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The Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development presents:

APHD's Mental Health Week!

May 6-10, 2024

Back for it's fourth year, we are thrilled to host a number of exciting events the week of May 6-10, 2024 to celebrate Mental Health Week!

Presented by the department of Applied Psychology and Human Development (APHD), we invite you to join us for one or all of the events listed below. By registering/attending one of the events, you will automatically be entered into a draw to win one of two $50 gift-cards. Vendors include Amazon.ca, Starbucks, UberEats, Indigo and Saje!

There is no cost to attend any of these events, but in lieu of a registration fee we do encourage all attendees to please consider .

Please note, space is limited for each event, so RSVP now!

These events are open to all UofT students, faculty, alumni and staff!

MONDAY, MAY 6

JAW & FACIAL TENSION WORKSHOP with Sophia Ha

12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Online via Zoom

Are you suffering from jaw tension or headaches? Do you notice your expression lines becoming deeper and more noticeable?

Just like the muscles in the body carry tension, our facial muscles also carry tension!

We FEEL tension when we have headaches, jaw tension (TMJD, pain, clenching or clicking in any part of the jaw), or strained and sore eye cavities.

We SEE tension in the form of forehead creases, 11 lines (between the eyebrows), nasolabial folds (aka smile lines), the corners of the lips turning down into a frown (marionette lines) and indentation above the chin and dimpling throughout.

TUESDAY, MAY 7
SOUND BATH FOR MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING with Nicole Manes Sounds Therapy

12:00pm- 1:00pm EST 
In-Person at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø (252 Bloor St. West)

Description: Learn about the benefits of sound therapy and experience a live sound bath facilitated by Nicole Manes, Certified Sound Therapy Practitioner and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Be immersed in the soothing tones and vibrations of quartz crystal singing bowls combined with voice, metal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, and chimes and feel the calming and rejuvenating effects of therapeutic sound for yourself!

What is Sound Therapy? Sound therapy harnesses the powerful effects sound can have on our emotions and the physical body to promote healing, balance and a sense of well-being.

What is a Sound Bath? A sound bath is a simple exercise in deep listening. As a trained vocalist, Nicole intentionally combines vibrations from her voice with instruments and objects that resonate including quartz crystal singing bowls, metal singing bowls, drums, tuning forks, gongs, shakers, bells and chimes to administer memorable and soothing soundscapes that naturally relax the mind and body.

What to Expect at a Sound Bath? Simply lie or sit down and allow yourself to be immersed in healing sounds and vibration. During a sound bath, you may experience physical sensations or emotional release. You may journey into a state of deep self-inquiry. You may fall asleep, or you may not. No prior experience with meditation is required to benefit from a sound bath. Nicole will be available after the sound bath to answer any questions.

What Can You Bring to a Sound Bath?

Attendees can bring anything to help them feel as comfortable as possible lying or sitting down, including yoga mat, eye mask, pillow and blanket.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
COME GRAB A FREE COOKIE IN HONOUR OF APHD MENTAL HEALTH WEEK!

10:00am - 12:00pm EST
In-Person in the ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø Lobby (252 Bloor St West, Toronto, ON)
 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
KEYNOTE: ANXIETY IS PERSONAL with Jacqueline Y. Chu

1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
Online via Zoom

Abstract: With 1 in 5 people suffering from anxiety disorders, we seem to be in an anxiety crisis. We try therapy, yoga, meditation, books, diet, physical exercises, and medications to treat anxiety. When the treatment and interventions don't work, we move on to the next one we can try. Many times, we are able to "manage" anxiety, meaning we get to carry on with our days meeting most of our responsibilities at work and school despite how we are feeling inside.

Too often, we miss the mark when it comes to treating anxiety. It's not anxiety that needs treatment. Anxiety is only a symptom caused by what is going on deeper inside, the complex human being that is you. Anxiety is personal. Trying to treat and manage anxiety without looking deeper inside is like trying to treat a cavity with painkillers.

In this talk, we'll explore why anxiety is personal and the steps you can take to help yourself and your loved ones free themselves from anxiety.

THURSDAY, MAY 9
CORRECTION THROUGH CONNECTION: TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE IN EATING DISORDERS with Susan Osher

1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
Online via Zoom

Most people with eating disorders have a personal trauma history, and many have experienced systemic trauma as they inhabit intersecting non-dominant identities of race, sexual orientation, gender, co-morbid mental illnesses or living in a larger body.

Eating disorders usually develop as a maladaptive coping strategy when life stressors and emotions feel overwhelming, which is often seen in trauma survivors. By creating a dystopian paradigm of rules to prevent weight gain or limit dietary intake, unpredictable internal and external stressors feel under control. In doing so, food, eating, and body sensations become independent threat cues, with similar neurobiological responses that are seen in trauma.

Traditional eating disorders treatment reinforces the clinician-client power dynamic which potentially re-traumatises the client, further disempowering them, rather than offering strength and hope.

In this session, participants will learn about applying a trauma-informed culturally competent treatment approach, enhancing connection through prioritising collaboration, safety, trustworthiness, choice and empowerment.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

ART THERAPY WORKSHOP: RESIN COASTER MAKING

12:00pm - 2:00pm EST
In-Person at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø

Join us for an afternoon of art therapy making resin coasters to round off APHD Mental Health Week. All supplies will be provided and no experience is necessary! Please note, you will need to return the following week to pick-up your finished product.