CAPS counselor breaks stereotypes

When people think about counseling, an image of lying on a couch and pouring feelings to Dr. Phil might come to mind.

IU psychologist Chris Meno said she doesn’t conform to that image.

Meno, who is a counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services at the IU Health Center, said there are many misconceptions about counselors.

“Ideas come from family, friends and media,” she said. “Shows like ‘The Sopranos,’ ‘In Session’ and ‘Dr. Phil’ give people an idea of what it would be like to talk to a counselor. Those Hollywood examples make for good drama on TV, but they are not a good example of what someone would experience if they went to counseling.”

Among incorrect expectations, Meno said most people just think counseling is not going to help them.

“One of the biggest ones is that just chatting about it won’t help,” she said. “Our training helps us guide a student and talk about their problems in a way that’s different from just chatting.”

Including Meno, the CAPS staff has close to 20 counselors including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and students in training. Meno said staff members see about five student clients in a typical day and also run group therapy sessions.

Individual sessions are every other week for 50 minutes each, but it is up to the student and counselor to decide how often counseling is needed. The weekly group sessions, which usually involve six students and a counselor situated in a circle, usually run for an hour and a half.

“Probably 90 percent of all of our time is done in clinical work, working with students,” Meno said. “We are one of the most efficient and busiest counseling centers in the Big Ten.”

The most common cases counselors encounter involve depression, stress and relationship problems.

Aside from counseling, Meno is the CAPS Outreach Coordinator. She works with a team to set up panels and speak to classes and said CAPS has an outreach program at least once a week.

Meno also works with disordered eating and body image issues. She runs a disordered eating group session three times a week and is the co-chair of the Coalition for Overcoming Problem Eating/Exercise. 

Meno’s colleagues speak highly of her work and creativity with CAPS and outreach.
“She’s the best,” said Dr. Andrew Shea, CAPS psychologist and director of training counseling and psychological services. “I can’t imagine anyone who could have more energy and enthusiasm for her job. Her enthusiasm is very contagious.”

Debbie Melloan, a counselor at the Sexual Assault Crisis Service, said Meno devotes tremendous attention and concern to her work.

“She always is looking for creative and innovative ways to approach outreach and to create awareness and knowledge around mental issues and student health and well-being,” Melloan said. “She’s willing to push the envelope sometimes to make people think outside their comfort zone.”