggles.
Community Through Conversation: These groups invite students to come together in a supportive space to share their experiences, process important events and build deeper connections with one another. Through open and honest conversation, participants develop understanding, empathy and a sense of community, fostering emotional growth and meaningful peer support.
Inspiring Growth: Growth groups help students develop practical skills to boost personal growth and academic success. Through interactive activities, participants build confidence, resilience and problem-solving abilities in a supportive, collaborative setting.
Focused Connections: Focused connections groups are supportive spaces tailored for students with shared identities or experiences. These groups foster a sense of belonging, provide opportunities for meaningful peer connection and offer space to process, reflect and grow together in a community that understands and affirms their unique perspectives.
Experiential Workshops
Experiential workshops offered by SFA's Counseling services and other campus partners focus on improving well-being for students and offer hands-on opportunities to build self-awareness, practice stress-reduction strategies and develop meaningful coping skills in supportive and engaging environments. All experiential workshops are free for students who register.
Outdoor Inspired: These workshops invite students to step outside and reconnect with nature through guided activities. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and boost overall well-being, making it a powerful, natural way to recharge and refocus.
Expressive Arts: These workshops explore the arts as a powerful way for students to communicate feelings, encourage self-discovery, reduce stress and boost emotional well-being through creative activities like drawing, writing, music and movement.
Building Strength: These workshops offer hands-on activities where students can develop confidence and resilience. These experiences engage the physical body as well as the mind to build mental toughness and overall strength to create greater assurance for students as they navigate everyday challenges of college life.
Animal Connections: Therapeutic Partnerships for Healing and Growth
Canine Assisted Therapy
Stressed out? Overwhelmed? Come chill with Rudy, the golden therapy dog from Counseling Services! Pause with the Paws is your chance to take a breather, pet a pup and grab some good vibes from Rudy. Experience this weekly drop-in wellness hour with no appointments and no pressure — just furry comfort and kindness. Pet therapy, Rudy’s wisdom and stress relief, all in one furry, feel-good package.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Friday during the spring and fall semesters at the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
You can also request that Rudy join meetings and events you are hosting by emailing counseling@sfasu.edu.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
This series uses the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model. Guided by a licensed mental health professional and equine specialist, participants engage in a unique, hands-on approach to personal growth and well-being.
Ground-based activities with horses (no riding involved) allow you the opportunity to engage in experiential learning guided by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. The horses' intuitive responses help you develop self-awareness, explore challenges and strengthen problem-solving abilities.