A recurring workshop on campus focuses on self-compassion and provides a safe space for students to freely discuss their emotions.
It’s an environment where they can learn to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Brianna Reyes, a licensed mental health clinician at LBCC, is one of the hosts of the mental health workshop.
Licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist, Daisy Cook also works in the Students Health Services Department and co-hosts the workshop with Reyes.
At the beginning of the workshop, Reyes went over the guidelines and what was expected of every participant.
Both presenters wanted to create a safe and private space for everyone to share their thoughts by reminding everyone to be respectful of others.
Cook and Reyes wanted to be mindful of allowing everyone the opportunity to speak and encouraged everyone to participate, while keeping in mind that everyone will have different views and questions about the workshop.
This is a great workshop for students who are having a hard time expressing themselves and showing themselves compassion.
“We are here to support each other and learn our solutions. Learning will help us grow, and expand our minds and ourselves. It’s helpful to know that our solutions are unique to us. We’re not here to fix anyone because none of us are broken,” Reyes said.
“I was always told that showing emotions and wearing my feelings on my sleeve is a sign of weakness,” said Jamel Welcome, a student who attended the workshop. “So I somewhat grew up with no emotions. It hurt me and so this workshop is helping me to express my emotions.”
“The workshop is helping me to love myself and appreciate myself more. It’s easy not to love yourself and show yourself compassion in this society, so I’m learning how to,” said Alexis Washington, another student who was in attendance.
All students are welcome to attend and participate in the Self-Compassion through mindfulness workshop.