Sometimes, students need support to help sort through feelings, expectatoins, and alternatives that arise from academic or personal challenges of the college esperience. The Counseling Center is not a place where ready-made answers or decisions are handed out. Rather, it is a place where students and counselors discuss concerns, and, in a safe, undemanding setting, work out a plan to deal with them. Some students resolve their concerns in one session, while others continue on a regular basis for several weeks.
Individual counseling provides an opportunity to explore any personal problem or concern. Often students' concerns involve issues related to:
Therapy groups are offered in response to student need and interest. Some of the groups offered in the past have focused on topics including:
If you are interested in a particular group, talk with one of the counselors to talk about your interest.
Group counseling can be an excellent way to obtain help for person concerns. Groups provide a safe, confidential way to talk wtih others bout your concerns. Groups at Gustavus are faciliated by a professional from the Counseling Center who is trained in the practice of group counseling. Group counseling has some advantages over individual counseling. A few of the potential advantages include:
While maintaining confidentiality, counselors are available to consult with students, faculty, administrators, resident hall staff, and parents. If you are concerned about a friend, students, or son/daughter, you can consult with a member of our staff to obtain support and ideas about how to handle the situation.
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The Counseling Center offers a variety of programs and workshops throughout the year. Additionally, individuals or groups of students can request a specific program or topic to meet their particular needs.
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Students are referred to other campus offices for specific help in various areas. The Counseling Center also provides referrals to off-campus professionals or agencies for services not available at the college.
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In 2002, Gustavus Adolphus College was awarded an automated DNA sequencer and related software from LI-COR® Biosciences, valued at nearly $70,000. Gustavus was chosen from a pool of 30 applicants at undergraduate institutions in the nation to receive this equipment.