New Center for Wellbeing Takes Holistic Approach to Health
A more holistic approach to health, one that considers emotional, physical, spiritual and nutritional wellness, will be introduced to the campus community through the newly formed Student Center for Wellbeing.
The center, which integrates the student services’ offerings in the areas of Health Service, the recreation department, and the Counseling and Wellbeing Center, is managed by Assistant Vice President for Student Wellbeing Dr. Ian Edwards, director of the Counseling and Wellbeing Center.
The Student Center for Wellbeing’s services are free and open to all University students, staff and faculty members.
Edwards, who said he is excited to present a notion of wellbeing that considers the whole person, explained a series of inclusive questions may reveal that stress is playing a role in a student’s illness. In such a case, counseling could be suggested in addition to medical treatment. “We strive to look beyond the symptoms because if even one component of a person’s life is out of balance, other areas may be affected,” Edwards said.
The center offers individual and group counseling; biofeedback; mediation classes; wellbeing coaching; physical fitness; medical care; and 24/7 emergency response. A partnership with the Division of Mission and Identity’s Spiritan Campus Ministry (SCM) provides spiritual care as well.
Currently, the Student Center for Wellbeing operates as a collaborative effort with each department remaining in its present location. Staff meet regularly to discuss integration methods and to explore new programming and campus initiatives. Edwards said they are working together to provide the highest quality of care possible.
“Our biggest challenge now is spreading the word to students and staff,” said Edwards, who welcomes the opportunity to speak with faculty about classroom presentations or to join University offices to organize a group meditation practice.
For more information, call Edwards at 412.396.6204 or email edwards181@duq.edu.