Helping students deal with stress

Making the initial adjustment to university life or keeping pace with the hectic schedule of classes and exams can put plenty of stress on students.

No one knows this better than Betty Gutman, who was recently appointed co-ordinator of student counseling services at Trent.

"Our students have to deal with an array of issues - emotional, academic, lifestyle and psychological," says Gutman. "They are in a pressure-packed environment which is really a microcosm of the rest of the world." Counseling is available to all students needing help dealing with personal problems which interfere with their daily functioning, especially their potential for academic achievement.

In her new role Gutman will provide counseling, supervise other counselors and co-ordinate the efforts of outside agencies. She sees her Trent role as an advocate for students' emotional well being.

Gutman, who holds a Masters of Social Work degree, has 20 years of professional experience in the field of mental health and during the past five years has been in private practice in Peterborough. She has published several articles and written a chapter in a book on ethical practice.

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