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Counseling Services

Counseling Services at Cornish College of the Arts is here to assist students with their academic and artistic pursuits by providing supportive counseling, referrals and outreach programs that promote students’ mental health and emotional well being.

Details

Counseling Office Hours

Counseling Services is open Monday through Friday.  Please contact one of the counselors below for their appointment hours.

There is no fee for Cornish Counseling Services.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment, call a counselor at 206-726-5027 or 206-726-5047.  If we are not available, please leave a message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

We request that students new to our services complete a 20-30 minute screening to understand your issues and mental health history. This will help us pair you with one of our counselors. Afterwards, your intake and subsequent sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes. Your appointment time is held exclusively for you. It is important to be on time because your appointment will not be extended if you arrive late. If you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason, please give us at least 24 hours advance notice so that another student may use the time. If you miss an appointment without providing 24 hours advance notice, it will count as one of your 15 annual appointments and you will need to call to schedule or confirm any future appointments.

Mental Health Emergencies

If you are in need of immediate mental health support, please use the NellieCare TalkNow services.

If you are in imminent danger of suicide or harm to others, please call:

  • Emergency Services: 911
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
  • King County Crisis Connections: 866-427-4747
  • Campus Security: 206-726-5038

How We Can Help

The Cornish Counseling Office can help you with a wide variety of issues that can affect your academic progress at Cornish and your overall well being.  Here are a few examples:

  • Homesickness or isolation
  • Stress management
  • Anxiety / panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Anger management
  • Eating disorders
  • Sexual and Gender Identity Development
  • Alcohol/substance abuse
  • Becoming more assertive
  • Concerns about a friend
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Study skills
  • Improving communication skills
  • Relationship issues
  • Trauma (physical/sexual abuse)
  • Referrals to off-campus community resources

Learn more about our policies and scope of practice here

The Counseling Process

You have up to 15 counseling appointments available to you each academic year. Together, we will determine the frequency of appointments, methods and duration of services based on your individual needs. Cornish counselors can also provide crisis intervention, consultation and referral to community resources.

At your first counseling meeting, you can expect your counselor to listen and help you explore your concerns. Together you can discuss possible ways to reach your goals. At the end of your first counseling session, you may decide to make another appointment to continue working together, or the counselor may refer you to a community resource.

Therapy Training & Approaches

Cornish counselors use a variety of therapeutic approaches to assist students. Those approaches include developmental, cognitive behavioral, Gestalt, Narrative therapy, and brief solution-focused counseling. To enhance their work, Cornish counselors participate in professional consultation and continuing education.

Records & Confidentiality

All counseling communication is confidential. This office uses Titanium scheduling software for its EHR case management system. Records are expunged 8 years after your last counseling session with a Cornish counselor.

Your counselor may not disclose any information you have shared unless:

  • You give written consent.
  • There is a risk of imminent harm to self or others.
  • Disclosure is required under court order.
  • Disclosure is required by federal or state statute.
  • There is a case of possible child or elder abuse or neglect.
  • You are HIV-positive and are putting uninformed sexual partners at risk.

Community Resources

There are a wide variety of reputable resources in the Puget Sound area that can help you with specific issues and concerns. You do not need to have a referral from a Cornish counselor to contact these organizations.

Off Campus

Online Resources

Suicide Risk & Prevention

Alcohol and Other Drugs

ADD & ADHD

  • ADD Resources

Eating Disorders

Anxiety & Depression

Sexual Assault

Depression and Bipolar 

Post Traumatic Stress

Counselors:

Lori Koshork (Director) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in college student development issues and challenges including issues of oppression and social justice. Lori is also trained to provide trauma counseling using Prolonged Exposure Therapy practices. She graduated in 1994 with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education, with an emphasis on Counseling in Higher Education, from Western Michigan University. Her career since then has been working with college students through both residence life programs and counseling services. She joined Cornish College of the Arts in the spring of 2008 as the Director of Counseling Services. 206.726.5027
Cornish Commons 114

Joseph Mills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy for youth, young adults and their families in Seattle. He is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and strength-based techniques. He earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington in 2000 and has worked as a counselor, supervisor, and youth development program manager in community mental health settings. Joseph joined Cornish College of the Arts in the fall of 2020 as a Counselor and Clinical Supervisor.

Lizabet “Libby” Gangnes (Intern) is an MA candidate in Antioch University Seattle’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Lizabet approaches mental health counseling from a holistic, intersectional framework, with a focus on each person’s individual experience. Lizabet integrates elements of attachment, existentialism, and person-centered theory to highlight an individual’s strengths and to explore life’s challenges and questions in a safe and supportive environment. Lizabet also believes in utilizing other support systems and treatment methods, including nature, animals, art, and community.

Elia Mattke (Intern) is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Palo Alto University. Elia employs an integrated therapeutic approach that is both contextually and culturally informed. Her practice draws on elements from narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Elia’s goal is to support individuals facing obstacles, navigating life transitions, or seeking connection and guidance amidst the complex experience of being human. She helps clients develop values and create a life experience that aligns with their desired and empowered way of living. By acknowledging sources of joy and exploring the meaning behind life experiences, Elia guides clients in setting intentions, acquiring tools, and making commitments that shape their lives in accordance with their preferred identity, clear values, and empowering lifestyle choices.

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