Counselors with The Counseling and Testing Center at UL Lafayette will be on hand when the community gathers for a candlelight vigil at 8:15 p.m. tonight in memory of the Virginia Tech shooting victims. The event will be in the Quad.
Participants will remember the victims during a moment of silence. Also, cards will be collected and a banner will be available for signing. All will be sent to Virginia Tech following the vigil.
Brian Frederick, director of Counseling and Testing, said counselors will be at the event for anyone who needs help. Also, counselors will be distributing flyers with information on coping with tragedy.
The university community can also call The Counseling and Testing Center for an appointment if they wish.
Some tips from the Center on coping with tragedy include keeping busy by focusing on projects and classroom assignments. Other tips include:
• Seek out persons who care for and support you. Share your reactions, thoughts and how the experience impacted you.
• Know that the reactions to trauma described are normal responses to a very abnormal experience.
• Limit the amount of time that you watch details about the tragedy on TV.
• Consider writing a journal of your experience or feelings.
• Seek to gain perspective on the experience. This is often helped by participation in counseling.
Frederick also noted some of the symptoms people may be experiencing following such a tragedy include shock, suffering, anger and anxiety. All are normal feelings.
He encouraged those who want to talk about their feelings to call The Counseling and Testing Center at 482-6480 or to visit the Center in Olivier Hall, room 212.