Broene Counseling Center

1. Calvin Students and Mental HealthIrene Kraegel, PsyDBroene Counseling CenterFall Conference August 21, 2014

2. Broene Counseling Center

3. Location: Spoelhof Center Hours: M-F, 8-5:00

4. Mark Recker, Barb Veeneman (office manager), Intern, Dan Vandersteen Cindy Kok, Irene Kraegel, Amanda Worst, Christina Edmondson, Rick Baez Not pictured: Bren Shantz and Nicole Marshall (intern)

5. Who do we serve? Enrolled students who are experiencing • depression • anxiety • stress • adjustment issues • relationship problems • eating disorders • substance abuse

6. 2013-14 Data • 19% of enrolled students sought services from Broene (758 students) • 10% of these were international students • 17% of these were AHANA students • 64% were female, 36% were male • Fairly equal distribution across academic years • 19% of students were on psychotropic medication at the time of their first appointment

7. What services do we offer? • Group counseling • Individual counseling • Couples/Family counseling • Crisis care (1:30-2:30, M-F) • After-hours triage through Pine Rest • Consultation to faculty, staff, & family • All services are provided free of charge.

8. Who are some of our partners? Medication management • Student Health Services • Psychiatrist on campus Disability services / Academic support • Student Academic Services Emergency services • Campus Safety • Residence Life • Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Center

9. How are students referred? 2013-2014

10. What do students think of Broene? 2013-2014

11. Confidentiality • Student consent is required for any • information-sharing by Broene staff, with • the exception of situations where there is imminent risk of harm to self or others. • Counseling records are kept separate • from school records.

12. Interacting with distressed students What you can do

13. Watch for warning signs • Decline in Performance • Grades • Excessive absences • Not handing in assignments • Social Difficulties • Neediness • Trouble getting along with other students • Problem Behavior • Falling asleep inappropriately • Highly disruptive • Emotional Difficulties • Excessive tearfulness or sadness • Unusual or exaggerated emotional response • Excessive anxiety when asked to speak in class • References to suicide or homicide

14. Maintain healthy boundaries If a student is struggling, speak with them privately Stay in your role as an advisor, professor, resident director, etc. Do not promise confidentiality before the student has spoken Focus on supporting and problem-solving rather than “fixing” Maintain student autonomy as much as possible—avoid enabling or parenting Acknowledge emotional difficulties as needed by student, but keep primary focus on academic goals and progress

15. Use active listening skills • Maintain good eye contact • Give your full attention to the student • Reflect back what you hear and ask questions that show understanding • “So you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.” • Empathize and show respect • “It’s hard to get schoolwork done when you’re feeling so sad.” • Avoid interrupting • Speak at approximately the same energy level as the student

16. Create a plan with the student Briefly address the emotions • Be direct about your observations and concerns • Ask the student what they have already done to address the problem and what else they could do • Verbalize hope • “Depression is very treatable.” • “Just by talking about this, you’re already moving in the right direction.” • “You’re not alone—we are here to support you as you move forward.”

17. Create a plan with the student Make a referral • Refer to the Broene Counseling Center • Start with their own thoughts: “Have you thought about counseling?” • Normalize the counseling experience: “A lot of students find it helpful to talk to a counselor when they’re having these kinds of feelings.” • Explore resistance: “What would keep you from talking to a counselor about these things? Could it be worth taking this step, even though it is difficult for you?” • If the student is open, support them in making the call to Broene from your office • Follow up with the student to ask if they followed through with the plan — if not, repeat the above

18. Create a plan with the student Focus on the academics Be specific about academic goals and deadlines, modifying as needed to fit the student’s current functional ability Provide positive feedback regarding small improvements Refer to Student Academic Services (SAS)—follow up with the student to ask if they followed through

19. When safety is an issue Talk with the student • Clarify vague, confusing, or disturbing statements • “What do you mean by….?” • If you are concerned that safety might be an issue, ask about it directly • “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” • Never agree to keep it secret if a student is thinking about harming themselves or others Talk with others • Consult with colleagues and/or a mental health professional about the situation and document your conversations • Notify the CARE team: www.calvin.edu/care/

20. When safety is an issue If a student cannot commit to safety… • Discuss with them their need for extra support in remaining safe • Immediately contact a mental health professional for assessment • During hours: Broene Counseling Center – 526-6123 • After hours: Pine Rest Contact Center – 455-9200 • If needed, contact Campus Safety (526-6452) or law enforcement (911) for help • Notify the CARE team: www.calvin.edu/care/

21. Questions? • Office phone: 616-526-6123 • Email address: broene@calvin.edu • Website address: calvin.edu/broene Thanks for coming!