NDMU Guidance Center’s Mental Health Café Promotes Wellness and Connection Across Campus

In line with its commitment to fostering holistic development and emotional well-being, the Notre Dame of Marbel University Guidance and Counseling Center continues to roll out its “Mental Health Café”, an ongoing program designed to support the students, faculty, staff, and administrators of NDMU.

The program creates a warm and inviting space where participants can enjoy coffee, cookies, and bread while engaging in meaningful conversations and reflective sessions with NDMU Guidance Counselors. These casual yet impactful gatherings aim to reduce mental health stigma, encourage open dialogue, and promote a sense of belonging within the university community.

Adding to the vibrant and healing atmosphere are side activities such as the Freedom Wall, where individuals can freely express their thoughts and emotions, and peer sharing sessions, where participants listen, connect, and draw strength from one another’s experiences.

The Mental Health Café is more than just a wellness initiative — it embodies NDMU’s Marist mission of nurturing both mind and heart. By providing this safe and compassionate space, the Guidance Center hopes to remind every Damaenian that seeking support is a sign of strength, and that no one walks their journey alone.

The program remains ongoing throughout the academic year, with scheduled sessions held across different departments to ensure that all members of the NDMU community have access to its uplifting and restorative environment.

“A warm cup, an open heart — at the NDMU Mental Health Café, healing begins with connection.”