What is the Counseling Service?

The Counseling Service at Antonine University (UA) offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself and work toward greater well-being and mental health. Whether you are facing family or friendship challenges, academic or career difficulties, or struggling with emotional instability, this service provides the tools and guidance you need to grow, flourish, and set meaningful goals. Our counselor will guide you to identify strategies and create a plan to help you achieve them.

Benefits of Counseling

Counseling is a process of learning and self-discovery, where students develop deeper self-awareness and acquire new skills for navigating life.

It can be particularly helpful in situations such as depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, hyperactivity, or abuse (sexual, verbal, or emotional). Counseling also supports students coping with grief and loss (bereavement, breakup, etc.), relationship difficulties, academic struggles (such as lack of concentration), and many other concerns.

Every session is built on two guarantees: confidentiality and comfort.

Through counseling, students can experience:

• a safe and supportive space;
• empathetic and attentive listening;
• the feeling of being understood;
• greater self-acceptance and self-esteem;
• the ability to change unhelpful habits or behaviors;
• healthier emotional expression and management;
• relief from depression, anxiety, or other conditions;
• stronger confidence and decision-making skills;
• a deeper sense of well-being;
• improved problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.

Students’ Rights in Counseling

At the Counseling Service, you have the right to:

• be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness;
• access counseling regardless of age, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or disability;
• ask questions about your support plan, including diagnosis, goals, methods, and expected duration;
• know the qualifications and professional experience of your counselor;
• participate actively in decisions about your treatment, including transfer to another counselor or health professional if needed;
• end your sessions at any time;
• access your personal file and request a copy;
• give or withhold consent before any information about you is shared with a third party, and to choose what information is shared;
• be informed of the procedures in place in case of crisis or emergency;
• submit a formal complaint to the Secretary General if you believe your rights are not respected.

Message From the Counselor

Dear Students,

As you begin or continue your journey Antonine University, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenging times many of us are facing. Living in a country where insecurities and crises affect our daily lives brings unique struggles and often leads us to experience sadness, anxiety, fear, overthinking, hopelessness, and other heavy emotions. You are not alone; we all share similar issues. When the environment around us feels uncertain, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness — it is a wise step to confront inner uncertainty and prevent toxic chaos.

At Antonine University, your mental health and well-being are just as important as your academic and professional growth. They influence not only your mood and your relationships with others but also your concentration, consistency, and even your physical health. Knowing that mental health plays a pivotal role in shaping your future, we encourage you to practice self-compassion, care for both your mind and body, incorporate daily deep breathing, maintain a healthy routine, engage in activities that bring you peace, and stay connected with friends and loved ones.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that our Counseling Service is here to offer you unlimited, free sessions — always with professionalism, confidentiality, dignity, and a non-judgmental approach. If you feel confused or hesitant, book your first appointment and let us talk and connect; together, we will discover strategies for coping and building strength.

It is not about ignoring pain, but about creating your own path of adaptation, and strengthening your ability to endure, to be resilient, and to find balance.

Ms. Micheline Sammour Alam