These dedicated and well trained PCs are available for in-person visits on Tuesdays 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays 4-7 p.m., Thursdays 4-10 p.m. and Sundays 3-6 p.m. You can see bios of our amazing PCs and schedule an appointment. Also the PCs are available to provide outreach programming for your club/organization. If you have questions about the PC program, please email them at peercoun@hamilton.edu.
PCs are a group of trained students supported by the Counseling Center who are here to provide additional resources to our students as they navigate difficult decisions, points of crisis or everyday aspects of student life. PCs work cooperatively with the campus to respond to student needs, promote student safety and personal wellness, meet individually with students to discuss any emergent concerns and hold events that cater to student wellness and stress reduction. They seek to raise awareness, provide education and serve as a resource to other students on a wide variety of health issues including: stress management, social skills, depression, anxiety, healthy relationships, safe sexual relationships, alcohol, drugs, eating/weight concerns and risk of suicide.
There are several ways to connect with a peer counselor! The easiest is to schedule an appointment online. You can also email them at peercoun@hamilton.edu. We have a well trained and skilled group of peer counselors waiting to help.
This is a peer-facilitated support group focusing on grief and related issues. If you have lost a loved one, this group will provide you with a safe and welcoming environment to tell your story and express feelings knowing that others will be understanding and supportive. You can expect to learn new coping skills, relaxation techniques, stress management skills, and daily survival skills that others in the group have found effective. This group will meet weekly during the fall semester, and sessions will consist of guided conversation and support building. If you have any questions, please contact Andi Dickmeyer and Angelica Coutinho. Let us know you're interested in joining this group.
The Peer Counseling Program is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and resiliency of our fellow students on the Hill. One of the ways we serve the campus community is through our outreach programming. Upon request, the PC program offers presentations and workshops that address important topics, such as Self-Care and Mindfulness, Sleep Hygiene, and Suicide Gatekeeper Training. If you are interested in a program or workshop for your organization/club, please fill out the Outreach Program Request Form.
Being a Peer Counselor can provide valuable experience for your graduate school resume; specialized training in counseling techniques, crisis management, leadership and human relations; and a unique opportunity to help your fellow students.
Recruitment begins in the Spring semester of each year. Those who would be a good fit for the program are: strong leaders on campus, skilled in listening and providing compassionate support to others, enthusiastic about designing and facilitating programs for the campus community and work effectively within a collaborative team environment.
If interested in becoming a peer counselor, please apply in Spring 2019!
Dennis is a staff counselor in the Counseling Center and is the Program Coordinator for the Peer Counselors. Dennis’ years of experience in college mental heath settings are an invaluable resource for trainees, and he is excited to work with our amazing group of counselors.
Hama is a staff psychologist/Practicum Training Coordinator in the Center and is excited to help supervise our excellent Peer Counselors!
Sarah is a 2016 graduate who majored in comparative literature. After speaking with peers as well as researching equivalent programs at other colleges and universities, Sarah, in collaboration with the Counseling Center, created a program uniquely suited to the diverse needs of the Hamilton student body. She played on the rugby team and was a member of the Hamilton College Orchestra during her time on campus. Sarah now lives and works in the Boston area.
Heather served as the Assistant Director of the Counseling Center and during that time was the lead administrative coordinator and clinical supervisor of the Peer Counseling Program and the Peer Counselors. Now the Training Director at Syracuse University, Heather worked with Sarah Fishman to create and establish the Peer Counseling Program and was invaluable in making the program the success that it is today.
A member of the first Peer Counseling class, Isabel worked with our staff counselor Heather to create the training manual. She received an Emerson grant to research Peer Counseling at other schools and universities, co-write the manual, and help plan training and other aspects of the program. Isabel was a Psychology and Creative Writing double major interested in increasing the accessibility of mental health services.
Call 315-859-4340 and press option 2 to speak with a counselor 24/7/365
If you want off-campus help, call 1-800-273-TALK or text “START” to 741-741
