1. Calvin Students and Mental Health Irene Kraegel, PsyD Broene Counseling Center Fall Conference August 21, 2014

2. Broene Counseling Center

3. Location: Spoelhof Center
Hours: M-F, 8-5:00

4. Mark Recker, Barb Veeneman (office manager), Intern, Dan Vandersteen
Cindy Kok, Irene Kraegel, Amanda Worst, Christina Edmondson, Rick Baez
Not pictured: Bren Shantz and Nicole Marshall (intern)

5. Who do we serve? Enrolled students who are experiencing depression
anxiety
stress
adjustment issues
relationship problems
eating disorders
substance abuse

6. Data
19% of enrolled students sought services from Broene (758 students)
10% of these were international students
17% of these were AHANA students
64% were female, 36% were male
Fairly equal distribution across academic years
19% of students were on psychotropic medication at the time of their first appointment

7. What services do we offer?
Group counseling
Individual counseling
Couples/Family counseling
Crisis care (1:30-2:30, M-F)
After-hours triage through Pine Rest
Consultation to faculty, staff, & family
All services are provided free of charge.

8. Who are some of our partners?
Medication management
Student Health Services
Psychiatrist on campus
Disability services / Academic support
Student Academic Services
Emergency services
Campus Safety
Residence Life
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Center

9. How are students referred? 2013-2014

10. What do students think of Broene? 2013-2014

11. Confidentiality Student consent is required for any
information-sharing by Broene staff, with
the exception of situations where there is imminent risk of harm to self or others.
Counseling records are kept separate
from school records.

12. Interacting with distressed students
What you can do

13. Watch for warning signs
Decline in Performance
Grades
Excessive absences
Not handing in assignments
Social Difficulties
Neediness
Trouble getting along with other students
Problem Behavior
Falling asleep inappropriately
Highly disruptive
Emotional Difficulties
Excessive tearfulness or sadness
Unusual or exaggerated emotional response
Excessive anxiety when asked to speak in class
References to suicide or homicide

14. Maintain healthy boundaries
If a student is struggling, speak with them privately
Stay in your role as an advisor, professor, resident director, etc.
Do not promise confidentiality before the student has spoken
Focus on supporting and problem-solving rather than “fixing”
Maintain student autonomy as much as possible—avoid enabling or parenting
Acknowledge emotional difficulties as needed by student, but keep primary focus on academic goals and progress

15. Use active listening skills
Maintain good eye contact
Give your full attention to the student
Reflect back what you hear and ask questions that show understanding
“So you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.”
Empathize and show respect
“It’s hard to get schoolwork done when you’re feeling so sad.”
Avoid interrupting
Speak at approximately the same energy level as the student

16. Create a plan with the student
Briefly address the emotions
Be direct about your observations and concerns
Ask the student what they have already done to address the problem and what else they could do
Verbalize hope
“Depression is very treatable.”
“Just by talking about this, you’re already moving in the right direction.”
“You’re not alone—we are here to support you as you move forward.”

17. Create a plan with the student
Make a referral
Refer to the Broene Counseling Center
Start with their own thoughts: “Have you thought about counseling?”
Normalize the counseling experience: “A lot of students find it helpful to talk to a counselor when they’re having these kinds of feelings.”
Explore resistance: “What would keep you from talking to a counselor about these things? Could it be worth taking this step, even though it is difficult for you?”
If the student is open, support them in making the call to Broene from your office
Follow up with the student to ask if they followed through with the plan — if not, repeat the above

18. Create a plan with the student
Focus on the academics
Be specific about academic goals and deadlines, modifying as needed to fit the student’s current functional ability
Provide positive feedback regarding small improvements
Refer to Student Academic Services (SAS)—follow up with the student to ask if they followed through

19. When safety is an issue Talk with the student
Clarify vague, confusing, or disturbing statements
“What do you mean by….?”
If you are concerned that safety might be an issue, ask about it directly
“Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
Never agree to keep it secret if a student is thinking about harming themselves or others
Talk with others
Consult with colleagues and/or a mental health professional about the situation and document your conversations
Notify the CARE team:

20. When safety is an issue If a student cannot commit to safety…
Discuss with them their need for extra support in remaining safe
Immediately contact a mental health professional for assessment
During hours: Broene Counseling Center –
After hours: Pine Rest Contact Center –
If needed, contact Campus Safety ( ) or law enforcement (911) for help
Notify the CARE team:

21. Questions? Office phone: 616-526-6123 Email address: broene@calvin.edu
Website address: calvin.edu/broene
Thanks for coming!