Breaking the stigma

Counseling services offers event about mental health services for students

Liberty University’s counseling services will be hosting “Counselors on the Couch” for the second year in a row Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m at Green Hall 1830.

Counselors on the Couch is a two-hour meet-and-greet event where students will have the chance to sit down and converse with a few members of the counseling staff and learn about the different services the counseling office provides.

“We are hoping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health services,” Brandy Vancil, a residential counselor at Liberty, said.

This is an opportunity for students to give feedback and to express their concerns about seeking counseling services. It offers students the chance to ask questions and receive information about counseling.

“A lot of times, students are hesitant to initiate services because of what their peers may think, or they think their situation does not warrant counseling,” Vancil said.

Additionally, the event gives students the chance to understand the difference counseling can make in an individual’s life.

“One of the things that many people may not know about counseling are the services that counselors can provide in addition to treating anxiety, depression and trauma,” Vancil said.

“These include adjustment to college life, developing stress management, enhancing social skills and supporting and providing care as students face difficulties at home and among their peers.”

Liberty is unique because it provides a variety of counseling services from a biblical worldview.

“We do have a lot of pastoral care,” counselor Laura Claunch said. “We also have a lot of counselors with a Christian counseling background, which incorporates a biblical background and evidence-based counseling techniques.”

Claunch says that Liberty is not only equipped with the ability to render help, can also help the students incorporate their faith while overcoming their situations.

“I think that there are a lot of students here that gain freedom from depression and anxiety through counseling,” Claunch said.

“Our staff genuinely loves our students and pray for them and hope this event will help better meet the needs of our students and bring awareness to the opportunity for mental health support that exist at Liberty University,” Vancil said.

Students can seek out counseling services by stopping by the Dean of Students Office in Green Hall 1830 or by calling 434-582-2651 to set up an appointment. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Conley is a news reporter.