Student Life

Counseling Services

What is Bethel Counseling Services?

Our services exist to provide the student community with a range of professional counseling and consultation options. Our goal is to promote personal wholeness, specifically in the areas of personal and/or relational difficulty that may interfere with students' academic or vocational goals.

What does Counseling Services offer students?

We are available to assist students in their growth by encouraging realistic self-assessment; intellectual development; appropriate personal and occupational decisions; the ability to relate meaningfully and mutually with others; and the capacity to engage in a satisfying, effective, and spiritually sound style of living.

What kinds of services are offered?

Our staff provides counseling for individuals, couples (including roommate situations), and groups. If desired and workable, we also can meet with a student and his or her family. We provide consultation on a variety of types of issues related to fullness in living. Students, for example, may meet to discuss concerns about a roommate's or family member's problems.

Who comes to Counseling Services?

Students who seek counseling are people who are interested in growing and learning more about themselves, their relationships with others, and their relationship with God. Individual counseling often includes assisting students in overcoming current personal and educational concerns. Counseling also can provide a preventive function and help anticipate situations that may hinder one's growth and plan interventions that will be constructive. Examples of issues addressed in counseling are:

• self-image
• family relationships
• relationships (e.g., friends, dating)
• anger
• anxiety
• sexuality
• depression
• homesickness
• eating disorders
• health and wellness issues
• chemical abuse
• sexual abuse
• educational goals
• career goals
• finances
• spirituality and faith
• learning difficulties
• premarital and marital relationships

How confidential is counseling?

As counselors, we make confidentiality a top priority (subject to legal restrictions). People outside of the counseling relationship are not informed of the counseling unless:

1. the student gives permission to release the information;
2. a student's behavior poses a threat to his or her safety or the safety of others;
3. hospitalization is required; or
4. the counselor needs to consult with another member of the counseling staff regarding a therapeutic issue(s).

In the event that point 2 or 3 is the case, parents or other appropriate parties will be notified. On occasion the student life office may refer a student for counseling. The conditions of the referral will be specified and communicated to the student at that time.

What does counseling cost?

Absolutely nothing. Services are free to Bethel students.

How do I make an appointment?

Students can make an appointment in person at the Counseling Center in Townhouse H or by calling the center at 651.635.8540.

Who are the counselors?

The counseling staff includes both men and women with a variety of interests and specialties. Some of the counselors are permanent Bethel faculty or staff members, and others are interns (master's or doctoral students who are completing their counseling degree). We try to honor any preferences students have.

Peter Jankowski, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC
Individual and relationship counseling, conflict resolution, spirituality/faith concerns

Andy Johnson, Ph.D.
Individual counseling, depression, enhancing creativity, personal growth and adjustment, life path issues, existential concerns

Rachel Kemp, M.A., Intern
Individual and couples counseling, relationship issues, spirituality and faith issues, depression and anxiety

Jim Koch, Ph.D., L.P., Director of Counseling Services
Individual, premarital, marital, and family counseling; behavior modification; crisis intervention

Jason Li, Ph.D., L.P.
Developmental issues; separation from family unit; individual, premarital, marital, and international student counseling

Julia Moen, M.S.W., LISW (fall)
Individual and group counseling, family of origin and relationship issues, women's issues, spirituality/faith issues

Jason Norlien, M.A., Psy.D., Intern
Individual and couple counseling, family of origin issues, spirituality and faith issues, relationship stressors, depression, anxiety

Naomi Scott, M.A., Intern
Individual and group counseling, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, adjustment issues, relationship issues, disability issues

Myrla Seibold, Ph.D., L.P.
Individual and family counseling; women's issues including depression, anger, and eating disorders; spirituality and faith issues; crisis intervention; personal growth and life adjustment

Amy Lary White, M.S.W., L.I.S.W.
Individual and group counseling, depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, family of origin and relationship issues, anger management, PTSD

Joyce Stumpf Willman, M.A., Intern
Individual and group counseling, depression, spirituality, self-identity, premarital and marital education including family of origin issues

Ali Wobschall, M.A., Intern
Individual, relationship, and premarital counseling; personal and spiritual growth adjustment; academic and career counseling

Denise Wyttenbach, Ph.D.
Depression and anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues, identity and adjustment issues

Karen Leigh, Staff Assistant