CIRs help students with college pressures
Leanna Payton
Issue date: 11/3/08 Section: Lifestyles
Counselors in Residence are doctoral students trained in counseling to provide services to students living in residence halls. CIRs are University Housing staff members who are jointly supervised and supported by University Housing and Counseling and Psychological Services in the Pat Walker Health Center.
The program began in the fall of 1996 as a University Housing service. Over time, it evolved to become a part of CAPS.
"The CIR program was developed to help students as they come to college and deal with the pressures of college in the residence halls," said Pam Matthews, CAPS training coordinator.
All of the CIRs have master's degrees in counseling or a related field and have obtained counseling experience.
"They are prepared mental health clinicians," Matthews said.
CIRs are "some of our lesser known heroes on campus that we have had for some time," said Tim Burkhalter, director of Residence Education and one of the University Housing staff members that oversees CIRs.
"It's just another avenue to help reach and support our students in a very safe kind of way," he said.
Some of the issues CIRs help with are time management, relationships, roommate problems, adjusting to college, intimate relationships and developing sexual orientation, said Kelly Dunbar, one of three CIRs.
"A lot of people think you have to have a mental health disorder when you come see a counselor, but I've had it all - anger, behavior habits such as eating disorders and addictions, grief, loss and stress said Danette Heckathorn, a CIR based in Gibson Hall.
CIRs are free to residents, and confidentially is maintained.
"Conversations are completely confidential, other than a health and safety issue that they feel needs to be passed on," Burkhalter said.
CIRs also make referrals to CAPS or other organizations on campus if necessary, Matthews said.
CIRs continue to see students on a regular basis, and they also are available for consultation.
The program began in the fall of 1996 as a University Housing service. Over time, it evolved to become a part of CAPS.
"The CIR program was developed to help students as they come to college and deal with the pressures of college in the residence halls," said Pam Matthews, CAPS training coordinator.
All of the CIRs have master's degrees in counseling or a related field and have obtained counseling experience.
"They are prepared mental health clinicians," Matthews said.
CIRs are "some of our lesser known heroes on campus that we have had for some time," said Tim Burkhalter, director of Residence Education and one of the University Housing staff members that oversees CIRs.
"It's just another avenue to help reach and support our students in a very safe kind of way," he said.
Some of the issues CIRs help with are time management, relationships, roommate problems, adjusting to college, intimate relationships and developing sexual orientation, said Kelly Dunbar, one of three CIRs.
"A lot of people think you have to have a mental health disorder when you come see a counselor, but I've had it all - anger, behavior habits such as eating disorders and addictions, grief, loss and stress said Danette Heckathorn, a CIR based in Gibson Hall.
CIRs are free to residents, and confidentially is maintained.
"Conversations are completely confidential, other than a health and safety issue that they feel needs to be passed on," Burkhalter said.
CIRs also make referrals to CAPS or other organizations on campus if necessary, Matthews said.
CIRs continue to see students on a regular basis, and they also are available for consultation.
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Abdulkareem
posted 2/08/09 @ 4:56 PM CST
wad up!!
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