Creighton’s Student Counseling Services hosted a self-talk workshop on Wednesday where students were given tools to work toward self-compassion.
Students met in Skutt 105 for the workshop being led by Maddie Moore. Moore is the assistant director for Student Outreach and is a mental health practitioner, so she taught students how to turn off negative self-talk and train the brain to be more compassionate.
Moore advised students to treat themselves like they would treat a friend. She also encouraged students to learn how to stop their negative thoughts, identify why negative self-talk is not logical and change the inner dialogue to be more kind.
Four students attended the workshop and shared some of their personal experiences with self-talk and how they coped with bad days. Students practiced changing their inner dialogue through meditation and journaling.
With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic coming to light, it was clear that students needed a little extra mental health support. This workshop was part of a greater series of mental health workshops.
“There are two workshops held each week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.,” Moore said. “We do four total workshop topics though, alternating weeks, meaning this week we had Mindfulness & then Self-Talk, and next week we have Calming the Mind and Beating the Bluejay Blues.”
Students can register for these workshops through CU Involved or by registering on the Student Counseling Services website. Workshops and additional counseling services are available to undergraduate and graduate students.
It is important to find community and to reach out through any distress. Mental health is important for balance, physical wellbeing, intentional relationships and academic and professional success.
“Having conversations with others that uplift and support you can be a great way to understand the way people see you,” College of Arts and Sciences senior, Alexandria Gudgeon said. “And also, there’s no shame in the therapy game.”
Creighton’s Student Counseling Services is trying to make mental health care part of student’s daily life through education, therapy and community. Stress, pressure, transitions and mindfulness are challenges that many students face. Workshops can be one way to manage these stressors.
Moore left students with the advice to continue to practice self-compassion. It does not always come easily, but through practice, new habits will form.
“If you want to have more helpful, caring self-talk, it will take a great deal of intentional practice,” Moore emphasized in a follow-up interview. “Latest research indicates it takes 63 days to form a new habit, so give yourself time, grace, and patience as you practice – it’ll be worth it.”