One amazing resource at the Universities at Shady Grove is the Center for Counseling and Consultation, which offers free individual and couple’s counseling of any student taking classes at USG. As the pressure of life and school are building to a peek at this point in the semester, now may be a great time to start taking advantage of this amazing resource.

Personally, I started talking to a counselor three years ago this month at my previous college and have continued doing so ever since. Therapy has had such a huge impact on my life, helping me through a lot of tough times and helping me to improve my perspective on life, myself, and the world around me.

A lot of people have the idea that therapy is only for people who are “crazy” or who are grieving, but I believe everyone can benefit from going to counseling. Personally, I waited to see a counselor until I was in a really difficult place in my life, but I wish I had started even sooner. We can all benefit from getting to know ourselves better and think about ways we can enhance our lives. There are so many harmful ways of thinking about ourselves and communicating with others that we pick up along the way in life that can sabotage our well-being and relationships.

From To Write Love on Her Arms (twloha.com)

Many students on campus don’t know about USG’s counseling center, which is a shame because it’s an incredible resource. And let me highlight again that it’s free! Therapy is not cheap, so I highly recommend taking advantage of this resource while you can. Here’s some more quick information about the center and its offerings:

• The Center is located in the Priddy Library (a little random, I know). When you walk in the library doors, go to the left and walk to the far side of the room where the computers are. The door to the center is on this wall. You’ll walk into a super zen waiting room and you can talk with the receptionist about making an appointment.
• The center offers individual counseling, career and major counseling, couple’s counseling (your partner doesn’t have to be a student at USG to attend), and free hour-long workshops on well-being.
• The hours are 9am to 9pm on Mondays through Thursdays and 9am to 5pm on Fridays. The center tries to accommodate everyone’s schedule so even if you’re only on campus at night or once a week, you should be able to see someone.
• To make an appointment, call 301-738-6273 or stop by and talk to the receptionist.
• You can find a list of counselors with a description of the issues they specialize in dealing with, their approach to helping people, and the days and times they are at the center to see who might be a good match for you.
• Counseling sessions last 45 minutes and are typically done once weekly but can be done more or less often, according to your needs and schedule.

Counseling is a safe space to share your struggles, past and present experiences, insecurities, frustrations, and hurts without being judged. USG’s counselors are friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental and are trained to work sensitively and respectfully with people from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, religious traditions, and socio-economic levels.

The center staff can work with you to help you find a therapist who you feel comfortable with. Counseling is all about your needs, so if you think you could benefit from talking to someone in a safe space where you won’t be judged, given advice, or pushed towards a certain path (as friends and family can tend to do), then try it out!

For more information about the Center for Counseling and Consultation and its offerings, click here to visit its website.

If you or a loved one needs counseling help right away, visit this page for emergency hotlines and services you can contact or send a text message to Crisis Text Line at 741-741 for free, immediate anonymous help.