What is the connection between CAPS and Oasis?
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the student counseling center. You can go to CAPS to received free confidential counseling. CAPS has group and individual services. If you are contending with problems related to drinking or drug use, you can use counseling at CAPS to address these issues. Here is some more information:
CAPS offers Dynamic Choices, which is a facilitated drop-in group for students to discuss issues related to drinking and drug use. Students use this group to explore their use and to make choices that better serve their goals and values. Students who have chosen sobriety can participate in this group for support.
Oasis has a few different facets. Oasis is fundamentally a group of students working together to create a community that offers support around issues of drinking and drug use. As such, we are an official student club. Oasis is also connected to CAPS as a support resource. We work with CAPS to promote and provide outreach services to the university. We will meet with CAPS clients if they want to connect with students in recovery. As a student club, we provide no clinical services; the professional staff at CAPS offers the counseling. Oasis is interested in creating opportunities for students to join with other students who want to connect around issues not related to drinking or drug use. CAPS substance abuse treatment services are coordinated by Matthew Tomatz, MA, LPC, CACIII, CAPS substance abuse program coordinator, and he attends our weekly community circle meetings. Oasis social events and personal connections are a function of Oasis as a club and not affiliated with CAPS.
What is Dynamic Choices, and how is it different?
Making choices is hard. Choosing is a complex process that can drive us crazy. This group exists to help you make the best choices for your life.
Choices become especially difficult when we keep doing the same things over and over. Once we habituate to a behavior, it becomes hard to break. This often happens with drugs, alcohol, foods, sex, gaming, and any number of other behaviors.
If you tend to make choices that don't serve you, or if you tend to make the same choices over and over again and they now feel dull and lifeless, then this group is for you.
Members join each other as they explore the decision making process.
You will be supported to make decisions that are aligned with your highest values. Learn to revitalize your life through mutual support.
If you are interested in this group, feel free to drop in on Thursdays at 3pm in Willard room # 101. Meetings last one hour.
Or contact Matthew Tomatz for information: 303-492-1397; matthew.tomatz@colorado.edu
Why should I join Dynamic Choices?
Join a group to break the isolation, learn from others, and develop the ability to live your life by what you value most.
The message - you are not alone. Many CU students struggle to understand their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Many CU students have difficulty making choices that are value driven. Many CU students don't know what they want to do after graduation.
Often, individuals feel they are the only one. "I'm the only one who feels this way." "I'm the only one who wants to drink less or stop drinking." "If I don't drink, no one will like me."
There is news for you:
YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE!
Lots of people think this way. It is time to reach out and challenge these beliefs. Dynamic Choices is a group that can help you do this.
Oasis Peer Educators
If you are questioning any unhealthy addictions in your life, you may also find it helpful to talk to a peer educator. Oasis peer educators are students who provide education and outreach on various issues and supports/promotes the work of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). They are part of a grassroots program of students helping students stay healthy by promoting sobriety. Oasis peer educators are here to support you as you question your substance or alcohol use or make a commitment to sobriety. Peers provide a much needed student perspective which helps CAPS get a better pulse on the campus community and its needs. If you would like information on meeting with a peer educator, or on how to become a peer educator, please contact Matthew Tomatz for information: 303-492-1397; matthew.tomatz@colorado.edu.