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Counseling Center - Services For Every Student


"Some people think that counseling is only for people who have problems, the fact is we all have problems at one point or another - - - counseling is for people who want to learn, it is for people who want to learn how to live more successful lives."

Successful people want to learn, and counseling is all about learning. It’s discovering more about yourself and learning how to be become more self-aware, independent and resourceful.

Learn more about how to:
  • Improve interpersonal skills
  • Reduce tensions
  • Minimize stress
  • Resolve conflict
  • Develop confidence
  • Overcome anxiety / depresssion
  • Manage anger
  • Improve relationships
  • Adjust to life transitions
  • Improve decision making
  • Deal with loss, grief
  • Balance multiple roles
  • Overcome obstacles
Individual Counseling

Personal Counseling
Counseling is available to students with personal, educational, interpersonal and/or social concerns. Some issues may be related to normal development, such as identity or relationship concerns. Others are dealing with more specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, stress, childhood or adult trauma, grieving and loss, substance abuse, eating disorders or body-image concerns.


Some students aren’t exactly sure what the problem might be, however, they may experience difficulty studying, concentrating, eating, sleeping, adjusting or getting along with others. The counseling process helps students sort out their situation, identify obstacles, explore options and create strategies for how to proceed.

Couple Counseling

Counseling is also available for couples desiring to improve communication, enhance understanding and deal with relationship issues.

Educational
Educational counseling is offered to students who would like to address strategies for improving time management skills, staying motivated, test anxiety, public speaking, goal setting or other related issues that may influence academic performance.


Groups/Workshops/Presentations

Counseling in groups offers a range of insight and support from members. Both generalized and specialized groups have been offered through the counseling center. Groups vary according to need and interests.
Past groups have included:
Overcoming Drugs/Alcohol
The emotional side of Diabetes
Single Parent Issues
Effective Parenting


"Handling Relationship Break-ups"
"Conflict Resolution"
"Understanding Personality Types"
"Strategies for Success"
"Coping with College & Life Demands"
"Stress Reduction"
"Relaxation Techniques"
"Handling Unexpected Events"
"Understanding Depression"
"Improving Communication Skills"

Ongoing Support Group

H.A.N.D.S. “Helping Adults New Dreams Succeed”

H.A.N.D.S. is an active support group which meets regularly throughout the semester to address common interests and concerns of those students over the age of twenty-three. Students are provided the opportunity to learn more about how to manage multiple responsibilities, i.e. parent, spouse, employee, how to manage time and deal with the demands of college.

Counseling for Adults returning to school after several years

Nationally, the number of students attending college who are over the age of 23 years has continued to increase. Students who have been away from the classroom may also have the roles of parent, spouse, employee, homeowner or possible caregiver, along with other responsibilities. Meeting with a counselor will help students evaluate their own individual situations, learn about multiple-role management and determine how to implement strategies that will help them be successful.

The Counseling Center provides professional counseling free of charge to all members of the Villa Maria College Community

For Further Information

For more information:
Palma Zanghi, Director of Counseling
Email: zanghi@villa.edu
Phone: 961-1821

Day and Evening Appointments available


Location: Main floor – Music Building to the right of Recital Hall

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