The Counseling Center has a staff that cares about students having a positive experience. This past year approximately 20% of the student body sought individual counseling services at the Center. Students meeting with counselors at the Center are invited to complete anonymous surveys rating our services. Here are some of the written comments from students:
“I was amazed by the non-judgmental and genuinely caring nature of the staff…I would hate to try to imagine where I would be, and who I would be without these services. It really moves me to tears when I think about how much my counselor helped me. She was so open to my situations and I felt safe. I felt like if my counselor was there, then nothing bad could happen, and if something did happen, that it would be ok…”
“It was very helpful to have someone to talk to who could offer an outside view and evaluate problems objectively. Many times she (counselor) helped me to see a different point of view to solve a problem.”
“By seeking counsel I was able to talk to someone other than my friends, peers and family about my internal issues. My counselor helped me develop skills that now I can use to help me see the whole picture.”
"I did not know what to expect when I first came. They (the counselors) were amazingly friendly and made me feel as comfortable as possible. I was blown away by how much they cared."
“I can’t really think of any improvements that I would like to see—I just wish that some of the people here who could benefit would go—perhaps by dispelling the negative connotation that therapy sometimes entails.”
“I thought that the services offered by the Counseling Center were wonderful and I even had several friends start going because I thought that they too could benefit from what you all have to offer.”
“Counseling with my counselor helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. Without the counselor, I am sure that I would have left SMC and went home. My counselor is amazing and caring, she helped me understand what was happening to me.”
“Counseling was EXTREMELY helpful and reassuring for me. It is nice to talk to someone who you know isn’t going to judge you and has expert advice to give you. As I have been attending counseling I have learned a lot about myself and am trying to adapt different behaviors into my normal ways of thinking.”
"Counseling was helpful because it provided a safe place to share what was on my mind. I'm glad Saint Mary's provides this service to us."
"In the beginning I was reluctant about seeking counseling. I realized thanks to my best friend that there was nothing wrong with going to counseling. I did not view my problems as that big. The counseling sessions allowed me to release any problems that were on my mind. Counseling has helped me to address those problems and deal with them."
"My counselor was easy to talk to and she helped me learn a lot about myself. She gave me tools and resources to lower my stress level and increase my focusing ability."
“I think the Counseling Center are the most helpful and caring people here. Every time I’ve gone in there I’ve been welcomed by a smiling face! THANKS!”
"Whenever I see (her) I always feel so much better. Knowing that my feelings are normal is great."
“My counselor was wonderful in calming my fears & anxieties & very helpful in guiding me to very useful resources.”
"It was helpful for me to be able to talk about things with someone who didn't know me and could listen objectively. It felt good to know that I could get things off my chest and not feel like I was burdening the people that I love. It also helped me to be better focused academically."
“Counseling is extremely helpful to me because it helps me find answers & solutions to problems that I face. It helps me become a better adjusted, less stressed, more productive individual.”
“I was able to talk to someone who was willing to listen and open enough to help. I really felt as though someone cared. I went in very upset and very concerned and ended up walking away healthy and happy.”
"It is a safe place to be myself."
“It is great to have someone to talk to & be encouraging in a realistic manner. Also, she has given me some tools to use when I leave.”
“When I began counseling, I was on the verge of leaving school, into some really harmful things, and emotionally unstable. I told myself that I did not want to die and wanted to help myself. My counselor has been such an amazing counselor and there for me every step of the way. She has helped me to find my inner voice and my own light. She will always have a place in my heart for everything she has done for me. She never stopped believing in me and created a safe place for me to realize everything that was built up inside. Now I am doing extremely well in school and have learned to love myself.”
"Helpful beyond words."
