Students seek help at the Danielsen Institute for reasons extending far beyond academic pressures, said Assistant Director Ann Kelley. The biggest challenge, however, is getting people through the front door, said Dr. Leah Fygetakis, director of the BU Counseling Center. The recent establishment of a website has encouraged many students to use Counseling Center resources, she said. I'm trying to break us out of the idea that we're all like Freud. Additionally, the Counseling Center stepped up its outreach following last week's rape in Loretto Hall.
Rape survivors can feel re-victimized when new sexual assaults occur.
Fygetakis explained that counselors want all women to be comfortable discussing fears caused by the attack. Many students are looking beyond conventional counseling and turning toward spiritual help to deal with their anxiety. Hillel House, the center of Jewish life on campus, also provides counseling to people, regardless of faith, on issues ranging from relationships to religious conversion. Because all BU's counseling resources are interconnected, students can start their search for support by going to any office. Staff members are trained to refer students to the appropriate organization.