Counseling Center

Spring 2021 Virtual Diversity Workshops

If interested in attending any of our workshops, please click on the "Register" link associated with the wokshop you would like to attend.  All Spring 2021 virtual groups & workshops will be held in Microsoft Teams.

SPRING 2021 DIVERISTY & ANTI-RACISM GROUPS & WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

The Model Minority Myth

Asian American communities are burdened with the “model minority” stereotype, a prevalent and misleading assumption that depicts AAPIs as uniformly well-adjusted, attaining more socioeconomic success than other minority groups through strong work ethic, conforming to social norms and excelling academically. The fact is the AAPI community is highly diverse across subgroups in rates of socioeconomic, health and mental health challenges. The social and familial pressure created by this deceptive stereotype can prevent community members from seeking mental health care. Let’s come together and hold a healthy discussion on this myth. 

Click on link to register:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYuf-ysqD8oH9BPXy-8kI-Iidmjmd-82JOv

Facilitator: Vicky Tuakoi, Psy.D. - Staff Psychotherapist      

Date/Time:   April 15th  at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 

Support Space for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American FACULTY AND STAFF

This virtual event is open to faculty and staff who identify as Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA/AAPI). As a member of the APIDA/AAPI community and a Staff Psychologist at MSU Denver’s Counseling Center, I will be offering a virtual space to share experiences associated with the recent rise in anti-Asian racist attacks and COVID-related stress within our community.
Facilitator: Caela Hee Yeon Day, Psy.D. - Staff Psychologist   

Date/Time:   March 23rd  at 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   Sign Up-Faculty/Staff

Support Space for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American STUDENTS  

This virtual event is open to students who identify as Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA/AAPI). As a member of the APIDA/AAPI community and a Staff Psychologist at MSU Denver’s Counseling Center, I will be offering a virtual space to share experiences associated with the recent rise in anti-Asian racist attacks and COVID-related stress within our community.

Facilitator: Caela Hee Yeon Day, Psy.D. - Staff Psychologist      

Date/Time:   March 25th  at 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.    Sign Up-Students

Mental Health Within the Black/African-American Population

Sponsored by the MSU Denver Student Organization BLACXERA - Black History Month 

Behavior is affected by mistrust of the medical and its related systems and often begins with faith-based outreach. Unfortunately, Black and African American providers, who are known to give more appropriate and effective care to Black and African American help-seekers, make up a very small portion of the behavioral health provider workforce. Because of these factors and more, Black and African American people are more likely to experience chronic and persistent, rather than episodic, mental health conditions. Yet, hope for recovery should remain, as light is shed on these issues - and the general public holds accountable - policymakers and health systems to evolve better systems which eliminate inequities in mental health services. At the Counseling Center, we would like to offer the time to our Black/African-American students to dialogue with mental health providers to shed light on how mental health treatment can provide the care necessary for mental health fitness.

Facilitator:    Vicky Tuakoi, Psy.D., Staff Psychotherapist

Date/Time:   February 11th at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 

                      February 25th at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon  Register

Telling It Like It Is: Experiences of Black and African American Students

While the experience of being Black in America varies tremendously, there are shared cultural factors that play a role in defining mental health and supporting well-being, resiliency and healing. Part of this shared cultural experience, like values, family connections, expression through spirituality or music, reliance on community networks and church are enriching and can be great sources of strength and support. Additionally, facing racism, discrimination and inequity can significantly affect a person’s mental health. Being treated or perceived as “less than” because of the color of your skin can be stressful and even traumatizing. This virtual weekly workshop will provide a safe space where you can tell your story.  

Facilitator:    Vicky Tuakoi, Psy.D., Staff Psychotherapist

Date/Time:   Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon             Register

Mental Health in the Asian American Pacific Islander Community

This workshop will explore common stressors AAPI college students face. We will discuss the “model minority” myth, racism and microaggressions associated with the pandemic, and the stigma associated with seeking mental health services in the AAPI community. Together we will brainstorm ways to navigate these barriers. 

Facilitator:    Caela Day, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

Date/Time:   Tuesday, February 23rd, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Register

Dialogues in Black and White: A Virtual Workshop for Mixed-Race Students

Bi-Racial and Multi-Racial individuals face many struggles as they attempt to respond to the myriad of questions regarding their intersecting identities. Often finding difficulty in fitting into specific categories, they are left wondering, “Where do I belong?” and many other similar questions as they navigate life’s diverse journey. This workshop will provide the opportunity to share your narrative and to make sense of your experiences with similar others.

Facilitator:    Gail Bruce-Sanford, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist

Date/Time:   Thursday, March 11th, 11:00 a.m - 12:00 noon   Register

LGBTQ Insights and Experiences

Everything we hear, see, and perceive at home, at work, at school and in the media can seep in and affect our ability to make our way in the world. If unaddressed, stereotypes about the LGBTQ community can have a negative impact on our mental health. This workshop is a safe place to talk about who we are, who we love, and how we can make our way in the world.

Facilitator:    Jeanne Burkhart, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Date/Time:   Tuesday, February 9th, 10:00 a.m. - 11 a.m.   Register

DACA Support Workshop

The Supreme Court decision provides some reprieve to the thousands of people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but it also continues to be a source of fear and anxiety for what comes next and instills uncertainty and distrust for students who are concerned about “outing” themselves and their family’s undocumented status. This virtual workshop will provide a safe space for DACA students to come together, share their stories, express their fears and provide each other support.

Facilitator:   Gail Bruce-Sanford, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist

Date/Time:  Monday, February 22nd., 2:00-3:00 p.m.   Register

GROUPS

Groups require a brief meeting with the facilitator prior to joining to determine whether they are the right fit for you. Groups are open to currently enrolled MSU Denver students. To sign up for a group call (303) 615-9988 to reach the Counseling Center office. 

All Spring 2021 Virtual Therapy/Support Groups will be held in Microsoft Teams.

Support Group for Transgender Individuals

Transgender individuals sometimes experience much hostility, stress, and rejection from others who fail to understand their narratives. This group is designed to provide support, empathy, and acceptance as well as provide coping strategies.

Facilitator:  Jeanne Burkhart, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

When:         Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Kaleidoscope Circle: A Group for BIPOC Students

This process group is open to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of color) who are looking for opportunities to find community, process experiences, and deepen understandings of self and others. Topics may include but are not limited to: relationships, academics, race-related stress, imposter syndrome, acculturation, microaggressions, intersectional identities, trauma, isolation, resilience, and empowerment.

Facilitator:  Caela Day, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

When:         Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.