Student Counseling Services seeks to provide a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for all students. We also seek to foster a diverse campus community of safety, inclusiveness, and respect. We therefore commit ourselves to an ongoing learning process, celebration of our differences, and a willingness to challenge ourselves and others in the pursuit of social justice. To read more about our commitment to an inclusive, diverse environment, please visit our Facebook page.
Culture is a particular group's beliefs, customs, values, and way of thinking, behaving, and communicating. Cultural background affects how someone:
At Student Counseling Services, we strive to be culturally competent therapists. This entails learning about different cultures and considering the role culture plays in mental health. If this has not come up with your counselor yet, here are some ways you can start this conversation:
Talking to a professional about the harmful effects of prejudice, discrimination, and racism can be helpful. A counselor can provide support and encouragement as well as an atmosphere of safety and trust where students can cope with difficulties. Counseling can give students an opportunity to explore their feelings about problems they may be experiencing and develop ways of coping with these difficulties.
Illinois State University is committed to creating a community free of discrimination and prejudice, and respectful of diversity. There are many web and campus resources that are available to students.