By Kimberly Thomas | As I write this, it is Day 4 of the Spring semester. Five students have approached me in the last three days asking the same question, “How does this thing work?” “This thing” is in reference to HPU’s counseling services that are provided free of charge to all Howard Payne students. I find it interesting that all five students worded the question exactly the same…and they each seemed almost embarrassed to be asking about “this thing” called “counseling.” Certainly, just the terms “Mental Health Services” and “counselor” can be enough to make almost anyone squirm uncomfortably in their seats, but the thought of actually walking into the Health Services pod in Jennings in search of a session can be downright terrifying for many people. Hopefully, the following information will be of value and will put to rest some of the questions you may have concerning Mental Health Services on HPU’s campus!
The first step in making “this thing work” is to be honest with your feelings concerning counseling in general. Unfortunately, people believe that if they attend sessions, others will view them as “crazy.” Honestly, let me just say that “crazy” people do not usually seek counseling because they do not recognize the need for the services. Additionally, the public’s view of mental health services has come a long way in the last 20 years, and the stigma that was once attached to those seeking the help of a counselor is simply not what it used to be. I have worked with many clients from all socio-economic positions, from white-collar and blue-collar jobs alike, and from several cultures. I can assure you that you will not be the exception when you walk through our office doors. Rather, you will be part of a group of people who recognize the value of taking care of themselves not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!
The second step is making the appointment. HPU has generously staffed the counseling department with two counselors: Jerry Leslie and Kimberly Thomas. Mr. Leslie has 39 years of experience in counseling. Mrs. Thomas was a public school teacher for 17 years and is now an intern in HPU’s counseling dept. Both counselors have provided services to individual adults, college students, athletes, incarcerated individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. Likewise, both counselors truly care about their clients and earnestly strive to make the counseling experience as rewarding as possible. You can reach either of them through the campus’ email system (jleslie@hputx.edu or kthomas@hputx.edu), or you can call and leave a message for one or the other (Mr. Leslie’s phone number is 325-649-8195, while Mrs. Thomas’ number is 325-649-8194). Remember: If you can find the fortitude to make the appointment, the rest will be significantly easier!
The third step in making “this thing work” is keeping the appointment. This is indeed the biggest challenge, as it holds the most uncertainty for people. When you attend your first session, you will spend time filling out some paperwork. This will give the counselor insight into your specific issues. After the paperwork is complete, your counselor may ask for more detail about your past in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your needs. Some people only attend counseling for a very short time (1-6 weeks), while others attend long term. Please know that when you attend sessions at HPU, your visit is confidential. Counselors cannot divulge the fact that you are in counseling, what issues you addressed, or anything else about your sessions to anyone (not your coach, your professor, your parents, etc.), unless you are threatening to hurt someone, someone is threatening to hurt you, or you are likely to hurt yourself. Once the initial session is complete, you and your counselor will discuss whether more sessions are needed. If you both agree that future visits will be beneficial, your counselor will do the best he/she can to work with your schedule.
The fourth step is ensuring that you implement the mental health strategies you identified as necessary in addressing the issues with which you are struggling.
The fifth step is showing up to the next appointment until you and your counselor are satisfied that you are on firm foundation.
While this is a broad overview of “how this thing works,” please be assured that the most crucial factor for successful counseling is a mutual respect between the counselor and the client. Because you are the expert on you, please keep in mind that counseling only works to the extent that you invest in your treatment!
As this semester begins to pick up speed, the counselors wish all HPU students a very successful semester, and we look forward to visiting with you in the Health Services Center in order to afford you the best opportunity at success!