Spartans Helping Spartans
Spartans Helping Spartans at USC Upstate Counseling Services is a free, peer-to-peer, preventative program dedicated to supporting students’ holistic well-being.
Our trained Peer Wellness Coaches provide one-on-one coaching to help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop healthy habits. We provide Wellness Assessments to promote self-awareness, host interactive tabling events to engage students in meaningful conversations about mental health, and facilitate QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training to equip students with life-saving skills in suicide prevention. Through education, outreach, and peer support, we aim to foster a campus culture of connection, empowerment, and overall wellness.
What is Peer Wellness Coaching?
Our Peer Wellness Coaches are trained to provide one-on-one coaching that helps students navigate challenges, foster intentional change, and enhance their overall well-being. They are also certified in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and are Certified Peer Educators.
Our goal is for every student to feel heard, supported, and empowered after each coaching session. Additionally, coaching will help you clarify your wellness goals, develop actionable steps to achieve them, and stay accountable with the guidance of your coach.
What to expect in a 30-Minute Peer Wellness Coaching Session:
- Explore topics that are important to you and impact your life.
- Discuss your motivation for making a change.
- Identify the obstacles and barriers to your success.
- Develop new strategies to overcome your challenges.
- Stay accountable to your action plan.
- Increase self-awareness: your vision, strengths, and core values.
Peer Wellness Coaching is NOT:
- Counseling
- A clinical service
- Diagnosis or treatment for mental illness
Ready to take the next step?
To schedule an appointment, please check the availability of each coach, as they have individual schedules. Sessions are 30minutes and customized to meet individual needs.
The Nine Dimensions of Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
Peer Wellness Coaching at USC Upstate Counseling Services uses the Nine Dimensions of Wellness as its framework, recognizing the interconnected aspects of well-being.
Your Peer Wellness Coach will provide support, resources, and accountability, covering these topics in the following areas:
- Spiritual: Focuses on finding purpose and meaning in life.
- Cultural: Understanding, respecting, and embracing diverse cultural identities.
- Financial: Involves managing financial resources effectively.
- Environmental: Relates to living in harmony with our surroundings.
- Occupational: Relates to personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s work.
- Social: Involves building and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Intellectual: Encourages lifelong learning and mental stimulation.
- Physical Health: Involves maintaining a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
- Emotional Health: Focuses on understanding and managing emotions effectively.
Meet Your Peer Wellness Coaches – Spartans Helping Spartans
Cayden Nixon
Hi! My name is Cayden and I am a 3rd year Communications and Mass Media student at Upstate, minoring in American Sign Language Interpreting. I hope to become an interpreter after graduating in 2026. I am passionate about connecting with others, and love acting, singing, and playing tennis in my free time. I am thrilled to be a Peer Leader and honored to join the Upstate Counseling team, eager to support and uplift my fellow students!
Anna Marie Mayes
Hello everyone! My name is Anna Marie Mayes. I am a senior at Upstate majoring in Criminal Justice and set to graduate in May 2025. I grew up in a missionary family, constantly moving and experiencing new cultures along the way. I look forward to connecting with you and am eager to help in any way I can!
Pardeep Kaur
Hi everyone! My name is Pardeep, and I’m an international student majoring in Nursing. I’m a junior and a multilingual speaker who loves listening to music and to people. I enjoy nature, especially the mountains, and consider myself a selective extrovert. Having known people who have struggled with depression, I understand the importance of having someone who truly listens. Sometimes, we just need a safe space to pour our hearts out, and I strive to be that person. Looking forward to connecting with you all!
Ready to Schedule?
To schedule an appointment, please check the availability of each coach, as they have individual schedules. Sessions are 30 minutes and customized to meet individual needs.
For information about Spartans Helping Spartans, please contact Jennifer O’Shields at peerwellness@uscupstate.edu or call (864) 503-5195.
For clinical services contact Counseling Services at (864) 503-5195 option 1 or after hours, option 2. Emergencies, please call 911.
togetherall Mental Health Support 24/7
Togetherall is an online peer-to-peer platform, offering a safe space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings. Plus, there are always trained professionals on hand, 24/7, 365 days a year. And, if sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has tools and courses to help you look after yourself, along with plenty of resources to explore.
Supportive Online Community
Mental Health