Have you ever felt stuck in a relationship, whether it be romantic or platonic? Or do you find it hard to develop social connections and do not know why? Well, you are in luck, Student Counseling Services has just the group for that.
SCS offers many mental health services from one-on-one to group counseling to workshops. Students can join at any time and do not require a recommendation.
Connect-Relationships is a counseling group that started Fall of 2019. They meet every Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the SCS Group Room, located on the first floor of Rice Hall.
Connect-Relationships provides students with a safe environment to talk out concerns within interpersonal relationships. Each group usually includes five to twelve students and one to two group leaders. Each meeting lasts forty-five minutes.
Connect offers many topics on relationships, this past meeting on Oct. 21 was about breakups and heartaches, and the upcoming meeting on Oct. 28 will be about childhood experiences and relationships.
These group sessions are always confidential. Students are also encouraged, but not required, to share and can share as much or as little as they please. Official group rules as listed on the UNA Counseling website are:
- What is said in the group, stays in the group.
- Be respectful and listen.
- Speak up with “Oops” or “Ouch” to reduce miscommunication.
- Participate (but know that you can always pass).
- No technology (unless approved for an activity/accommodation).
In hopes for future plans, Student Counseling Services director, Maggie Stutts said, “We hope to continue expanding our Group Therapy options. We currently have 4 groups that are offered M-Th from 3:30 – 4:30 in the SCS office”.
Students interested in becoming ambassadors for mental health are encouraged to fill out an application for Healthy Lion Council on the UNA Counseling website. “SCS loves to partner with students and staff,” said Maggie Stutts “any chance we can to promote health and well-being.”
Other active counseling groups offered are Huddle for student-athletes, Self-Esteem and Empowerment, Wellness Wednesdays and I’m Fine for anxiety and stress.
Everybody’s mental health matters, whether it be yours or someone you know. Faculty, staff, and parents who are concerned about a student are encouraged to call 256-765-5215 and ask for a check-in. If you are struggling, please reach out for help.
