Counseling Services expands through Web site

C ounseling Services now has a Web site. It can be found by going to Tigernet and clicking the counseling services link, located on the right-hand side in the “In Links” section. The Web site contains links that help aid students in determining their major or career as well as articles on loneliness, worry/anxiety, depression and stress. There is also a link to schedule counseling appointments.

“The Web site has already benefited many students,” said Dan Jarboe, university counselor. “The site has given students another option for scheduling appointments in a more private manner as opposed to making appointments in the lobby amongst other students.”

When Jarboe was asked how he would describe counseling to those who may have never sought out help, he said, “Counseling is a place where students can pause to examine their personal lives, family relationships, their relationships with God and look at how they are coping with the stressors of life.”

According to Jarboe, the goal of counseling services is to help students explore, learn, use and maintain healthy life skills which will guide students through college life and beyond.

Jarboe encourages students with big or small questions to contact him. According to the Web site, “Counseling is a place where you can talk safely with someone who is eager to listen to your concerns.”

The new site contains information to help determine if counseling is needed for a student, faculty or staff member.

Check the new site out at www.obu.edu/counseling.

Jarboe explained the benefits of seeking on-campus counseling. “The benefits of seeking on-campus counseling are: 1) Counseling services are free to currently enrolled students (and faculty/staff), and 2) we work closely with health services,” Jarboe said.

According to Jarboe, this means if a student needs medication to combat an issue such as depression or anxiety, they can be served more quickly.

Jarboe would like to expand the Web site in the near future to contain more helpful links. If there are any psychology or Christian studies majors that have good computer skills that would not mind volunteering their time to aid Jarboe in expanding the Web site, then contact Dan Jarboe at jarboed@obu.edu.

By Glenn Bolton, Signal Writer