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Cornerstone

Counselling for Black, Racialized and Students of Colour

Are you…

  • Experiencing racism, sexism, homophobia, Antisemitism, Islamophobia and are looking for support?
  • Feeling homesick, lonely, overwhelmed, anxious, and/or depressed?
  • Having difficulty finding community?
  • Wondering if U of G is for you?

Whatever it is, we are here to support you. 

What to expect from Drop-In Counselling for Black and Racialized Students: 

  • Summer (May-August) 2025 Hours: Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
    • May-June: Adria; July-August: Stella
  • Sessions can be booked the same day or in advance
  • Select your preference for an in-person (University Centre 3rd Floor in Student Experience, a Counsellor will greet you), virtual, or phone appointment

If you are unable to make an appointment and the drop-in is full, please email bipocdrp@uoguelph.ca. We can’t guarantee that an appointment will become available, however, we will have your contact information to reach out if a spot becomes available.


Get to know the Counsellors

Adria

Adria Joel (she/her)

Adria is a Registered Social Worker and Alumna of the University of Guelph with over 10 years of experience working in university and community-based organizations. As a multi-racial Black woman with Trinidadian and Italian heritage, who also identifies as bisexual, her lived experiences inform her work, and she strives to work from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, decolonial, trauma-informed, intersectional, person-centered approach. Adria has expertise in supporting individuals and groups in their healing from sexual and gender-based violence, racial and intergenerational trauma, and relationship challenges. Adria draws from a variety of modalities, including somatics (body-based), Internal Family Systems (IFS), expressive arts, narrative, self-compassion, and mindfulness-based therapies.

Stella face

Stella Mfoafo-M’Carthy (she/her)

Stella is a professional Counsellor / Therapist with a master’s degree in Social Work. She has worked extensively with Individuals, couples, families, groups on a variety of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, separation /divorce, domestic violence, and grief/loss.  As an eclectic social worker, Stella works from a strength-based perspective using diverse interventions such as narrative, solution-focused, and cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT.) She is a registered social worker and a registered marriage and family therapists.

Varsha Ramkumar

Varsha Ramkumar (she/her)

Varsha Ramkumar is a Registered Psychotherapist with over seven years of experience in the field of mental health. As an immigrant and person of color, she deeply understands the cultural nuances embedded in traditional practices and integrates this awareness into her work. She specializes in supporting individuals and couples through a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and grief.

Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic-based techniques. She provides care within a trauma-informed, relational framework, ensuring a compassionate and culturally responsive space for healing and growth. Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil & Malayalam