Upcoming Counseling Workshops

Student painting on a canvas with jars of paint on the table.Counseling Services is hosting two upcoming in-person workshops to help you find balance and de-stress.
Adiós Stress
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Counseling Services will host a coloring event. Drop by any time:
  • Tuesday, Sept. 26
  • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, near the Quad entrance
Coping Skills Workshop
Come and learn how to cope with life’s stressors and how to identify a support system. You will also get the chance to create your very own coping cards!
  • Wednesday, Sept. 27
  • 2 -3:15 p.m.
  • Cato Campus, Cato III, Room 024
No registration is required for either event, we hope to see you there.

Save a Life with Suicide Awareness

988 suicide and crisis lifeline. You are not alone.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, so with increased awareness, communication, and knowledge of resources, you may just save a life!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services encourages everyone to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and sources for help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available nationwide, providing easy access to mental health crisis support and a wealth of information. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, students can also reach out to Counseling Services by calling 704.330.6420 or by emailing counseling@cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont’s counselors are available to consult with students, faculty, and staff who have concerns about others, too. Read more information and resources on suicide prevention from the American Counseling Association.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Group of 11 smiling, diverse counselors

Central Piedmont Counseling Services Staff

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year – but less than half receive treatment? This Mental Health Awareness Month, Counseling Services wants to remind you that mental illness affects many people, and there’s no shame in reaching out for help. Mental health is about more than illness and struggle, of course. It includes fostering healthy habits of self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-care. It involves enjoying positive relationships, navigating challenges with resilience, and finding satisfaction with yourself and with your life.

Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services encourages you to pause and consider your own mental health right now. What’s working? What would you like to be different? What can you do to move closer to the life you want? You can even take a free, confidential mental health screening and access additional information and resources.

Students are invited to speak with a member of our team. Services are free and confidential. Visit us online to learn more!

Counseling Services: Building your coping toolbox

Three students sit around a table talkingIf you need help learning how to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services department has a new series to help.

Sign up for any or all of the free “Building your coping toolbox” series that offers both in-person and virtual sessions until late April.

  • Jan. 31: Mindfulness (part 1) | Central Campus, Parr Center, room 2160
  • Feb. 14: Mindfulness (part 2) | virtual (online)
  • Feb. 21: Distress tolerance (part 1) | Central Campus, Parr Center, room 2160
  • March 14: Distress tolerance (part 2) | virtual (online)
  • March 21: Emotion regulation (part 1) | Central Campus, Parr Center, room 2160
  • March 28: Emotion regulation (part 2) | virtual (online)
  • April 18: Interpersonal effectiveness (part 1) | Central Campus, Parr Center, room 2160
  • April 25: Interpersonal effectiveness (part 2) | virtual (online)

If you have questions about this series, contact Brittany Lutton at Brittany.Lutton@cpcc.edu or counseling@cpcc.edu.

Free Online Mental Health Screenings

Two students sitting at a distance on steps, lounging in comfortable conversation, surrounded by trees.Everyone faces difficulties that can strain their mental and emotional health from time to time, with 1 in 5 people experiencing mental illness at some point along the way.

How are you feeling? You’re invited to take a free, confidential behavioral health screening sponsored by Counseling Services.

And, if you’d like to talk to someone about the results or simply about how you’re feeling, a counselor at Central Piedmont is here to support you.

Counseling on the Screen: Self-Care Sessions from March 21 – 24

students in group sitting/standing on campus stairsCounseling Services is providing students with an array of upcoming opportunities to relieve stress, regain focus, and do something fun to prioritize self-care. Join us for Counseling on the Screen: Self-Care Sessions from March 21 – 24, with opportunities to participate online at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day. Participate in short, interactive sessions aimed at emphasizing positive, fun – even playful – approaches to mental health care. Highlights include:

  • Daily “Rejuvenation Stations” to try out two new self-care activities
  • Discussion on the hit HBO series Euphoria
  • A Spanish-language session on coping with stress
  • Sessions on turning setbacks into comebacks and coping strategies for stress & anxiety

Learn about the full schedule of events today!

If you cannot make one of these sessions but would like to speak with a counselor about these topics (or any other personal concerns), contact Counseling Services directly at counseling@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6420.

Counseling Services Can Help You Cope With Stress

With classes, work, personal lives, and political and social unrest impacting us each day — how do we manage our stress so we can continue to be happy and productive? Come learn how with Counseling Services. You may be feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.

Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services is here to support you, whether you’re dealing with stressful situations, painful emotions, difficult relationships, or challenges with school. Services are free and confidential.  Complete a service request form, visit us online at cpcc.edu/counseling to learn more. You may also e-mail counseling@cpcc.edu.

Counseling Services Presents: Interpersonal Violence Group

female student in classInterpersonal Violence is defined as the intentional use of physical force or power against other persons by an individual or small group of individuals. Interpersonal violence may be physical, sexual, or psychological. Counseling Services wants to support students, engage in meaningful conversations, and empower students to work toward healthy solutions. Join us this spring semester!

Who is this group for?

  • Female-identifying Central Piedmont students who have experienced interpersonal violence.

What should you expect?

  • 12 sessions available throughout the semester
  • Free to all Central Piedmont students
  • Safe space to connect with other survivors and to share your story

Group Conversation Topics:

  • Abuse
  • Boundaries/boundary setting
  • Coping with grief, fear, anger and guilt
  • Assertiveness skills
  • Healthy relationships

Complete an interest form to receive additional information regarding upcoming sessions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email brittany.lutton@cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont is Here to Support You

Two students walking on campusEvery semester is filled with a host of emotions, ranging from excitement and optimism to insecurity and fear. All these normal experiences may feel more intense right now. If worry, sadness, anger, or confusion have you feeling distracted or concerned, a Central Piedmont Counselor is available to help you sort it out and find new ways to cope. Services are free and confidential to enrolled students. Complete a service request form, visit us online at cpcc.edu/counseling, or email counseling@cpcc.edu to learn more.

Access Student Support Services Until 7 p.m. on Campus

students being helped behind clear shield on campusCentral Piedmont is devoted to helping you have the best learning experience possible. Generalist student affairs support will be available at Student Success Centers at each campus until 7 p.m. Specialized support services including Financial Aid, Advising and Counseling will also be available for virtual assistance during these hours. Should you have questions or need support with any Student Affairs matter, stop by the Student Success Center, and our staff will connect you with the help you need.

Student Success Centers will be open Monday– Thursday, 8 a.m.– 7 p.m., and 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Friday, at the following locations:

  • Cato Campus: Cato I Building, atrium
  • Central Campus: Central High Building, second floor
  • Harper Campus: Harper IV Building, Room 200
  • Harris Campus: Harris I Building, first floor lobby (Harris 1-1101) 
  • Levine Campus: Levine I Building, second floor lobby
  • Merancas Campus: Claytor Building, first floor lobby

Please remember, all academic and student support services are available online. 

If you visit us on campus, remember to wear a face covering and complete the weekly health acknowledgement form on Monday of each upcoming week. The Health Acknowledgement form resets every Monday, so please complete the form every Monday morning of each week you’ll be on campus.

Adjusting to the new semester? Counseling Services can help!

masked female student looking at laptopThe start of any semester brings a host of emotions, ranging from excitement and optimism to insecurity and fear. All these regular experiences may feel more intense as we begin fall 2021. If worry, sadness, anger, or confusion have you feeling distracted or concerned, a Central Piedmont Counselor is available to help you sort it out and find new ways to cope. Services are free and confidential to enrolled students. To learn more, visit the Counseling Services website

Practice Mindfulness with Counseling Services

student sitting alone reading a book on Levine CampusLearn to manage stress with Mindfulness. Research has shown the practice of mindfulness helps in many ways, including: gaining better sleep, lowering stress, improving attention, and dealing with depression and anxiety.

Through practice and discussion, learn to strengthen your ability to “begin again” in the present moment. Whether you are brand new to mindfulness or have been practicing for years, these sessions are for you! Designed specifically for students, each session explores a different area of mindful practice.

Save these important dates:

Practicing Self-Care through Mindfulness – Thursday, Feb 18 at 11am

In order to take care of those we love, we must also take care of ourselves. In honor of Valentine’s Day, our theme for this meeting will focus on how to incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine for self-care and general well-being.

Managing Stress with Mindfulness – Thursday, March 18 at 11am

Exams, deadlines, COVID… it’s enough to stress the most relaxed student! Join us to learn how mindfulness practice can help you cope with daily stress and worry.

Mindful Eating – Thursday, April 15 at 11am

This interactive virtual session focuses on mindful eating, which has been shown to ease anxiety, improve digestion, and increase awareness of the mind-body connection for overall wellness. Please bring raisins, fruit, or other small snack to enjoy during our meeting.

Learn more about the events on the Counseling Services event page.

All sessions are held online. The same link is used for all meetings. Request the session links today.