If you are looking for a little 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.

• Download a flier listing the fall presentations and groups.  

• 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.

Fall 2024 Presentations for Campus Faculty and Staff

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

Women and Mental Health

Tuesday, 10/15 | 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

NEW - Election Season 2024: How To Manage Associated Stress 

Please choose one only

• Wednesday, 10/16 | Noon - 1:00 pm 
• Monday, 10/28 | Noon - 1:00 pm

With November fast approaching, you may find yourself feeling stressed about the election. Attend this informal presentation where you’ll learn strategies to manage election related stress, including tips for navigating work and personal conversations, setting boundaries, and caring for yourself this election season. 

Presenter: Alex Jendrusina

Goal Setting (Mini Session)

Monday 10/21 | 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

Selecting a Therapist and Identifying Community Resources (Mini Session)

Tuesday 10/22 | 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

Constructing a Conversation of Concern with Anyone (Mini-Session)

Tuesday, 10/29 | 12:15 - 12:45 pm

This session will review some key elements in developing a script to have a conversation with a family member, partner, or anyone that you have a concern about. Suggestions on how to frame your concern to minimize the party of concerns defensiveness. Sample conversation openings will be provided along with techniques that strengthen your caring message.

Presenter: Tom Waldecker

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Tuesday, 11/5 | 10:00 am - 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

Discussion and Support Groups 

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

Discussion Group on Forgiveness

Thursday 10/17 | 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

Discussion group on Stress Management

This is a 2-part series, you must register for both dates.

• Wednesday, 11/13 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 
• Wednesday, 11/20 | 11:00 am - 12:00 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

NEW - Managing Pre-Tenure Stress: Discussion Group for Early Career Faculty - Discussion Group

This is a 2-part series, you must attend both dates.

• Wednesday, 10/23 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm and
• Wednesday, 10/30 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

This group is for early career faculty regarding navigating pre-tenure challenges and stress. These confidential meetings will include opportunities to: connect with others, learn about university resources, and review strategies to manage stress associated with being a new faculty member. The format will be interactive and informal. Participants are expected to attend both meetings via Zoom.

Presenters  Andrew Greifer and Alex Jendrusina

Email f[email protected] to register.

NEW - Group - Mental Wellness Mondays MWM

1st Monday of every month by Zoom. Starts October 7, 2024.

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, and low commitment, and invites you to attend when you can. 

Led by FASCCO counselor and licensed clinical psychologist Alex Jendrusina, Ph.D. 

Please email [email protected] to sign up or for further information

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 will be 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 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].