Counseling Corner

By Sharon Van de Houten, M.S.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Everyone knows that college is an excellent investment in yourself, and in your future. It is a wonderful way to expand your horizons, meet new people, and pave the way for a bright and prosperous future. However, college can also be STRESSFUL! There is a lot of pressure to perform well on exams, write brilliant papers, and even (gulp!) give presentations in front of the class. And let’s not forget the stress of being new here, and having to find your way around campus – and – worst of all – PARKING!

In addition to student pressures, we are all juggling personal lives. Dating or marriage, raising children, and/or having careers all require our time and attention, and can make us feel crazy at times. But add them all together, and throw in your role as college student on top of it, and you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or panicked at times. That’s why we are here. We don’t want you to feel alone. Here are some examples of issues you can bring to Counseling Corner:

• Kayla is a new student, and feeling lonely since leaving the familiarity and comfort of high school. She is feeling anxious and uncomfortable, and doesn’t know who to talk to. She decided to e-mail Counseling Corner for some feedback and suggestions.
• Amanda is a working mother, returning to college after many years. She is finding the grind of parenting, working, and attending college to be wearing her down. She wrote to Counseling Corner for help.
• Charles is in his 3rd year of college, and is feeling regret over choosing a major he doesn’t like, in order to please his parents. Now he feels sluggish, unhappy, and often skips classes. He wrote to Counseling Corner for guidance.
• Vicki has a boyfriend with a very hot temper. She finds that their fights are interfering with her ability to concentrate or do well in school. She wrote to Counseling Corner for feedback.

Your questions will be answered on this site by a licensed marriage and family therapist, with extensive experience in depression, anxiety, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and date rape, to name a few. We welcome the opportunity to assist you, and your identity will be kept confidential.

If you are feeling sad, scared, overwhelmed, or panicky, you are not alone. These are all treatable issues, and help is available. If you would like face-to-face assistance, please feel free to visit Counseling and Psychological Services (“CAPS”) on campus. They can also be reached at (657) 278-3040. We also offer counseling assistance at our Women’s Center/Adult Re-entry Center: (657) 278-3928.

However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, and have a question or concern, Counseling Corner is a place you can turn to for support, feedback, or advice. Please e-mail your questions or concerns to counselingcorner@verizon.net. We are just a keystroke away!