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Recognizing When a Student Needs More than Academic Support. …And what to do about it! Karen Ela Kenny, MSW, LICSW Director, Counseling Center Kristina Wilson, MSW, LICSW Counselor. 2010/2011 Counseling Statistics. 228 students seen 156 females, 67 males
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Recognizing When a Student Needs More than Academic Support …And what to do about it! Karen Ela Kenny, MSW, LICSW Director, Counseling Center Kristina Wilson, MSW, LICSW Counselor
2010/2011 Counseling Statistics • 228 students seen • 156 females, 67 males • 65 freshmen, 55 sophomores, 60 juniors, 43 seniors • Issues • Depression/Anxiety (85) • Stress (28) • Relationship difficulties (28)
Referral Sources • Self (98) • Friends (22) • DOS (37) • Res Life (13) • Health Services (37) • Parents (19) • Professors (3)
What we do • Crisis Management • 115 urgent, same day visits • 11 Psychiatric medical absences • 3 psychiatric hospitalization • Brief Intervention Model • Counseling visits range from 1-17, average of 4 • BASICS – 2 session alcohol assessment/intervention
How has the student population changed? • Advancement of psychiatric medication • Recent study by the American College Counseling Association: 44% of students in counseling have severe psychological disorders and 24% are on psychiatric medication. This is a 16% increase from 2000. • Helicopter parents • Well-meaning but over involved parents undermine the student’s ability to develop resiliency which will aid them in managing the stress of college life.
Skills necessary to build resiliency • Contemplation • Quiet opportunity in their schedule to reflect • Regulate emotions • Tolerance of unpleasant emotions • Delay gratification • Develop inner gratification • Healthy competition • Move to peak performance, challenge to find capabilities
What are you likely to notice? • Weepiness/crying on more than one occasion • Looking unkempt with poor personal hygiene • Minimal interaction with peers • Poor eye contact • Boisterous and bizarre conversation • Continued failure after attempts to support the student academically • “You’re the only one who understands me, can help me”
How to respond/suggest counseling • Straightforward approach is best • “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling with…” • Hearing your concern is powerful • “I’m worried about you” • Explain Counseling Center as “someone is there to help talk with you and figure things out” • Offer to walk them over
Other Support Services • Presentations for RA staff regarding issues around: • Eating disorder • Sexual Assault • Stress management • Test Anxiety presentation • Sexual Assault prevention talks with freshmen • Presentation to EMS regarding psych issues • Attend Support Net • Consultation