Group counseling is one option for students dealing with difficult
emotions in the aftermath of the shootings. In a safe and confidential
setting, groups of eight to 10 people meet with a trained therapist to
discuss what is troubling them.
The Counseling Center is also offering walk-in group times for the next
two Thursdays (Aug. 30 and Sept. 6 at 3:00 p.m.) for students to
discuss their concerns about April 16 in a group setting. No
appointments are necessary for these sessions. In addition to these
gatherings, the Cook Counseling Center can help any student begin group
counseling at any time.
Cook Counseling Center Director Christopher Flynn, along with Tom
Brown, the Dean of Students, is offering a series of seminars for the
entire Tech community on "Identifying and Referring the Distressed
Student." Tentatively scheduled for the first week of September, these
seminars will help members of the community understand how they can
help a student in distress.
For students who prefer a one-on-one interaction, individual counseling
is another alternative. In addition to issues surrounding April 16,
individual counseling at Cook Counseling Center is always available for
issues including depression, anxiety, loneliness and feelings of
inadequacy. Students can also meet with a counselor to discuss couples'
issues, sexual concerns, academic stress, eating disorders and drug and
alcohol problems.
The Counseling Center website, at www.ucc.vt.edu, also provides a free
and anonymous online screening module. Though not intended to replace a
personal meeting with a counselor, the module can help students
determine if they might have a problem with depression, anxiety,
alcohol use or an eating disorder.
The Counseling Center also offers periodic group workshops on topics
ranging from relaxation to positive thinking and study skills. All of
these services can be accessed by visiting the Cook Counseling Center
in McComas Hall or by calling (540) 231-6557 to set up an appointment.
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