Therapy For All!
By Ashley Mulhare
Go to the dentist every six months, the doctor every year, and make sure to get your yearly check up before school starts. Our lives revolve around taking care of our physical health and ensuring that it is constantly checked on. But what about our mental health? Why do we as a society take less care of our brain, our operating system, then we do the rest of our body? As a society, our mental health needs to be shown more priority, and it starts with therapy.
I am a firm believer in the philosophy that all people should attend therapy, regardless of their mental health status. It is a great way to gain a better understanding of yourself and how you relate to the world around you. For some, it may be difficult to have such serious conversations around your friends, or it may feel embarrassing to bring up past habits or childhood experiences, but this communication is essential with a therapist and allows the individual to truly express who they are and how they feel in day-to-day experiences. It has been proven many times over that it is unhealthy to keep our emotions bottled up inside of us, as it can lead to outbursts of aggression, sadness, and frustration. Talking solely about yourself for an hour a week can help alleviate such bottled up pressure and eliminate an explosion of uncontrolled emotions.
The most difficult part of starting therapy is that very first step of finding one and setting up an appointment. As college students, it can sometimes be hard to find resources that are available for convenient use, and this extra struggle is what tends to stop students from getting the support they need. Below are some on and off campus resources available to Villanova students and the greater township:
On campus resources
University counseling center; 610-519-4050
University sponsored discussion groups; 610-519-4050
Educational groups, consultations, and information sessions; 610-519-4050
Speaking to a friend, faculty or staff member, coach, or adult that you trust
Off campus resources
Main Line Health Counseling Center; 610-642-3359
Ambler Counseling Center; 267-664-0734
BetterHelp.com
Conshohocken Counseling Services; 484-535-3089
Dr. Bonnie Marshall; 610-644-6464
Asena Counseling and Wellness; 610-580-2747
Finding the perfect therapist is never going to be easy. I went through two different therapists myself before finding a perfect fit. What matters is your effort. What matters is the fact that you are prioritizing your own mental wellbeing and are slowly becoming your biggest advocate. For that, you should be proud. Stay strong, keep trying, and give yourself the same care you give to the people around you. Take the first step and call any number on this list today.
