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

Please note:

• These programs are open to all faculty and staff. Print and post this PDF flier. 
• Michigan Medicine faculty and staff can request additional presentations from the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.  
• Register with Qualtrics: Please complete this online form to register for presentations and groups (unless otherwise noted in session descriptions).
• Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. If there are multiple dates for a presentation, be sure to indicate your preference.

Presentations for Faculty and Staff

Trauma 101

• Thursday, 10/12 | 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

Introduction to Stress Management

• Monday, 10/16 | 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

Selecting a Counselor/Therapist and identifying Community Resources (Mini-Session)

• Tuesday, 10/17 | 12:00 - 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

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

• Thursday, 10/19 | 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

Creating Healthy Boundaries

• Tuesday 10/24 | Noon - 1:00 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

Discussion Groups 

Supporting Grieving Families, Friends, and Colleagues

• Wednesday 10/11 | Noon - 1:00 pm

Have you ever wondered what to say to someone who has experienced a recent death? What you say, and do, is important and can vary depending on the type of loss experienced and the closeness of the relationship. Have you ever said to a grieving person, "Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help?". Words and actions matter. Be prepared to learn and to share. You may learn some new techniques and also find that what you have experienced can be helpful to others.  This is an interactive discussion group.

 Presenters Joanne Bernard and Janell Kilgore

Imposter Syndrome Discussion Group (Two-part group, attend both)

• Wednesday 10/18 | Noon - 1:00 pm
• Wednesday 10/25 | Noon - 1:00 pm

This is a two-part confidential discussion group for faculty and staff focusing on imposter syndrome. Group facilitators will define imposter syndrome and its signs and symptoms. Strategies to manage the stress (e.g., thoughts, feelings) associated with the experience will also be presented. Participants will explore and share their experiences of imposter syndrome. 

Please note that the format will be interactive, informal, and participants are required to attend both sessions.

Presenters: Andrew Greifer and Alex Jendrusina

• To attend any presentation or group, please complete this online form. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. If there are multiple dates for a presentation, be sure to indicate your preference.

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.

• For meeting schedules and registration: Please contact Jill Castro at [email protected] or (734) 936-8660

Need More Support?

If you are struggling with emotional challenges or coming up with strategies to improve your mood, we are here for you! 

Staff, faculty, retirees, adult dependents, and entire departments have access to personal counseling, coaching, training, and consultation from the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience in Michigan Medicine and the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) on the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses.