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. For the Fall of 2012, the process groups will be held on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 5:30 pm with Dr. Judy Sonnenberg and on Wednesday from 4 pm to 5:30 pm with Dr. Kylin Lee
Expressive Arts Therapy Group Counseling
Expressive Arts Therapy Groups are closed groups of 5-6 members that meet confidentially for 8 sessions during the length of one semester. These groups are ideal for clients who are open to explore the self by engaging in the process of creativity in a therapeutic setting. This group provides clients the freedom to experiment with a number of art modalities and has been shown to help individuals find their voice and express the self in playful and powerful ways! Clients may only enter these groups at the beginning of the semester and must have an initial screening with the group leader before they can be a member. For the Fall of 2012, this group will be held on Thursdays from 4 pm to 5:30 pm with Betsy Naylor Warren, beginning September 27th.
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.
- Fall 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. This group will be held on Mondays from 4 pm to 5 pm, beginning September 17th.
- Guided Meditation - This is a once weekly open group, which means there is no signing up, just show up, that focuses on relaxation through guided meditation and guided imagery. This group will be held every Wednesday from 12:20 pm to 1 pm.
- The Body Project - The Body Project is designed to increase body satisfaction among female college students. Participants attend 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.
Couples Counseling
Improved relationships are the goal when romantic partners join students in counseling.
WELL Team
The WELL (W ellness E ducation for L iving and L earning) program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to improve overall success and performance in 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 and Counseling Services at (512) 863-1252, or download a brochure.
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 excerpt 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 and 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.
