The counseling process involves the development of a unique, confidential helping relationship.  The ultimate goal of a professional counselor is to promote the development of more effective and adaptive behavior.   Counseling includes the process that enables a person to grow in directions chosen by that person.  It is the counselor's job at GateWay to make the student aware of possible alternatives and encourage him/her to take responsibility for taking action on one or more of those alternatives.  Counseling provides a variety of services including individual change through counseling, consultation, coordination, and classroom instruction.  Counselors collaborate with other staff as needed to help students reach their potential.  Counselors are consultants bringing a wide variety of expertise to help staff, students and faculty. 

Why do Students Come for Counseling?

Students seek a counselor for a variety of reasons, some of which include the following:

• Personal, Career, and Academic Counseling 
• Crisis Intervention
• Academic Concerns or difficulties 
• Depression/Anxiety/Personal issues
• Life Purpose and/or goal setting
• Loss/Grief
• Overcoming Self-defeating behaviors
• Stress Management

Who are the Counselors?

The counselors at GateWay are professionals who have been trained to provide services to people who exhibit a full range of functioning.  In order to be a counselor in the Maricopa Colleges, a counselor must have a minimum of a master's degree or higher with major study in counseling along with other specific criterion. [See Human Resources]

• Frank Zamora, M.C., Counseling Department Chair
• Denise Bowman, M.C., Counseling Faculty
• Sharon Zygowicz, Ph.D., Counseling Faculty