Counseling Services offers a variety of specialized services to support the needs and experiences of our African American and Black* students. Below is the schedule for winter term 2024:
Sista Circle Group
Tuesdays, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Dr. Cecile Gadson and Hawi Wako
Sista Circle is a processing and support group for African-American/Black-identified womxn to work through concerns such as academic stress, self-esteem, family challenges, relationships, identity development, mental health concerns, and much more. Group members will be able to work through their presenting concerns, find community, and be empowered in a protected therapy space.
Black CommUnity Table
Part of Wellness Wednesday at the BCC
Wednesdays, 1:00–2:00 p.m. odd weeks (weeks 3, 5, 7, 9)
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Facilitators: Dr. Cecile Gadson, Dr. Aris Hall, and Garrett Ross
In collaboration with the BCC, this discussion space provides a space for Black students and staff to connect for a weekly discussion related to the strengths and challenges within the community. The discussion varies weekly with topics ranging from campus climate and activism to mental health as well as popular culture. We welcome Black students and staff for an open dialogue where they can be their radical and authentic selves.
Black Joy Sessions: Finding Joy Within
Wednesdays, 1:00–2:00 p.m. even weeks (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson and Garrett Ross
Black students, faculty members, and staff are invited to engage in activities that center Black joy including art, laughter, music, and movement. Black Joy Sessions create a space to center a celebration of Black culture, uplift, heal, and empower using a liberated narrative of the Black experience. This space is designed to be an easy, transformative, and love-infused space to create, express, and (re)claim Black joy.
Let’s Talk
With Dr. Gadson, African American/Black Student Specialist
Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Let’s Talk offers brief informal consultations on a drop-in basis, so there is no appointment necessary. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis either in person at Let’s Talk locations across campus and/or by Zoom. Dr. Gadson specializes in working with Black students.
Black Care Corner
Wednesdays, noon–4:00 p.m.
Location: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Black Care Corner is a wellness project that was envisioned by our 2022–2023 SAB African American/Black student community liaison, Johana Amani. Black Care Corner was a collective creation between Johana and two Black psychologists, Dr. Cecile A. Gadson and a former therapist. This project provides culturally curated tools and materials that center wellness for Black students and help break down mental health barriers in the Black community. Black Care Corner is in partnership with Dr. Aris Hall and her team at the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center. Join us to participate in Wellness Wednesday and enjoy items from the Black Care Corner.
Kuponya: Centering Black Healing
Fridays, noon–12:45 p.m. (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Location: Zoom — Register for the link
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson
This space is for Black-identified** students, faculty members, and staff to engage in guided soulfulness mindfulness, African-centered healing strategies, and dialogue to promote collective healing. We invite Black students, faculty members, and staff to connect, breathe, and heal in a space designed specifically for you.
One-on-One Sessions with an African American/Black Student Specialist
Dr. Cecile Gadson
Counseling Services has therapists who specialize in working with Black students. If you would like to meet with one of these staff members, call Counseling Services at 541-346-3227 to schedule an appointment or stop by University Health Services for a drop-in appointment. You will meet with one of our Mental Health Access Team members, and you can request to work with a Black/African American Student Specialist for short-term therapy or ask more about any of the Black student services and programs we provide.
*Black, African, African American, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, or the African Diaspora