The University of Illinois Counseling Center stands in solidarity with those who are feeling anger, grief, fear, frustration, and concern about our nation in the wake of the tragedies that occurred this week. We understand these tragedies are difficult to isolate from countless other tragedies and violent acts throughout our country over the past several years. Like many others in our community, we are deeply concerned about the continued deaths of Black men at the hands of law enforcement. We are equally troubled about the injuries and deaths of police officers and bystanders at the Black Lives Matter rally last night in Dallas. We continue to have faith in the goodness found in our humanity and are working within our local communities to make things safer and more equitable for everyone. Social advocacy can be an avenue for empowering individuals and communities.
The Counseling Center’s support comes in many forms, including trauma response, outreach and prevention consultations, and counseling services. We have a number of trained professionals who offer these services. We’re located in the Student Services Building at the corner of Sixth and John Streets in Champaign and are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We schedule first time appointments on a same day basis. Our offices open at 7:50 a.m. and we recommend that you call early as our appointments often fill quickly. If you feel that you need to see a counselor immediately, please come to the Counseling Center. If you need to speak with someone after 5 p.m., please call the Crisis Line at 217-359-4141.
In addition, on Monday, July 11, the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC) will hold a Healing Space Luncheon from noon to 4 p.m. to provide a safe (debate-free) space for Black students, faculty, staff, and community members to gather resources, congregate, debrief, share, cry, and discuss how we can promote restorative healing. Counseling Center staff will be available during this time. BNAACC is located at 51 E. Gregory Drive in Champaign.
Below are some additional resources you may find helpful.
University of Illinois Resources
Counseling Center Brochure: Surviving Psychological Trauma
Counseling Center Brochure: Experiencing and Expressing Emotion
Strategies for Coping with Fear After a Traumatic Event
Suggestions for Helping Yourself and Others You Care About
Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center
Other Resources
American Psychological Association: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
American Psychological Association: The Road to Resilience
Self-Care For People of Color After Psychological Trauma
Advice for White Folks in the Wake of Police Murder of a Black Person
12 Ways to Be a White Ally to Black People