Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Counselors help to identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. 

A student's right to privacy and confidentiality is the basis for an effective counseling relationship. Confidentiality ensures the school counselors won't share student's disclosures with others except when the student authorizes it or when there is clear and present danger to the student and/or to other persons.

• improved communication and interpersonal skills.
• greater self-acceptance and self-esteem.
• ability to change self-defeating behaviors/habits.
• better expression and management of emotions, including anger.
• relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
• increased confidence and decision-making skills.

Counselors want to help, but there are never guarantees in counseling. It may not work for everyone and it is not meant to be the ultimate cure. Counseling may be difficult at times because you may be faced with challenging thoughts and questions that you are not used to.