Should Midwestern establish a Counseling Center?

[smiller]

I think Midwestern should establish a Counseling Center either on campus or off campus. There is a great need both for counseling students to be able to put into practice what their professors have taught them, and a place that fellow students and family members at seminary could benefit from having a place to go to for counseling. The local community could benefit from this Counseling Center as well. I am not sure how we could go about establishing a center, but I would be willing to put in the time to help the Counseling Program to be able put into place a Counseling Center capable of meeting those in need of counseling. I think it would be great if we could apply some of the vary things we are taught in our Marriage & Family, Play Therapy, Substance Abuse, Sexual Abuse and Integration of Christian Theology and Counseling classes while working under the supervision of our professors! It would also be nice to have a place to do one's Internship!

[mfrench267]

One of the frustrations I have felt is that until we get to our internship, there is very little opportunities to actually "counsel" others. This is a great idea. Most campuses have some kind of counseling center and the staff and students can benefit from this. This could also be a great place for some churches to refer people to that are having challenges. I would also be willing to put some time into helping set this up.

[awinnett]

I definitely agree with you guys; it would be extremely beneficial to put the skills that we learn into practice, especially with how much this school focuses on the practical aspects of counseling, rather than the research. It would also be a great resource for other Midwestern students, especially if they can get some sort of discount (or free visits?) for being a student. The community could also benefit from this, if we open it up to them. I would love to be able to help with setting this up, as well.