A Place to Talk won't judge you. No matter how big or small your problem is, the counselors at A Place to Talk (APTT) will sit and listen politely and try to guide you to the right answer. And sometimes, isn't room to vent what everyone needs?
APTT is a group located in the AMR I lobby which allows students to speak with other students on issues pertaining to their lives, whether they be school problems or relationship dilemmas.
Founded 21 years ago, APTT remains one of Hopkins' prominent campus organizations, providing invaluable services to the entire student body.
APTT stresses to their student counselors the importance of being an attentive listener and providing insight rather than advice to problems.
Echoing the school motto "Veritas vos liberabit" or "The Truth shall set you free," APTT prefers that the students who come for counseling decide on their own solutions rather than rely on the advice of others surrounding them.
APTT has its peer headquarters in a small room in the lobby of the AMR I. The cozy room includes several couches, large comfortable arm chairs, and countless board games and stuffed animals. By keeping a relaxed and sociable setting, members of APTT are better equipped to listen to and help others with their issues.
Because the student counselors are not professionally trained and are not certified, they need to make sure not to give advice that could be dangerous to a student. If they think a problem is serious, they will recommend the Counseling Center in Garland, where they can talk to doctors and certified counselors who are legally capable of dealing with more severe cases.
Although at its inception APTT was primarily a group students approached only when they were experiencing difficulties, APTT has now begun to advertise themselves as a way to meet more people and get the full Hopkins social experience. APTT sees itself as a social guide, not only in times of crisis, but in times of enjoyment as well.
As member senior Nick Szuflita said, "I do APTT because, although it is underutilized at Hopkins, it could allow for a student to have a really good time at Hopkins rather than just a mediocre time."
Members are expected to devote one to two hours a week to APTT, during which they hang out in the designated APTT lounge in the AMRs and will sometimes have food, toss a ball around, and talk with students seeking out their assistance and companionship.
In fact, APTT has a group of regulars who come in and take advantage of the social opportunities offered by the organization.
Junior Stephanie Shen said that "APTT is definitely a great outlet for students on campus. The group is working on students becoming more aware that we are here for them."
APTT has also begun organizing events throughout the year aimed at self-help. Their most recent event was speaker Brandi Care, a woman who attempted suicide, and through that experience learned how valuable and important life is. She shared her experiences with those in attendance, and it was an overall successful event both for assisting those with problems and for APTT publicity.
APTT also boasts a booth located in the infamous Beer Garden during Spring Fair, where they sell t-shirts and other items of interest. One of their more popular events during the academic year is the Relaxation Fair, where participants can learn basic yoga or just come hang out with friends for a day without worrying about their homework. Last year they also had puppies and kittens, which were a huge success, to help de-stress students.
In order to become a member of APTT, there is a rather lengthy application process that begins each semester. The group usually does not accept freshmen, but there have been some exceptions to this rule. After submitting a written application, candidates proceed through an intensive interview process.
Once accepted, training lasts for an entire semester, during which trainees learn all about crisis intervention. The training is designed to allow students to think through problems and know when to ask the appropriate questions.
Each scenario is almost completely thought through by role playing, which allows trainees to understand visually what being a full-fledged member of APTT will look like.
Once training has been completed, members will pair up with one another and work at least one shift per week. Their duties include listening to those who approach them with issues, no matter what the issue is, hanging out with those that are seeking a increased social life, and just being in the AMR room in case of an emergency.
It is clear that APTT provides an invaluable service to the members of the student body. The group works towards creating a more socially integrated campus life as well as diminishing the amount of tension felt by some at Johns Hopkins.
As Director of APTT senior Ayla Turnquist said, "People at JHU are afraid to reach out to the community. One of my goals for APTT is to create a community here on campus."
