What is counseling?
Mental health counseling is a resource that many people use to learn about themselves and gain new skills to help them reach their personal goals.
Is it normal for conservatory students to talk with a mental health counselor?
Absolutely! Life in combination with the rigor associated with a performing arts degree can be very stressful. Not to mention the anxiety related to performing that many people experience. Many students find talking with a counselor to be very helpful.
Are counseling sessions confidential?
Yes. Anything that is discussed in the counseling session is considered confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else without your consent. This includes whether or not a person is engaged in counseling services. Confidentiality does not apply if there is a concern that you might hurt yourself or someone else. In that situation the priority would be to get you help and keep you safe.
How frequently do counseling sessions meet?
The first session is an opportunity to talk about your concerns. If you and the counselor agree that more sessions would be helpful, follow up sessions can be scheduled. Follow up sessions can be scheduled weekly, biweekly, monthly or as needed.
What if I have a significant problem like an addiction, eating disorder, trauma history or severe depression?
When there are more significant problems troubling you and preventing you from reaching your personal goals, the counselor can connect you to therapists in the community that specialize in your specific area of concern.
Is there a cost for meeting with the Conservatory Counselor?
There is no cost for meeting with the CoPA counselor or any of the other counselors that work in the BW Counseling Center.
How do I schedule an appointment with the CoPA Counselor?
There are three ways to schedule with Mariah:
1. Scan the QR code and schedule directly with Mariah through email. The QR code is included above and is also on flyers posted around the Conservatory buildings and outside the Conservatory Counseling office door, BMAC 244.
2. Click on this link to fill out a scheduling form.
3. Call the Counseling Center, ext.2180, and identify yourself as a conservatory student. You will then be scheduled for an appointment with Mariah that fits your schedule.
4. Email Mariah at mbruenin@bw.edu and indicate that you would like to schedule an appointment.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the first appointment?
After scheduling your first appointment you will receive an email explaining how to complete the intake forms. You can complete these forms using your cell phone or laptop. They are completed once a year and take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
What if my schedule is too busy for an appointment during the weekdays?
Most weeks Mariah also has office hours on Thursday evenings until 8pm.
What if I don’t know if counseling is right for me?
Email Mariah ( mbruenin@bw.edu ) or if the office door is open (BMAC244) stop in and schedule a 15-minute consultation appointment. We can talk a little about what is going on to see if you think counseling might help.
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
You can cancel or reschedule an appointment through emailing Mariah directly or call the Counseling Center at ext. 2180.
What if I decide I no longer want to attend counseling?
It’s perfectly fine to decide you no longer need or want to engage in counseling. Simply send an email to Mariah or call the Counseling Center (2180) and let either know that you are canceling your appointment and do not want to reschedule.
What types of mental health concerns are appropriate to bring to counseling?
There are many reasons why a person might seek counseling, and all concerns are appropriate for counseling. Here are some common reasons people will seek counseling, but remember this is just a general list:
• Adjustment to College/Conservatory life, being away from home.
• Culture and Identity
• Performance anxiety
• Stress management
• General anxiety/stress related to adjusting to college life and managing the conservatory workload.
• Social Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-confidence/self esteem
• Body image or other concerns related to food and eating.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Relationship and family challenges
• Health
• Anything that concerns you!
What if I need mental health support in the evenings or over the weekend when the office is closed?
Please revisit the initial Counseling Center information page for detailed information. 24/7 on-call counselors can be contacted at 440-260-4399. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or Campus Security at 440-826-2000.
