Looking to develop healthier relationship skills, manage social anxiety, or build a sense of self-love, Averett University Counseling Services is here to help with free student-oriented workshops.
With Valentine’s Day being in February, this month’s workshops cover building healthier relationships, understanding love languages, and establishing healthy boundaries. The next workshop will cover communication in relationships and will be held in Bishop 302 on February 27th at 8 p.m.
While February’s workshops surround relationships, counseling services plan to extend and broaden these workshops throughout the spring semester. March’s workshops will cover women’s health, the importance of sleep hygiene, and how to improve social skills. April’s workshops will focus on managing stress and avoiding substance abuse.
Organized by Counseling Services Intern, Anna Hall, a large aspect of these workshops is to allow students a healthy space to improve themselves and feel connected to their peers.
“I know a lot of students come from different backgrounds, so this kind of sets everybody on a level playing field with skills and communication. I know some people are really scared of communicating with others, being assertive, and even speaking up in groups,” Hall said. “Part of our workshops is just interacting with other people in the workshops, this can help build skills.”
Further, these workshops are interactive and allow students to be creative. On February 13, Counseling Services provided a Valentine’s Day card-making workshop that allowed students to make cards for their loved ones.
“I learned about making my mother something really meaningful,” Fermin Borbua Watson, a senior majoring in computer information systems, said. “Even though it’s a small detail. Even though it doesn’t cost a lot, details count. If you really love a person, you should come here and do something for that person.”
Additionally, students are looking forward to seeing these workshops expand in the future.
“I definitely had fun,” Amanda Nance, a freshman residential student, said. “I think the school should provide more opportunities like this.”
In terms of practical tips that Counseling Services suggests students incorporate into their daily lives, attending to personal well-being is number one on the list.
“A part of it is self-care and actually scheduling self-care,” Hall said. ‘You can say you’re going to watch a movie or make a special meal for yourself, but it’s another thing to actually put it in your calendar with all the other things you have to do.”
Ultimately, Counseling Services hopes that these workshops will help students feel more comfortable seeking help if needed.
“It’s okay to reach out for help. That’s why Counseling Services is here,” Hall said. “Even if it’s for a session or six sessions, we’re here for you.”
To learn more about these workshops or Averett University Counseling Services, contact [email protected]
