Dr. James Geisler, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and Executive Director of Student Wellness Services at Sacred Heart University for the past four years, is on a mission to create a healthier culture for the next generation of students. Geisler has authored and self-published his first book, “Thrive Year One: The Essential Mental Health Workbook for First-Year College Students,” which is designed to equip college students not only for academic success but for the broader challenges of life.
Executive Director of the Wellness Center
and Author James Geisler holding his book
“Thrive.”
“In higher education, we have continued to use the term ‘mental health crisis on college campuses’ since the pandemic; however, I disagree,” said Geisler. “In my field of mental health, a crisis peaks and then comes down. However, it’s been four years, and the crisis is still prevalent. I will not agree with it being a mental health crisis anymore.”
Inspired by his work with first-year college students, Geisler noticed that many of the students coming into his office were dealing with issues that could have been prevented through skill-based learning. This insight led to the creation of a self-paced workbook, with over 75 exercises, designed to help incoming college students build resilience through practical tools and strategies.
“I really struggled adjusting to my freshman year. I felt lonely and overwhelmed, constantly comparing myself to my peers. If I had this workbook my first semester of college, I am certain I would not have experienced the anxiety I did,” said junior Maggie Powers.
Geisler recognizes the challenges that adjusting to college presents socially, academically and personally. He often sees students seeking aid from the counseling center early into their college careers exhibiting struggles with communication, setting boundaries, loneliness and social media impacts. Geisler is confident that the workbook is a helpful way to get ahead of the mental health challenges students face.
“If we give students an opportunity to reflect on these struggles, we will find student’s mental health will be better prepared prior to their transition into college,” Geisler said.
Geisler sees the workbook as a valuable resource not only for first-year college students but also for high school students preparing for the next chapter of their life. He envisions it being gifted to high school seniors and used as a first-year experience text to help students navigate the challenges of starting college.
“My senior year of high school I was so anxious to start a new chapter of my life far away from home. I was unprepared for this journey and needed a guide, this workbook was exactly the type of guide I needed,” said junior Bridget Carolan.
Geisler understands that college is a challenging time for many students, particularly as they struggle with self-identity and navigating career paths. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention and resilience-building.
“I began my college career only two months ago and already feel pressure to have my entire life figured out. I have been struggling a lot lately with deciding on a major and what I want to pursue. I really believe this workbook could make a difference,” said freshman Daniella Fusco.
One of the chapters included in the workbook is titled “You Have Survived 100 Percent of Your Worst Days.” The purpose of this chapter is to remind readers of the challenges they have already overcome and to help them reflect on how they managed to get through those difficult times.
Chapter Six, titled “Fostering Healthy Communication,” provides readers with tools to express themselves clearly, fostering mutual understanding with others. This section aims to empower readers to communicate in order to ensure their messages are heard and understood by those around them.
Geisler recognizes that the workbook can benefit individuals at any stage of life because the tools and exercises included are fundamentals for life. Geisler’s workbook is available for purchase on Amazon. He is also working with university officials to make the workbook available for purchase at the campus bookstore.
“Unlike other texts, this interactive workbook allows students to choose their own dialogue and narrative,” said Geisler. “Every student has a story; this is the one thing that celebrates that.”
