Tuttleman Counseling Services 1810 Liacouras Walk (Main Campus) (Main Campus) Office Hours Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walk-In Clinic Mon., Tues, Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday – 9 a.m. to 12 noon Free and Confidential

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Student Transitions Making new friends Moving away from home Making their own schedule Making their own decisions Starting new romantic relationships Academic decisions Managing money Coping with STRESS

Common Problems Relationship conflict (romantic, family, friendship) Anxiety (fear/panic, obsessive thoughts, etc.) Depression (sadness, hopelessness, anger, irritability) Loss issues Adjustment issues (missing home, academic concerns) Sexuality related concerns Drug and alcohol problems Eating disorders Self-esteem issues Gambling and other financial concerns Suicidal thoughts Self injury Marijuana abuse Concern about someone else Stress

Counseling is …. Helping students to learn to make healthy decisions, explore options, look at themselves and an honest and open way and make positive changes in their behavior. It is not the counselor telling students what to do.

Who uses Tuttleman Counseling Services? Last year more than 3000 students came in for counseling services. Students also attended a variety of workshops and other events throughout the year. 450 students used psychiatric services. (If you live nearby, please continue to have your student’s physician manage their psychiatric medications and reserve TCS for emergencies.)

Parent Transitions Should we rent their room out? Can we really vacation alone? What were those things we wanted to do? Less laundry. Less cleaning up. More time for socializing. Getting your car back.

Parent Transitions Expectations about… –Communication –Academic performance –Vacations and visits home –Finances Concerns about … –Drugs and alcohol –Sex and STI’s –Adjustment issues –Academic failure

Are you on the same page… Academic expectations – (performance/major) Managing their financial resources (credit cards) Drugs & alcohol – (the facts) Communication expectations ( and/or phone) Vacation plans during the breaks (invited?) Sex – (ouch!) Letting students struggle to solve their own problems

Mistakes Happen! Some students will experiment with drugs and/or alcohol, though less than half will. Some students will begin or continue to be sexually active. Some students will fail a class. Some students will decide to change their major from pre-med to art history.

Listen for the underlying message… they want your help! If they are calling to discuss a problem, they want your help. If you are able to help them see the potential consequences of their actions, they may decide to change their behavior. Asking about what your student thinks might help solve their problem and often can be productive.

Homesickness Many students experience homesickness during their initial adjustment period. Phone calls home usually help students adjust. It reassures students that they have not lost family ties and security. Encourage students to get involved in recreational or club activities. It usually passes in three or four weeks. The “cold turkey” approach is not usually helpful.

Encourage your student to seek counseling services if …. You notice a change in mood. Their academic performance is poor. They are not adjusting well. You suspect drug or alcohol problems. They are not solving problems. You have any other concerns or suspicions that something is wrong. Give us a call.

Questions?

Tuttleman Counseling and Prevention Services 1810 Liacouras Walk (Main Campus) (Main Campus) Monday – Friday Office Hours 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walk-In Clinic 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday – 9 a.m. to 12 noon Free and Confidential