Corbitt trained and gained extensive clinical experience in substance
abuse treatment and psychiatric services as a psychotherapist/social
worker at the Midstate Medical Center (formerly Veteran’s Memorial
Medical Center) in Meriden. Corbitt describes with fervor the complex
process of rehabilitation: “When individuals hit bottom, can’t keep a
job, become isolated from family and friends, are depressed, they need
help to see a light at the end of the tunnel. They exist in deep pain
and shame. The biggest hurdle is helping someone work through the shame
and stigmatization from society. Shame keeps them locked in
self-destructive patterns and prevents them from entering into recovery.
When the light bulb comes on, when the person regains hope, direction,
and self-forgiveness and becomes less isolated—that’s amazing!”
From Rehab Center to Educational Sphere
Transitioning into an educational venue, Corbitt
worked over six years as a school social worker at Manchester Regional
Academy dealing with special education students. Then in 2004, he moved
on to Eastern Connecticut State University, where he was
administrator/coordinator for a wellness and substance abuse prevention
program for the 5,000-student campus.
“My primary goal in the educational environment has always been to help
students work through issues, whether they have emotional disturbances
or learning disorders, that impede their success,” he says. “Here at
CCSU as director of the Counseling and Wellness Center, I want to engage
the entire campus community in the process of creating conditions and
fostering personal attributes which promote physical, intellectual,
psychological, and spiritual well-being for students.”
The Center, he says, supports students in their personal, academic, and
athletic pursuits. “I want students to see our services as a way to
achieve personal goals, not just as a way to fix problems. Counseling is
here to support goal attainment.”
A New Action Plan
How does Corbitt propose to fulfill the Center’s
mission? “Accessibility is the key,” he responds. “Students need to know
who we are, where we are located, and how to access our services. If a
student is in crisis, we are available for walk-in appointments and
informal consultations.”
A new service has been instituted to increase accessibility. According
to Corbitt, “After the tragic incident at Virginia Tech, we inaugurated
informal consultations whereby a student can just come in to talk and
problem solve, exploring the possibility of counseling. Many students
may want to talk about a situational problem, a fear or anxiety for
example, and may not see formal counseling as their choice. Informal
consultations decrease wait time for students.”
He explains that the formal intact process entails “a comprehensive
bio-psycho-social assessment for each student, and we make every attempt
to make appropriate referrals on and off campus.” Confidential
counseling sessions, provided free of charge to CCSU students, are
scheduled weekly at a mutually convenient time for the student and
counselor.
Corbitt wants to spread the word about the Center’s programs. These
often deal with depression, alcohol or substance abuse prevention,
healthy relationships, eating disorders, or stress management. Programs
are presented on campus in collaboration with Natural Helpers and Peer
Educators, who are CCSU students with good listening skills trained to
help others.
Center services are promoted through annual student orientations, events
such as depression and alcohol screenings, written material such as the
Student Handbook, and online at www.ccsu.edu/counseling. First
Year Experience faculty receive orientation, and Center counselors are
often invited to guest lecture on topical issues.
A member of the Town and Gown Task Force, Corbitt states, “As part of
our student-focused information campaign, we have developed a pamphlet
that includes information on the new state underage drinking law that
went into effect last October.”
He encourages faculty, staff, and administrators to consult with Center
staff to assist them in defining the emotional, social, and behavioral
issues that arise for students and may warrant referrals to the Center.
“We’re here for you to offer assistance in recognizing signs of a
problem and to give suggestions on how to talk to the student,” he says.
(Counseling and Wellness is in Marcus White Hall, Room 205,
860-832-1945.)
Corbitt makes this appeal with heart-felt conviction. He’s grounded in a
profession he embraces with an altruistic outlook. He reflects, “It
takes patience to take the long view, see the hope, a vision, to look
beyond the immediate situation and believe in humanity, believe in the
ability to overcome odds and shine—believe in miracles.”
— Geri Radacsi
