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It is normal to feel anxious at times especially during times of stress. For example, most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation or first date. However, when anxiety is ongoing and interferes with one’s daily life and relationships it may be an anxiety disorder. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you recognize if a friend or family member is experiencing anxiety. Here are some signs and symptoms of anxiety:

• Cognitive / Emotional
  • Feeling like your mind is racing
  • Constant worrying about small or large concerns
  • Inability to “let things go” or repeatedly thinking about something
  • Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or frozen
  • Difficulty concentrating or your mind "going blank"
  • Feeling keyed up or on edge
     
• Physical
  • Muscle tension or muscle aches
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Trembling, shaking, or feeling twitchy
  • Being easily startled
  • Sweating, nausea or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
  • Being restless or unable to sit still,
  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
     
• Social
  • Irritability or impatience (with self and/or others)
  • An intense fear of being around others
  • Rehashing interactions or conversations
     

What you can do if you recognize anxiety in a friend or loved one
 

1. Talk with them in a private place. Clearly express what you have noticed and that you are concerned about them.
2. Use active listening skills to give him/her time to express themselves.
3. Explain that many students experience anxiety and that treatment can be very helpful.
4. Encourage him or her to make an appointment with a counselor at the counseling center, and offer to help him/her make the first appointment.
5. Share that you are willing to help and ask how you can best support him/her.
6. Do not worry alone; there are many people on campus to help you help your friend.
7. Periodically check in with your friend/loved one, asking them how they are doing, and take time to truly listen.
8. Increase your understanding and awareness by learning more about anxiety disorders.
    

How common is anxiety?
 

Anxiety disorders, as a group, are the most common mental illness in America. More than 19 million American adults are affected by anxiety each year. College students experience high levels of stress, therefore anxiety is often a challenge for college students.
 

What are the different kinds of anxiety disorders?
 

• Panic Disorder - Repeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal distress, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Repeated, unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as rape or other criminal assault, war, child abuse, natural or human-caused disasters, or crashes. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression, and feeling angry, irritable or distracted and being easily startled are common. Family members of victims can also develop this disorder.
• Phobias - Two major types of phobias are social phobia and specific phobia. People with social phobia have an overwhelming and disabling fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or humiliation in social situations, which leads to avoidance of many potentially pleasurable and meaningful activities. People with specific phobia experience extreme, disabling and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger; the fear leads to avoidance of objects or situations and can cause people to limit their lives unnecessarily.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life events and activities, lasting at least six months. Almost always anticipating the worst even though there is little reason to expect it; accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache or nausea.
   

What are effective treatments for anxiety disorders?
 

People with anxiety disorders and often combine psychotherapy (counseling) and medication. Two clinically-proven effective forms of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders are behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy focuses on changing specific actions and uses several techniques to stop unwanted behaviors. In addition to the behavioral therapy techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients to understand and change their thinking patterns so they can react differently to the situations that cause them anxiety.

A number of medications that were originally approved for treating depression have been found to be effective for anxiety disorders as well. Some of the newest of these antidepressants are called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other anti-anxiety medications include groups of drugs called benzodiazepines and beta-blockers . If one medication is not effective, others can be tried. New medications are currently under development to treat anxiety symptoms.
 

Do anxiety disorders co-exist with other physical or mental disorders?
 

It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also co-exist with illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. In such instances, the accompanying disorders will also need to be treated. Before beginning any treatment, however, it is important to have a thorough medical examination to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

The information on anxiety was taken from the .

It is common for people who are experiencing depression, not to recognize it in themselves. Therefore as a friend or family member, you may notice signs and symptoms first. While symptoms can vary from person to person, it is helpful to know what the signs and symptoms of depression are.

• They express feeling:
  • Sad, down, blue, or empty
  • Tired, overwhelmed, or exhausted
  • Hopeless, worthless, or helpless
  • Pessimistic or guilty
     
• Their behavior changed:
  • Sleeping more or less
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
  • Have less energy or seem tired all the time
  • Are more socially withdrawn or not interested in activities (going out, events…)
  • Not studying as much or missing/skipping classes
  • Abusing alcohol or other drugs
  • Appear restless, agitated, or irritable (taking things more personally)
     
• They are having:
  • Headaches, stomach aches, or backaches
  • Pains in their joints or muscles
  • Trouble concentrating, focusing, or making decision
  • Thoughts about death, dying, or suicide
     

If you believe that someone in your life has depression, you may feel helpless and you may wonder what to do. You are not responsible for “making them better” or “taking away their problems.” What you can do is learn how to offer support and understanding as well as help them get connected to resources and support to treat their depression. Here is what you can do:

1. Talk with them privately. Express directly what changes you have noticed and that you are concerned. Then listen and allow the person to express them self.
2. Normalize their experience. Share that depression is not a flaw or a weakness and that many students here experience depression and are being treated for it. Reassure them that it usually gets better with support and help.
3. Encourage them to see a professional. Remind them that counseling services are free and confidential at �鶹��Ƶ. If you feel comfortable, you can offer to support them in making an appointment (by telephone or walking into the office).
4. Ask how you can be most supportive and express your willingness to help.
5. Remember your own needs. Helping someone with depression can be challenging, make sure you take time for yourself, surround yourself by supportive people, and do not be afraid to ask for help in dealing with the situation.
6. Educate yourself on depression. Below is some information to get you started.
    

What is depression?

Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.

What causes depression?

We do not yet know all the causes of depression, but there seems to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders; depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.

How common is it?
 

Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It affects 19 million Americans every year. One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers than for adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the teen population experiences clinical depression every year. That means among 25 friends, 1 could be clinically depressed.

Is it serious?

Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide often is linked to depression.

Are all depressive disorders alike?

There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities – like getting out of bed or getting dressed. Others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar disorder in which their moods cycle between two extremes – from the depths of despair to frenzied talking or activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.
 

Can it be treated?

Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression – even the most serious forms – can be helped. There are a variety of antidepressant medications and forms psychotherapy found to be helpful. People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Most people do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression. This most important step toward overcoming depression - and sometimes the most difficult - is asking for help.

Why don't people get the help they need?

Often people don’t know they are depressed, so they don’t ask for – or get – the right help. People often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.

The above information on depression was adapted and taken from the.

Since we live in a culture which is obsessed with thinness and dieting, it can be difficult to recognize when a person's thinking or behavior has become dangerous. You may know someone with an eating disorder. It could be your roommate, sibling, parent, or friend. The person may try to hide it, but the focus of her everyday life revolves—obsessively—around food and weight. Some people try to starve themselves. Others binge and then try to undo their binging through some form of purging.

People develop eating disorders as a way of dealing with the conflicts, pressures, and stresses of their lives. Their eating disorders may be used as a way to express control when the rest of life seems out of control. Eating disorders are very serious. They have an impact on both physical and mental health. Left untreated, they can be fatal.

When an individual is experiencing an eating disorder, it is often friends and family who notice it as a problem well before the individual does. Here are the signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Obsession with fat (such as frequent comments about their weight, size, or shape)
• A distorted body image
• Paying constant attention to food and/or dieting (counting calories, continuously talking about food)
• See food as good or bad, strongly avoiding any “bad” food
• Excessive exercise (feeling like they have to exercise daily)
• Withdrawal from friends and family (especially events with food)
• Binge eating (eating significantly more than a “normal amount” in a sitting)
• Purging (vomiting after meals or intense exercise to make up for eating)
• Taking laxatives and/or diet pills for weight control
• Rapid weight loss
• Irritability (especially defensive when asked about eating habits)

Many people believe that individuals have to be very thin in stature to have an eating disorder. That is absolutely not true. Symptoms and severity vary greatly from person to person. Eating disorders can affect anyone at any time. If you recognize disordered eating, dieting, or exercising in someone you care about here is what you can do:

1. Choose a private time and location and approach your friend gently but persistently.
2. Explain that you're worried and express specifically what you are concerned about (such as certain behaviors or habits).
3. Listen sympathetically. Expect them to deny the problem and become resentful of your intervention. Be persistent despite their hostility.
4. Express concern about the person as a whole. Focus on your concern for their health and happiness rather than specific behaviors.
5. Encourage them to go to the counseling center. Remind them that all services are free and confidential and that it is never too early to get support. If they do not want to seek support on campus, encourage them to meet with a licensed mental health care provider.
6. Offer to help find professional help or go along for the first visit if your friend is willing to get help.
7. Empathize with their fear and shame, but let them know you care about them too much to ignore their destructive behaviors.
8. Be supportive. It's the most important thing you can do. Show your friend you believe in them, it will make a difference in recovery.
9. Set realistic goals. Don't expect your friend to recover overnight - it's a gradual process. You can't make them stop the behavior, but you can listen, try to understand, and offer support.
10. Be yourself. Be honest in sharing your feelings.
11. Remember that eating disorders can be very powerful and that it is not your job to “fix it.” The individual has to be ready and willing to change.
12. Remind your friend that people are important because of who they are, not how they look or what they do; emphasize the positive, strengths, and talents of who they are.
13. As it can be stressful to have someone you care about struggling with an eating disorder, get your own support and care.

It also helps to know what to avoid when concerned about someone who may have an eating disorder.

• Don't comment on your friend's (or anyone's) body size, weight loss, weight gain, etc.
• Don't contribute to conversations that focus on food, body size, calories, etc.
• Don't give advice. Being told what to do or not do can often provoke the opposite response, and your friend may become defensive.
• Don’t gossip about him or her.
• Don’t get involved in a power struggle around eating or other symptoms.
• Don't change your eating habits when you're around your friend. Your "normal" eating is an example to your friend of a more healthy relationship with food.
• Don't blame yourself if your friend is not yet willing to acknowledge the problem or change behaviors. It can take a person a long time to accept the situation.
• Don’t try to solve the problem for them or take it on alone. Eating disorders can be overwhelming, time consuming, and difficult to manage; use campus resources and professionals to help address the problem.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to the person to gently but persistently express your concern and encourage him/her to get help and support.

Remember that the counseling center is always here to help if you have any questions or concerns about eating disorders. You can give us a call or make an appointment any time!

In reaching out, it always helps to know more about what the individual is experiencing. Therefore the three primary types of eating disorders are described below. But please remember that signs and symptoms can overlap and vary from person to person. It is never too soon to reach out and encourage the individual to get help.
 

Anorexia
 

Anorexia (clinically known as Anorexia Nervosa) is when people intentionally starve themselves or restrict their intake because of an intense fear of gaining weight. This disorder often involves weight loss, and while people with anorexia may look emaciate, they are convinced they are overweight or fat. Food and weight become obsessions. For some, the compulsiveness shows up in strange eating rituals or the refusal to eat in front of others. They may adhere to strict exercise routines to keep off weight. Anorexia often stems from underlying emotional cues, and can cause individuals to limit or restrict other parts of their lives beyond food- such as relationships, social activities, or pleasure. Anorexia can cause severe medical problems and even lead to death. Loss of monthly menstrual periods is typical in women with the disorder, and impotence often occurs for men. It can become life-threatening; therefore at times people must be hospitalized to prevent starvation.
 

Warning Signs of Anorexia
 

• The person is thin and keeps getting thinner, losing 15% or more of their ideal body weight
• Continues to diet or restrict foods even though they are not overweight
• Has a distorted body image—feels fat even when they are thin
• Is preoccupied with food, calories, nutrition, or cooking
• Denies that they are hungry
• Exercises obsessively
• Weighs them self frequently
• Complains about feeling bloated or nauseated even when they eat normal, or less than normal, amounts of food
• Loses their hair or begins to experience thinning hair
• Feels cold even though the temperature is normal or only slightly cool
• Stops menstruating or becomes impotent
   

Bulimia
 

Bulimia (clinically known as Bulimia Nervosa) is the repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed by some form of purging or dieting. People with Bulimia consume large amounts of food and then rid their bodies of the excess calories by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking enemas, or exercising obsessively. Some use a combination of all these forms of purging. Because many individuals with bulimia "binge and purge" in secret and maintain a normal or above normal body weight, they can often successfully hide their problem from others for years. Many individuals remain at normal body weight or above because of their frequent binges, which can range from once or twice a week to several times a day. Dieting heavily between episodes of binging and purging is also common. Individuals with bulimia often feel out of control in other areas of their lives besides food. It is common for individuals with Anorexia to also develop bulimia. The condition occurs most often in women but is also found in men.

Bulimia can have severe medical consequences including dental and esophageal problems, kidney damage, chemical imbalance, and an overall loss of energy and vitality. It can even prove fatal. Many individuals with bulimia, ashamed of their strange habits, do not seek help until they reach their thirties or forties. By this time, their eating behaviors are deeply ingrained and more difficult to change. Therefore when it comes to getting treatment, the earlier the better.
 

Warning Signs of Bulimia
 

• The person engages in binge eating and cannot voluntarily stop
• Uses the bathroom frequently after meals
• Reacts to emotional stress by overeating
• Has menstrual irregularities
• Has swollen glands
• Experiences frequent fluctuations in weight
• Cannot voluntarily stop eating
• Is obsessively concerned about weight
• Attempts to adhere to diets, but generally fails
• Feels guilty or ashamed about eating
• Feels out of control
• Has depressive moods
   

Binge Eating Disorder
 

An illness that resembles bulimia nervosa is binge eating disorder. Like bulimia, the disorder is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or binging. However, binge eating disorder differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of excess food, and is more commonly referred to as compulsive overeating. Individuals with binge eating disorder feel they lose control when eating, consuming large amounts of food with a pressured or “frenzied” feeling and not stopping until they are uncomfortably full. Episodes of binge-eating are often followed by periods of guilt and depression. Usually, individuals with binge eating disorder have more difficulty losing weight and keeping it off, and therefore are obese and have a history of weight fluctuations. Binge eating can lead to severe medical problems including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Binge eating disorder is found in about 2% of the general population - more often in women than in men. Recent research shows that binge eating disorder occurs in about 30% of people participating in medically supervised weight control problems.

Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
 

• The person eats large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Eats much more rapidly than normal
• Eats until the point of feeling uncomfortably full
• Often eats alone because of shame or embarrassment
• Has feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating
• Has a history of marked weight fluctuations

The information in this article was taken and adapted from the. 

St. Peter

1306 Marshall St., St. Peter
(507) 931-8040


1031 W Grace St
(507) 364-5312
Jese Rugroden MA, LMFT works with youth and college-aged persons.
(Also has a location in Montgomery.)
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- St. Peter Clinic
��- must have primary physician��refer you
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Mankato
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A hub for local, state, and national mental health services and resources.

209 South Second Street, Suite 300A
(651) 243-0053


3 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300
(507) 837-0429‬


816 S Front St.
612-354-6463


209 South Second Street, Suite 310
(406) 763-6287

��(formerly Surdy Psychological Services)
1227 Caledonia Street
(507) 388-8874


881 Madison Avenue
(507) 225-0450


1600 Madison Ave, Suite 110
507-933-0390


103 N Broad Street
(507) 345-7012


201 N Broad St
(507) 200-2624


201 N Broad Street, Suite 308, Mankato
(507) 345-4448


510 Long Street, Suite 101, Mankato
(507) 625-4884


(Specializing in serving LBGTQ+ populations.)
100 Warren Street, Suite 324, Mankato
(507) 246-2667


120 E Main St
(507) 322-5464

– Mankato office
1400 Madison Avenue- Suite 628, Mankato
(507) 779-7366


710 Second Street, Mankato
(507) 625-7660


931 Madison Ave, Mankato
507-351-5185


44 Good Counsel Dr, Mankato
(800) 438-1772


(651) 503-3437


(507) 248-7161


��530 N Riverfront Drive, Suite 230, Mankato
(507) 242-8014


209 S. Second Street, Suite 306, Mankato
(507) 387-1350

- Mankato
��- must have primary physician refer you


1400 Madison Ave, Suite 352, Mankato
(507) 387-3195


(Dietitian, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Intuitive Eating Counselor, specializes in disordered eating, eating disorders, and chronic dieting, trauma informed. Runs an intuitive eating support group for women.)
125 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 224
(507) 680-1115
erin [at] eringonzaleznutrition.com (erin[at]eringonzaleznutrition[dot]com)��

Locations in St. Paul, St. Louis Park, and Stillwater, MN
Offers inpatient, day treatment, outpatient, and virtual services.
(651) 645-5323
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Locations in St. Louis Park, Burnsville, Maple Grove, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Woodbury, MN
Offers inpatient, day treatment, and outpatient programs.
(952) 993-6200
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��Located in St. Louis Park, MN, virtual & in-person services available.
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Located in Minneapolis, MN, virtual and in-person services available.

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Located in Chanhassen, MN, in person and virtual services available.
briana [at] catss.emai (briana[at]catss[dot]email)
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Anoka, MN
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Located in Edina, MN, in-person services preffered.
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In addition to psychotherapy, this practice also offers somatic work and Reiki healing, and crainosacral therapy.

1031 W Grace St, St. Peter
(507) 364-5312
(Also has a location in Montgomery.)
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Self-Management Recovery Training is a free program to anyone with an addictive problem. This organization hosts meetings in-person (in Mankato) and virtually for people in the area who are interested. The website lets you search for meetings that take place in your geographic area.



A response team assisting individuals with resources and support surrounding substance use. Free narcan, sharps take back, education, advocacy, resources navigation, a safe place, & peer recovery support.
Call or Text for 24/7 Support
507-384-9060
mnharmreductionteam [at] gmail.com (mnharmreductionteam[at]gmail[dot]com)
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Substance use treatment center in Fargo, ND with both inpatient and outpatient options. They offer telehealth evaluations for individuals who are in Minnesota and North Dakota. When scheduling, let them know which state you are in.
(701) 478-8440

Select the tab on the page that says "Off Campus Resources" for their link to the directory spreadsheet.
 

Directory of Black therapists in Minnesota.
 

Nationwide directory of Latinx therapists.






A fairly new, growing directory of South Asian therapists in the US and Canada.

Offers virtual intensive outpatient treatment programs. Accepts most major insurance plans. Scholarships/financial assistance is available for those who are eligible.
 

Provides psychological assessment for Autism, learning disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia), ADHD, and other social/emotional/behavioral concerns. Located in Eden Prairie, MN.



Located in Rockford, MN. Can offer telehealth services across MN. Offers mental health counseling, addiction services, ADHD and Autism assessment, grief counseling, LGBTQ+ services (including support for gender transitions), medication management, and naturopathic medicine.






Provides low cost and confidential Family Planning Services, including counseling and education, birth control supplies, physical exams and lab tests.
(507) 931-6800



Reproductive health care for women and men, STD testing, education, and counseling.
310 Belle Avenue
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-5581



305 S. Minnesota Avenue 
Suite 102 
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 934-2222



Providing "safety and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and shelter".
(507) 934-5583
24-Hour Crisis Line (800) 477-0466

24 Hour Crisis/Warm Line (877) 399-3040

New York Times opinion piece with useful insights and tips for adjusting to college.


Follow-up New York Times article by the creator of the video above.

The W Curve 
A one-page handout we created to help describe "typical" patterns of adjusting to college. Themes in this resource can also apply to other life adjustments.

Managing Adjustment to College 
A one-page handout we created to provide tips for adjusting to college.

The Stress-Response Cycle 
and

Navigating Healthcare

• , JED Foundation Article
• , Redirect Health Article
• , DispatchHealth Article

Other Resources

• For people living in the Mankato/St. Peter area, here is a list of the MSU Counseling Center compiled.

Books

• How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
  A short book with very short chapters and is written as a neurodivergent-friendly guide to keeping house, for people who are struggling with keeping up cleaning, organizing, and getting through their to-do lists.
• Robert Half: Favorite Books for Recent Graduates
• Reddit: Books for Coping with Life After College

Podcasts

• The Psychology of Your 20s with Jemma Speg
  • Spotify
  • Apple

Guide to Finding a Mental Health Therapist After Graduation

Using Your Health Insurance

Start by looking at your insurance card for a website or customer support number. Look for sections like "Find a Provider" or "Customer Support." On their website, you can search for in-network mental health providers in your area. If you call, ask the representative for a list of in-network providers and details about your mental health coverage, including how much your insurance will cover and your out-of-pocket costs.

Exploring Therapist Search Databases

Websites like Psychology Today or Therapist.com can help you find providers based on location, insurance acceptance, specialty, and other criteria. Keep in mind that not all therapists or clinics are listed on these platforms, so it’s always a good idea to cross-reference with your insurance company.

Other Referral Options

• Primary Care Provider: Ask your primary care doctor for therapy referrals. They often have established networks and can point you in the right direction.
• Internet Search: A quick internet search for "mental health therapists" or "mental health clinics" in your area can lead you to provider websites where you can find more information and check insurance acceptance.
• We have additional resources for navigating mental health care and finding specialized therapists on our Off-Campus Referrals, LGBTQ+ Students, and BIPOC Resources pages.

Local Resources in the St. Peter/Mankato Area

If you'll be living in the St. Peter/Mankato area, check out the resources section of our website. We have a page called "Off Campus Referrals" that lists clinics and therapists the �鶹��Ƶ Counseling Center has relationships with in the area.

Navigating Waitlists and Initial Consultations

Demand for mental health services can fluctuate, and you might find that many clinics or providers have waitlists for new clients. If a provider has a waitlist, it's perfectly fine to join multiple lists and take the earliest available appointment.

Many therapists and clinics offer an initial consultation, often for free or at a reduced rate. These consultations are a great opportunity to see if a therapist feels like a good fit for you. Remember, you always have the right to switch therapists if the person you're working with doesn't feel right.

Sharing Previous Counseling Center Records

If you received services at the �鶹��Ƶ Counseling Center, let your new provider know. You can request they reach out to us to receive your records, which can provide them with helpful background about your mental health needs.

Meditation resources and programs available through the Counseling Center. For a comprehensive overview of meditation offerings and resources at �鶹��Ƶ, visit the page.
 

Meditation chair

We have a meditation chair by SolTec Lounge. This chair uses sound, vibrations, and magnetic field stimulation technology to induce a meditative state when in use.

You can schedule a 30- or 60-minute meditation chair session by following . Alternatively, you can call our front desk or visit our office to schedule. At the time of your scheduled appointment, please check in at our office (JSU 204) a few minutes before your scheduled time. Let us know you’ve reserved the meditation chair, and we’ll assist you in getting settled.

Sensory Space

Live guided meditation

Guided meditation is offered regularly during the school year during daily chapel time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 - 11:50 a.m. in the Bonnier Multifaith Center. Visit the �鶹��Ƶ Meditation page for more info.

Paraliminals

Check out our Paraliminals information below. These audio tools are designed to help your nonconscious mind learn new ways of responding to common concerns college students face. Problem topics include anxiety management, relaxation, motivation, procrastination, and self-esteem.

Creating Mindful Moments

Creating Mindful Moments is a workshop that the Counseling Center offers throughout the year. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally observing, describing, and participating fully in reality non-judgmentally, in the moment, while being skillful. When you practice mindfulness, you are able to experience more awareness of the present moment, which can lead to increased focus, fulfillment, and flexibility to change. For further information about our groups and workshops visit our Groups & Workshops on our services page.

Grief 101 Workshop

We offer a 50 minute, single-session workshop about grief. No one is immune to the experience of grief, whether it be the death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, or a major life transition and missing the past. This workshop provides a broad explanation of the grief experience to help normalize and validate common reactions. Participants will also leave with ideas and tips for how to navigate their grief journey. If you are interested in this workshop, fill out our interest form. Learn more under Services.

Local Support Groups

There are a few GriefShare support groups in St. Peter. These are Christian faith-centered support program. There is a one-time fee of $20 to cover the cost of the workbook for the program (if this cost is a barrier, participants can receive financial assistance). Follow the link, select "Find a Group", and local group options will appear.

• Further education, support, and resources.

Use “Paraliminal” learning sessions to help your non-conscious mind learn new ways of responding to personal issues, emotional concerns, studying problems, and other common concerns college students face.

When using Paraliminals, be in a place where you can listen with headphones, relax, and close your eyes. The average Paraliminal session is 20 minutes.

These tools are free for �鶹��Ƶ students to use. Here is a list of sessions selected for �鶹��Ƶ students with links to download informative booklets for each title. Further down the page you will find embedded audio players for each title.

• -- Gain freedom from fear and project strength. Ideal for common anxieties.
• -- Eliminate negative self-talk and vaporize self-sabotage.
• -- Strengthen belief in your abilities.
• -- Enter a deep state of relaxation. Drain stress from your day.
• -- Eliminate procrastination.
• -- Improve your ability to imprint and recall information. Reduce test anxiety. Best to be used before bed or within two hours before a test.
• -- Change emotions and memories that hinder you.
• -- Create new solutions and choices. Ideal when faced with dilemma or obsessed over something.
• -- Use your true, natural genius for learning. Helps you focus. Best for use before a study session or first thing in the morning.
• -- Follow through with consistency and determination.
• -- Build confidence and immediately feel better about yourself.
• -- Energize and become mentally alert in ten minutes. A useful caffeine substitute.

Paraliminals were created by , of Learning Strategies Corporation, which has donated these services to �鶹��Ƶ. The Paraliminals available were selected from their library of personal development resources.

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For more about all of the Paraliminals available through Learning Strategies,.