Category: Mental Wellness

Check out Cameron Stout’s blog posts on impostor syndrome and the fear of failure. These blog posts are companion pieces, first published in December and completed in January.

They Like Us Just The Way We Are (Why impostor syndrome is itself an impostor)

Fear of Failure is an Impostor

We have a new counselor at Albany Law School: Ms. Kelly Keohan! We are so excited to welcome her to the Albany Law School community.

We thought this would be a great opportunity to hear from both counselors. Let’s dive into a Q&A with Albany Law’s amazing counselors:

Question: What are your practice areas for your counseling services? In what areas do you specialize, if any?

Kelly Keohan (Keohan): My psychotherapy practice includes treatment for adolescents and adults struggling with a range of issues that include but are not limited to; anxiety disorders, mood disorders, interpersonal difficulties and eating disorders. My specialty areas are eating disorders, family therapy and addictions. 

Peter Cornish (Cornish): As you might imagine, we clinicians get presented with a wide range of issues facing our students. In that sense, my practice area depends on what the student brings to the session. However, all clinicians should know their strengths and when it is best to refer out. That said, mood and anxiety disorders are the most common concerns, and certainly an area I consider a specialty. Then we have to weave in substance use disorders, again much overlap, but sometimes more intensive services are needed. Then, you have the “everyday stuff”, relationship issues,  roommate conflicts, family concerns, and frankly, we’ve all dealt with these and sometimes just talking it through is helpful. I will say that my work at ACPHS and ALS has made me well versed in the issues common to those in rigorous academic programs.

What types of counseling do you practice or utilize and why?

Keohan: My approach is supportive yet direct with a particular emphasis on using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These two approaches compliment each other in that CBT can assist in challenging distorted or negative thought patterns with specific skills & strategies, while DBT teaches skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation, which “calm the body”. I teach and coach these skills in session and review in follow up sessions to ensure effectiveness.

Cornish: My approach can best be described as “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy”. My clinical program at SUNY Albany was based on this orientation, and it makes the most sense to me and the students seem to respond quite favorably. Three main parts: Identify and challenge negative thoughts that keep us stuck; Address your body’s needs in terms of eating, sleeping, exercising, meditating, etc; and lastly, do the things you need to do, and minimize those behaviors that trip you up (substance use, avoidance, etc). Now, I could go all psychodynamic on you and blame your mother, but that’s not the most useful approach.

In your opinion, who might benefit from counseling?

Keohan: I believe anyone can benefit from counseling, however if you find yourself frequently anxious, sad or having conflicts with friends/family then it can be especially useful. 

Cornish: We could all benefit from some counseling and supports, but certainly if someone is struggling more days than not just to get through school, work, relationships, it is definitely a good idea to reach out.

How do you think you can help law students?

Keohan: My experience working with young adults, particularly those who have high standards/expectations, lends itself to being compassionate to the circumstances, while assisting in setting realistic goals for change. On a personal note, my son will be attending law school in the fall so I feel I have an understanding of the unique pressures and expectations associated with this.

Cornish: I think an understanding of the stress and pressure law students feel helps in coming up with workable interventions. Many law students tend to be particularly hard on themselves in terms of accomplishments, engagements, the dreaded class rank, and having an appreciation for these concerns is important.

What does a counseling session with you look like? What can students expect from a counseling appointment with you?

Keohan: An initial session/assessment lasts approx 50 min and consists of a review of confidentiality (safety issues/plans reviewed at this time), a review of the current issues/symptoms, reviewing any pertinent family history, and an open discussion of what the needs/goals of treatment would be. Treatment recommendations are made at the end, allowing the client/student to determine if they would like to schedule future meetings. 

Cornish: An initial session will consist of reviewing basic expectations of the therapeutic relationship, discussing confidentiality and the limits there of (safety concerns), and getting a sense of what the student wants to work on. Sessions typically last around 45-50 minutes, and at the end of each session we mutually determine our next step, which could be scheduling a week or two out, or play it by ear and reach out as needed.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Keohan: One of the best aspects of my job is meeting so many people and hearing so many interesting stories. I am always amazed at how resilient people are in spite of trauma, loss and environmental stressors.

Cornish: As you know, law students are an eclectic bunch, coming from all sorts of life and educational backgrounds. So, working with a diverse population is fun, and of course, any time you can feel a sense of accomplishment or actually hear from a student how they benefitted is the best part.

What do you do for fun?

Keohan: I enjoy being outside taking care of my farm, rowing ( Yes- I broke down and bought a HYDROW during the pandemic!) and cooking.

Cornish: The pandemic has impacted many of my typical outlets, but I still manage to get outside for walks/hikes, and hang out with a close couple who we consider in our bubble (both lawyers by the way). I also love disc golf, which has seen a positive surge during the pandemic. I am pretty good for an old guy, and take great pleasure in defeating my college age son and his friends.

What is one random, fun fact about you?

Keohan: I adopted an ex racehorse named, Taco!

Cornish: I am the youngest of eight kids in my family. It certainly made things interesting, and a little rough at times, but I wouldn’t change anything. Well, on second thought…

The new year is a good time to refocus on our wellness as law students.  This past year has not been easy.  In an effort to help us all believe in ourselves, I am asking for your help on a project.  The Wellness Initiative is making a “Positive Affirmations for Law Students” video.  As law students, we have to support and encourage each other.  This video is one of the many ways we can do so while apart.

You are strong.  You are smart.  You are driven.  You are enthusiastic.  You are capable.

I am asking any and all who wish to share an affirmation with fellow students to do so. Below are the guidelines:

1. Please submit an affirmation in video form (recorded on a camera, phone, or Zoom).
2. Your affirmation should start with “I”.
3. Your affirmation should be positive and/or encouraging.
4. Your video may be no longer than 30 seconds.
5. Submit your affirmation to this link:  Positive Affirmations for Law Students
6. Submit your affirmation no later than Friday, January 29 at 5:00 PM.

If you have any trouble submitting the video in the folder linked above, please email me your video directly at [email protected].

Thank you so much for your help on this project.  It will be great to compile a positive message to share with each other when we need encouragement.  With everything going on, we can find joy and maybe some peace in the little things.