Demetria Robinson, an alumna originally from Southside Chicago, has returned to her alma mater as a licensed professional counsellor at Langston University to assist students on their journey to “generational wellness.”
Her passion for counselling came from having intimate conversations with the single mothers of the children she baby-sat while growing up. This impacted her to make the decision to become a counselor and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in liberal education. She was further motivated to help people struggling with their mental health when a young male friend confided in her about thoughts of suicide. Robinson does not take instances like this one lightly and through this experience she felt that it was her calling to help people who are facing similar issues.
For Robinson, interacting with students is rewarding, and she is grateful for it. “When I was here, I didn’t even know we had a therapist on campus. So, a lot of us suffered in silence. As students, we were there for each other in a more ‘girlfriend to girlfriend’ advice, but not guidance from a professional. What I notice now, is the students are a lot more vocal about their mental health concerns.”
Robinson mostly focuses on individual counselling and hopes to later take on groups so that she can reach more people. “I am here to serve the students as I already see their hurt and pain. This generation is a lot more vulnerable, and building trust is required, so I will not force myself on them.”
Each session starts with a breathing exercise, and a message of gratitude. For Robinson, it ensures each client receives an open invitation into the present moment. In addition, she repeats words of affirmation of the goal to be achieved at the end of the session. “The first thing I teach is to breathe. We take it for granted because it’s something we do automatically. Then when we start to panic, the first thing we lose is the breath.”
Robinson’s intention in her role is to thank each client for making her their choice, to create a safe space, work to know the person and make sure they don’t leave the same way they entered. “It’s an honor for someone to share. We go through things and it’s hard to ask someone for help.”
Robinson always had a desire to give back to Langston University since going here provided her with many opportunities. She advocates for the importance of family life, and she returned to Langston University to get her master’s degree in rehabilitative counselling in 2011. Robinson holds Langston University close to her heart not only for the impact it has had on her educational journey but also on her personal life. She met her spouse of 17 years while attending school here and they now have two children together.
Even though Robinson is excited as she takes on her new role, she admits to being introverted and experiencing anxiety. She believes that these qualities make her relatable to students who may feel uneasy about attending counselling for the first time.
“It’s ok to be afraid, having to choose somebody with your innermost thoughts. I encourage you to just show up, because you’ll always be afraid if you don’t show up. You already know the battle living in it. Now imagine what life would be like stepping out of fear, but you won’t know unless you show up,” Robinson said.
Anyone interested in meeting with Robinson can visit her office in University Women, room 111.
Uri Butler
Staff Writer
Uri Butler is a sophomore broadcast journalism major
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