April is counseling awareness month. An upstanding university student would be remiss if she or he were unable to articulate the various facets of counseling, or did not know how a student might benefit from them. This short article seeks to explain counseling and to describe potential benefits.Counseling is often associated with mental health, and indeed mental health is
an important aspect of the work of a university counselor. However, mental health is a broad term that encompasses the enhancement of existing mental skills necessary for success in life, as well as treating mental problems: one needn’t be sick to seek counseling. Healthy and informed students seek counseling services for many different reasons. Student athletes and performing artists seek counseling to enhance sport and artistic performance by learning and applying techniques such as relaxation, visualization, and goal-setting.
Students wishing to improve academic performance do so by seeking counseling to learn and apply methods for enhancing study skills, increasing concentration ability, and improving memory. Students undecided about a career choice seek counseling for help with decision making.
Many students seek counseling for help with problems of everyday living such as improving interpersonal relationships, sharpening communication skills, and exploring issues related to personal and sexual identity. Counseling offers many resources for helping healthy students prepare for a happy and successful
life.
Counseling is also an important resource for students who are experiencing emotional turmoil. University can be a very stressful environment academically and socially. Academic demands and social pressures can influence feelings of depression and anxiety, and cause students to feel overwhelmed. Students experiencing emotional turmoil seek counseling for relief so that they can get on with their lives.
PVAMU has invested in a team of highly trained counselors. Our counselors are second to none in terms of dedication, education, experience, and effectiveness. Additionally, PVAMU counselors understand the issues relevant to our student community. Students who come to the PVAMU Student Counseling Center for help of any kind can be assured that they will receive the finest
quality care in a professional and respectful manner. Students with sensitive issues can take comfort in knowing that their confidentiality will be strictly maintained by our professional staff.
If you came to PVAMU to prepare for a successful and productive life,counseling can help. Whether you have mental health concerns or simply want to enhance basic mental skills and strategies, counseling can help. This valuable, and in many cases expensive, service is available to students at no cost. If you want to prepare yourself to be the most competitive player you can be, you should consider counseling.
On counseling is available for students on campus at Owens Franklin Health Center. To speak with a couselor or if you need more information please call (936)857-2511.