If you are looking for support for your mental and emotional well-being this May, 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. Be sure to continue clicking the arrow at the bottom of the form pages until you see an onscreen confirmation message. 

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

• Michigan Medicine faculty and staff may attend any session listed and 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.

May 2025 Presentations for Campus Faculty and Staff

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

Managing Your Stress Through Managing Your Thinking

Please choose only one of the following sessions:

• Wednesday 5/7 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 
• Tuesday 5/13 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

This presentation identifies ways in which negative and illogical thinking often leads to personal and occupational stress. The presentation also includes methods to replace these illogical thoughts with more logical or rational ways of thinking, which has been found to significantly reduce stress. Presenter: Andrew Greifer

Tools & Tips: Coping with Uncertain Times

Please choose only one of the following sessions:

• Thursday 5/8 | 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
• Monday 5/19 | 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

It can feel like a lot to be a human at times, and feelings of uncertainty and fear can be especially draining. This presentation will review research-backed ideas and tips to better manage stress and regulate emotions in the context of uncertainty.  Presenter: Alex Jendrusina

Selecting a Therapist and Identifying Community Resources (Mini Session)

Wednesday 5/14 | 12:15 -12:45 pm

This session provides descriptions of the types of mental health providers, an understanding of their 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). 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

Women and Mental Health

Tuesday, 5/20 | 10:00 - 11:00 am 

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

Recognizing & Managing One's Anger

Thursday, 5/22 | 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

This short interactive presentation helps introduce one in how to recognize and then manage their anger appropriately. The session will review the four "Cue Areas" that we have that provoke anger responses. Some strategies will be provided that one can add to their anger control plan.  

Presenter: Tom Waldecker

Discussion and Support Groups 

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

Discussion Group on Forgiveness

Thursday  5/15 | 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

NEW - Mental Wellness Mondays - MWM

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 monthly offering where you can join to hear a tip or strategy that helps promote your mental wellness. This low-commitment online opportunity is meant to be accessible. Feel free to sign up and attend whenever you can.  MWM is led by FASCCO counselor and licensed clinical psychologist Alex Jendrusina, Ph.D. 

1st Monday of every month by Zoom. The next meeting is Monday, May 5, 2025.

Please note that it is not necessary to sign up if you already have in the past.

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 [email protected] to receive more details about the group.

Need 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].