You always looked forward to college and thought it would be a time where you somehow found yourself. You know…it would be all about making new friends, trying new experiences and learning all kinds of interesting things. Then at some point it began to feel less exciting. Maybe you’ve been crippled by test anxiety or found it really hard to put yourself out there and make new friends. You’ve noticed negative thoughts going around and around in your head that you can’t seem to turn off. To put it simply: you are struggling.
College is a unique period in a person’s life. You are still establishing your own identity in the midst of pressure put on you by family, yourself and society at large. You are expected to choose a future profession, navigate adult relationships and independently meet your own needs. It’s no wonder that college students often seek the support of therapy. A skilled therapist who understands the campus culture can give you a safe space to explore your feelings and help you make the most of your college experience while also setting you up for success after graduation.
As an experienced campus counselor, I understand the unique challenges faced by college students.
Common Reasons College Students Come to Therapy
College students decide to come to counseling for many different reasons. Whether you are experiencing depression so severe that you’re taking a semester off classes or just wanting a little help combating test anxiety, you are in the right place. Here are a few of the many mental health concerns I can help you with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Test anxiety
- Social Anxiety
- General Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Identity Issues: figuring out “Who Am I?”
- Career Counseling
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions
- Relationship Problems
- Spiritual Questions
- Stress Management
- Uncertainty about the future/Concerns about Life Post-Graduation
Every college student’s journey is unique. Regardless of what your specific issue is, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s talk about how I might be able to help you both excel during your collee career and also prepare for entering the workforce after graduation.
Counseling can help College Students
Most college students find a great deal of relief when they start therapy. It can be especially comforting to work with someone who is familiar with your school and understands the pressures you face every single day.
My Approach to Therapy for College Students
I have worked on a college campus for 20 years, 15 in college counseling. My experience providing counseling services on four different area campuses during that time has given me a good understanding of campus culture. While I am an experienced clinician, I also understand the college experience better than many community counselors.
I tailor my therapy approach to your specific needs. That said, I typically use Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques. Through counseling, you’ll identify “mind traps” and look for new ways to think of things that will help you better reach your goals. I also incorporate mindfulness when it’s appropriate. And no, by mindfulness I don’t just mean sitting in a cross legged position meditating on your breath for an hour. With college students, I often do more active mindfulness activities focused on teaching you to be more present in your daily life.
Advantages to Seeing a Therapist off Campus
There are advantages to seeing a mental health professional off campus, and if you are looking at this page you probably can think of a couple of those.
- Privacy: Often times, privacy is a big reason college students look for campus in the community. You are much less likely to run into your peers and classmates in my office. If you are really worried about privacy, let me know and I’ll do my best to schedule your appointments at a different time than other students from your same school.
- Therapeutic Fit: Some students have difficulty connecting with the therapist provided in Counseling Services. Campus counseling centers are limited by the number of therapists they have on staff or doing internships. By going off campus, you have the ability to really look for someone with the skills to help you and who you feel comfortable with. For some college students, I may be that fit.
- Therapist Training/Experience: If you are looking for a counselor with the experience and flexibility to provide you really top notch mental health services, you’ve come to the right place! I am not a new therapist working on a college campus hoping to fine tune my skills or move up the ladder. Instead, I am a seasoned clinician committed to providing the absolute best counseling services.
I work with students from universities around the Cincinnati area, because I enjoy helping college students reach their full potential.
Counseling for College Students in Cincinnati, OH
It can feel intimidating to begin counseling, but it makes all the difference in the world. An experienced therapist helps you skillfully navigate the stressful situations in your life. Call 513-504-6812 or send me a message today to get start therapy. We’ll quickly set up an appointment to talk about how counseling might help you. My Cincinnati, OH counseling clinic is conveniently located on Delta Avenue and easily accessible for students attending Xavier, the University of Cincinnati, Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati Christian University, Northern Kentucky University or Cincinnati State Community College.
