Published: July 26, 2020 by Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken

It’s been quite the summer at the iSchool at San José State University. Fall classes are right around the corner and summer classes are well underway. While all of the programs, including MLIS, MARA and MS in Informatics, are delivered 100% online, this has not been a normal season. With the threat of the pandemic growing at varying rates throughout the world, finding wellness and joyful moments has proved to be even more difficult. In light of this, please review the excellent free resources below available to all SJSU iSchool students.

Therapist Assisted Online Self-Help

I had the opportunity to create an account with the web-based portal Therapist Assisted Online self-help, which is a free resource available to all iSchool students. I worked through the Calming Your Worry module, and found the platform to be quite user friendly and enjoyable. You also earn badges at the end of each module, which spoke to my goal-oriented brain. Each section of the module has a mix of readings and videos, as well as a response area. They also have an app if you’re feeling like taking a break from your computer. 

Stress Management for Listeners

If you’re into audiobooks and podcasts, the SJSU counseling stress management resource is for you. These presentations combine an exploration of the causes of stress as well as mindfulness relaxation techniques. I had the opportunity to review the included Kaiser Permanente audio meditations for health, and found it really helpful. Listening to these guided exercises while doing light tasks or exercising helps me feel in control as well as relaxed!

CAPS Life Skills Workshops

Throughout the school year, the Counseling and Psychological Division of SJSU offers remote synchronous workshops, which are an excellent way to not only support student wellness but also for them to come together as a community. While there are not any on the calendar right now, be sure to check back at the start of the fall semester for Zoom registration. These CAPS life skill workshops cover everything from motivation to self care.

CAPS Online Groups

As an excellent pair to life skill workshops, synchronous, CAPS online groups are available remotely on a variety of topic including: 

• CALM (Calming Anxiety and Living Mindfully)
• Mindful Habits
• Mindfulness Meditation Workshop Series

Similar to CAPS online workshops, the schedule for the upcoming fall semester has not yet been posted, but interested students can reach out by calling 408-924-5910 to ask questions and to register. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and alone, meeting with your peers in a virtual environment is an excellent place to start.

Personal Counseling for iSchool Students

An online student at the iSchool is either a Regular Session student or a Special Session student. Generally, Special Session students are those who live outside of the San José area, and Regular Session students are those who live in the San José area. Regular Session students have access to personal and crisis counseling through the Counseling and Psychological Division of SJSU. If you’re a Special Session student, check out your local county website for other free counseling services available to you. Additionally, the National Grad Crisis Hotline offers excellent free counseling on the phone, referral services, and crisis intervention. Their phone number is 1.877.GRAD.HLP (1.877.472.3457).

For more information on any of the services mentioned above, please review the iSchool’s Student Wellness Online Resources web page. If you have a particular resource you found helpful, on this list or somewhere else, please feel free to share in the comments!