Counseling center provides students personal and confidential services Many facets at Harding have changed over the years as more students are welcomed into the university community. Keeping pace with the increased challenges are those who provide students with various services. Just as Harding is constantly changing, the students who arrive each year seek the education and guidance necessary to change their lives in a positive way. For more than 20 years, Harding's Counseling Center has grown with the times while it also has remained a sanctuary in the constantly changing world of college. Under the direction of Dr. Lew Moore, the center's role has grown as a result of student enrollment increases and changing attitudes about counseling. Astaff of five professional counselors, together with support staff, offers services ranging from individual and group care to various tests and diagnostic work. Many have benefited from the atmosphere and services available in the Counseling Center. "In this world, there is always a need for personal counseling. Most of our people come not because they have to, but because they want to," Moore said. About 99 percent of those who come do so either on their own initiative or after having heard about it from others. For those who come, the center provides a confidential place to talk about struggles with an experienced staff, each counselor having no fewer than 10 years ofwork experience. "It is a high-quality facility where students can get professional resources, a confidential setting and an immediate response," Moore said. The staff benefits from a work environment where God is held high as the "master counselor." Counselors are able to put students ' minds at ease with the knowledge that they can find comfort in the Lord. The center's location on the third floor of the Jim Bill Mclnteer Bible and World Missions Center helps to enhance its mission. Ruth Ann Dawson, a member of the center's support staff, said of the change, "We have more room and better facilities - especially for the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic - which make it easier to accommodate the needs of stuJames Anderson, Assistant Dean of Students Patty Barrett, Director, Housing dents. We could not handle the work we do now if we were still in our old location." As one of the newer members of the staff at the center, receptionist Ruth Busby finds Harding's Counseling Center to be much unlike previous work experiences. "I think it's great," Busby said. "I came from Pulaski County Schools, where students were often in trouble, and it was very tense. Here, I much prefer the atmosphere because it is calm and peaceful. Everything is very relaxing, and it is really a haven for the students and the community. The members of the staff also make themselves available when people need them the most." As an integral part of the university, the Counseling Center looks toward the future and expects growth as it continues to keep up with its surroundings and enhance its services. The center strives to be accessible at almost any time, serving in general counseling for some 40 hours each week, in addition to the hours for the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic. - Eric Rodgers Steve Beliech, Career Counselor, International Student Advisor Butch Gardner, Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Dean of Students Peggy Huckeba, Assistant Dean of Students Joni Mackey, Assistant Professer of Counseling Sherry Pollard, Associate Professer of Counseling Pat Rice, Director, Student Health Services Rebecca Teague, Director, Career Planning and Placement
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