Let me start with this question: Do you ever feel stressed? I am going to go out on a real limb here and assume the answer to that is “Yes” (and for some of you it may be a “Heck Yes!”). As a Counselor (and as a woman, mother, human being…), I have learned that all people feel stress at some point in their lives.
Stress is a part of life, whether we like it or not, and there is no magic wand that instantly wishes it away (trust me, I have looked for one!). However, there are tricks that can help you reduce stress. One simple trick is free, extremely easy, proven successful and at your fingertips. Any guesses?
The trick I am referring to is counseling. As a Berkeley student, you are eligible to speak with a Counselor for free. With a simple email or phone call, you can ask to speak to someone and soon have a way to vent out some of your stress. I know you may be thinking that you have friends and/or family that you can vent to, so why would you need counseling? Here’s why:
Awhile back, a student came into my office with her cell phone in her hand. She was crying as she placed her phone on my desk. She told me that she had over 100 contacts in her phone, yet there was not one person who she could reach out to in that moment. She told me her mother would yell at her, her friends would tell her “told you so” and she did not want to give her sister any more stress. Sound familiar?
She did not go through all 100 contacts (thankfully, if she did, she would still be sitting in my office). However, she did make her point clear: she needed to talk to someone objective, non-judgmental and caring. She was not looking for someone to tell her what to do or what she did wrong; she was simply looking for someone to listen.
Enter me – “The Counselor”. As a Counselor, I simply provided a safe place for her to talk about anything. I did not judge or condemn her – I simply heard her out. After our conversation, she said she felt so much lighter and was so grateful to have someone to talk to.
So, instead of thinking “Why counseling?” I hope you now think of “Why not counseling?” The next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, you can reach out to someone who wants to hear about what is going on and who promises to listen. Even your friends and family can’t guarantee that!
About the Author: Nicole Palagano is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been with Berkeley College for 5 years. If you wish to speak with her, email [email protected].