Are you looking for a little support for your mental and emotional well-being this winter? Check out the new presentations, plus discussion and support groups offered by the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) in February and March.

Please note:

• These programs are open to all campus faculty and staff. 
• Michigan Medicine faculty and staff can request additional presentations from the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.  
• Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. If there are multiple dates for a presentation, be sure to indicate your preference.
• Download a PDF flier to print and post in your workplace. 

Presentations for Campus Faculty and Staff

• Please complete this online form to register (unless otherwise noted in session descriptions).

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Monday, 2/12 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Healthy boundaries are so important for our emotional well-being, but how do we set and maintain them? In this session, you'll learn the importance of setting personal and professional boundaries, how to recognize your own limits and tips for having difficult conversations and communicating your needs.

Presenter: Jill Castro

Mental Health Hygiene 101

Monday, 2/19 | Noon - 1:00 pm

Healthy eating and regular exercise promote good physical health, but what do we know about practices to promote good mental health? Come attend an informal, one-hour presentation to learn just that. In our time together, you’ll hear recommendations and tips that support your overall emotional well-being.

Presenter: Alex Jendrusina

Introduction to Stress Management

Tuesday, 2/20 | Noon - 1:00 pm 

This session provides an overview of stress management strategies, such as cognitive and behavioral approaches, mindfulness, exercise, guided imagery, muscle relaxation, deep breathing and social support seeking. The format will be an informal and interactive session with attendees participating. 

Presenter: Andrew Greifer

Balancing Personal Life & Work Life “How does one do this?”

Tuesday, 2/27 | Noon - 1:00 pm 

This session will help one look at all of the responsibilities each of us have and provide some tools for how to decide what is really important to us as an individual. Participants will learn how to define balance, identify our values and examine external and internal messages that influence the decisions we make. In this interactive session strategies in how to deal with multiple demands will be offered, along with ways to focus on finding balance and find time for things we cherish doing.

Presenter: Tom Waldecker

Practicing Gratitude

Thursday, 2/29 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Gratitude has become a popular word these days but what does it mean to practice gratitude? Join an interactive session where you can learn about gratitude, how to practice it, and how it can make your life feel richer and boost your mental health.

Presenters: Joanne Bernard and Alex Jendrusina

Trauma 101

Thursday, 2/29 | Noon - 1:00 pm 

The word "trauma" has become a staple in our vocabulary over the past few years, but many remain unsure about the different types of trauma and how they can impact our lives both short and long term. In this presentation, you'll learn the basics of what trauma is, common trauma symptoms, trauma responses, and how to start healing from it.

Presenter: Jill Castro

Selecting a Counselor/Therapist & Identifying Community Resources (Mini-Session)

Tuesday, 3/5 | Noon - 12:30 pm

This session will provide descriptions of the types of mental (behavioral) health providers, an understanding of their listed credentials and suggestions in how to select one. An overview of the styles and approaches that therapists use in providing services (resolution-focused, family systems, and analytical). Also, some sample questions to ask when choosing one will be offered. In addition, a brief overview of how to identify and locate support groups will be provided. 

Presenter: Tom Waldecker

Discussion Groups 

Mindful Self Compassion 

Monday, 2/12 | Noon - 1:00 pm

An interactive discussion group that identifies the concepts inherent to mindful self-compassion (MSC), the role it can play in health and well-being, and techniques to cultivate acceptance of yourself, inner strength, and resilience.

Presenters: Alex Jendrusina and Joanne Bernard

Effectively Managing One’s Anger – Series 
Note: Attendance is required for all four sessions

Wednesdays 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 & 3/6 | Noon - 1:15 pm

This four-part series is designed for people who would like to learn how to better understand and more effectively manage their anger. The class will focus on understanding the anger response, recognizing anger triggers, steps and skills for cool-downs, and other ways to manage anger effectively. It will also explore problem-solving skills and brainstorm appropriate responses to stressful situations. 

Presenters: Tom Waldecker and Janell Kilgore

Support Group

Support Group for New Moms

The Faculty & Staff Counseling & Consultation Office (FASCCO) is offering an ongoing drop-in style support group for women returning to work following the birth and/or adoption of a child. The group is designed for women in their third trimester of pregnancy through the time their child is two years old.

The group will address various topics, including preparing for maternity leave, work/life balance, separation anxiety, familial adjustments, lactation support, baby blues, sleep hygiene, feeding issues, childcare, returning to work, and building a postpartum support system. This offering emphasizes group discussion of participant experiences as well as educational components. There is no charge for staff or faculty to attend.

Note: To register for the New Moms Group, please contact Jill Castro directly at [email protected] or (734) 936-8660.