Compassionate listening spaces are private, one-on-one sessions with Mason staff members who can support students through caring and careful listening. The sessions are generally 30 minutes in length.
The purpose of offering compassionate listening space sessions is to help students feel heard and supported in safe and non-judgmental conversations. Participating staff members will not engage in debate or argument, nor will they share their personal views on any of the experiences that students share.
Compassionate listening space sessions are held in person.
To speak with someone virtually, students should use the TalkNow service through TimelyCare. TalkNow provides Mason students with on-demand emotional support, 24/7, on any concern they would like to share.
Professional Mason staff members skilled in supporting students and providing compassionate listening staff the listening space sessions.
Call University Life at (703) 993-2884.
While careful listening can provide relief and feel supportive, it is not the same as therapy (also known as psychotherapy). There are many professionals, other than therapists, who are skilled in careful listening, including coaches and educators, among others.
Licensed mental health providers provide psychotherapy, usually focusing on mental health concerns and treating mental health-related issues. It is a confidential service (with some exceptions). You can learn more about what happens in psychotherapy at What is Psychotherapy? To learn more about psychological services at Mason, visit the website for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Compassionate listening space sessions are private, one-on-one meetings with Mason professional staff members. They are not confidential in the way that services at CAPS or Student Health Services are. Although these compassionate listening spaces are private, University employees (except confidential resources in most instances) must report certain types of behavior – such as sexual misconduct, crime, acts of discrimination, and concerning behaviors that are potential precursors to future violence.
If you want more support, Mason provides the following services for students:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), https://caps.gmu.edu/ 703-993-2380
- Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health, https://ccmh.gmu.edu/services
- Patriots Thriving Together, https://thrivingtogether.gmu.edu/
- Student Support and Advocacy Center, https://ssac.gmu.edu/support-request-and-referrals/
- TimelyCare, https://ulife.gmu.edu/timely-care/