In celebration of Valentine’s Day, DMACC’s counseling offices hosted a workshop on February 11 aimed at guiding students on how to navigate healthy relationships. The session, led by counselors Erin Borchardt and Sunny Duffney, focused on teaching the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to handle the challenges that arise if someone finds themselves in a toxic or unhealthy situation.
These workshops are part of DMACC’s broader initiative to provide students with valuable mental health resources. The counseling department hosts these sessions once or twice a month, with many workshops available to watch online for students who may have missed the live events. Students can find more information about upcoming workshops on the DMACC counseling website here.
Borchardt shared that these workshops have been a part of DMACC’s culture long before she joined the college. “The counseling office aims to cover topics that help students feel supported and remind them they don’t have to face college struggles alone,” she explained. Attendance at the workshops typically ranges from five to 30 students, and Borchardt expressed a desire for more students to participate.
The February workshop was designed to address the unique challenges students face in college relationships. The session began with Duffney presenting key insights about the signs of healthy versus unhealthy relationships. One of the most significant indicators Duffney highlighted was that unhealthy relationships often make individuals feel as though they are “walking on eggshells” — constantly trying to avoid making mistakes. In contrast, healthy relationships allow people to feel like they can be their true selves without fear of judgment or retribution.
Duffney advised students to “know yourself before deciding to date,” emphasizing that a solid understanding of one’s emotions, goals, and availability is essential before entering a relationship. She recommended asking critical questions like: Can you regulate your emotions? Are you aware of your long-term goals? Do you have time for a relationship, given your busy college schedule? Both Borchardt and Duffney stressed the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health when entering into any relationship, as personal well-being is often the first thing overlooked when becoming involved with someone else.
Duffney also pointed out the early signs that may indicate an unhealthy relationship. She noted that behaviors such as being overly affectionate too quickly, discussing long-term commitments like marriage or children early in the relationship, or attempting to isolate a partner from their friends are red flags that should not be ignored. These behaviors can sometimes be mistaken as gestures of love, but in reality, they can escalate into more dangerous and controlling patterns if left unchecked.
The counselors reminded attendees that DMACC students have access to a variety of services, including walk-in and scheduled counseling appointments. They also encouraged students to stay informed about upcoming workshops, many of which are offered as extra credit for classes. “These workshops cover very approachable topics that are highly relevant to college students,” Borchardt said, adding, “We’re always open to feedback and suggestions for new topics to address.”
For more information about future workshops or to schedule an appointment, students are encouraged to visit the DMACC counseling website.
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