Counseling center rolls out new workshops

FAMU’s Counseling Services events for Spring 2020. Photo courtesy FAMU info

This spring, the Offices of Counseling Services is offering new workshops, groups and events to help students with their matriculation through FAMU.

From Monday to Wednesday, skills workshops are being held and facilitated by Marquis Stewart and Quantina Washington. These workshops include; “Can We Talk?,” “Couples Corner,” “Self Esteem,” “Study Skills,” “Test Anxiety” and “Time Management.”

Most workshops are offered twice a day on a weekly basis.

These workshops were created with the intention of granting access to “regular therapeutic intervention and begin addressing concerns more quickly,” according to FAMU INFO. Many students feel that their problems aren’t tended to in a timely manner and that’s what keeps them away from attending counseling regularly, according to Counseling Services.

“I know that the counseling center opens their services to provide students with free access to mental healthcare, although the wait can sometimes be lengthy,” said Andrew Grant, a senior biology pre-med student.

Other students are excited for the new programs and eager to see what’s in store for 2020.

Shareek Branch, a graduating business administration student, said, “I don’t really know too much about it but I think it’s a good idea. I would go”.

With a lot of new group workshops being offered, FAMU has also provided students with an app to begin receiving counseling in a more private setting. “WellTrack” is a free self-help app with wellness assessments and tools to improve your mood.

Both Grant and Branch agreed that using this app would be beneficial to their mental health as opposed to meeting in a group setting.

“I would like to say that I’m an open minded person, however, it may be kind of hard to open up about my feelings in a group setting. Counseling is your time to be selfish, you are trying to become the best version of yourself for yourself and others,” Grant said.

The purpose of joining a group, according to FAMU INFO, is to help you realize that you are not alone and to also give you the security of meeting more often with a professional who can help.

Students also agreed that the stigma of counseling services needs to change so that everyone can improve themselves from the inside out.

When asked if he thinks that there’s a stigma around counseling or therapy, Grant said, “I feel like that’s a common misconception, however perfectly normal and functioned individuals go to counseling. Counseling is OK.”

The counseling center’s Open House takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

For more information, contact Counseling Services at (850) 599-3145.