Counseling Services
Furrow Hall
Welcome!
We are very excited for this term as we have some really great and exciting events happening!
Want to make an appointment? Calling us at 309-341-7492 is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, but you can also visit our office or send us an email at counseling@knox.edu!
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Every term we offer a variety of group options for our students. This is a way for students to grow with fellow students who have similar experiences.
Our groups are all open, which means students can join at any time so long as there are seats available. An intake session with a counselor is required before joining a group.
Crisis Appointments
During business hours - 9:00am-4:30pm: A counselor will see you as soon as possible. Your safety is our #1 concern. Do not hesitate to reach out if you feel like you are in a crisis. We look forward to seeing you.
After Business Hours: Call Campus Safety at 309-341-7979 and they can help you in reaching assistance. Call 9-1-1 if there is any immediate danger to self or others.
To speak to a skilled, trained counselor at a 24 hour crisis center, call 1-800-273-8255.
Outreach
To request an outreach event, please complete the online Online Request Form or print and send us a hard copy if you prefer. Please submit requests a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the event date.
Consultation
Advocacy Sessions
New Treatment Options Available!
EMDR
Self-Guided Sessions
These appointments do not require an intake.
- Pet Therapy - A certified pet therapy dog is available for 15 minute sessions.
- Light Therapy - Uses artificial light to improve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or other conditions.
- Biofeedback - Uses sensors to monitor and regulate your rate heart, lowering stress and anxiety.
Depression Group
Tuesdays at 4:15pm, beginning on October 2nd
Group 101
Wednesdays at 2:45pm, beginning on October 3rd
This general process group will provide opportunities for students to discuss issues and concerns that create stumbling blocks to success. Topics may include relationships, communication styles, stress management, and general life concerns.
Survivors of Sexual Assault
This confidential group is for individuals who are survivors of sexual trauma. This group provides a safe space for students to receive support and discuss their trauma without fear of being judged.
Anxiety Group
Thursdays at 2:45pm or 5:00pm, beginning on October 4th
There are two sections of this group available, as shown in the times above.
Fresh Check Day is Returning!!
It is a celebratory fair-like event that includes interactive expo booths, free food, entertainment, and exciting prizes and giveaways!! Registration is required in order to be entered for a BIG raffle. Registration will end at 2:00pm!
Want in on the action? We need volunteers! Not only will you be helping out at this great event and showing your support of mental health, but you'll get a t-shirt to wear! Please click on the button/link below to sign up!
Unable to volunteer? Help us spread the word by using #freshcheckdayknox on social media!
Knox College also has it's own page on the Fresh Check Day website! Click here to check it out!
Fresh Check Day
Registration for this event will end at 2:00pm.
Thursday, Sep 27, 2018, 10:30 AM
Alumni Hall, Plomin Terrace
Mental Health Screening Day
Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common, and treatable. And recovery is possible.
Stop by Counseling Services to take a free and anonymous mental health assessment. Your assessment will be scored and you will meet with a counselor one-on-one in a confidential setting to go over your results, discuss resources, and get set up for treatment if needed.
Mental Health Screening Day
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2018, 10:00 AM
Counseling Services
Online Resources
Check out our Website!
Follow or Like us on Facebook!
Janell McGruder
Janell started her career in higher education at Western Illinois University in 2006, where she also obtained her Master of Science in Education-Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. She worked in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access and later moved to the Centennial Honors College. She developed several successful programs geared towards inclusivity and strives to continue to do this while at Knox. She is an EMDR (Eye-Movement Desenitization and Reprocessing) therapist and National Board Certified Counselor.
Her areas of focus include; trauma, adverse childhood experiences, crisis intervention, sexual violence, and working with students of color and LGBTQ+ students. She has worked with students in a variety of areas and actively promotes a stigma-free campus.
In her free time, Janell loves spending time with family and friends, going to the movies, reading, and traveling. She has two sons, Jalen and Jaren, and a dog, Ruffles.
Megan Downs
Megan graduated from Western Illinois University with a Master of Science in Education degree, with a focus on clinical mental health. She is a trained EMDR (Eye-Movement Desenitization and Reprocessing) therapist and utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach in working with students.
Some of her areas of expertise include trauma, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, family and couples counseling, and group counseling. She has worked with clients with various mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders. She also provides counseling and maintenance for students with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder.
Megan enjoys traveling, watching and learning about movies and film, and spending time with loved ones. She has an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd named Hurley and a 12-year-old Chinchilla named Rocky!
Emily Trulson
A graduate from Bradley University, Emily earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Emily is currently a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist. She has dedicated her career to working with individuals struggling from eating disorders, depression, weight issues, body image and self-esteem concerns, as well as anxiety and many more mental disorders.
Emily specializes in a holistic approach to serving clients by integrating mindfulness meditations, Adlerian psychology, yoga, nutritional and fitness fusion concepts, with an emphasis on evidence-based mindfulness practices. She believes the healing process is achieved through the harmonizing of body, mind and soul.
Emily loves spending time with her friends and family and serving the students at Knox College!
Vicki Swedlund
Vicki grew up in Galesburg (just down the street on South St.) and remembers roller skating -metal skates with key- through the Knox College campus when she was young.
She graduated from Galesburg Sr. High School and earned an Associate in Arts degree from Carl Sandburg Junior College. She began working at Knox College in 2002.
Vicki especially enjoys the fall term, when the new students arrive. She enjoys going for walks, attending sporting events, listening to music (is a Beatles fan) and looking at maps, which she used to collect.
Claire Palmer
Claire comes to us from a 27-year career at UC San Diego where she served as the Dean of Residential Life. Prior to her years at UC San Diego, Claire worked at Chaminade University, Honolulu HI as the Director of Residential Life, as well as other institutions of higher education. She has served in various positions in student affairs at the University of Maine, West Chester University, PA and the Institute of Shipboard Education-Semester at Sea. Additionally, Claire has also taught high school in Palau, Micronesia and junior high in her beloved home State of Maine.
Claire completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Maine. Her undergraduate degree, B.S in Rehabilitation Services/Social Work paved the way for what she considers her life’s calling and passion (working with college students) and a successful pursuit of a master’s degree with a focus in counseling in higher education.
Claire loves traveling, nationally and internationally via trains, planes, and automobiles (and, on occasion- ships and motorcycles). Her adventurous spirit has spurred her on to seek out new opportunities to learn about various cultures and to reconnect with family and friends.
Olive Yu Palmer
Breed: Shih Tzu -Bichon
Age: 6
Favorite treat: pork jerky
Hobbies: walking, chasing a ball, traveling, frogging
Dislikes: snow and cold weather
Morning or Night dog? Definitely, a night dog
Favorite movie: Pig in the City
Favorite place to work: Knox College, Counseling Services
Counseling Services
Making an appointment is easy! Calling is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, but you can also visit our office or send us an email!
Current Staff:
Janell McGruder – Director, Counselor
Megan Downs – Assistant Director, Counselor
Emily Trulson - Counselor
Claire Palmer - Intake Coordinator
Vicki Swedlund - Administrative Assistant
Email: counseling@knox.edu
Website: https://www.knox.edu/offices/health-and-counseling-services/counseling-services
Location: Furrow Hall, 175 West Knox St.
Phone: 309-341-7492
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knoxcollegecounselingservices/