Jana Sickler first imagined becoming a counselor in middle school, but it wasn’t until years later – after a detour studying high school education – when she found her calling helping UNK students navigate life’s challenges.
“My favorite part of being a counselor is having meaningful conversations with people,” she says.
The North Platte native earned an associate degree from Southeast Community College in Lincoln as a nontraditional student. She considered becoming a high school teacher before changing paths and completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sickler continued her education online and through telecourses from Chadron State College, earning a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in community counseling.
She’s been a licensed mental health practitioner for the past decade, initially working with at-risk youth and their families through a practice known as multisystemic therapy. In 2019, she joined UNK Counseling as one of four professionals who provide a safe space for students to talk about their struggles.
Why did you decide to work at UNK?
I had always liked the idea of working for some sort of educational community. I love working with the college population because it is full of a variety of people from different walks of life and experiences.
What can students expect when they schedule a counseling session?
When coming to UNK Counseling, a student can expect to be met by a kind, caring and nonjudgemental human, as well as a safe space to talk about the difficulties of life. Topics in counseling sessions span the gamut from adjusting to college life to processing traumatic experiences. We lean toward short-term, solution-focused therapy because we know that students have chaotic schedules and aren’t on campus year-round. For the most part, we try to meet clients where they are and are flexible with the length of services. We do have returning clients who have been seen for multiple sessions, and clients know they are able to attend as long they are a current UNK student.
Why should they take advantage of this service?
For one, most students already paid the fee for services. But students would benefit from services if their distress was impeding on their daily functioning.
How do you practice self-care?
I start my day off with “quiet time” – I get up before everyone in my house to drink my first cup of coffee in peace. I work out at the end of my day, whether it’s just a walk or a workout video. I really like catching up with friends, which isn’t always an easy one. If I’m being honest, Snapchat is life-changing for my friendships to stay solid. I also love a good trip to the nail salon.
What do you love most about UNK?
I love the community and the intentionality of most staff to get to know each other. I love my co-workers and the support I get from them and my supervisor. I also love college culture, a time in a person’s life when they experience something new and find their way in life.
Share something about yourself that people on campus may not know:
I am a wife and mother outside of UNK Counseling. Being a mom has been life-changing. I am the mother of a daughter who has Down syndrome. She was born before my “Loper Life” and led to the path that I am now on. She is a sassy 7-year-old who I could probably spend my whole day talking about. She has taught me how to be a more patient and understanding person. Within this, I find that I advocate and see the world through different eyes than I did prior to her birth. On weekends, you will probably find us going for a walk or bike ride, playing at a park, or most specifically shopping at Target and drinking Starbucks.
