Reflecting on the experience of transitioning to a remote work environment, Dr. Rebecca Thompson says, “It all came upon us quickly and we had to ramp up and make a lot of changes in a short amount of time.” More than just addressing how to continue to serve students and navigate University policy, the team was faced with the added challenge of dealing with licensing boards and various legal issues related to offering telehealth services. “We had to come together as a team to make it work. It was all a bit overwhelming, but all of the counseling staff is really open-minded and committed to serving the students. So whatever we determined would be logistically possible while also maintaining ethical codes and legal responsibilities for our professions, all staff were on board with and there was no lapse in service,” says Thompson. This included finding new ways of screening for and providing urgent care and select in-person services. Throughout the spring semester, one staff remained in the office ready and available to address in-person student needs.
Student’s concerns and reactions came in waves throughout the semester. As the campus closed students dealt with emotions related to housing, finances, and online classes, as well as COVID-19 health concerns. For graduating seniors, the loss of commencement was a very emotional experience. Emotions settled briefly as the semester continued, but counselors report seeing in recent weeks a rise in the level of anxiety and concerns stemming from conversations relating to the death of George Floyd and in response to recent protests. “Students are struggling with feeling hopeless and helpless with everything going on in the world. Wanting to help but not sure how they can,” says Dr. Kristal Valdovinos.
With societal tensions flaring and the spring semester at a close, the Counseling staff reports a strong student retention rate, with many students continuing to seek support. Counselor Jasmine De Alba, LCSW, expressed gratitude that in this emotional time, students still feel safe enough talking to the counselors about how they are feeling.
As Sacramento State moves toward a second semester in a virtual setting, it is important to recognize that the student experience is going to be different for everyone. Anxieties are as much about taking classes online, as they are about how they are going to balance rising financial, health, and family concerns. “For many it's a question of how has the pandemic affected their lives and how has that in turn affected school rather than, if everything else was normal and classes were online, things would be much different,” says Thompson.
How do we support our students and ourselves at this time?
As Sacramento State moves toward a second semester in a virtual setting, it is important to recognize that the student experience is going to be different for everyone. Anxieties are as much about taking classes online, as they are about how they are going to balance rising financial, health, and family concerns. “For many it's a question of how has the pandemic affected their lives and how has that in turn affected school rather than, if everything else was normal and classes were online, things would be much different,” says Thompson.
Operating in the background is a growing sense of isolation as many students are suffering from a loss of social contacts. In response to this growing isolation and grief, the Counseling staff has launched a Surviving Isolation Group into their group counseling options and is seeing a strong response.
“One of the kindest gifts we can give is to just take some opportunity to let people talk and to listen to them. Sharing more of yourself personally now, than in the past. Not everything requires counseling necessarily, and there is a lot that can happen just through people being open and making time for each other,” says Director of Counseling Services, Dr. Ron Lutz.
In sessions, counselors find themselves doing a lot of validating about what students are feeling and going through, reminding them to reach out to people in their life and to stay connected. Don’t forget to go through the motions of taking care of themselves every day, having a routine, eating regular meals, and making time to exercise and recreate. They also advise that it is okay to take a break from the news and social media every day.
For staff and managers helping their students and staff cope with their emotions, Dr. Lutz reiterates, “Make time in meetings for people to just share what is going on. It is ok to spend a little less time on administrative things. By letting people share openly and talk, we can learn from each other and find shared ways of coping.” It is also recommended to actively practice self-compassion. This is a stressful time for everyone and it is important to embrace our emotions and understand that we may not always feel like our best selves.
Thank you to Director of Counseling, Dr. Ron Lutz, Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Dr. Kristal Valdovinos, and Ms. Jasmine De Alba, LCSW for contributing to this story, as well as the entire Counseling staff for their efforts.
How to learn more and get involved.
The Student Health and Counseling team is actively partnering with campus departments and in recent weeks has found welcome partners in many cultural departments on campus. If a department or team wants training for how to manage mental health within their programs, the Counseling staff is available to make it happen.
Departments and individuals looking to partner or seeking resources can reach out directly to the Director, Dr. Ron Lutz (8-7358) or lutzr@csus.edu or any one of the Counseling staff.
Student Health and Counseling’s customer service reps are also available and able to direct calls to the appropriate resources across Primary Health, Counseling, or Health and Wellness side of SHCS as needed. Customer Service Reps can be reached at (8-6461).
By Alex Nichols, Marketing & Communications Specialist
“One of the kindest gifts we can give is to just take some opportunity to let people talk and to listen to them. Sharing more of yourself personally now, than in the past. Not everything requires counseling necessarily, and there is a lot that can happen just through people being open and making time for each other,” says Director of Counseling Services, Dr. Ron Lutz.
In sessions, counselors find themselves doing a lot of validating about what students are feeling and going through, reminding them to reach out to people in their life and to stay connected. Don’t forget to go through the motions of taking care of themselves every day, having a routine, eating regular meals, and making time to exercise and recreate. They also advise that it is okay to take a break from the news and social media every day.
For staff and managers helping their students and staff cope with their emotions, Dr. Lutz reiterates, “Make time in meetings for people to just share what is going on. It is ok to spend a little less time on administrative things. By letting people share openly and talk, we can learn from each other and find shared ways of coping.” It is also recommended to actively practice self-compassion. This is a stressful time for everyone and it is important to embrace our emotions and understand that we may not always feel like our best selves.
Thank you to Director of Counseling, Dr. Ron Lutz, Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Dr. Kristal Valdovinos, and Ms. Jasmine De Alba, LCSW for contributing to this story, as well as the entire Counseling staff for their efforts.
How to learn more and get involved.
The Student Health and Counseling team is actively partnering with campus departments and in recent weeks has found welcome partners in many cultural departments on campus. If a department or team wants training for how to manage mental health within their programs, the Counseling staff is available to make it happen.
Departments and individuals looking to partner or seeking resources can reach out directly to the Director, Dr. Ron Lutz (8-7358) or lutzr@csus.edu or any one of the Counseling staff.
Student Health and Counseling’s customer service reps are also available and able to direct calls to the appropriate resources across Primary Health, Counseling, or Health and Wellness side of SHCS as needed. Customer Service Reps can be reached at (8-6461).
By Alex Nichols, Marketing & Communications Specialist