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Dear Dr. Greg, It seems like there are a lot of "counselors" at school (e.g., financial aid counselors, admissions counselors, and you!). What do you do that is so different? It seems like there are a lot of "counselors" at school (e.g., financial aid counselors, admissions counselors, and you!). What do you do that is so different? It seems like there are a lot of "counselors" at school (e.g., financial aid counselors, admissions counselors, and you!). What do you do that is so different? That is a good question! The word "counselor" is confusing and is used in a variety of different professions. It is used by people who sell products, attorneys, and most commonly by mental health therapists. I am a licensed psychologist and the Director of the Counseling Center. A psychologist focuses on the mental health needs of their clients. There are many reasons one could see a psychologist. Generally, when you notice changes in your mood or behavior, or wish your life were more satisfying, are good times to see one. Also, when you feel helpless, blue, nervous, stressed, angry, overwhelmed, or just have trouble making a decision. The others on campus that are called "counselors" are not in a mental health role, but act as advisors in their specific areas of expertise. The word "counselor" actually means "advisor." For example, financial aid counselors may give you advice on the best methods to approach your college funding and an admissions counselor may help you with the application process to the university. Psychologists in general are on the forefront of research studies on depression, stress reduction, pain control, substance abuse treatment, anxiety, and phobias. On average, psychologists have more than seven years of education in addition to their bachelors degree, and in excess of 3000 hours of supervised practice in psychology. They also take a national written and a state-administered oral exam. Psychologists are trained to conduct research, perform testing, and evaluate and treat a full range of emotional and psychological challenges. I received my doctorate from the University of Houston and did my internship at the University of Texas at Austin, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. All of my doctoral-level training programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association. I am also a member of the American Psychological Association, the California Psychological Association, and the San Fernando Valley Psychological Association. As a psychologist, one of the most important services that I provide is therapy, which objectively looks at behaviors, feelings, and thoughts in different situations and helps develop solutions to deal with those situations. Therapy is a collaborative effort, where I may work with you to identify goals and what you want to happen. According to a 1996 survey in Consumer Reports, nine out of ten people who sought therapy said that it helped them. The model of therapy I use at the is based on a cognitive model and is more interactive and goal-oriented than some other models. All services are confidential. I also am specially trained in career assessment and counseling. If you are feeling like changing jobs or are having concerns over the choice of career, you can take tests to help clarify your interests and give you new options. After taking these tests, I will discuss the results with you. If you are wondering if you may benefit from talking to a psychologist, please contact me and we can make an appointment. If you have any additional questions, please call or email. If you would like to contact Dr. Greg Cason, email him at info@drgregcason.com or call him at 1.877.437.4734 to make an appointment. |
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