If you are looking for support for your mental and emotional well-being, check out the new presentations, plus discussion and support groups offered by the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO).

Please note:

• Please complete this online form to attend presentations or groups, unless otherwise noted.

• These programs are open to faculty and staff from all academic campuses. 

• 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.

Winter 2025 Presentations for Campus Faculty and Staff

Introduction to Stress Management | Wednesday 2/12 | 11:00 am - Noon

This presentation provides an introductory overview of stress management techniques that can be used in daily life. Participants will practice specific stress management techniques in the class and will be encouraged to select some of these techniques for active implementation in their personal and professional lives. The format is informal, practical and interactive.  

Presenter: Andrew Greifer

Goal Setting (Mini Session) | Monday 2/17 | 12:15 - 12:45 pm

Setting a goal is the first step to meeting it. Attend an informal session to learn tips and tricks to help yourself succeed in accomplishing your goals. Strategies can be applied to both professional and personal settings.

Presenter: Alex Jendrusina

Creating Healthy Boundaries | Tuesday, 2/18 | 10:00 - 11:00 am

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

Cultivating Mindful Self-Compassion & Gratitude | Wednesday, 2/19 | 11:00 am - Noon

“Being mindful” or “being grateful” have become popular sentiments these days. However, did you know that mindfulness dates back centuries? Come learn mindfulness-based strategies and ways to practice gratitude that can enhance your emotional well-being and mental health. You can expect to leave with specific ideas and techniques you can try in your day-to-day life that can increase your ability to be in the moment, enhance compassion, and experience more gratitude. Presenters: Joanne Bernard and Alex Jendrusina

Women and Mental Health | Monday, 2/24 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm 

Research has identified differences in women and men regarding risk, prevalence, presentation, course, and treatment of mental health conditions. This presentation will explore factors that affect women's mental health, mental health disparities, and the importance of mental healthcare for women. Folks of all genders are welcome to attend, although part of the presentation will include an experiential component for those who identify as women.

Presenter Jill Castro

Selecting a Therapist and Identifying Community Resources (Mini Session) | Tuesday 2/25 | 12:15 -12:45 pm

This session provides 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 and Support Groups 

Please complete this online form to attend presentations or groups, unless otherwise noted.

Discussion Group on Forgiveness | Tuesday 2/18 | Noon - 1:00 pm

It is said that "Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself." Do you find yourself struggling with hanging on to regrets or past issues that negatively impact you?  If so, the power of forgiveness may be helpful in dealing with these concerns. This is an interactive session with attendees participating.

Presenters: Joanne Bernard and Janell Kilgore

Effectively Managing One’s Anger –Series | Wednesdays* 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 and 3/12 | 12:00 to 1:15 pm

*Attendance is required for all four sessions 

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 brainstorming appropriate responses to stressful situations. There is no charge for staff or faculty to attend. 

Presenters: Tom Waldecker and Janell Kilgore

*NEW - Mental Wellness Mondays MWM | First Monday Every Month Starting February 3

Are you interested in learning ways to support your emotional well-being but short on time? If you have just 15 minutes, consider signing up for a new monthly offering where you can join to hear a tip or strategy that helps promote your mental wellness. This online opportunity is meant to be accessible, low commitment, and invites you to attend when you can. Led by FASCCO counselor and licensed clinical psychologist Alex Jendrusina, Ph.D. 

The series is held the first Monday of every month via Zoom. Sign for Mental Wellness Mondays up using this form. 

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. For schedules and registration for the new moms group, please contact Jill Castro at [email protected] or (734) 936-8660.

LGBT+ Connection Group

A virtual opportunity for LGBTQ+ folks to build social connections, support one another in a safe and inclusive space and have open discussions. The group will meet virtually once per month and is facilitated by Jill Castro, PsyD, counselor in the Faculty & Staff Counseling & Consultation Office.

Email Jill directly at [email protected] to receive more details about the group.

Need More Support? We're Here for You

If you’d like to learn more about self-care, stress management, or tips in structuring your day, or are interested in support, counselors are available for no-charge, confidential services. If you work on an academic campus, contact the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) at 734-936-8660 or [email protected]. If you work at Michigan Medicine, contact the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (OCWR) at 734-763-5409 or [email protected].