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Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center

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Apr 16, 2021

Spring Grounding by Michelle Kelleher

Have you ever heard someone say that they need to “get grounded?” Have you ever felt that way yourself? Do you read the phrase, and wonder what it means? High-voltage appliances typically have a third prong, or “ground.” The purpose is to give a pathway for excess charge to return to the earth, without the…

Mar 17, 2021

The Shield of Perfectionism by Nikki Plavec and Frances De Los Santos

Perfectionism is a tricky trait. In its healthy form, pursuits of perfection or positive striving can lead to great outcomes. However, when pursuits are approached with a need and unrelenting demand for perfection, one can be left immobilized, overcritical, and distressed.  Rigid expectations may stifle creativity, lead to poor self-esteem, and impact relationships. Perfectionism can…

Feb 16, 2021

Adjusting to the Unknown By Madison Alvarez & Lamar Whidbee

What does the future hold in regard to your graduation, college, or career? Are you going to be in a classroom tomorrow or an online environment, working from home, or in the office? The future is overwhelming enough without the additional impact of the global pandemic. These unknowns can bring upon feelings of isolation, anxiety…

Jan 25, 2021

Three Good Things by Mike Gross and Lila Olson

Have you found yourself going to bed at night thinking about something that did not go as planned during the day?  It can cause us to lose sleep, focus on self-judgement, and increase our anxiety. Memories of good and bad experiences are tricky. The good experiences slip away, while the bad ones stick like Velcro.…

Nov 13, 2020

Adjusting to the New Normal of the Holiday Season by Shaunacee Harris

Cheers to the holiday season! The holidays are almost here! This is the season of giving, spending time with family, and fulfilling traditions. However, the Holiday Season of 2020 may look quite different for most. The pandemic affecting our traditional holiday plans can trigger a variety of emotions. This year we’ve experienced isolation from family…

Oct 5, 2020

When Depression Takes Over by Kyoko Funabashi

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. With online schooling, social distancing, and dealing with a pandemic, taking care of our mental health is something that should be one of our top priorities. We are all dealing with at least one mental health issue right now, whether it is everyday stressors, bouts of anxiety,…

Sep 4, 2020

Stress Exploration and Management by Zakiya Futrell

As we deal with new life changes, school getting back into session, and living through a global pandemic, you may be experiencing some unknown feelings and maybe feeling a bit overwhelmed. In some cases, you may be feeling stressed and may not be aware. Stress is a feeling of physical or emotional tension.  Stress can…

Aug 19, 2020

Emotional Acceptance by Brent Michel

What have you done today to try and control how you feel? Take a moment, and consider all the ways, large and small, you’ve tried to exert influence over your emotional landscape since waking up this morning. Maybe you had some coffee to feel less tired. Maybe you listened to a podcast in the car…

Apr 15, 2020

Follow the Rules by Zakiya Futrell & Shaunacee Harris

We understand it is challenging to adhere to social distancing, especially if you don’t feel like the virus will impact you. However, think about those around you. Your parents, grandparents, siblings, even a stranger, if they contract COVID-19, they may deal with severe complications. It may be tempting to leave your home because peer pressure…

Feb 5, 2020

The Inner Critic by Brent Michel

We are all constantly talking to ourselves.  This conversation doesn’t happen out loud, but in our heads, in the form of our thoughts. “Oh I need to get some milk from the store.” “I would like to see a movie this weekend.” “Oh those pants look terrible.”  “Where did I put my keys?!” It’s a…