The Counseling Center at Bossier Parish Community College has a staff of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) who offer counseling services to students.
The Counseling Center staff is committed to providing academic, career, and personal counseling services and preventive programs for the psychological well-being of all BPCC students. These services include:
- Individual Counseling
- Couples and Family Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Workshops
- Referral Resources for the Shreveport/Bossier City Community
- Brochures & Handouts on various topics
- Self-Help Information
- Consultation Services for Faculty and Staff
- On-line mental health screenings
- Internet-based self-help information
- Support groups and meetings
Counseling is a collaborative process in which clients are assisted in defining their goals and making decisions. The counselor acts as a facilitator and is committed to helping you in this process of defining the best possible avenues of change for your personal life pursuits.
Why Students Come to the Counseling Center
Students come to the Counseling Center for help with concerns in the areas of academic performance, career decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. Also, they may seek help with issues related to abuse, thoughts or intents of suicide, sexual assault, eating disorders, drug/alcohol problems, the loss of a loved one, as well as other personal concerns.
Your Role as a Faculty/Staff Member
Students often experience significant changes in their lives during their college careers. These changes can pose a threat to their academic success. The stress of academic, social, family, and financial concerns can be overwhelming and a student may turn to you for help. As a member of the Faculty or Staff, you are in a unique position of having direct contact with students. Faculty and staff members may become the main source of support to a student in distress. If you are presented with an issue that you feel is beyond your knowledge and skill level, you may contact the Counseling Center for consultation and assistance or to refer a student.
Students Who May Benefit from Counseling Services
- Requesting help
- Talking or writing about suicide
- Threats to injure or harm others
- Noticeable changes in mood or behavior to include isolation or withdrawal from peers and a loss of interest in normal activities
- Paranoid or suspicious thoughts or beliefs
- Anxiety and depression
- Sudden changes in personal relationships to include a death of a close friend or family member or a divorce or break-up
- Crying
- Outbursts of anger
- Poor attendance
- Conversations that do not make sense
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed with life
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Psychosomatic symptoms to include headaches, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, a disheveled appearance, a student who needs a bath
- Academic issues and decision-making
- Personal concerns
- Career indecision
Guidelines for Dealing with a Distressed Student
- Keep in mind that you are a trusted person on campus in whom the student has chosen to confide.
- Keep in mind that you are not a therapist or crisis intervention specialist.
- Talk to the student in a private setting, such as your office, allowing plenty of time for the student to express his or her concerns.
- If the student is very upset, allow the student time to calm down so that s/he will be able to respond to any suggestions.
- Listen to the student's concerns in a non-judgmental manner. Avoid evaluating or criticizing the student's situation or personal issues.
- Never discuss your concerns with other students or faculty/staff members.
How to Make a Referral for Counseling
- Suggest that the student may benefit from meeting with a counselor.
- Explain to the student that the counseling process is strictly confidential and free of charge.
- Let the student know that seeking help is a sign of courage rather than weakness.
- During the first meeting, the counselor listens to his/her concerns and then helps the student identify healthy ways to address his/her concerns.
- You may give the student the phone number to the Counseling Center and allow him/her to use your office phone.
- The student will be seen during the next available time or immediately if the student is in crisis.
- If a student seems reluctant, offer to walk with him/her to the Counseling Center and introduce him/her to a counselor. Remind the student that s/he can speak to a counselor without any obligation to continue.
- If the student is in crisis, walk with the student directly to the Counseling Center. S/he will be seen immediately.
- If the student declines the referral and you remain uneasy about the situation, contact the Counseling Center to discuss your concerns.
- Remember that counseling is a voluntary commitment on the part of the student.
- When referring students, you may use the Counseling Referral Form, which you will receive during Faculty Orientation.
- Download and print the Counseling Referral Form.
In the event of an emergency situation involving students who are unwilling or unable to seek help, faculty and staff may contact the Counseling Center at 318.678.6005, Campus Security at 318.678.6013, or dial 911 for Emergency Services.
Are Counseling Services Available to BPCC Faculty and Staff?
Yes. Please contact The Counseling Center for counseling, consultation, or community referral services.
Links
Referral Resources for the Shreveport/Bossier City Community
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