4
College Life
the Racquette
Feb. 5, 2016
Counseling Center Available for Students Center, says that demand is high. “Every year, the Counseling Center sees
level head and not panic no matter what the situ-
over 500 students, which is about 12 percent
ask for that student’s name and current location,
ation because in some cases a student’s life could
of the student population,” Nelson said. “Each
which will be kept confidential. Any registered
be at stake,” Nelson said.
counselor is seeing about 100 students this and
SUNY Potsdam student, regardless of where they
next semester, when they usually see between
live, can call a PC. In the event that a PC doesn’t answer the
Kessler said that for those considering answering
phone immediately, it’s possible the counselor is
the call, “Do it. The experience is so rewarding.”
seen more frequently in special cases. Students
already on the line dealing with another crisis. In
experiencing crisis, such as thoughts of suicide or
that case, you may leave a message and the on-
office hours may call 315-261-8873. Those in
feelings of intense anxiety, can be given a higher
duty PC will call back as soon as possible.
need of immediate assistance after hours who
Anyone who would like to be a PC can earn
Confidentiality and neutrality are crucial
2 upper-division internship credits per semester.
315-267-2222; Reachout: Local Crisis Hotline at
to the Counseling Center. Counselors can give
However, Nelson said that the duties of the PCs
315-265-2422; and the Renewal House: St. Law-
unbiased guidance that friends and parents often
can’t be fulfilled by everyone.
rence Sexual Assault Agency at 315-379-9845.
that will help students long after graduation day. “The Counseling Center’s overall goal is to give you enough strategies and aid to the point
Sports Editor
As we learned from the movie “Inside Out,” sadness, fear, disgust and anger are completely all
therapeutic options, including individual or group counseling, yoga and relaxation classes, guaranteeing that students will find a style that they are most comfortable with. Counselors are prepared to assist students
right. But people can’t feel sadness all of the time,
with a variety of issues, including trouble with
nor is it healthy to be angry during every waking
relationships or family, roommate disagree-
moment of the day. Emotions, both positive and
ments and academic difficulties. Counselors of
negative, create stress. Some stress is healthy and
a specific gender are available upon request,
even necessary for motivation, but in excess, it
and students may switch counselors at any time
can lead to anxiety, depression, or even thoughts
during the semester, should issues arise. After
of suicide. The Counseling Center exists to attend
the initial appointment, students may meet with
the needs of those students who have more than
their counselor every two or three weeks, depend-
they can bear.
ing on the need of the student and demand for
Located on the first floor of Van Housen Hall, the Counseling Center provides a variety of
individual therapy. Gena Nelson, director of the Counseling
Anyone in need of counseling during regular
priority and appointments on a weekly basis.
crisis, they aim to provide mental health education
Katie Wilson
However, for those who can, peer counseling is uniquely gratifying. Peer Counselor Katherine
Despite this, counselors are available to be
cannot provide. Along with helping students in
Katie Daloia
requires those that take part to be able to keep a
When a student calls for help, the PC will
60 and 75.”
Secretary Noreen Poirier keeps track of the center’s many student clients.
eating and body image concerns.”
where you won’t need to see a counselor anymore,” said counselor Julia Rapczynski. “A lot of it is students teaching counselors what they need to have help with for the most part.” After the Counseling Center closes at 4:30 p.m., Peer Counselors, or PCs, are available to assist any student in need. According to the Peer Counselors pamphlet, PCs are “Undergraduate and Graduate students whose goal is to provide additional mental health and emotional support resource on SUNY Potsdam Campus.” Started in 2004, the Peer Counseling program has provided help to students in a professional, supportive and non-judgmental fashion. Students can call the peer counselors, or PCs, about “depression, relationships, stress, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, homesickness, college adjustment, alcohol or drugs, social relationships, academic worries, rape or sexual harassment, concerns about a friend, family problems, identity concerns,
“It’s an extremely intensive internship that
cannot reach a PC may call University Police at