Counseling Center

Fall 2020 Virtual Diversity Workshops

If interested in attending any of our workshops, please send an email to:  jquint27@msudenver.edu with your full name, 900 student ID#, MSU Denver email address, and the name, date & time of the workshop(s). 

Fall 2020 Diversity & Anti-Racism Workshops

 IT'S OKAY TO TELL YOUR STORY SERIES

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. However, another part of this shared experience is facing racism, discrimination and inequity that 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.  

 Date/Time:   Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon, starting September 21st - November 16th

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

Moving Between: Asian American Pacific Islander Conversations (AAPIs)

AAPIs are often left out of the conversation on race. Where do we fit? Join a conversation to listen and share with other AAPI students. Topics may include common stressors that AAPI college students face, the “model minority” myth, navigating bicultural identity, coping with racism, xenophobia, and microaggressions associated with the pandemic, engaging in difficult dialogues with family and friends in this moment, and developing allyship.

Date/Time:   Wednesday, November 4th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

Anti-Racism and Ally-Building Workshop for White Students

This virtual workshop will provide opportunity to examine how White privilege and White fragility maintain racial injustice and systemic oppression. Participants will examine barriers to talking about racism and how to become better allies to BIPOC. This group is intended for students committed to racial justice and social change who strive to promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Date/Time:  Tuesday, September 22, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Facilitator:  Anne Edwards, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

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.

Date/Time:   Monday, October 26th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

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

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.

Date/Time:   Thursday, September 10th, 10:00 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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

DACA Support Workshops

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.

Option 1:

Date/Time:  Tuesday, September 15^th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Facilitator:   Michael Malmon, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Option 2:

Date/Time:   Wednesday, October 14^th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Facilitator:   Katherine Schoech, Ph.D., Licensed Psychotherapist