Finding help in discipleship

Multiple resources are made available to students through Counseling Services

At college campuses around the nation, students are always thinking about what assignment is due next, when the next test is and how they are going to manage all the stress. Then, of course, there is the mental strength it takes to actually work on those assignments and study for those tests. It is easy for students to get mentally bogged down during the collegiate years.

At Liberty University, administrators are working to help students maintain mental wellness in the midst of the chaos of college through the new Living Well @ Liberty initiative.

According to Associate Dean of Students Mike Kunzinger, the Living Well @ Liberty program emphasizes resources available to students aiming to live well emotionally and mentally. One such resource is Student Counseling Services, located in Green Hall, room 1830.

Kunzinger explained that Student Counseling Services offers help to students wishing to receive support through difficult circumstances.

“Part of our function is to reduce stigma,” Kunzinger said. “There can be embarrassment or shame around getting help, and we really hope to diminish that. The message of counseling is good. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person. We all need help at different seasons of our lives.”

According to Kunzinger, Student Counseling Services has recently undergone a few changes. Student Counseling Services was previously known as Student Care, according to Kunzinger, and now, all 10 members of the staff hold a Masters or doctoral degree in professional counseling.
Kunzinger said this change not only ensures that the staff are professionals in their fields, but also makes sure that students get the help they need.

Two students, who wished to remain anonymous, shared how the Student Counseling Services has positively affected their lives.

“It’s been pretty enlightening,” the first student said. “There’s been a lot of things that I never would have noticed that I now know and can work on.”

The second student explained that though the counseling process was not easy, it ultimately has helped them as they prepare to
enter the workforce.

“It’s been very hard, but hard in a good way because I know that I’m bettering myself in my interactions with other people. And later on, it’s going to help professionally. It will also help my walk with God.”

According to Kunzinger, the counseling process mirrors that of biblical discipleship.

“I don’t think anyone is embarrassed of discipleship,” Kunzinger said. “It’s discipleship of the heart. It’s someone to walk with you and help navigate your heart. … It is taking the time to tend the areas that need attention to make us whole and alive people, just as Christians ought to be.”

Kunzinger said he is blessed by the impact Student Counseling Services has had.

“Just to see change in students is miraculous,” Kunzinger said. “What others may see as a small step is not little for them. It is quite large. It is a beautiful thing to collaborate with the Lord in his work of redemption and to see relationships restored, forgiveness happen, and to see people walk in freedom is incredible.”

WALSH is a feature reporter.