Counseling in the Framework of the Pedagogical Student Support

What can I expect from the counseling conversation?

In order to have sufficient time and space for all residents, we mainly utilize fixed appointments in the counseling department. On average, we plan about 60 Minutes per conversation.

Next, we listen to the issue and organize the situation together with the person seeking counsel. In the next step, we look for solutions with the goal of restoring the power to act and developing a perspective. An important part of our work is also a professional judgement of whether this problem is a symptom of a mental illness or not. If that is the case, and some kind of mental illness disturbance is noticed, we will assist in the next steps of how and where to get the quickest help.

Using opportunities for help in difficult, burdensome phases of life is evidence of self-responsibility and actualization!

 Who works in the psychosocial counseling department of the Pedagogical Student Support?

Currently, Dorothee Schmerling and Leonie Engels offer psychosocial counseling in the department of the Pedagogical Student Support. You can freely decide with whom you would like to schedule a counseling conversation independently of the counselor assigned to your dormitory.  Here you can find our more about their qualifications:

• Dorothee Schmerling
  Dipl. Social Pedagogue
  Art Therapist (Köln School)
  Sexual Pedagogue ISP
• Leonie Engels
  M.A. Pedagogy, Specialization Adult Education
  Healing Practitioner for Psychotherapie
  Systematic Counselor i.A. (WIST Münster)

Who is informed that I had counseling in the framework of the Pedagogical Student Support?

The offer of the psychosocial counseling is confidential. A professional exchange about the contents of the counseling can be held solely if needed and and if so, confidentially and in a professional team. Other than that, no information is allowed to be passed on without explicit consent!

What costs are connected with the counseling conversation opportunity of the BSW?

The offer for counseling is accessible for free for all residents of the BSW. Waiting times for a free counseling appointment time could apply.

Are counseling conversations offered in other languages?

Currently we can offer counseling in German and English.

Can the Pedagogical Student Support arrange a place in therapy?

Sadly the search for a fitting therapy place in Germany is sometimes hampered by challenges. Often, several psychological Psychotherapists must be contacted and weeks or even months of waiting time for a free therapy spot must be taken into account. We can support residents in this searching process and can accompany the transition. The arrangement of a concrete therapy spot is however not a part of our official duties!

How do I know if I need to utilize the help/counseling resources?

A general answer for this question does not exist – but maybe the following starting points can be an orientation help:

• In you have the feeling that there is something that you would like to discuss with independent people with an outside perspective.
• If you are experiencing pressure from suffering and the burden is having an effect upon your studies or your private life.
• When your productivity or performance is limited.
• When your thoughts frequently revolve around a topic that burdens you.
• When you withdraw yourself and isolate yourself from your social circles.
• When you continually think about if you could need counseling/support.
• …

How many counseling appointments can I make during my time living in the dormitory?

We work in a process-oriented and need-based way, and we will discuss together how many counseling appointments could be helpful for the issue and with which frequency you can and want to book them. Continually reviewing these agreements is part of our professional position and work.

What is the difference between psychosocial counseling and a psychotherapy?

The offering of psychosocial therapy is recommended when thematically limited support with specific burdens is deemed necessary. Counseling is a preventative and development-oriented support opportunity that provides help with self-help. By contrast, psychotherapy is a healing therapy and assumes that there is a psychological disturbance present that will potentially be clarified by psychotherapists.