The social and emotional concerns that occasionally occur in everyone’s life can bring about many questions and conflicts.

Such concerns make it difficult for us to function as well and as effectively as we want to.

There are many different reasons why people seek professional help. Often, people would like to learn how to:

• be more effective and satisfied with their lives
• increase their personal awareness
• explore a deeper sense of meaning in life
• improve their self-esteem
• enhance communication within a relationship

Additionally, therapy can help with painful experiences such as:

• anxiety
• depression
• alcohol or other drug problems
• loneliness
• guilt
• feelings of inadequacy
• conflicts related to one’s family, friends, roommates, romantic partners
• grief and loss
• disappointing academic and athletic performance
• current or past traumas – for example, rape, sexual assault or childhood abuse.

There are several approaches to psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic to help overcome various illnesses and cope with stressors.

Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to identify the factors that contribute to one’s mood and to deal effectively with the psychological, behavioral, interpersonal, and situational causes.  Skilled therapists can work with individuals to:

• Pinpoint the life problems that contribute to their depression or anxiety and help them understand which aspects of those problems they may be able to solve or improve
• Identify negative or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that accompany depression
• Explore other learned thoughts and behaviors that create problems and prevent people from effectively coping with life stresses
• Regain a sense of control and pleasure in life

Psychotherapy can help you see choices as well as gradually incorporate enjoyable, fulfilling activities back into your life.

A therapist can often help you to understand yourself better, gain insight into your decisions, improve your self-image, enhance your personal relationships, and help you to learn how to make new choices for more effective living.

Workshops and presentations provide information on health-related issues, and tips for time management and study skills that help improve your chances of success at Presbyterian College.  We are interested in your personal, intellectual, and psychological growth and development.

To make an appointment, please email the Counseling and Health Center or call 864-833-8263. You can also make a direct referral by completing the Student CARES Form. If you have an after-hours emergency, please call Campus Police at 864-833-8911, 911 or go to the Emergency Department of Laurens County Hospital.