Web Editor’s Note: This story was written for the MCOMM 3309 – News Editing & Reporting Class

Although the Office of Student Affairs is bustling with hectic construction work and endless meetings, a particular division strives to attain tranquility at WTAMU: the Counseling Services Office.

Counseling Services is among one of the most sought out offices on campus and continues to help all students who are in need of a pair of ears.

This office works in many areas of help. They offer personal counseling, career counseling and couples counseling.  Although the office is busy all semester long, finals week is quickly approaching and with that, students are more anxious and pressured.

“As this time of year approaches, we get more and more students who need a bit of counseling because the stress of finals has just overwhelmed them,” said Karla Morrison, administrative assistant for the Student Success Center.

“Our website can help guide a student in the area where they need help. We even have a free paintball game link available to all on our site. It’s there to help with the stress,” said Morrison.

Although stress from finals is a good reason for a student to seek Counseling Services, there are other reasons to take a peek into their frosted windows offices in the Classroom Center.

“Couples counseling and premarital counseling is also a big reason why students keep the office busy,” said Morrison.

Most of the public doesn’t know that couples who “attend at least eight hours of premarital training are eligible to have their marriage license fee waived.”

“Premarital training is something that I wanted my fiancé and I to have before our big day and was so happy to hear that the WT campus offers this to me as a student, and we could also avoid having to pay for the marriage license,” Lexy Hay, an Advertising and Public Relations major, said.

Every student has an opportunity to take advantage of these services, but many are afraid to seek counseling help.

“I’ve been meaning to go into Counseling Services for many, many reasons but didn’t think it would be kept confidential,” said Luis Garcia, a senior WT student and counseling patient. “I finally got over it and went in to talk to them. It was pretty cool that I could basically get help for everything from my career plans to all of my personal problems.”

“Many students don’t step into this area of the Classroom Center because they relate Counseling Services with a therapist, psychiatrist, or whatever. Come check us out and make your own decision,” said Amy Stephens, a professional counselor.

For questions and/or appointments, contact the Counseling Services office in the first floor of the Classroom Center in Suite 116. Counseling Services also accounts with a counselor that is on-call twenty-four hours a day in case of an emergency.