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

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   (Workshop starts Monday, February 1st)

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.