This event, for BMCC faculty and staff, focuses on promoting an academic environment that is supportive of students’ mental health and how it can alleviate the stress and reframe how we define student success. There are academic and classroom stressors that are particularly salient among students of color who may experience daily microaggressions, harassment, and racial discrimination.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of undergraduate and graduate students of color in the classroom, taking into account disciplinary cultures and the broader campus climate. This 1.5 hour session will also offer practical guidance for how instructors can promote well-being in campus learning environments and support the mental health of students of color.
Register now for this event.
If you have any questions, contact the Counseling Center at (212) 220-8140 or counselingcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Cirleen DeBlaere, PhD, is Professor of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program at Georgia State University. She received her B.A in Psychology from Boston University (2000), M.A. in Psychology from New York University (2004) and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida (2009). Her research and professional interests focus on the impacts of marginalization stressors (e.g., discrimination, stigma, internalized oppression) on the mental health of historically disenfranchised people. She also investigates constructs that can promote health and wellness in the context of marginalization stressors (e.g., collective action) and therapy (e.g., cultural humility). Dr. DeBlaere is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and her work has been recognized with several national awards. Beyond her research, Dr. DeBlaere’s investment in issues of multiculturalism and social justice extend to professional leadership and training (Vice President for Diversity and Public Interest, Div. 17, APA). She has translated her research and expertise to consultation on issues of multicultural competence and orientation with colleges and universities across the U.S., local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations. She serves as a mental health expert and campus consultant for The Steve Fund.
Dr. Jesse Owen is a Professor in the Counseling Psychology Department at the University of Denver. He is a licensed psychologist with clinical specializations include couple and family therapy and multicultural therapy. He holds various positions including lead psychologist at Lifelong, Inc; Research Director for CelestHealth; Senior Research Advisor for SonderMind; Editor for Psychotherapy. He has co-authored three books: Mindfulness-based practices in therapy: A cultural humility approach; Therapists’ cultural humility; and Research design in counseling. He also has over 200 publications/book chapters. His research focuses on process and outcomes of psychotherapy with a focus on therapist expertise and multicultural orientation. His research has been supported by foundations, federal agencies, and private companies (e.g., John Templeton Foundation, NIMH, DHHS-ACF, and SonderMind).