This essay is part of Antioch Voices, a forum for Antiochians to speak out about issues important to them. Opinions expressed here belong to the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Antioch University. If you’d like to share your own voice, the first step is to send a short description of what you are planning to write about to [email protected].
As you grapple with the news of this year’s U.S. elections, my thoughts are with all of you as we process the range of emotions this moment brings. It is in times like these that I truly yearn for the opportunity to be in space together, supporting one another. I know many of you are heading into class today, and I want to acknowledge that for each of us—and for each of our students—the reactions to this outcome are deeply personal and varied.
For those with intersectional identities who have historically been targeted and oppressed, the weight of this moment is being felt in ways that are unique and profound. The systems of oppression we continue to face are real, and the need for our work is more urgent than ever.
As members of the Counseling Division, we hold a unique and powerful platform—one that gives us the opportunity and responsibility to elevate awareness, increase accessibility, and teach advocacy. Through this platform, we have the privilege to provide leadership in our field, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups—those who often lack the power or resources to speak up—are heard, valued, and amplified.
I truly believe that, at this time, our collective voice and collective power have never been more essential. It is in these very moments of difficulty that we are called to persist, to lean into our shared mission, and to keep pushing forward for the social justice values we know are so crucial to the health and well-being of our communities and our world. The world needs our leadership and our unwavering commitment to social justice now more than ever.
While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, know that our collective dedication to social justice excellence is what connects all of us—no matter which program or platform we are associated with. We can continue to lead with purpose, guided by the mission that binds us all: to foster a world that is just, inclusive, and equitable for every person we serve. I am so appreciative of each of you and the work you are doing.
I’m sharing with you a picture of a beach where I go to find peace and reflect. The ocean reminds me that the tide will keep coming in and out, that there is beauty in the world even during tough times, and that I have the choice to persist—using my energy, my resolve, and my voice to work toward social justice every single day.
Cathy Lounsbury
Cathy Lounsbury, EdD, LCPC, serves as Professor and Dean of the Counseling Division at Antioch University. In this role, she founded Antioch’s Institute on Wellness, providing consultation and training nationally on the mitigation of secondary traumatic stress to counselors nationwide. Lounsbury is a seasoned counselor, educator, and leader in the study and practice of trauma, wellness, and resilience. She has been a clinical mental health counselor for 30 years, working with both children and adults, specializing in those who have experienced trauma. Lounsbury is a passionate advocate for integrating liberatory practices into counseling, believing that these principles are fundamental to the role of a counselor. She emphasizes the importance of embracing and supporting social justice both in pedagogical approaches and systemic frameworks. Her professional work has focused on advancing the rights of LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals, aligning closely with the core values of the counseling profession.
