If you’re a registered student at SFA, the Counseling Services Department is available to you as a free resource. As terrifying as it is to let another person in on your deepest thoughts and emotions, it is worth bringing them to light in order to move towards healing and mental health. I regret to say that it took my very last semester on campus to finally check it out, but I am so glad that I did. I know several of my friends and other students are interested in doing the same. What stopped me from going is fear of the unknown, so I’m sharing my experiences in attempt to relieve you of the same fear. This is what happened when I actually went to Counseling Services.
Photo by Daina Phillips for Her Campus at SFA
Making the Call
I made my first appointment by phone call. I called their office, asked to make an appointment and they gave me the next availability that worked out with my busy schedule. I scheduled my second appointment by email. That time, I gave my availability and preference upon contacting them, and they confirmed a time slot that worked for both me and my counselor. By showing kindness and warmth, this part of the process was the first thing that indicated they would provide a comfortable and positive experience for me.
The Waiting Room
I checked into the front desk about 15 minutes early so that I could fill out paperwork. It may seem simple, but I already started to feel better recognizing the fact that I showed up to an appointment I scheduled for myself. I received a couple sheets of paper with questions that asked me to describe myself and my mental state. My favorite thing about it was that all the questions were mostly yes/no, checkmark, or circle all that apply. They were guided questions that would give my counselor some context without taking time away from our appointment, and it also mentally prepared me to talk about myself for the next hour.
The Appointment
My counselor’s office gave me an incredible sense of peace. I sat on the comfortable couch, fidgeted with the small toys on the side desk, and basically used half the box of Kleenex. My counselor was sweet and wise in the gentlest way possible. She introduced herself and read the papers I filled out in the waiting room. She asked me if I wanted to talk about what I wrote on the paper, and once I started talking, I could not stop. I didn’t realize I had so much to say. After venting, my counselor guided me through a couple more questions and gave me good insight that I would have never considered on my own. It was helpful to have the full attention of a professional and hear their perspective. From there, I was on my way to being a more patient version of myself especially when things are out of my control.
Photo by Daina Phillips for Her Campus at SFA
I’ve only had positive experiences with SFA Counseling Services, and I wish I would have made an appointment sooner. I have also tried their mental health group workshops which was helpful in providing general mental health techniques. If you’re looking for a stepping stone towards healing and better mental health, give them a call or send them an email.
“Free, confidential counseling is available at Counseling Services, in Rusk 332. We have five full-time licensed mental health counselors who provide both individual and group counseling for SFA students, crisis intervention services, and outreach, including QPR Suicide Intervention Training. Stop by or call (936)468-2401 to schedule an initial consultation appointment. Visit our website at http://www.sfasu.edu/counselingservices/ for more information.” – Jill Miles, Director of Counseling Services