NYMC > Departments > Administrative Departments > Student Mental Health and Wellness > Events & Workshops

Events and Workshops

SMHW's monthly programming covers topics such as training on suicide prevention, ADHD, mental health and nutrition, healthy and unhealthy relationships, pet therapy, sleep, grief, loss, self-regulation using cognitive behavioral techniques, facing discrimination, and trauma-informed care. All program ideas are discussed with students who play a significant role in the development of the programs and content.

SMHW presented Anxiety and Stress Management, offering tips and techniques to help better manage anxiety, reduce stress and improve your well-being.

Past Events

Sleep and Wellness: The Peanut Butter and Jelly of Sleep - 4.10.24
This presentation will address how sleep is a critical component of wellness and highlight tips and the implications of good sleep, we well as how to counteract sleepiness in a critical situation. Facilitated by: Dr. Melisa Moore, Ph.D., DBSM

Pet the Stress Away! - 4.4.24
Feeling stressed? Come meet our furry friends, all are welcome! This event is designed to help alleviate stress in the workplace through animal encounters. Clinical studies have proven that animals have the power to help people heal. Petting, hugging, and talking to animals have shown improvement in physical and emotional well-being. Facilitated by: Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, a non-profit pet therapy organization.

Don't Go Down the Rabbit Hole: Fostering Resilience - 2.20.24 | 3.5.24 | 3.19.24 | 4.2.24
This bi-weekly four-part virtual workshop will review evidence-based practices for managing emotions, relationships and self-compassion. Consecutive attendance is not required to participate in the session that works best with your schedule. Facilitated by: Nancy Toder, LCSW, CASAC, and Paul Wasserman, SMHW Intern.
Part I: Emotional Awareness (2.20.24)
Part II: Emotion Regulation (3.5.24)
Part III: Relationship Patterns (3.19.24)
Part IV: Self-Compassion for Health Care Professionals (4.2.24)

Pet the Stress Away! - 3.14.24
The Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library and the Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness bring you this event, which is designed to help alleviate stress in the workplace through animal encounters. Clinical studies have proven that animals have the power to help people heal. Petting, hugging, and talking to animals have shown improvement in physical and emotional well-being. Facilitated by: Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, a non-profit pet therapy organization.

Together in Wellness: An Immersive Wellness Experience - 3.13.24
Join us for an immersive wellness experience and meet your NYMC Wellness Ambassadors. Please support them and your own well-being by attending. Mix and mingle with student Wellness Ambassadors, win raffle prizes, engage in interactive wellness, visit wellness partners, student care packages, refreshments, mocktails and more! Facilitated by: NYMC Wellness Ambassadors 2024 and the Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness Team.

Healthy Eating or Disordered Thinking? - 3.4.24
In this discussion, learning experts from the Renfrew Center will discuss characteristics, warning signs, and treatments for eating disorders diagnoses. This will include sociocultural risk factors, co-occurring mental health conditions, and medical complications. We will address and offer information on the impact of diet culture, body image, and recommendations from working with clients and families. Presenter: Jessica Elwart-Konkel, LCAT, RDT.

Walk + Talk Group - 2.23.24 | 3.1.24 | 3.8.24
Need a break or some sunshine? Need to get your steps in? Want to meet members of the SMHW Staff and new people? Join us for a Walk + Talk through campus during your lunch break! This group will provide students with a chance to socialize, build community, take a break from daily stressors, and add some movement into your day. Facilitated by: Nola Long and Paul Wasserman, SMHW Interns.

Self-Defense Course: Empowerment through Movement - 1.21.24 | 2.4.24 | 2.11.24 | 2.25.24
In this four-week course, participants will develop skills including awareness, safety strategies, verbal de-escalation, and physical techniques that enable someone to confidently avoid, prevent, or escape harm. Facilitated by: Benjamin Andersen, Martial Arts & Self-Defense Instructor.

Walk + Talk Group - 12.6.23 | 12.13.23 | 12.20.23
Need a break or some sunshine? Need to get your steps in? Want to meet members of the SMHW Staff and new people? Join us for a Walk + Talk through campus during your lunch break! This group will provide students with a chance to socialize, build community, take a break from daily stressors, and add some movement into your day. Facilitated by: Nola Long and Paul Wasserman, SMHW Interns.

Need a Little Joy? Tabling Event - 12.11.23
Come by and meet our Meditation instructor, Joy Solomon, and learn more about her weekly wellness class that focuses on the body, breath, heart and mindfulness. Light snacks and giveaways will be provided, and the Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness staff will also be available at the event.

Maximize Your Physical and Mental Health through Nutrition - 12.4.23
This event will discuss how food affects your mood, how stress impacts your food choices, foods that boost energy, healthy on-the-go snacks, and planning for long days to keep your body nourished. Snacks provided! Presenter: Ilyse Schapiro, RDN.

ADHD Refocused: Methods and Mindset for Success - 11.8.23
This presentation will provide an engaging overview of ADHD in adulthood, including methods to reduce procrastination, improve planning and organization, and ways of addressing both ADHD's stigmas and superpowers. Presenter: Dr. David Sitt.

Pet the Stress Away! - 10.16.23
Feeling stressed? Come meet our furry friends, all are welcome! This event is in collaboration with Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, designed to help alleviate stress in the workplace through animal encounters. The purpose is to reduce stress, increase morale, boost productivity, and increase well-being.

R.E.S.E.T (Relax, Energize, Sleep, Exercise, Talk it out) Stress Management Group - 9.18.23 | 9.27.23 | 10.4.23 | 10.11.23
This is a 4 session, in-person, psychoeducational group aimed at helping students with stress management. Facilitated by SMHW's Emma Baber, LCSW and Nancy Toder, LCSW.
Objectives:

  • Improve understanding of stress and anxiety
  • Explore, enhance, and develop adaptive responses
  • Manage and reduce stress
  • Increase resilience

From Human Being to Cadaver: Understanding Our Own Responses - 8.10.23
Recognizing both the awesome responsibility, as well as the uncertainty, fear and responses that can come from cadaver work is crucial to surviving (and thriving!) in anatomy lab. In this lecture, we'll discuss the intense responses that many people have to working with cadavers. We'll look at cadaver anxiety both from an evolutionary perspective and how it may manifest for you now. Attention will be paid towards learning coping mechanisms to help manage your own trigger responses. Presenter: Dr. Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, APHSW-C, ACS.

Mindful Medicine: Cultivating Attention, Resilience and Compassion - 7.25.23 | 8.1.23 | 8.8.23
In this three-part series, participants will be introduced to essential mindfulness practices focusing on the body, breath, and heart. Each session will emphasize a specific aspect of mindfulness, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and well-being. Presenter: Joy Solomon, Certified Mindfulness Meditation Instructor.

Eat and Greet with Teladoc - 7.18.23
Stop by to meet the leadership of our virtual telehealth provider, Teladoc. Learn about all the free mental health services available to students, enter to win raffle prizes, and enjoy other free giveaways. Light refreshments such as cupcakes will be available throughout the event. The Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness staff will also be available at the event. 

Anxiety and Stress Management - 6.5.23
Robin Hershkowitz and Amy Stern discuss the impact of stress and anxiety on emotional health and describe different strategies that can be used to help manage anxiety. Watch this presentation on our YouTube channel: Anxiety and Stress Management.

Aristotle and the Blue Zones - 4.25.23   
This presentation addressed the present state of physician burnout and thriving, and considered perspectives of the human condition from Sartre, Aristotle and the Blue Zones. Presenter: Benjamin Doolittle, M.D. M.A, Div.

Good Sleep for All: What, Where, and Why - 3.1.23                                                                                                                             
This discussion highlighted the implications of ideal sleep habits, reviewed the basics of sleep including the circadian drive and consequences of insufficient sleep and how substances impact sleep. Presenter: Dr. Melisa Moore, Ph.D., DBSM.

Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships: Knowing the difference - 2.8.23
Respect for both one-self, and others are a key characteristic of healthy relationships. In contrast, unhealthy relationships are when one partner tries to exert control and power over the other physically, sexually, and/or emotionally. Also see Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships: Knowing the difference presentation. Presenter: Desiree Alston, MSW.

Fueling Your Physical & Mental Health Through Nutrition - 1.8.23
What you eat affects not only your physical health but also your mental health and well-being. Alex will teach you about the connection between what you eat and how you feel, mentally and physically. She will share with you the top mood-boosting foods and discuss proper food combinations that will keep you satisfied and increase energy levels. She will also provide you with easy snack options and time-saving meal ideas to keep you feeling full and promote the brain power you need for optimal focus and health. Also, see Fueling Your Physical & Mental Health Through Nutrition Presentation. Presenter: Alexandra Kaplan Corwin MS, RDN, CDN, CDE.                       

The Creative Connection - 12.7.22
Led by Creative Art Therapist Lauren Zeltzer, ATR-BC, LCAT, introduced us to art, and therapy. This modality has proven to heighten self-awareness, increase relaxation, and stimulate positive changes through self-expression. Presenter: Lauren Zeltzer, ATR-BC, LCAT.

From Human Being to Cadaver: Understanding Our Own Responses - 11.16.22
In this lecture led by Dr. Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, APHSW-C, ACS we will discuss the intense responses that many people have to work with cadavers. We'll look at cadaver anxiety both from an evolutionary perspective and how it may manifest for you now. Attention will be paid to learning coping mechanisms to help manage your own trigger responses. Also see Making Working with Cadavers Work for You! Presentation. PresenterDr. Abigail Nathanson.

Reframing ADHD - 11.09.22
David Sitt Psy.D., presents an engaging overview of ADHD in adulthood, including methods to reduce procrastination, improve planning and organization, and ways of addressing both ADHD’s stigmas and “superpowers”. Click here to watch a recording of the event. Also see Reframing ADHD_NYMC Presentation. Presenter: Dr. David Sitt.

Pet the Stress Away - 10.24.22
Feeling Stressed?
Paws Crossed, a local animal shelter, will be bringing some furriers animals to campus.

Talk Saves Lives - 9.19.22
Learn the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and how to prevent it. This critical discussion will provide information that is helpful both personally and professionally. Presenter: Maria Idoni

Fueling Your Physical & Mental Health Through Nutrition - 4.6.22 
What you eat affects not only your physical health but also your mental health and well-being. This session will teach you about the connection between what you eat and how you feel, mentally and physically. Alex will share with you the top mood-boosting foods and discuss proper food combinations that will keep you satisfied and increase energy levels. Presenter: Alexandra Kaplan Corwin

Sleep and Wellness for Young Professionals - 3.9.22
Most people know that sleep is a critical component of wellness, but what does that really mean? What is the impact of sleep deprivation on you? This discussion highlighted the implications of good sleep, introduced sleep disorders common in young adults, and provided tips on how to make yourself a better sleeper (or how to counteract sleepiness in a critical situation). Presenter: Dr. Melisa Moore

Managing Grief When the Care is Professional and The Pain is Personal - 2.23.22
Finding satisfaction and balance during the pandemic is an unusually difficult goal. The multitude of losses, uncertainties, and stresses, both personally and professionally, can complicate efforts to find one's own way into their professional selves. In this session, participants will be introduced to organizing frameworks around grief, loss, and bereavement from a trauma-informed, healthcare provider lens, and can reflect on their own relationships to loss, coping strategies, and connections to their work. PresenterDr. Abigail Nathanson 

The Creative Connection: Using Creative Arts Therapy for Self-Care - 12.8.21
This session consisted of an introduction to Art and Music Therapy, providing a glimpse into how these ancillary modalities can heighten self-awareness, increase relaxation, and stimulate positive changes through self-expression. Presenter: Lauren Zeltzer

ADHD Refocused: Bringing Clarity to the Chaos - 10.27.21
The Offices of Student Mental Health and Wellness and Academic Support hosted an engaging talk with Dr. David Sitt to raise awareness, provide reliable information, remove the stigma, and highlight the available resources that enable individuals and families to thrive with ADHD. Click here to watch a recording of the event. Presenter: Dr. David Sitt

Introduction to Supporting Those at Risk - 9.27.21
When someone in your life attempts suicide or experiences suicidal thoughts, it can be difficult to know how to best support them in their recovery. Introduction to Supporting Those at Risk provides information and resources on how to support someone in your life. We welcomed back Maria Idoni from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention who led us in this discussion. Click here to watch a recording of the event.

Self-Care for the BIPOC Health Professional and How Allies Can Help - 7.14.21
This talk by Karinn Glover, M.D., M.P.H., focused on the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown professionals and keyways to protect our mental and physical health. Click here to watch a recording of this event.

Push Through: Affirming Your Humanity When Facing Discrimination - 10.14.20 
There are numerous factors that can negatively impact the performance and well-being of BIPOC students. Through the combination of mental health education, mindful awareness exercises, and structured discussion of self-management skills, Karinn Glover, M.D., M.P.H., led our talk in how participants could engage in dialogue and explore how to successfully navigate academic/workplace challenges and stressors in their daily lives. Watch the Push Through recording.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention - 9.15.20
Featuring guest speaker Maria Idoni from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Sleepy, Dopey, Grumpy, Sneezy, Bashful, and Doc: Sleep and Wellness for Young Professionals - 4.1.20
Presented by Melisa Moore, Ph.D., CBSM, this discussion highlighted the implications of good sleep, introduced sleep disorders common in young adults, provided tips on how to be a better sleeper and how to counteract sleepiness in a critical situation. Watch the Sleep and Wellness recording.

Master your Mind: Mindfulness and Stress Management for Future Clinicians - 1.14.20 | 1.28.20 | 2.11.20
The Department of Student Mental Health and Wellness was proud to host Laurence Magro, M.B.A., M.S., LMHC, BCC, on campus to facilitate this 3-part series for our students. The course was an introduction to the theory, practice, and application of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and was designed to help students with things such as:

  • Recognize and mobilize their inner psychological resources for coping with uncertainty, stress, and anxiety
  • Improve academic performance by strengthening attention, concentration, and creative thinking
  • Enhance Emotional Intelligence competencies and interpersonal effectiveness
  • Increase awareness of body/mind connections and learn practical tools for self-care and burnout prevention
  • Grow resiliency and sustainable wellbeing

Students who completed all sessions received a Certificate of Completion. Please feel free to check out the MBSR - Outline of Curriculum. Visit Mindful Living NY here

Health Eating and Unhealthy Behaviors: A Discussion - 2.20.19
In recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2019, we invite you to join speaker Kimberly Wilson, RD to discuss healthy choices, risks, warning signs, and resources related to eating disorders.