Counseling Services On Campus

Center Information

• The objective of counseling is to help clients improve their well-being, alleviate their distress, resolve their crisis and increase their ability to solve problems and make decisions. Counselors enable and facilitate psychological growth and development by helping clients better use existing resources and skills or by guiding them in developing new ways to help themselves.
• A counseling appointment typically lasts 50 minutes, and is free to Parker University students.
• Your appointment times are reserved exclusively for you. If you cannot keep your appointment, please contact the office as soon as possible so that others may utilize the time. If you miss an appointment please contact the counselor to reschedule. 
• If a crisis arises during the evening or weekend, call or text the crisis hotlines above. 
• You have the right to decide if you desire counseling services. If you prefer a professional from the community, we shall provide you with the names of other qualified therapists. You have the right to terminate counseling at any time without any moral or legal obligation.
• All information revealed by you to the counselor will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any other person or agency without your written permission except those situations which by law a counselor is required to report. These include: (1) if you threaten bodily harm or death to yourself or another person; (2) if you report the physical or sexual abuse of a minor child; (3) if you report the physical or sexual abuse of an elderly person (4) if you report sexual abuse or exploitation by a mental health provider. 
• Any complaints against a counselor may be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs or though the counselor's professional licensing board.

As we dive into May, we're not just embracing the warmer weather, but also recognizing it as Mental Health Month. At the Counseling Department, we're dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, providing support, and fostering coping skills for all members of our community.

This month, we have an array of engaging activities planned to encourage mental wellness and self-care:

1. Mindful Mondays: Kickstart your week with mindfulness exercises designed to help you start your week with clarity and focus. Join us every Monday morning for guided meditation sessions. Each Monday there will be a new mindful activity posted in the student newsletter and on our website.
2. Therapeutic Arts & Crafts:  Unleash your creativity and reduce stress through art therapy. Join us for therapeutic arts and crafts sessions where you can explore various artistic mediums as a means of self-expression.       
3. Wellness Workshops: Throughout the month, we'll be hosting interactive workshops covering topics such as stress management, test anxiety, time management and selfcare. These workshops are designed to provide practical tools for navigating life's challenges.
4. Yoga: Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and join us for yoga sessions. Connect with nature, rejuvenate your body, and calm your mind as you practice yoga surrounded by the tranquility of the outdoors.
5. Virtual Support Groups: For those who prefer virtual connections, we'll be hosting online support groups where you can connect with peers, share experiences, and receive support in a safe and inclusive environment.
6. Self-Care Challenge: Join us in our self-care challenge and commit to prioritizing your well-being throughout the month. Each week, we'll provide prompts and activities to inspire you to incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. These will be posted in the student newsletter and on our website.

🌟 Welcome to Mindful Monday! 🌟

Today, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace as we explore the practice of mindfulness. But first, what exactly is mindfulness?

🧘‍♂️ What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. It involves bringing awareness to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment without judgment.

🌿 Why Practice Mindfulness? By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop greater clarity, focus, and resilience in the face of life's challenges. It allows us to step out of autopilot mode and respond to situations with intention and compassion. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing overall well-being.

🌻 How to Practice Mindfulness? Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, including meditation, deep breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful movement such as yoga or tai chi. The key is to bring your full attention to the present moment, whether you're eating, walking, or simply sitting in stillness.

🌬️ Today's Exercise: Breath Awareness Meditation Join us today as we kick off our Mindful Monday series with a simple yet powerful breath awareness meditation. Take a few moments to find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and bring your awareness to the sensation of your breath.

💬 Reflection Question: What does mindfulness mean to you, and how can you incorporate it into your daily life?

Stay tuned for more mindfulness exercises and tips every Mindful Monday as we continue to explore the transformative power of mindfulness together!

Share your thoughts and experiences with us using #MindfulMonday and invite others to join you on this journey of self-discovery and inner peace.

🌟 Welcome to the Self-Care Challenge! 🌟

Self-care is not selfish—it's essential for nurturing your well-being and maintaining balance in your life. Join us in prioritizing self-care this month with our Self-Care Challenge! Each week, we'll provide you with simple yet meaningful prompts and activities to inspire self-care and self-reflection. This week we're focusing on physical self-care.

🌿 Week 1: Physical Self-Care Take time this week to nourish your body and prioritize your physical well-being. Whether it's going for a walk, preparing a healthy meal, or getting a good night's sleep, make choices that honor and support your body's needs.

💬 Week 1 Reflection: How does taking care of your physical health impact your overall well-being? What physical self-care practices bring you joy and vitality?