Counseling Services

Psychological Counseling

A student may participate in psychological counseling to discuss emotional difficulties or personal concerns related directly to academics or other matters. Cognitive and behavioral strategies are used to help students achieve their goals and derive maximum benefit from the college experience. Individual counseling may consist of one or two consultations or may involve a longer series of meetings during the academic year. Students generally meet with a counselor once each week for approximately 50 minutes, depending on individual need as determined at the initial intake. Common concerns which students bring to counseling include: relationship difficulties, anxiety, low self-confidence, academic problems, substance abuse, depression, and lack of assertiveness.

Staff

Counseling services are administered by a staff of licensed psychologists and intern psychologists. Psychology interns are in their 4th and 5th years of the doctoral training program in psychology. Each intern is provided with ongoing supervision of all clinical work.

John C. Guthman, Ph.D., Director - (516) 463-6791
Despina D. Konstas, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist - (516) 463-6791
Merry McVey-Noble, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist - (516) 463-6791

Group Counseling

Group sessions provide a modality for meeting the needs of an individual in a group setting. Group members are encouraged to explore their style of relating to other members by interacting freely and honestly in a supportive environment. The group format generally involves 90-minute sessions with eight to 10 members who come together once each week. Themes which have been the focus of group counseling have included bereavement, stress management, anger management, body image and life skills training. Please click on Announcements for more current information on the groups available.

Workshops

Skill-building workshops provide a structured presentation of information and skills practice appropriate to the students' interests, personal development, and need. Workshops are conducted at Student Counseling Services as well as other locations on campus.