Black Student Support and Healing Space
Join other Black students to connect, discuss, and share. Session topics are broad and can range from identifying personal goals and achievements to reflecting on collective experiences.
About
The goal of the group is to offer support and create community with other Black students at SFU. Sessions are hybrid and take place both on Zoom and in person at the SOCA Black Student Support Centre.
Upcoming Sessions
- September 22 - SAD and Depression
Many students come from warmer and sunny climates and can feel the impacts of the fall and winter months here. At this session, you will learn symptoms and share coping strategies and how to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). - October 6 - How Isolation Impacts Work/Life Balance
Many students indicate that they experience alienation and isolation while in university based on prejudice and marginalization. Dedicated students say they spend most of their time working hard to get good grades; on the other hand, others find it difficult to focus because they get distracted once they find a community. In this session we discuss the importance of balancing studying and community. We will also share practical tips to set boundaries with self and others. - October 20 - Sexual Health
Many students come from traditional/conservative cultures and families where sex and sexuality are taboo topics. They may experience shame, stigma and dismissal when talking about these issues. In this session, we will bring awareness to safe sex and safe sexual exploration while breaking the stigma through conversation. - November 3 - How to Combat Hopelessness
Hopelessness is an emotion that is a symptom of a bigger issue; if ignored it can lead to a potential crisis. Students often share that they feel a sense of hopelessness when they experience racial discrimination on a regular basis. This session will highlight the signs, risk factors and ways to seek help when there are intense feelings of hopelessness. - November 17 - Building Healthy Relationships
This session aims to define healthy relationships, and will equip participants with the tools to evaluate their current relationships with friends, family and partners. - December 1 - A Cross-Cultural Understanding of Consent
Many students share their experience of understanding consent as meaning something different based on the countries and cultures they are connected with and belong to. Also, a high percentage of women share that they often feel unsafe and experience objectification. In this session, we discuss differences and what consent means in the North American context to prevent sexual violence, and we will foster a larger discussion around consent and objectification.
How do I join?
Email metamorphosecounselling@gmail.com to register for as many sessions as you are interested in.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Sessions will be held bi-weekly on Fridays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm
- September 22 to December 1
Location Options
- Hybrid: SOCA Black Student Support Centre | SUB Room 1430 (Student Union Building)
- Zoom (Link provided after registration)
Tricia-Kay Williams
Tricia-Kay Williams has a BA degree in Psychology from the York University in Toronto O.N. and an MA degree in Counselling Psychology at the Adler University in Vancouver B.C. Tricia has extensive experience counselling individuals and families and is skilled in treating: Trauma, Anxiety, Transitional/Career and Relational issues. She is also an active community and social services professional who worked for some years as a Residential Youth Worker. Tricia is an advocate for anti-racism that affects BIPOC individuals and consults with organizations to foster a more anti-racist approach. Tricia is the owner of a counselling practice called Metamorphose Counselling and is the host of a YouTube channel called Meta Transitions.