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  • Counseling Center Hosts Successful Dennis H. May Conference on Diversity Issues and the Role of Counseling Centers

    On September 21 and 22, 2014, the Counseling Center hosted the 23rd Annual Dennis H. May Conference on Diversity Issues and the Role of Counseling Centers at the Illini Union. A record number of attendees dialogued and considered how to effectively reach out to growing international student populations and the unique issues they face.

  • Counseling Center Offers In Focus group for students with ADHD Symptoms

    In Focus is a six-week group that offers education and peer support for students who experience difficulties commonly associated with ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD). Group meetings will be interactive and help students develop valuable skills for succeeding in school, career, and daily life. Meetings begin October 22, and go from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesdays.

    To ask questions about In Focus or to register, please email Jodi Thomas or call 217-333-3704.

  • Counseling Center Presents "Wellness in a Microagressing World" Series

    Achieving wellness is not an easy task for most people. But when stresses resulting from the everyday microagressions that racially marginalized people often experience, wellness can be even harder to achieve. This three-part series will address strategies individuals can employ.

  • Resources for Those Responding to Violence and Racism Against African Americans

    Recent events surrounding Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri , and Eric Garner’s death in New York City have highlighted that racist attitudes and actions toward people of color—particularly African American males—continue to threaten their safety, rights, and ability to seek justice. The University of Illinois Counseling Center and its Sankofa African-American Outreach Team are firmly committed to building inclusive communities—both within the university and outside of it. We understand that working toward positive change can be frustrating, hurtful, depressing, and exhausting, but we continue to be hopeful that the efforts of our students, faculty, staff, and communities will result in real, lasting change.

  • Gómez Receives 2014 Larine Y. Cowan Make a Difference Award

    Alejandro Gómez, clinical counselor at the Counseling Center, recently was recognized by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Access for his advocacy of LGBTQ Affairs at the university with the Larine Y. Cowan Make a Difference Award.

  • Counseling Center Winter Break Hours

    The Counseling Center will be open during normal hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday to Friday) most of winter break--except for university-designated reduced service days, which are December 24 through January 4.  

  • Interconnect Dinner Dialogue Series Offers Program on Academic Writing for International Students & Scholars

    The Counseling Center, along with New Student Programs, International Student and Scholar Services, and the Asian American Cultural Center will offer a workshop addressing some of the challenges international students and scholars potentially face when writing in U.S. academia. 

  • Resources for Those Affected by the Loss of Student Vicente Mundo

    The Counseling Center is saddened by the loss of student Vicente Mundo, and our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. We understand that many students may be having a range of grief responses and can benefit from assistance sorting through their experiences and/or guidance with coping strategies.

  • Support for Our Campus in the Wake of Chapel Hill Tragedy

    The recent deaths of three students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who identified as Muslim understandably evoke a variety of responses from across our own campus community. Students, faculty, and staff at Illinois may experience fear, vicarious trauma and other responses related to this tragedy.

  • Resources for Those Grieving the Loss of Recent Graduate Christian Zamora

    The Counseling Center is saddened by the news that the body of recent University of Illinois graduate Christian Zamora, who had been missing since December 31, was located in Crystal Lake in Urbana. Our thoughts are with Christian’s family and friends during this difficult time. We understand that students may be experiencing a range of grief responses and may benefit from assistance sorting through their experiences and/or guidance with coping strategies.

  • Counseling Center Accepting Applications for 2016-17 Graduate Assistants

    The Counseling Center is now accepting applications for pre-professional graduate assistants for the 2016-2017 academic year.

     

     

  • Counseling Center Offers Classes for Students with Test Anxiety; ADHD Symptoms

    This semester, Counseling Center staff will be offering a various classes to assist students with academic concerns such as for  testing anxiety and/or ADHD symptoms. 

  • Sen Honored By Women's Resources Center

    In March, the Women's Resources Center, Women and Gender in Global Perspectives, and International Education at the University of Illinois sponsored an event in honor of International Women's Day that honored 18 women in the campus and community for their extraordinary contributions to improving the lives of women and girls locally, nationally, and internationally.

  • Support Available for Students Affected by Tragedy in Nepal

    The Counseling Center at the University of Illinois would like to express our concern and care for all students who have been impacted by the recent earthquake in Nepal. We especially express our condolences to those who may have experienced losses due to the earthquake.

  • Resources for Those Affected by Racial Unrest in Baltimore

    The University of Illinois Counseling Center staff are deeply saddened and frustrated by the situation in Baltimore. In summary, Freddie Gray, an African American male, died of injuries he sustained while in police custody. Gray’s story is the latest in growing list of unarmed African American males allegedly dying as a result of police actions.

  • Resources for Those Affected by Charleston Shootings

    The University of Illinois Counseling Center expresses our condolences to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy that took place in Charleston, South Carolina on the evening of June 17, 2015. News reports have confirmed a gunman opened fire inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, killing nine people who had gathered for a prayer meeting. Authorities are calling the shooting  a hate crime. Counseling Center staff, including the SANKOFA Outreach Team, understand that vicarious trauma, responses to oppression, and historical trauma can be triggered and have significant consequences for individuals and communities.  We are here to serve you during this time and throughout the year for a consultation, initial appointment, or other forms of service. We move on together.

  • Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

    The University of Illinois Counseling Center, echoing the positions of national mental health organizations such as the American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association, applauds this landmark decision and is overjoyed same-sex couples in the United States will face less discrimination when it comes to the right to marry. True equality begins with the same legal rights and protections for all.

  • Counseling Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

    As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ADA, the University of Illinois Counseling Center acknowledges that great progress has been made to ensure that all people have equal access to education, employment, transportation, and public spaces, there is still more to do.

  • Counseling Center Offers Two New Group Therapy Options for Fall 2015

    The Counseling Center will offer two new group therapy options beginning fall semester. We will now offer a Mindfulness Meditation Group and a Queer Women's Group.

  • Resources for Those Affected By Recent Student Deaths

    The Counseling Center is saddened by the recent loss of students due to suicide, and our thoughts go out to everyone affected by these tragedies. We understand that many students may be having a range of grief responses and can benefit from assistance sorting through their experiences and/or guidance with coping strategies.

  • Resources for Those Affected by Oregon College Shooting

    The Counseling Center joins with the people of Roseburg, Oregon, and Umpqua Community College in grieving the lives lost on October 1, and we remain hopeful for the recovery of those injured and the Roseburg community. Episodes of such grave violence can seem incomprehensible, leaving us feeling outraged, scared, and confused. This particular act of mass violence occurred on a college campus and seems to have involved the targeting of a religious group, and therefore brings with it unique implications and concerns. 

  • Counseling Center Fall Break Hours

    The Counseling Center will be open the first part of Fall Break. Our hours for the week are as follows.

  • Resources for Those Affected By Paris Attack

    The Counseling Center expresses condolences to those mourning the loss of victims in the wake of last Friday’s attacks in Paris. We’re relieved that University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff currently in Paris are safe, but we realize the possibility there may be some in our university community personally affected by this tragedy and many others who are experiencing distress due to violent nature of the attacks and the uncertainty and fear the attacks brought to the forefront.

  • Winter Break Hours

    The Counseling Center will be open to see students throughout most of Winter Break.

  • Counseling Center’s Alcohol and Other Drug Office Moves to New Location

    Beginning in January, the Counseling Center’s Alcohol and Other Drug Office (AODO)  will be located in the Turner Student Services Building. 

  • Resources for Those Affected By Taiwan Earthquake

    The Counseling Center was saddened to learn of the earthquake that occurred this past weekend in Taiwan. The grief and uncertainty that often accompany natural disasters can be overwhelming, and the Counseling Center is here to support students who may be affected.

  • INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre Spring Production Opens

    INNER Voices Social Issues Theatre opens its Spring 2016 production on Wednesday, March 2, at 8 p.m. This semester’s production features two shows. “Side Eye” explores the ways we look at each other across societal divides, and “Tell It!” examines the premature deaths of Black, queer youths, how we can heal ourselves after traumatic events, and promote a space where violence is not the norm.

  • Resources for Those Affected by Belgian Attacks

    The Counseling Center expresses condolences for those mourning the loss of victims in the wake of recent attacks in Brussels, Belgium. We’re relieved that University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff currently in Belgium are safe, but we realize the possibility there may be some in our university community personally affected by this tragedy and many others who are experiencing distress due to violent nature of the attacks and the uncertainty and fear the attacks brought to the forefront.

  • Counseling Center’s Alcohol and Other Drug Office Participates in National Alcohol Screening Day

    On April 11, 2016, the Counseling Center’s Alcohol and Other Drug Office will participate in National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD). Each year, thousands of colleges and community and governmental organizations participate in this day of outreach and education to raise awareness about harmful and dependent drinking behaviors and connects individuals who are at risk with treatment options.

  • Counseling Center Staff, Graduate Assistants Recognized by University

    Several Counseling Center staff and graduate assistants have recently received recognition for the work they are doing on campus and for academic excellence.

  • 2016 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award Winners

    The Counseling Center recently awarded the 2016 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award to Farah Chalisa, member of the Student Senate, and the Community Learning Lab.

  • Standing in Solidarity: Message Concerning Orlando Pulse Nightclub Shooting

    The University of Illinois Counseling Center expresses our condolences to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy that took place at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, early Sunday morning on June 12. We understand that such a violent attack—directed at the LGBTQ community in the midst of Pride Month and the Latinx community—brings up a variety of emotions. We stand in solidarity with those who are now forced to grapple with why this attack happened, grieve those who were lost, and work to stop similar tragedies from happening in the future. During this difficult time, we are here to serve you as we move on together.

  • Statement Regarding the Deaths of Alton Sterling & Philando Castile; Injuries & Deaths of Dallas Police Officers and Bystanders

    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.

  • Counseling Center Offers Two New Groups for Fall 2016

    The Counseling Center will offer two new group therapy options for Fall 2016: a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) group and an Expressive Arts Therapy group.

  • Resources for Those Affected by the Events Near Campus This Weekend

    The Counseling Center is deeply saddened by the horrible events of early Sunday morning in which George Korchev, a visitor to our community, died, and five others were injured.  Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. We understand that many students may be having a range of responses and can benefit from assistance sorting through their experiences and/or guidance with coping strategies.

  • Counseling Center Offers New Group Option for Spring 2017

    Beginning in Spring 2017, the Counseling Center will offer a new, short-term group option. RIO, which stands for recognition, insight, and openness, is three session group that focuses help people with their emotional concerns. 

  • Counseling Center and International Student and Scholar Services Offer Support for Students

    The Counseling Center is partnering with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to host a drop-in space for those in our community who are dealing with anxiety and stress as a result of uncertainty around recent proposed changes to immigration policy. Each Thursday at 4 p.m., Counseling Center staff will be available in the ISSS Multipurpose Room in the Turner Student Services Building.

  • 2017 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award Winners Announced

    On May 3, the Counseling Center presented the 2017 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Awards. Given annually, the awards recognize those in our campus community who are working to make a difference, enhance student development, and maximizing student capabilities to make effective and satisfying life choices.

  • Resources for Those Affected by the Disappearance of Yingying Zhang

    Update, 7/3/17: As events of Ms. Zhang’s case have unfolded the past few days, the Counseling Center wishes to reiterate our thoughts and support for Ms. Zhang’s family and for those who are affected by this tragedy. It is difficult to learn that someone who was formerly part of our campus community is charged with her abduction. Students, please see below for information about how receive services at the Counseling Center if you would like to talk to someone.

  • Response to Last Weekend’s Events in Charlottesville

    The Counseling Center at Illinois is deeply saddened and troubled by this weekend’s events in Charlottesville, Virginia. We send our condolences to the friends and families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured while protesting hateful rhetoric from white supremacist groups. These acts of violence have no place anywhere, but we are especially saddened this happened on a college campus—where diversity of people and ideas are historically embraced. At Illinois, we stand in solidarity with our colleagues at the University of Virginia and continue to work toward social justice.

  • Statement on DACA

    On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the impending end to the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. We understand that the decision can have many implications for our students and can cause emotional distress.  Please know that the Counseling Center is here to assist. We have a number of trained mental health professionals who offer confidential mental health consultations. 

     

  • #FinishStrongIllinois: Tips for Wellness at the End of the Semester

    The end of the semester is tough--deadlines, late nights, and concern over grades can add up to a lot of stress, and it's essential that you take care of yourself during this hectic time. The Counseling Center is here when you need us. 

  • Counseling Center Winter Break Hours

    The Counseling Center will have limited hours the first part of winter break.

  • Counseling Center Offers Workshop Series on Mindfulness and Resilience

    The Counseling Center is offering a two-part series designed to help you:

    1. Manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions productively.

    2. Learn mindfulness skills that can have a positive impact in the classroom and in your relationships.

    3. Identify what’s most important to you and prioritize accordingly.

     

  • Students studying at Business Instructional Facility (BIF).

    Spring 2018 #FinishStrongIllinois: Managing Stress and Thriving at the End of the Semester

    The end of the semester can be tough. Deadlines, late nights, and concern over grades can add up to a lot of stress, and it's essential that you take care of yourself during this hectic time. The Counseling Center is here when you need us.

  • Counseling Center Offers Two New Groups for Fall 2018

    The Counseling Center has added two new group counseling options for the 2018-19 academic year in addition to 25 other groups already being offered for students.

  • Nominations Sought For Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award

    The Counseling Center is currently seeking nominations for the 2019 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award. The Larsen Award was established in 1992 to honor individuals and/or groups that make significant contributions to the campus consistent with the general mission of the Counseling Center. It has been presented annually to any person or group who enhances student development and maximizes student capabilities to make effective and satisfying life choices. Eligibility is open to any person or group that is part of the university community (except for individuals associated with the Counseling Center).

    To nominate an individual or group, please use this form. Applications are due by end of day April 19, 2019.

  • 2019 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award Winners

    On May 3, the Counseling Center presented the 2019 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Awards. The award, named after a long-time Counseling Center staff member, has been presented annually since 1992. The award recognizes those in our campus community who are working to make a difference, enhance student development, and maximize student capabilities to make effective and satisfying life choices. This year's recipients were Derrius Carter and SKY @ UIUC.

  • Counseling Center Protocol for Managing Coronavirus

    The global spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and concerns about how the virus may impact us locally has understandably caused concern for many in our community. The situation is changing quickly, and the Counseling Center will follow guidelines established by the university to ensure public health protocol is met.

  • UPDATED: Counseling Center COVID-19 Precautions

    The Counseling Center understands these are challenging times for everyone. For the safety of staff and in cooperation with CDC guidelines, beginning immediately, we will be switching to a phone triage system and will soon launch online counseling capabilities. Please note the following procedures.