Psychologist, Lindsay Mason- Photo contributed by L. Mason
Lindsay Mason is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPR) who works for Rowan University. In 2011, she received her Masters of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. Her professional interests include grief, stress management, risky behaviors and substance abuse treatment. She is one of the founders of the Let’s Talk program at Rowan University and also one of the five therapists who are involved in the sessions.
1. Can you tell me an overview description of the Let’s Talk program?
Let’s Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal, confidential consultations with counselors from the Wellness Center. Counselors hold walk-in hours at five different locations around campus Monday through Friday; no appointment necessary.
2. How and why did you create Let’s Talk (was there a need for this program)?
There were a number of reasons we started Let’s Talk here at Rowan. Let’s Talk was actually created and implemented first by Cornell University to reach students who may not have been coming into the counseling center because they might not be sure what it’s like to talk to a counselor. Other universities around the country implemented the program and also found that it was helpful in reaching students who may not need ongoing therapy, but were interested in the support and perspective of a counselor. We started the program to provide another access point for students who may a specific problem and want to discuss it with a confidential source or get the experience of talking to counselor for the first time.
3. When was it created?
We started in the spring of 2015 with one location (the student center) and in the fall of 2015 we began the program with all five locations; the student center, the rec center, SJICR, Academic Success Center and Rowan Hall.
4. How effective do you think this program is?
I find that the program is highly successful in providing a space for students to discuss specific issues or obtain support and guidance in managing difficult emotions or situations. We have seen students come in to all five sites throughout the semester, so we know students know about the program and are using it!
5. How does this differ from formal counseling like group therapy or individual counseling at the Wellness Center?
Counselors at the Wellness Center (Counseling and Psychological Services) provide individual therapy which is ongoing counseling, consisting of weekly or biweekly sessions that range from 45 to 50 minutes. Group therapy is held on a weekly basis with a number of students and is run by one of the counselors. Let’s Talk is different because it is a walk-in, brief consultation services. Counselors meet with the student for 15 to 20 minutes and although the sessions are confidential, it does not constitute as formal psychotherapy. The counselors will provide support, perspectives on what the issue is, and most likely referrals to where else the student may be able to receive assistance. Although students can return to Let’s Talk from time to time, it is not meant to function as a weekly service.
6. What topics are discussed during these sessions?
Topics at sessions range widely from: anxiety about academics, problems with relationships (either romantic or friendships), roommate issues, homesickness, depression, loss of motivation, concern about how to connect on campus just to name a few.
7. How do therapy programs like Let’s Talk promote positive-thinking skills and motivation?
Let’s Talk can help students talk out loud about their concerns and issues, and at times discover within the brief 15 to 20 minute consultation how their thinking patterns may be impacting their mood and motivation. Counselors may help point out strategies and techniques to help manage some symptoms, which could include how to use positive self-talk and problem-solving skills to manage current issues.
8. How do these programs aid with de-stressing college students?
Students most often report feeling supported and encouraged by Let’s Talk and other programs from the counseling center. Often times just feeling heard can provide a sense of relief and comfort, which can decrease feelings of anxiety or stress. Also, the consultations can provide students with concrete skills to help manage stress which helps in the overall reduction in symptoms.
9. What would you say to students who are hesitant to use Let’s Talk?
Just give it a try! What’s the worst that happens? The beauty of Let’s Talk is that it’s a drop-in service, so the student doesn’t waste a whole lot of time or energy if it isn’t what they expected. Also, it’s not a weekly service, and there are five different locations with five different counselors, so try out different spots! And hey, it’s no cost so how nice is that?!
For more information including location and times of Let’s Talk, click here.
Contact Lindsay Mason
Email: masonl@rowan.edu
Phone: 856-256-4333
Thanks for reading. Stay Positive!
3.
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Perpetually Positive 