Making new friends, adjusting to campus life and coping with mounds of homework are a few of the most common issues that students face today. Dealing with these challenges can result in feelings of stress or being overwhelmed.
Now there is a free and confidential problem-solving resource for students who want to work through these complicated issues. The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at West Virginia University has a series of group counseling sessions this spring. The four groups will focus on managing social anxiety, coping with grief and navigating the challenges of todays complicated lifestyles.
Director Cathy Yura said the weekly sessions provide an alternative to traditional one-on-one therapy. Participants have the opportunity to share common concerns and explore personal issues under the guidance of group leaders.
The sessionsall held at the Carruth Centerprovide a safe and confidential environment, she added, and trained facilitators help guide the conversations in a positive direction.
Becoming at Ease Around Peoplewill help students develop skills for dealing with anxiety in social situations. Led by Dr. Lisa Hamilton and Debbie Thurneck, the sessions provide an educational focus on the issue and allow students to work on social interaction skills. The group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 7 and continuing through April 18 (no meeting on March 28).
A second group,Acknowledging Your Grief,led by Dr.MunKostka and Pam Parent, provides mutual support and encouragement for students dealing with the loss of a friend or family member. Coping with death can be a complicated process, Yura said, and the sessions will help students cope in a positive and healing manner. The group meets from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Two additional groups focusing on mens and womens issues are also available. Each one allows members to discuss the issues and pressures they face in their daily lives. The open dialogue structure will allow the groups to engage in discussions that are most relevant for the groups needs. Topics for discussion may include self-esteem, health, family issues and relationships. The mens group, led by Dr. Daniel G. Long, meets from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesdays, and the womens group, led by Melissa Garrison and Dawn Garlitz, meets from 2-3:30 p.m. on Fridays.
More information about these and other programs are available by calling 304-293-4431 or logging onto the Carruth Center Web site:http://www.wvu.edu/~cocenter/The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services is located on the third floor of the Student Services Building, next to the Mountainlair. Office hours are 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.