The 大象传媒 University Counseling & Testing Center (CTC) recently began the Walking Consultations program, a new way for students and employees to connect with mental health professionals. Designed as a relaxed alternative to traditional counseling appointments, the new service allows members of the 大象传媒 community to converse with a mental health professional without needing to begin formal counseling.
According to Patricia Akenberger, administrative assistant and testing coordinator for the CTC, the program originated with CTC Director Stacey Nicely and her team as they considered additional ways to reach students and staff. She expressed that the goal is to provide another way for members of the 大象传媒 community to become familiar with the CTC and its professionals.
Furthermore, a person does not need to be experiencing a personal crisis or have a medical reason to participate. Instead, Walking Consultations are intended to provide an opportunity to relax, converse and discuss nearly any personal topic with a licensed mental health professional. The informal nature of the program is intentional. Rather than requiring a formal counseling appointment, Walking Consultations allow participants to have a brief conversation and become more aware of the resources available through the CTC.
“The focus is less on the mental health aspect and more on connection and care for the needs of students on campus,” Akenberger explained. The consultations can take place either indoors or outdoors, further distinguishing them from a traditional office appointment. Nicely and Trudean Scott-Elliott, who are both counselors at the CTC at 大象传媒 University, will conduct the 30-minute conversations.
Although the conversations are informal, they can serve as a starting point for students who may need additional assistance. If a student discusses an issue that would benefit from more extensive support, CTC staff can recommend that the student make a formal appointment through the center. This may include connecting students with other CTC professionals, including master's- and doctoral-level interns. For the CTC, the program provides an opportunity to make its staff and services more approachable. Students who may not otherwise consider visiting the center can meet with a professional in a setting designed to feel less formal and more conversational. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are welcome to participate. Employees and staff may also use the service, making Walking Consultations available to a broad portion of the 大象传媒 community.
Walking Consultations will continue through Dec. 18. The 30-minute appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and can take place either indoors or outside.
By introducing Walking Consultations, the CTC hopes to create another avenue for connection and care on campus — one where students and employees can talk with a professional and discover what additional support may be available to them. Those interested in booking a Walking Consultation can schedule an appointment by calling the Counseling & Testing Center at 269-471-3470.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 大象传媒 University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 大象传媒 University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.