FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MYTHS ABOUT COUNSELING
Counseling is something that is misunderstood by many people.
These are some common myths about counseling:
MYTH 1: Counseling is only for people who have serious emotional problems.
FACT: While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems it can also help:
- Couples who want a stronger relationship, or are contemplating a commitment or marriage.
- Individuals who have difficulty with self-esteem, communication, or assertion.
- Individuals having academic problems, difficulty in test-taking and/or test anxiety.
- Students having difficulty juggling school, work, and other responsibilities.
- Students trying to adjust to their new surroundings.
MYTH 2: Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.
FACT: There is nothing weak about a person who seeks counseling. In fact, it takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences. The individuals who enter counseling are taking the first step in resolving their difficulties.
MYTH 3: The counselor will tell you what to do and how to “fix” your problems.
FACT: Counseling is not a “quick fix” cure to your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, to examine your options, and to assist you in achieving the goals you have set.
MYTH 4: The counselor cannot understand you unless he/she has had similar experiences or is of the same background.
FACT: Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns of students with regard to gender, racial/ethnic, cultural, religious, age, sexual preference/orientation, and socioeconomic issues.
COST
Services are of NO COST to Sheridan College, Gillette College, and Johnson County affiliated students.
Counseling Services: 307-674-6446 ext. 2008
Whitney Building Administration Suite 145L
APPOINTMENTS
Appointments are available on the Sheridan Campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and can be made by phone, in person, or email. Arrangements can usually be made for individuals in crisis. Services in Gillette are available on Wednesdays and appointments can be made by phone, email or in person. There are currently no services available in Johnson County.
STAFF
Deanne Wyssmann, M.S. is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor with a special interest and expertise in working with college students. She values an atmosphere that is welcoming and comfortable for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Counseling Services: 307-674-6446 ext. 2008
Whitney Building Administration Suite 145L
OFFICE HOURS and LOCATION
Counseling Services are located in Whitney Building Administration Suite 145L and are open 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday except Wednesday. Evening hours by appointment only.
Services are not currently available in Johnson County.
Phone: 307-674-6446, ext. 2008.
E-mail: dwyssmann@sheridan.edu.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All counselor contacts with students are treated with confidentially and in accord with the state of Wyoming Mental Health Code. The counselor cannot tell anyone, inside or outside of the Northern Wyoming Community College District, that the student is receiving Counseling Services unless the student signs a specific release of information authorizing us to do so, except in cases of imminent danger or as otherwise required by law. All interactions with the counselor, including scheduling of or attendance at appointments, content of sessions, progress in counseling and records are confidential and stored in the counseling office. No record of counseling is contained in any academic, educational, or job placement file.
If you refer students to NWCCD Counseling Services, you should be aware that the counselor will be unable to answer any questions you have about that student’s contact with the counselor without his/her written consent. If you have information you think the counselor should know about a student who may or may not be utilizing our services, do not hesitate to contact NWCCD Counseling Services; the counselor will be happy to listen to your concerns but will be unable to provide any information about specific students.
The same guarantee of confidentiality extends to NWCCD employees who might make use of the referral service.
Counseling Services: 307-674-6446 ext. 2008
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