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Why Therapy is So Helpful to College Students

College students experience a myriad of stressors that make student life tough to navigate.

Looking for a college student therapy in Boulder? Read on to find out about the benefits of therapy for college student.

Common themes therapists hear from students are managing high workload in classes, struggling with a roommate, relationship issues,  academic performance, and the new norm they had to create during the covid-19 pandemic. These themes lead to burnout, anxiety, and bouts of depression.

Undergraduates are in a unique position in life. They are on their own for the first time, and the transition from home and high school to college classes and dorm rooms is exciting and hard. The rules and expectations are different and most students have the idea that they should be able to do this with ease as everyone else does. But hang on a sec, the idea that any of this is easy and that everyone else is doing it just fine is a bit ludicrous. No high school or after-school activities prepare someone for this transition.

Additionally, College athletes are challenged to more intense and frequent training times while still expected to meet class attendance requirements. They are often studying and completing homework assignments while traveling for games; Not to mention the pressure of playing well to keep their spot on the team or their scholarship.

On and Off-Campus Stressors

There are also changes still happening due to covid-19 on and off campus that leaves a lot of students not knowing what to do. They don’t know whom their roommate is spending time with and if they are being safe. There might be concerns about their family at home if a parent lost their job due to covid or someone is sick with covid. Additionally, taking classes online due to covid-19 is challenging on its own and also adds isolation to the mix.

The silver lining here is that more college-age people are breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help. They are talking about their struggles. This in itself helps find some relief from the negative thoughts and emotions they are having. However, therapy is more than talking. There’s a common belief that things need to be bad to go to therapy or that something must be wrong with someone. Neither needs to be true. We all struggle from time to time and having some help goes a long way. It can make the difference between living to survive and living to thrive.

article about college student therapy in Boulder

A Positive Way Forward with Therapy for College Students

Working with a counselor has various benefits and it’s not a one-size-fits-all experience; it is tailored to fit YOU. Your therapist will get to know you and work with you to determine your needs and how to move forward. Below are just some of the things your therapist can help you with and the benefits of doing so.

  • Clarifying a problem: Understanding what is happening can help you to gain control and find solutions; it is the catalyst to change.
  • Managing anxiety: Some anxiety is normal and helpful but if it is hindering your academic performance, confidence, and quality of life, it’s time to do something.
  • Improving personal skills: College is a time when you are learning how to take care of yourself; personal skills help you figure out how you innately need to take care of yourself.
  • Exploring opportunities for change: When we feel helpless, it’s hard to see there are options to make things better.
  • Developing increased confidence: College is hard in several ways, but you got yourself here, so let’s find that confidence that you have inside.

Tips For Improving Your Wellbeing

  • Start a daily mindfulness practice. Just three minutes is great.
  • Identify your support system and let them know when you are struggling.
  • Make a point to get out of your home every day: talk to other humans even if it’s just at the grocery store.
  • Move your body enough to raise your heart rate. Starting with five minutes is good if it feels daunting (walking counts!).
  • Experience the weather for at least five minutes. Could be a walk or just sitting on your stoop.
  • Try to track the small wins. Our brain is not as good at registering the good stuff as the bad.

Connect With A Therapist at North Boulder Counseling

You don’t need to wait until things are bad to see a counselor. You can talk with a counselor now in a safe place, create a plan, and start thriving. North Boulder Counseling has multiple therapists ready to help you. To make an appointment, send an email to info@NorthboulderCounseling.com or call 720.588.3174.

Begin College Student Therapy in Boulder, CO

Navigating college can be equally stressful and rewarding. But, our team of caring therapists is here to help students overcome the unique issues college students face. We offer both in-person and online services. Our Boulder, CO-based counseling practice can help you find relief from the many stressors that college can bring. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:

  1. Contact our therapy center
  2. Request an appointment to learn more about our team
  3. Begin addressing the concerns that affect you most!

Other Services Offered with North Boulder Counseling

Therapy for college students isn’t the only service offered at North Boulder Counseling. Our team of therapists is happy to offer a variety of mental health services including anxiety counseling, eating disorder treatment, trauma therapy/PTSD treatment, play therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. We are happy to offer support for men, women, teens, and children. Other services offered include LGBTQ counseling, anxiety intensive treatment, postpartum anxiety treatment, parent coaching, and co-parenting. Feel free to learn more about us, or visit our blog for more info!

 

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