The Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) is a nationally accredited counseling center focused on the mental health needs of the UD community. The CCSD staff are all specialists in mental health problems and developmental issues particular to emerging adulthood. 

We asked a few of the CCSD counselors questions about their profession, the tools they use and how they can best help you. See their responses below!

Name: Cindy Scheffler

Credentials: LCSW

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

What is counseling and how can a counselor help students?  

A counselor can help empower students to set wellbeing goals for themselves, reduce anxiety, improve mood and achieve their social, emotional and academic goals.

What makes a great counselor?

A great counselor finds new and creative ways to help students see their own strengths and potential and make positive changes in their lives.

How do you know that the tools you’re using with your clients are effective?

I know the tools I'm using are effective when students begin to see themselves as strong, confident, capable and important members of their own communities, friend groups and classroom settings.

Name: Ashley Kraemer

Credentials: MS, LPCMH, NCC

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

What is counseling and how can a counselor help students?  

Counseling tends to be more short-term oriented, and primarily focused on one area of concern. I believe services for mental health are beneficial for anyone, no matter their age, gender, culture and/or background, though many are taught differently or are surrounded with a stigma around mental health and treatment. A counselor can help empower those under their care to set goals, work on reducing distress, provide appropriate referrals for adequate care and bridge gaps with collaboration when appropriate. A counselor can also be an advocate in supporting students to work on becoming their best self!

What makes a great counselor?

I believe what makes a great counselor is someone who can be flexible to presenting concerns and offers a genuine willingness to support someone on their journey of healing, no matter how dark of a season. A great counselor should have a willingness to be present in those moments with their client, and who is willing to support that client, even in times of uncertainty themselves.

How do you know that the tools you’re using with your clients are effective?

When you start to see your client bloom and grow in areas of their own set goals, but also in other beautiful ways they may never had imagined. It is such a privilege to see someone develop into their best version of themselves.

Name: Michele Juarez-Huffaker, PhD

Credentials: PhD

Job Title: Psychologist II

How do you know that the tools you’re using with your clients are effective?

Most people do not know there is a science behind therapy, which guides what your counselor does during your sessions.  Theories and interventions are researched, and this guides the conceptualizations, interventions and skills that you learn during your sessions. Most counselors and psychologists are trained to provide empirically validated treatment to their clients. A good counselor is constantly assessing your progress towards your goals, responses to interventions, motivation and making adjustments based upon this data. Often times goals will be reviewed, revised, discussed and mutual decisions made to ensure you are working towards the same objectives. Psychologists, counselors and social workers are all required to maintain their state licenses and skills by attending trainings designed to keep them informed and to learn new skills so they can provide ethical quality services for their clients or patients. 

Name: Ashley Harriz

Credentials: LPCMH, NCC

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

What is counseling and how can a counselor help students?  

A counselor can help empower students to set wellbeing goals for themselves, reduce anxiety, improve mood and achieve their social, emotional and academic goals. The best way I can explain what counseling is and how we help those who we work with is counseling is like a work of art. I, as the counselor, am the blank canvas and the individual I work with is the artist. Together we paint their picture. Meaning, my role is to provide a blank, non-judgmental and safe space to allow the artist to reflect, explore and grow. As with most art, it can be messy and difficult, but in the end the masterpiece that is created is beautiful and unique. 

What makes a great counselor?

Finding new and creative ways to help students see their own strengths and potential and make positive changes in their lives. Someone who is able to be present, validating and accepting of others. Giving those who we work with the ability to begin to understand themselves and their symptoms better, while also promoting independence and confidence in themselves. Also, utilizing their skills and creativity to help problem solve and navigate the hardships of life. 

How do you know that the tools you’re using with your clients are effective?

They begin to see themselves as strong, confident, capable and important members of their own communities, friend groups and classroom settings. There are multiple ways that I evaluate if the tools are working. First and foremost, I ask. Feedback, in my opinion, is the best way to evaluate how the treatment is working. I often will check in to see how they feel treatment is going, what is working well, what could be improved and if they still feel comfortable with the type of treatment that is being provided to them. Second, being able to reflect on the first session to where they are currently. Third, evaluating how the symptoms they struggle with impact their daily life. Often, we will see that the symptoms have decreased and that not only are they seeing these wonderful changes, but those around them can see them as well. 

All counseling services begin with a triage appointment to determine the services that are right for your needs. If you are a new client, stop by the front desk during business hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters (summer hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m.), Monday through Friday, in Warner Hall Suite 201, located at 280 The Green. Returning clients can call to schedule an appointment at 302-831-2141. 24/7 mental health support is available at 302-831-1001.