Counseling and Psychological Services

CAPS provides free counseling services to all students enrolled at the college. If both partners of a couple are BC students, they can be seen for couples counseling to work on their relationship. The office is also able to connect students with off campus referrals as needed.

Most people come to counseling when their usual ways of handling problems are not working well. Maybe they have found that talking to friends or relatives about the problem is impossible or unsatisfying. Many students who come feel upset in some way – angry, depressed, scared, or confused. These feelings may have been set off for a number of reasons:

• Feeling the loss of someone close
• Trying to begin or maintain a relationship
• Having problems concentrating while studying
• Experiencing anxiety about tests or speaking in class
• Procrastinating too much
• Wondering why you are in college
• Becoming aware you have a problem with alcohol or drugs
• Struggling to become independent from parents or to not lose touch with your family
• Concern about family members or friends who are facing issues such as a drinking problem, divorce, serious illness, or death
• Reacting to an unwanted pregnancy or a traumatic experience such as rape

These are only a few of the reasons why people come for counseling.

Counseling is NOT just for those times when you feel “at the end of your rope.” Many students find that using a counselor as a sounding board as they’re trying to figure out a solution to a particular problem or learn more about themselves can be extremely helpful. While feeling bad can be one way of knowing it’s time to speak with a professional, it’s not the only one. Just feeling stuck or confused is enough reason.

Of course, if you are feeling distressed — having difficulty concentrating: sleeping: experiencing changes in appetite; serious relationship problems — then you should make an appointment as soon as possible.

Services are FREE to all enrolled students.

A counseling session is private and confidential. The counselor does not report to deans, parents, and members of the faculty except at the student’s written request. The theory behind all forms of counseling is that creating a safe zone where anything can be discussed without worry of repercussion is a basic necessity before anything else can occur.

There are lots of other ways to work on your problems. A counselor might suggest reading material, self-help groups, internet links or hepful Apps. It’s ok and, in fact, extremely helpful to tell the counselor if you’re not interested or ready to continue one-to-one counseling. Other options can be discussed.

If you don’t feel ready to meet with a counselor even once to explore some options, take a look through the many pamphlets displayed in the hallway on the 2nd floor of Talbott Hall. You may find something there that’s useful.