The Counseling Center, typically housed in the Joel and Elizabeth Johnson Center for Health and Wellness (above), is moving online for the fall semester. Photo courtesy of Hamilton College/Nancy L. Ford
This has not been an ordinary semester, nor does it seem that it will suddenly become one. Despite this, Hamilton’s community remains strong and understands the challenges this year has brought to every student, staff member and family on and off campus. This tumultuous time that we have been thrust into is bound to cause some anxiety around students’ physical and mental health, relationships and academic opportunities, along with uncertainty over what the future may hold. By no means is any individual expected to cope with all these new challenges alone.
The College has been forced to operate in a manner vastly different from what it is accustomed to, and the Counseling Center is no exception. However, as with all other components of the College, the center has risen to the occasion. This semester, it is offering an abundance of opportunities for any student dealing with feelings of uncertainty and pressure.
The Counseling Center prides itself on its commitment to mitigating the multitude of concerns that come with adjusting to college life, especially during a pandemic. It is available to give students the direct help they need, or to supply outside recommendations that fit a certain situation. As today’s world looks rather unusual, the Counseling Center is here with plenty of new opportunities tailored to meet a variety of student needs.
First, it has introduced “Quarantine Pantry,” a weekly virtual cooking session with its in-house dietician, Lela Niemetz. Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., she will teach a new recipe that uses farm-to-table techniques. The first 15 people to register will get their own box of fresh ingredients to use alongside the session.
For budding songwriters, it has introduced “Creative Connections,” a songwriting class geared towards students with no musical background held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Led by Nashville songwriter Anne Buckle, students will have opportunities to collaborate and create an original song through two sessions. It provides an opportunity to get a little creative and connect with others during a time when socialization is far more difficult than before.
Finally, the center’s own Sound Healer and Massage Therapist Samantha Donaldson will guide “Self Care for the Socially Distanced,” a class that revolves around different wellness-related topics, beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. Students will be guided through self-massage techniques, shown how to create sacred spaces in their dorms, partake in a cacao ceremony and more. In addition to these new offerings, Donaldson will still lead Sound Healing every Friday at 11 a.m., beginning Sept. 18.
All of these opportunities are managed through the Eventbrite link provided in Counseling Center emails. To sign up, click that link or call using the number on the center’s website. Aside from these new offerings, the Counseling Center will still provide its usual array of individual and group therapy sessions, psychiatric services and dietician services.
Everyone can agree that this is no ordinary semester, and no one should feel like they need to pretend that it is. Hamilton wants its students to remain happy, healthy and safe. A major component of that is strong mental health. A commitment to a healthy state of mind is not something to hide or play down, but rather something to keep at the forefront of your agenda. It is just as critical to one’s overall health as a trip to the gym or a hearty kale salad. The Counseling Center is here to give everyone the ability to keep their mental health strong and to offer any extra measure of care one may need during these uncertain times. Make sure to take advantage of these opportunities and make the most out of your time at Hamilton.