College life can be stressful and challenging, academically, socially and emotionally. CCPH offers brief, individual therapy (generally, 3-5 sessions) to help students better understand their difficulties, develop effective coping skills, and be successful in college.
What is Therapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that can help people understand the issues that are contributing to their difficulties,identify the strengths they can draw on, and develop more effective strategies to cope with stressful situations and to achieve their goals.
Who Can Benefit from Therapy?
Common concerns which bring students to CCPH:
- Symptoms of depression
- Symptoms of stress and anxiety
- College adjustment issues such as homesickness, academic problems
- Interpersonal issues such as friendship and romantic relationship difficulties
- Bereavement and grief
- Questions/confusion about identity, sexuality, gender, or religious concerns
- Concerns about body image, food, eating, or weight
- Experiences of sexual assault, relationship violence, or abuse
- Thoughts about suicide, death or hurting self/others
- Alcohol/drug use
When to Seek Therapy?
While psychotherapy can be helpful to many people, if any of the following indicators are present we strongly encourage you to seek psychotherapy services.
These include:
- You are unhappy on most days or aren’t enjoying things that previously made you happy
- You feel a sense of hopelessness or helplessness
- You feel overwhelmed by what is going on in your life
- You are unable to concentrate on your schoolwork or other activities
- You are unable to sleep at night or constantly feel tired
- You are feeling a sense of worthlessness or self loathing
- You have increased your use of alcohol or other drugs
- You are having thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else
- You are struggling with issues related to your identity and don’t feel like there’s anyone you can open up to
What to expect
Typically, the first appointment is spent clarifying the problem and talking about solutions you've already tried. This helps the clinician identify which approaches will be most helpful. Then, you and the clinician will decide on goals for your work together. Referrals can be provided for students whose needs won’t be adequately met through our short-term care model. The center maintains relationships with community therapists offering a range of expertise, and who accept a variety of insurance plans.
To get the most out of therapy:
- Be clear about what you hope to get out of the experience.
- Be an active participant.
- Ask questions.
- Focus on what's most important to you.
- Recognize and express your feelings.
- Be patient with yourself.