Category: Announcements

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It is characterized by symptoms like low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of irritability. If the winter season is impacting your mood and energy levels, the Counseling Center can help you learn ways to cope.

K students are always welcome to use the SAD lamp in the Counseling Center or Student Health Center waiting room. SAD lamps provide bright, white light that helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin levels, which can improve mood and energy. Using a SAD lamp for about 20-30 minutes can help alleviate fatigue associated with reduced sunlight exposure during the winter months.

If you’d like to learn more about SAD, check out the information on our bulletin board in Hicks or watch the recording of the Community Reflection presentation in which Counseling Center staff members discuss SAD from both a psychological and sociopolitical perspective.

Inauguration Support

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Need support post-inauguration? The Counseling Center can help. Working one on one with an objective and supportive licensed counselor can provide the opportunity to explore feelings and work through challenges. Counseling can help you to express your emotions, gain a new perspective, solve a problem, or learn techniques to reduce distress.

Sign up for an Inauguration Support session. Select “Inauguration Support” from the iPads in the lobby of the Counseling Center in Hicks Center OR at counselingsignup.kzoo.edu using your K College username and password. From there, you will fill out pre-appointment paperwork and schedule a 30-minute one-time session with a licensed counselor.

You always have the option to call K’s 24/7 Support Line at 833-646-1526 to speak with an on-call licensed counselor anytime, anywhere.

Uwill Teletherapy Services Available Over Winter Break

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center will be closed for winter break after November 22, but we are happy to be able to provide continued services through our partnership with Uwill.

Uwill offers students immediate access to teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, and wellness programming through its online platform at no cost. Each academic year, K students receive free 8 telehealth sessions via video, phone, or messaging.

To schedule teletherapy: 

  • Create a profile with Uwill 
  • Choose a therapist based on your preferences including availability, issue, gender, language, ethnicity. 
  • Choose a time that fits your schedule with day, night and weekend availability. 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call 833.646.1526. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

Uwill also provides students free access to on-demand wellness programming through its easy-to-use online platform. Select wellness from the left navigation and relax and recharge your mind and body with a wide range of wellness such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and more! Allow Uwill to help you discover greater focus and balance as you navigate time away from K. 

We will reopen for winter term on January 6. We hope you have a restful and joyous break!

Vision Board Making Group

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Come join us for an end of term vision board making group! The focus of these groups is to explore who you are and goals that you have for yourself. Join us for community-building, conversation, and a creative outlet! Supplies will be provided, though you are also welcome to bring any pictures, cutouts, stickers, etc. that you have if you would like. We will meet Tuesday, November 19th, from 4pm to 6pm in Hicks Lower Atrium.

Election Support

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Need support during election week? Maybe you’re feeling anxious about the election process and the implications of the outcome of the election. Maybe you’re feeling angry or frustrated with others who have differing values and beliefs. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of news and information surrounding this election. Maybe you’re feeling helpless about situations outside of your control.

The Counseling Center can help. Working one on one with an objective and supportive licensed counselor can provide the opportunity to explore feelings and work through challenges. Counseling can help you to express your emotions, gain a new perspective, solve a problem, or learn techniques to reduce distress.

Sign up for an Election Support session. Select “Election Support” from the iPads in the lobby of the Counseling Center in Hicks Center OR at counselingsignup.kzoo.edu using your K College username and password. From there, you will fill out pre-appointment paperwork and schedule a 30-minute one-time session with a licensed counselor.

You always have the option to call K’s 24/7 Support Line at 833-646-1526 to speak with an on-call licensed counselor anytime, anywhere.

UPDATE: Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center’s Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes, led by Becca Jokinen, MA, LPC, NCC, DTLLP and Anderson Boatman, MA, LPC, DTLLP, has a location update. The next 3 workshops will take place on Wednesdays, October 30th, November 6th, and November 13th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in Dewing 114.

The 3 workshop topics are: Stress and Pressure, Failure and Setback, and Balancing It All. Please see attached flyer for more information and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center is excited to launch our Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes! Lead by Becca Jokinen, MA, LPC, NCC, DTLLP and Anderson Boatman, MA, LPC, DTLLP, this series will explore the mental health concerns that many student athletes face. Please join us at the introductory workshop on Wednesday, October 16th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Olmsted Room in Mandelle Hall. Pizza and pop will be provided!

Future workshop topics include Stress and Pressure, Failure and Setbacks, and How To Balance It All. Please see attached flyer for more information and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Uwill Teletherapy Services Available Over Summer Break

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center will be closing its doors for summer break after June 7, but we are happy to be able to provide continued services through our partnership with Uwill.

Uwill offers students immediate access to teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, and wellness programming through its online platform at no cost. Each academic year, K students receive free 8 telehealth sessions via video, phone, or messaging.

To schedule teletherapy: 

  • Create a profile with Uwill 
  • Choose a therapist based on your preferences including availability, issue, gender, language, ethnicity. 
  • Choose a time that fits your schedule with day, night and weekend availability. 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call 833.646.1526. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

Uwill also provides students free access to on-demand wellness programming through its easy-to-use online platform. Select wellness from the left navigation and relax and recharge your mind and body with a wide range of wellness such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and more! Allow Uwill to help you discover greater focus and balance as you navigate time away from K. 

Meet the Counselors of Spring Term: Calvin Ruff

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Calvin Ruff, MSW, LMSW (he/him)

Professional/Education Background: I am currently working as a clinical therapist within several settings such as K College, a private practice, and a couple of community empowerment centers. With 30+ years of experience in this field, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to be a supportive guide in the life journeys of people from all over the world and all walks of life. It is always my goal and hope to witness people move successfully in the directions of healing and transformation that they identify and desire for themselves.  

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI- Being midway between Detroit and Chicago, with beautiful countryside all around, I’ve found Kalamazoo to be a perfect place for my various interests. From exploring the numerous local trails and waterways, to engaging the diversity of cultural music and foods here and the nearby cities, I’m in Heaven!!! 

Pets: We’ve always had canine companions for the family to enjoy. At this time we are having a blast with our 1 year old Shih Tzu, Quincy! 

Favorite Coping Skills: Meditation and anything Rhythm, Sound, and Movement! 

Hobby: Immersing myself in the music, food, and healing ways from cultures around the world is one of my greatest joys. As a drummer, foodie, and therapist, my life’s work is definitely inspired by the gifts of wisdom and experiences that have been so generously shared with me everywhere I go. As in this photo, you can see me recently with one of my meditation teachers, Ajarn Suar, a healer in Chiang Mai Thailand. 

Learn more about Calvin on the Counseling Center’s staff page!

Counseling Center Announcements

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Additional Center Information

Here are some details when using the Counseling Center during the academic year:

Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location
1st floor of Hicks West next to the Health Center. We are #12 on the campus map.

Contact: counseling.center@kzoo.edu

Individual Counseling Details

To start individual counseling, please visit the Counseling Center and complete the intake forms located on the iPads in the lobby. You have the option to schedule your first appointment after completing the forms, otherwise a clinician will email you within 48 business hours to set up an initial appointment.

If you are unable to visit the Center to complete intake forms, please complete them at counselingsignup.kzoo.edu using your K College username and password or email us at counseling.center@kzoo.edu.