Workshops
Accessing Mental Health Support
This workshop aims to educate participants about how to access mental health support, namely therapy, in the Netherlands. I try to simplify the process of accessing therapy, from approaching your GP to assessing your options under your health insurance.
I explain the difference between BGGZ and SSGZ and the requirements for accessing these two options. Finally, I explain how to access therapy privately and how to start looking for a private therapist. Participants are then provided with further resources including crisis support.
Understanding Anxiety
The aim of this workshop is to outline what anxiety is, explain different types of anxiety and the difference between ‘regular’ anxiety and anxiety when it becomes a disorder. I explain some of the biological mechanisms behind anxiety including the fight/flight/freeze response and the function of the amygdala.
I provide an example of conditioned fear and how avoidance tends to exacerbate anxiety. I provide an example of how someone can overcome a fear/trigger through supervised gradual exposure.
Exercises: Participants engage in a creative exercise in which they represent their anxiety through a drawing. They consider what ‘feeds’ their anxiety and what ‘starves’ it and I open the discussion up to the group. At the end of the workshop, I provide resources such as websites and podcasts as well as information for accessing support.
Creating Community
What makes a community? In this interactive workshop, we explore the meaning of community and the challenges of fostering community in a city. I explore some factors which have contributed to the breakdown of community in modern society and prompt discussion between participants.
I suggest practical ways to experience a greater sense of connection to your surroundings and ideas for community initiatives.
Exercises: Participants come up with their own definition of community before collaborating in a group to create a shared definition. They are asked to reflect on moments in which they felt a sense of community and what the key ‘ingredients’ of this were.
Personal Development
This workshop aims to help participants define their goals and identify some clear steps to start achieving them. We discuss values and how aligning your goals to your values can create greater motivation and satisfaction.
Exercises: Participants will define their goals more clearly using the SMART goal method. This workshop also includes a powerful exercise used in coaching practice whereby participants identify their core values using values cards.
Winter Wellbeing
Feeling the effects of Winter? In this workshop, we discuss how the winter period can affect your mental health. I explain how we are mentally and physically affected by the lack of sunlight and colder weather. This is followed by tips on how to manage these effects.
Exercises: Participants reflect on how they are affected by Winter and share with others in small groups. They also think about how their routine changes in winter and if there are any substitutions they can make to maintain exercise habits, for instance.
At the end of the workshop, I provide ideas for fun winter activities and provide information on support resources.