UF counseling services aids students for over 30 years

By: Olivia Wile
Twitter: o_wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu

As University of Findlay students return from summer break, so have the professionals from the Bucher Center of Counseling Services.

Counseling services have been offered by the University since 1986 and continue to provide many benefits to students. With three full-time licensed professional clinical counselors, Ginny Williams, Jenna L. Kramb, and Karyn J. Wesktrick, UF counseling services work as a helpful, free resource.

Counselor Karyn J Westrick emphasizes both the confidentiality and objectiveness of counseling.

“Students can talk about virtually anything without punishment, Westwick explains. “We have to take care of our brain like the rest of our body.”

Westwrick is aware of the bad reputation counseling sometimes gets but is confident that it is fading away.

“That stigma is washing away with each generation,” Westwrick explains. [With] 2,000 visits a year, we are a service students are increasingly becoming comfortable using.”

Students might be surprised when they walk into the building, as the environment is warm and comforting.

“We try to make it welcoming, Westwrick says, “[It’s] a comfortable, homie setting, not as sterile as expected.”

A sophomore, male student at the University explains his experience with counseling services.

“I went there for a couple reasons, probably for emotional support and advice,” he states. “Karyn helped me talk out some of the issues I was having and helped me improve.”

When asked how he felt before going to counseling, the student explains his apprehensions.

“I was terrified to go. I was scared to make an appointment but finally did, and honestly it was the best decision ever,” he says.

The counseling center is open Monday through Friday by appointment with walk-ins on Friday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The easiest way to set up an appointment is to call or stop by the office at 307 Frazer St, Findlay, OH 45840 . To set up an appointment call 419-434-4526 or email counselingservices@findlay.edu

“If you’re considering it, just do it. Don’t think ‘Oh is it for me?’ just go, even if it’s minor or major. I regret not going sooner,” the student states.

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