WELL Team News! 

Counseling Services is now part of Southwestern University’s W ellness E ducation for L iving and L earning (WELL) program. The WELL program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to improve overall success and performance in all areas of Southwestern University. It focuses on the areas of nutrition, stress management, physical health, and injury rehabilitation.

The WELL team includes physicians, a family nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, counseling services counselors, athletic trainers, a nutritionist, and a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Common concerns that the WELL program is designed to address include: General health and well-being, athletic performance, post-injury rehabilitation, disordered eating concerns, and life balance. This program is open to all students. Students interested can contact Health Services at (512) 863-1252, stop by Health and Counseling Services, or download a brochure. 

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Southwestern University affirms the rights of its students to live, work, and learn in an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from the threat of sexual assault or any other form of sexual contact without mutual consent.  Accordingly, any form of sexual misconduct will not be tolerated.  The University is committed both to a campus-wide program of education and prevention, and to a timely and appropriate response to any reports of such activity. Learn more about Southwestern’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Veterans

Counseling Services extends a warm welcome to all veterans and veteran dependents to Southwestern. You are invited to utilize our services at any time while enrolled.

General Information

What We Offer

Individual Counseling

Students can meet one-on-one with a counselor to discuss their concerns and ways to cope. If a student’s needs would be best met by an off-campus service, referrals will be provided.

Interpersonal Process Group Counseling

Interpersonal process groups are powerful tools for growth and change. In process groups, 5-10 individuals meet face to face to share their struggles and concerns with the facilitation of a trained therapist. These interpersonal interactions can provide group members an opportunity to deepen their level of self-awareness and to learn how they relate to others. Once these groups have formed, they meet confidentially throughout the semester to learn about relationships, self-awareness, identifying emotions, and trust.

Workshops

Counseling Services offers various workshops for students where they can learn about health and wellness. These workshops are didactic and experiential in nature, and any SU student can attend.

• Spring 2012 Workshops:
• Stress management - In this 4-week workshop students learn how stress affects the body and mind, as well as how to combat the negative effects of stress through breath work, meditation, guided imagery and biofeedback.
• The Body Project - The Body Project is designed to increase body satisfaction among female college students. Participants attend four weekly 1- hour class meetings on campus. During these meetings, participants complete a series of written and verbal exercises intended to increase body satisfaction by helping them think critically about the ultra-slender ideal and discussing some of the pitfalls associated with pursuit of this ideal. This class is designed for young women who have some concerns about their bodies. If you are interested in participating contact the Counseling Service (863-1252) and ask to schedule a 30 minute consultation with a counselor for the Body Project.
• Guided Meditation - A open weekly drop in session that is designed to teach relaxation and meditative skills for overall health and well being.

 

Couples Counseling

Improved relationships are the goal when romantic partners join students in counseling.

Consultation

Students who are concerned about another student can talk with a counselor about how to help that person. Parents who are concerned about their student may consult with Counseling Services about how to best help their student.

Alcohol/Drug Education

Students concerned about their alcohol and/or drug use are welcome to come in. Students placed on judicial probation for campus policy violations can fulfill their education requirements as well.

In compliance with the United States Department of Education, here are links to two specific sections of Southwestern’s current Student Handbook.  The first excerpt from the Student Handbook addresses standards of conduct regarding drug and alcohol possession and use by students.  The second from the Student Handbook addresses applicable legal sanctions under state laws for unlawful possession and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, as well as a description of the health risks associated with the use of these substances.

Peer Health Educators/ Outreach Programs

The Peer Health Educators (PHEs) are students trained to educate others about lifestyle and wellness issues in a positive, interactive, and nonjudgemental manner. PHEs also provide outreach programs.

Resources

Self-help resources are available to students in the form of brochures, books, and videos. Assistance with outside referral resources are also provided.