The ETSU Counseling Center is thrilled with the turn-out and level of student engagement received at its first-ever “Healing through Creating” event this past Wednesday at Borchuck Plaza.
Those who attended the event were able to participate in rock painting, an art therapy workshop, a “snack and share picnic”, self-care box building and plant growing kits. Attendees also were able to enter a giveaway for an ENO hammock, the winner of which will be announced on Monday.
According to Katie Ward, a graduate assistant who works in the Counseling Center, “’Healing through Creating’ provided an opportunity for students to take a mental break from the everyday, while also allowing the counseling center to share its available resources surrounding preventive mental health care.”
“We want to be that place that people come to and feel comfortable… we’re here to make sure that ETSU students are taking care of themselves mentally,” Ward added.
Ward mentioned that the event drew a crowd of about 500 people throughout the day, so many that they had to pack up their booths early because they ran out of supplies.
For Krisha Patel and Urvi Shah, two students who participated in the event, the intent of mental relaxation was definitely appreciated.
“I think doing this just like gave me a few minutes to relax and take a step back,” Patel said.
“I feel like we’re always caught up in where we’re going next,” Shah said. “[This is] a second to stop and just breathe… and hear some kind words from all the counselors out here.”
For students disappointed that they missed the first-ever “Healing through Creating” event, Ward shared that there will be others coming soon. The counseling center hopes to host another one during the fall semester before the weather turns cold, and there will be another happening in the spring semester.
For more news and upcoming events hosted by the counseling center, visit their Instagram page: @etsucounselingcenter.
