University of Louisville Counseling Center

The Counseling Center will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Services will resume on Monday, June 22nd.

For Crisis Support outside of normal business hours call 502-852-6585 and choose Option 2 to speak with a Crisis Counselor right away.

In addition, the crisis line may be called toll-free directly when stateside at 1-855-553-1176

Summer’s quieter moments can give you space to reflect on what matters most. If you find yourself thinking more about the direction you want your life to take, you’re not alone. Having extra time can bring clarity, but it can also lead to big questions. This is a normal and important part of personal growth.

One way to explore what’s important to you is by identifying your core values.
Tools like the Values Card Sort activity can help you get started.
🔗 https://www.valuescardsort.com/sort

Visualize these areas of your life
🔗https://wheeloflife.noomii.com/

Spending more time with family over summer break can sometimes make you feel like a younger version of yourself.

As you build independence and figure out who you are, family dynamics might not always keep up with those changes, and that can feel tricky.

Coping Skills: Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or grounding exercises to help regulate your emotional response during challenging interactions. Sometimes, connecting with supportive groups or engaging in shared activities can also provide comfort.

Identify Safe Topics: Focus conversations on neutral or positive subjects to reduce the likelihood of conflict. Sharing family stories, traditions, or positive memories can help maintain harmony and strengthen relationships.

Maintain Perspective: Family dynamics are complex, and not all issues can be resolved immediately. Accepting what you cannot change and showing patience with differing viewpoints can help reduce frustration. Approach interactions with family members in ways that maintain respect, using calm language, and listening actively can help preserve harmony, even when disagreements arise.

Create Personal Space: Establish routines or physical spaces where you can retreat and recharge, even if only for short periods. Finding quiet moments or participating in group activities that bring relief can support your well-being.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Approaching boundaries with flexibility and adaptability, considering cultural values and family dynamics. This can mean negotiating compromises, gradually introducing new ideas, or finding middle ground, rather than imposing strict limits. However, some boundaries, especially those related to safety or personal well-being may need to be firm and non-negotiable.

Plan for Transitions: If you know certain times (like holidays, breaks, returning to campus) are more stressful, prepare in advance with strategies or support systems. Seeking advice from trusted individuals or planning activities that foster togetherness can ease transitions.

Mental breaks don’t have to mean doing nothing, but to give your mind space to reset. After the pace of the semester, rest is essential for your mental health. It can boost your mood, energy, and focus. Pairing rest with both structured and unstructured activities helps you feel more refreshed and connected.

Try some of these this summer!

Structured Activities:
Attending Workshops
Volunteering with organizations
Scheduled exercise routines (fitness classes, team sports)

Unstructured Activities:
Spontaneous meetups with friends
Going for a walk or bike ride without a specific destination
Taking naps or lounging

Combining both types of activities provides balance, flexibility, and opportunities for connection and growth during the summer.

Summer vibes are real, but if your plans aren’t going as expected and you’re spending more time in bed or scrolling, you’re not alone.

Rest matters, but too little structure can leave you feeling unmotivated or disconnected. Building a simple routine can boost your mental health by adding balance and purpose to your day.

Start small:
• Set consistent sleep and wake times
• Plan one or two meaningful activities
• Get outside or move your body
• Stay connected with supportive people
• Make time for both structured and unstructured activities, plus rest

Whether you’re on campus or at home, routine isn’t about being rigid; it’s about finding a rhythm that helps you thrive.

The UofL Counseling Center offices are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. The crisis call line remains open. To speak with a mental health professional call (502) 852-6585 and press 2.

Wherever summer takes you, your well-being goes with you.

Whether you’re remaining on campus, returning home, working, or exploring new opportunities, shifts in environment and relationships can impact your mental health. Staying mindful and proactive can help you guide these changes with confidence.

Try these summer wellness strategies:

-Build a routine that supports balance and stability
-Adjust to new surroundings with patience and self-compassion
-Communicate your needs and set clear boundaries
-Stay socially connected and seek supportive communities
-Spend time outdoors and prioritize rest
-Check in with yourself and seek help when needed

The UofL Counseling Center is here to help you stay supported, whether through in-state therapy sessions, or through our crisis call line. Call (502) 852-6585 and press 2 to get connected with support across the country between 5pm and 8am EST and 24/7 on weekends.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Today, we celebrate the resilience, dedication, and growth of graduating seniors from the University of Louisville. Whether you’re earning an undergraduate or graduate degree, this milestone represents countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and determination.

Done with Finals, Now What?
The end of the semester marks a major milestone but even positive change can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re graduating, heading home, starting a new opportunity, or preparing for another term, transitions can bring mixed emotions. And that’s okay.
Here are some strategies to navigate change mindfully:
-Take time to rest and recharge
-Stay present and embrace the moment
-Lean on your support system
-Approach the future with curiosity and self-compassion

Remember: growth often happens during life’s in-between moments.

Please note that our offices remain open over the summer. Students that are currently enrolled and in-state are eligible for individual therapy and walk-in crisis sessions. The after-hours crisis calls across state lines, call (502) 852-6585 ( press 2).

If you’re feeling exhausted, getting frequent headaches, having stomach problems, or struggling to sleep, it might not be “just physical.”

Stress often shows up in the body before we even realize how overwhelmed we feel. Your body is not working against you, it may be trying to tell you something.

Slow down, check in with yourself, set boundaries and limits that help you achieve the goals you have set.

The UofL Counseling Center is here to support students through stressful times.

You can learn more about how stress affects the body from the American Psychological Association here: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body