Many words have been used to describe the graduate students who work at Student Counseling Services.

Supportive. Non-judgmental. Hardworking. Good listeners.

These students, working toward their doctoral degrees, need the help of other students on campus.

In the past few years, more graduate students have been working toward their doctorate degree in counseling psychology than ever before, said Suzanne Zilber, staff psychologist.

Zilber said two classes of students work in student counseling — beginners and advanced. Normally one group is small and one is large, but this year, she said, both the beginners and advanced group of graduate students are large.

One student can handle up to eight cases, Zilber said. Right now each student has one or two cases.

“At the beginning of the year, we see a lot of students who need more advanced help,” Zilber said. “What we are looking for is students with mild to moderate concerns such as homesickness or relationship issues.”

Each graduate student has certain requirements, including the regular graduate level course load along with an extensive training process. A part of this process involves logging hours at student counseling by helping and talking with students.

“Students are intimidated to come receive counseling. There is a stigma associated with counseling, and people think it means that something is really wrong. This is totally not true,” said Erin Pederson, a clinical graduate assistant at Student Counseling Services.

“We’re looking for all types of students. Students have life issues and we never get tired of listening.” The department offers individual counseling, group therapy and career counseling services. Graduate students can talk about test anxiety, depression, relationship issues, homesickness, friends, grades or grieving. For more serious issues, Pederson said, there is always a staff psychologist on hand.

“We are privileged to have these graduate students,” said Marty Martinez, staff psychologist. “They can identify with the students, and they allow us to see as many students as possible. The grad students also keep the staff psychologists fresh as well.”

Years ago, Student Counseling Services had been forced to use a waiting list for students, Martinez said. Now with the influx of graduate students, he said there are more time slots available for students needing the services.

“Anyone could benefit from counseling. Even students who just want to figure things out,” Pederson said. “The graduate students are well-trained therapists and in touch with student issues because they relate to the college experience.”

Martinez said it is important to remember counselors are held accountable for ethical and professional treatment of a client.

“The expertise of the graduate students is working with the everyday stresses of college life,” he said.

Student Counseling Services is located on the third floor of the Student Services Building. Students can make appointments by calling or stopping in the building.