Overview | FAQs

Do Bastyr counselors specialize in any particular problems or therapies?

Who does the counseling?

Do you see people with severe psychoses?

Do you counsel children?

Do your counselors treat patients without students present?

What are the students’ roles in a counseling session?

How long do you treat a patient for a particular problem?

Do Bastyr counselors specialize in particular problems or therapies?

Bastyr counselors focus on the connection between emotional and physical health. To that end, they have particular expertise in dealing with people whose mental distress may result from chronic health problems and vice versa. They also specialize in helping people with work-related stress, relationship and life style issues.

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Who does the counseling?

Currently, all students working in counseling are in the naturopathic doctoral program. They are trained in a variety of counseling techniques and often bring fresh and insightful perspectives to a case. Our supervisors are doctoral level psychologists.

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Do you see people with severe psychoses?

No, but we can make referrals to practitioners in the community.

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Do you counsel children?

At this time, we don’t counsel children.

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Do your counselors treat patients without students present? I’m uncomfortable about seeing students for personal matters?

No. As Bastyr University’s teaching clinic, students are involved in all sessions and are supervised by a professional. We do not offer private practice services. If it appears an individual might benefit from counseling services not available at Bastyr, we may refer them to a practitioner in the community.

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What are the students’ roles in a counseling session? Do they ask questions or just listen? What does the supervisor do?

One student counselor will be in the room with the patient, conducting the session. Another student, along with the clinical supervisor, will observe the session either through a one-way mirror or video camera. All patients are informed of this procedure and are asked to sign release forms beforehand. The primary student confers with the supervisor in the observations room and plans for follow up. In some cases, the supervising physician may meet the patient as well.

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How long do you usually treat a patient for a particular problem?

Each person’s treatment length will vary. Generally speaking, we recommend six one-hour sessions (six weeks). We establish specific goals with the patient and measure progress along the way.

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