Nurturing Minds: Exploring FSC's Mental Health Resources

"College years are filled with life-changing events — from leaving home and moving into a new community to graduating and finding a job and everything in between," explains David Aranda, LCSW, director of Florida Southern College's Counseling Center.

"Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to talk about how we support students through these momentous transitions."

We recently sat down with Mr. Aranda to learn about the wealth of mental health resources available on campus and how the services provided contribute to the well-being of our student community.

"Recognizing the impact of mental well-being on student achievement, we have taken significant strides to provide comprehensive resources to support our students," says Aranda, who has been in the practice of counseling and mental health for the past 19 years. "We are committed to cultivating a nurturing environment conducive to personal growth, and through our office, we provide a range of services that ensure students' mental health remains a top priority."

One-on-one counseling: Florida Southern College boasts a dedicated Counseling Center staffed with trained professionals devoted to helping students navigate the challenges they may encounter. The Center provides individual counseling sessions, allowing students to discuss their concerns in a safe and confidential space. Whether facing academic stress, relationship issues, or personal difficulties, students receive tailored support from the counseling team.

Support groups: In addition to individual counseling, FSC's Counseling Center facilitates support groups that focus on specific topics such as anxiety, depression, and stress management. These groups create a space for students to connect with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. These support groups offer a platform for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and encouragement, further bolstering students' mental resilience.

Workshops: FSC's counseling team also actively promotes mental health awareness through informative workshops and educational programs. These events cover a wide range of topics, including stress management, self-care, mindfulness, and resilience building. Through interactive sessions led by professionals, students gain valuable knowledge and practical skills that can enhance their overall well-being. These workshops empower students with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth.

Online Resources and Self-Help Materials: Understanding the need for easily accessible resources, the FSC Counseling Center provides online materials and self-help resources related to mental health. These resources cover a range of topics, from stress reduction techniques to tips for managing anxiety and depression. Students can access these materials at their convenience, enabling them to seek support even outside regular counseling hours. A Canvas module contains tips for maintaining holistic wellness and guidance for living your best life.

Holistic Wellness Education & Resources: Recognizing that mental health is closely intertwined with other areas of well-being, including physical health, the Florida Southern Counseling Center emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness. Our approach aims at providing a well-balanced scope of services to achieve a path to academic and personal success. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, the Counseling Center equips its students with the tools and resources necessary to navigate their journey and set them up for success during college and beyond.
 
The Counseling Center collaborates with other campus partners, such as the Wellness Center staff, to offer an array of campus-wide initiatives to promote healthy habits and self-care practices. These initiatives include fitness programs, yoga and meditation sessions, and opportunities for engaging in outdoor activities. Visit the Wellness Center to learn more about their programming.

New to campus? Keep an eye on Engage for the Counseling Center-sponsored workshops on "Making Florida Southern Home" this fall.

Visit the Counseling Center to learn more and meet the team »