Olivia Badalamenti
Contributing Writer
[email protected]

The Counseling Center is now offering a free and virtual support group focused on helping students to cope during the pandemic.

Angie Trzepacz, director of University Counseling Services, said the idea came after the Counseling Center saw many of its clients struggling with social isolation, online courses and routine disruptions.

“We will not be providing therapy, but in each meeting we will provide psychoeducation and introduce coping skills to help students deal with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness,” Trzepacz said.

Trzepacz said the goals of the support group are to connect, support and educate students on ways to cope with the struggles of living during a pandemic.

The meetings will be led by Valerie Ernstberger and Destin Fouché, graduate and intern students in the linical mental health counseling program, and supervised by Dawn Hasz, a licensed professional clinical counselor and the assistant director of University Counseling Services. Each counselor has worked with students dealing with difficulties relating to the pandemic since the start of the outbreak last March.

Trzepacz said discussions will include time management, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and challenging negative thoughts. Counselors will also focus on self-care topics, like healthy eating, sleep hygiene and physical exercise. Lastly, they plan on teaching social skills, communication, relationship strategies, healthy boundaries and ways to engage in safe and healthy interactions during the pandemic.

“We hope to assist students in validating and normalizing the emotions they are experiencing due to the pandemic,” Trzepacz said. “We believe our group will help students move out of isolation and recognize that others are willing to support them. We hope that participants will find some relief in the recognition that they are not alone in their current struggles.”

Meetings are Thursdays from 4 to5 p.m. and all students are encouraged to attend as many sessions as needed. To join the support group or to find more information, email the Counseling Center at [email protected].

Those interested in learning more about the resources provided by the Counseling Center can visit its webpage. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. whenever the campus is operating.