Are you looking for a little support? Join the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) for a Virtual Presentation or Discussion Group. To attend any presentation or group, email [email protected] and list the session you would like to enroll in. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. Be sure to indicate your preferred date.

Additionally, FASCCO is here for you. Confidential counseling and consultation sessions are available to provide support to U-M faculty and staff with phone sessions and limited video sessions as appropriate. Call 734-936-8660 or email [email protected] to schedule.

• Download a PDF flier for virtual presentations for Oct-Nov 2020. 
• Download a PDF flier for virtual discussion groups for Oct-Nov 2020.

Presentations

Understanding Mental Health Conditions and Having a Conversation of Concern

• Thursday 10/22 - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday 10/29 - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Do you know that an estimated 1 in 5 Americans (43.4 million adults) experience a mental illness in a given year? Given that you, a family member, or a coworker might be that one individual, perhaps you can benefit from a better understanding of how mental and emotional health conditions impact the work environment, our friends, families, or ourselves.  Join us to discuss these issues, learn about emotional/mental health conditions, and discuss myths about mental health.  In addition, gain some tips on how to have a conversation with someone you have a concern about. Presenter: Tom Waldecker.

Self-care During Times of Transition

This Zoom session focuses on tools and skills for prioritizing self-care, specifically during times of transition. Don't have a lot of time to squeeze it in? No problem. Folks will walk away with a tangible plan and self-care techniques that they can use both at home and at work- even when their schedules are tight. Presenter: Jill Castro.

• Monday 10/26 – 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday 11/10 – 11:00 a.m. - noon

Introduction to Stress Management

• Wednesday 10/14 - 11:00 a.m. - noon

• Wednesday 10/28 - 11:00 a.m. - noon

This presentation provides an introductory overview of stress management techniques that can be used during this age of Covid-19. Participants will be informed of a variety of stress management techniques and principles for their use. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to select 1-2 of these techniques for active implementation in their daily lives.  The format is informal and practical. Presenter: Andrew Greifer.

Email [email protected] and include "Introduction to Stress Management" in the subject line and indicate your preferred date to register. 

Managing Life’s Transitions

In this short presentation we will look at transitions that occur throughout the life cycle, the challenges we encounter in navigating these transitions, and reframing these challenges as potential opportunities.  Borrowing from basic CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) principles we will identify some major life events and find the opportunities that are inherently present. A component of gratitude will be discussed and techniques for cultivating greater gratitude in our lives. Presenter: Joanne Bernard.

• Thursday 11/12 – 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Discussion Groups

Are you looking for a little support? Sign up for one session of the Virtual Discussion Groups facilitated by FASCCO by emailing [email protected] and list the session you would like to enroll in. This is a pilot program to evaluate how helpful small group discussions can be for you. To help facilitate discussion, each group has a maximum of 15 participants. More groups may be scheduled to accommodate demand.  

Fostering Personal Awareness and Resilience During the Pandemic (three-part series, must attend all sessions) 

FASCCO's 3-week interactive discussion group will focus on the creative expression of self during challenging times.  We will explore barriers to living fully, self-care and compassion, wisdom and resiliency.  Come prepared to interact with others and consider living fully during the pandemic.  Handouts will be given in advance of each session; but these are "discussion groups" so participation is necessary. Presenters: Karen Semenuk and Joanne Bernard

• Wednesday, 10/14 - noon - 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, 10/21 - noon - 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, 10/28 - noon - 1:00 p.m. 

Fostering Social Skills/Strategies in Various Environments (three-part series, must attend all sessions) 

This three-session experiential Discussion group will focus on the art of developing conversations in formal and informal settings, Barriers to communication as well as cultural and social norms will be explored. Participants will learn active and reflective listening skills, conversation starters, and resources for engagement. Presenters: Janell Kilgore and Joanne Bernard

• Tuesday, 10/27 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 
• Thursday, 11/3 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Thursday, 11/10 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 

Grief Discussion Group - Loss of a Spouse or Partner

This group will address various topics that may include loneliness, parenting, social isolation, new role/ identity as widow or widower, etc. The intent of the group will be driven by topics that are important to the participants. This offering emphasizes group discussion of participants as well as educational components. No one will be required to speak, but doing so often helps the grieving process.

• This group meets the first Thursday every month at noon.