Christine M Besaw-McGavren

Residential Faculty - Counseling

Counseling

Office: RDM-PV Palo Verde - Room: 221

480-461-7588 (alt)

Office Hours

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
By appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointment

Although I do not have consistent office hours available, my schedule is flexible, and I will make every effort to accomodate your availability.  Please email me (christine.besaw@mesacc.edu) or send a Canvas message to set an appointment.

Profile

As a counselor, I am here to support you.  Seeking counseling is a brave step - choosing to face your challenges head on and making life changes in the face of uncertainty. In counseling, we work together to develop insight, self-compassion, resiliency, emotional relief, and self-agency, among other strengths, in service of academic success and a more fulfilling and congruent life.  My counseling approach provides perspectives, interventions, and practical strategies to help you overcome your struggles.

I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment to make it easier for you to open up about your life challenges. I treat each student as a unique individual, and take into consideration your whole person-hood to understand the deeper issues underlying your concerns. Life can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Although we are limited to solution focused counseling, I can also work with you to find a therapist in the community that will help you to achieve your long term mental health goals.

As an instructor, my job is to help you to be a more confident student.  Professionally, my previous experiences include early childhood development and non-profit work.  I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Arizona.  I have worked in both agency and private practice settings as a mental health professional.  I am now privileged to be able to serve Mesa Community College as a Counselor and Residential Faculty member at Red Mountain!

Classes Taught

Fall 2024

FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 3 Credits

Focus on student success through exploration of academic, career, and life skills. Includes study of goal-setting/success strategies, academic mindset, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, self-care strategies, diverse perspectives, and campus tools and resources. Develop an education/career plan utilizing career assessments and other college resources.

Prerequisites: None.

Course Notes: This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
35134
Red Mountain Campus
In Person
Lecture
08/19/2024 – 12/13/2024
MoWe
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Closed

Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 35134: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong

15989
Red Mountain Campus
In Person
Lecture
08/19/2024 – 12/13/2024
MoWe
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Closed

Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 15989: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong

Fall Flex Start 2024

CAP240 Introduction to Counseling Skills 3 Credits

Introduction to basic skills and techniques used in the counseling field. Focuses on active listening, self-awareness, and other related skills.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CAP120.

Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
15613

Online Course

Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
09/03/2024 – 12/13/2024

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 15613 students may contact instructor at: christine.besaw@mesacc.edu

CPD102AH Stress Management 3 Credits

Reviews the sources of stress, the physiological effects and the psychological impact of stress on the individual. Provides strategies to manage and reduce stress. Helps students develop and understand behaviors to create a healthy balance in their lives by studying the biological, psychological, physiological, and social aspects of stress and wellness.

Prerequisites: None.

General Education Designations: Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
13446

Online Course

Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
09/03/2024 – 12/13/2024

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 13446 Students may contact instructor at: christine.besaw@mesacc.edu

Spring 2025

CAP240 Introduction to Counseling Skills 3 Credits

Introduction to basic skills and techniques used in the counseling field. Focuses on active listening, self-awareness, and other related skills.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CAP120.

Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
28267

Online Course

Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/13/2025 – 03/07/2025

Open

6 of 20
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 28267 Students may contact instructor at christine.besaw-mcgavren@mesacc.edu

CPD102AH Stress Management 3 Credits

Reviews the sources of stress, the physiological effects and the psychological impact of stress on the individual. Provides strategies to manage and reduce stress. Helps students develop and understand behaviors to create a healthy balance in their lives by studying the biological, psychological, physiological, and social aspects of stress and wellness.

Prerequisites: None.

General Education Designations: Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
28269

Online Course

Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/13/2025 – 03/07/2025

Open

14 of 20
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 28269 Student may contact christine.besaw-mcgavern@mesacc.edu

FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 3 Credits

Focus on student success through exploration of academic, career, and life skills. Includes study of goal-setting/success strategies, academic mindset, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, self-care strategies, diverse perspectives, and campus tools and resources. Develop an education/career plan utilizing career assessments and other college resources.

Prerequisites: None.

Course Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
28328
Red Mountain Campus
In Person
Lecture
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025
MoWe
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Open

21 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 28328: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong

Degrees & Awards

Master of Counseling, Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Devlopment, Arizona State University

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