A three-part series called “Consultations with a Counselor” seeks to educate Clark faculty about the warning signs of distressed students and outline ways of approaching students with concerns and referrals for counseling.
The series begins on April 30, and will continue May 7 and May 14 in the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This series is open to faculty and students alike.
According to the Clark Web site, the series seeks to facilitate discussion about distressing student behavior, explore ways to address these behaviors and review the process by which faculty can refer students to free, confidential counseling services available on campus.
In the years since the Virginia Tech shooting that left 32 dead on April 16, 2006, colleges and universities nationwide have increased security and counseling resources for students.
Clark has added security escorts, parking lot identifiers and sections to syllabi describing procedures and resources in emergency situations.
Clark counselor Judy Van Patten said the number of students seeking counseling has increased nationwide and at Clark. “It’s probably busier,” she said. “We’ve certainly been advertising our services more.”
Van Patten said that she hopes to raise faculty awareness of the services available at Clark and of behaviors that might indicate emotional distress, such as erratic attendance, inability to make decisions or references to harming themselves or others.
She said that it has always been the responsibility of the faculty to refer students who may need counseling. "I think that Virginia Tech sort of raised awareness of the importance," Van Patten said. "What has changed is the awareness that is an important role, and a necessary one."
Clark psychology professor John Governale said counseling can be helpful even to those without a diagnosed disorder, “I think a lot of people could benefit from mental health services."
He said that many college students are under different kinds of stress, such as establishing financial independence, seeking education and personal independence from their families. “There are so many transitions,” he said. “When people are under a lot of stress…it tends to increase their response to stressful circumstances.”
He said that while he has never approached a student exhibiting distressed behavior, students have approached him with their personal problems in the past. “I advise them not to be so hard on themselves,” Governale said. “I think Americans tend to overextend themselves.”
Faculty and students can reserve their place at this event by e-mailing tlc@clark.edu. According to an e-mail sent from the Teaching and Learning Center to Clark faculty, space is limited.
