TSRI Counseling Department Supports Faculty, Staff, Students,
and their Families
By Mika Ono
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is there a problem that's getting
to be too much to handle by yourself? Just need some advice?
TSRI employees, graduate students, and family members can
draw on the free, confidential services of the Employee and
Graduate Student Counseling Department in times of need.
"I see it as a sign of strength to know when you need help,"
says Jan Hill, director of the service. "I encourage people
to contact me sooner rather than later, while a problem is
still in its early stages."
Through confidential one-on-one sessions, Hill helps individuals
with issues such as marriage and relationships, substance
abuse, parenting issues, elder care, financial and legal difficulties,
emotional concerns, stress, and job-related issues. Some people
come in to talk with her once; others see her on an ongoing
basis; still others are referred to resources in the community,
such as support groups, child and elder care services, or
financial or legal counseling.
Hill notes that the concerns of individuals at TSRI reflect
both the community at large and the unique characteristics
of the institute. "Everything you read about in the paper,
I see in my office," says Hill. "At the same time, TSRI has
an unusually high-achieving population and a very mobile one,
which creates its own set of pressures.
"In science, you need your brain like a surgeon needs his
or her hands," she says.
Hill actively works to promote mental health, as well as
respond to concerns. To counteract stress and foster a sense
of community, she has helped launch a number of programs on
campus, including:
- LINKS, an initiative that offers faculty, staff, and
students opportunities for having fun, learning, and meeting
new people while pursuing a hobby or interest. The activities
under the LINKS umbrella currently include: Arts and Crafts,
the Latin Dance Club, the Movie Club, ScrippsAssists, Torrey
Mesa Ski Club, TSRI Softball, Soccer, Spanish Class, Scripps
Outstanding Speakers Toastmasters Club, Weight Watchers,
and Yoga. For more information and contacts for each of
these groups, see the LINKS
web page.
- The Society of International Spouses, which was started
with Director of the International Office Lina Quinsaat
to support the spouses of international scholars, who often
arrive in the area with few friends and limited English
language skills. The group offers the spouses a chance to
connect with each other, go on outings, hear speakers, and
attend cooking classes.
- Lunch & Learn Series, which brings speakers to campus
on a monthly basis. Recent topics have included volunteering,
safeguarding your legal interests, balancing personal and
professional demands, and managing stress.
- Personal Skills for Life and Work, quarterly workshops
designed to assist TSRI employees in learning skills and
habits that will benefit them in both their personal and
professional lives.
- A library of books and videos. A list of available resources,
which can be signed out and returned at a later date, is
posted on the department's book
list page and video
list page.
In addition, Hill offers career counseling and exploration,
particularly for graduate students and research associates
who are in the process of charting their career paths.
Hill has been with Scripps for 13 years, first as part of
the Scripps Health system then with TSRI, and finds her role
rewarding. "It's great to be a social worker and still have
the flexibility to set up preventive programs," she says.
"That is a wonderful combination for me."
Hill can be reached at her confidential line, x4-2950, or
via e-mail, janhill@scripps.edu.
Her office on the ground level of the Administrative Building,
3301 N. Torrey Pines Court, is accessible through a private
entrance off the courtyard between the Administrative Building
and the Conference Center. She can usually schedule an appointment
within a week.
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Jan Hill can be reached at her confidential
line, x4-2950, or via e-mail, janhill@scripps.edu.
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