Current Programs

For Faculty, Staff and their Immediate Family Members

October Programming

Mindfulness for Managing Political Stress, co-led by Reverend Dr. Karen Coleman and Sarah Henderson, LICSW

Thursday, October 17, 12:00 to 12:30 pm, Recording Available

The current political landscape is tumultuous. Along with this comes a distinct form of stress that has come to be known as election anxiety. Mindfulness can be a valuable tool for managing emotions and improving our ability to engage with the world.   Join Sarah Henderson from the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office and Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman from Marsh Chapel for a recording of a live meditation to help you ease tension and find a sense of calm.   

Introduction to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Wednesday, October 30, 12:00 to 1:00 pm, Presented by Dr. SungLim Shin Ph.D, Recording Available

Psychedelic-assisted therapy or psychotherapy (PAT or PAP) and ketamine-assisted therapy or psychotherapy (KAT/KAP) are emerging and exciting approaches to mental health treatment and personal development. These approaches combine therapy with thoughtful, safe, and judicious incorporation of ‘medicines’ such as ketamine, psilocybin (‘magic mushrooms’) or MDMA to increase a sense of connection, openness, and awareness of oneself for deeper and potentially transformative access to and processing of emotional, psychological, and spiritual concerns. This presentation will be an introduction to these approaches, describing what they are and what occurs in these therapies. It will discuss when they might be considered and what avenues there are for people interested in learning more or seeking to access these treatments.

Presenter SungLim Shin, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in Cambridge, MA. She pivoted to training in KAP and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) after working in a Cambridge/Boston area university counseling and personal development center for many years. Informing this shift and providing grounding for KAP and PAP is her long-standing practice of Zen meditation. SungLim Shin is trained in KAP through Ketamine Training Center, completed CIIS Certificate in Psychedelic Treatment and Research, certified in MAPS MDMA-assisted therapy, and has worked as a Phase 3 study therapist in the MAPS MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boston. As an immigrant from South Korea, she is interested in introducing and supporting KAP, PAP and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (when these become legally available) particularly to immigrant, Asian, Asian-American, BIPOC and other underserved communities.

November Programming

Relaxation Exercise to Manage Election Stress

Tuesday, November 5, 4:30 to 4:45 pm, led by Colleen McGuire, LCSW, Zoom Registration

How are you feeling today? Election season can bring an escalating sense of anxiety and turmoil. Today’s practice will utilize progressive muscle relaxation to bring a gentle physicality to containing stress and releasing tension. Progressive muscle relaxation is based upon the simple practice of tensing, or tightening, one muscle group at a time followed by a relaxation phase with release of the tension. A 2021 study finds that Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) has been effectively used to promote relaxation. Join us to pause and hopefully ground ourselves amidst today’s national election.

Mindfulness Meditation

Wednesday, November 6, 4:00 to 4:15 pm, led by Sarah Henderson, LICSW, CEAP, Zoom Registration

Join FSAO counselor, Sarah Henderson, LICSW for a 15-minute guided mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness helps us to be more attuned and aware of our own internal experience. By tuning into the present moment, we can avoid spiraling into future-oriented worry. Come be in community with others to help activate a sense of collective calm.

The Importance of Being Present

Tuesday, November 19, 12:00 to 1:00 pm led by Robin Haas, LICSW, Zoom Registration

The level of attention you give to each moment shapes your experience and perspective. Embracing the present allows you to engage fully, recognizing that your focus at that moment is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself and those around you. Techniques that promote presence lead to improved memory, reduced stress, increased productivity, and enhanced emotional health and well-being. In this workshop, we will delve into the profound benefits of being present. You’ll discover practical methods to heighten your awareness and identify obstacles that hinder your presence. We’ll also learn how to transform distractions into tools that help you connect with the now, ultimately benefiting your future. Together, we will unlock the “how of now,” revealing secrets to being more present and engaged in your life.

Robin Haas (they/them) is a trans nonbinary person, clinical social worker, author, and life coach. Robin has dedicated their life to seeking the truth and living their life untethered by limitations they have crafted. Robin works with others to help them do the same. Robin is an ordinary person who wants to share what they have learned. You can read more about Robin Haas at www.robinahaas.com

Fall 2024 Overdose Prevention Trainings sponsored by Student Health Services and Faculty & Staff Assistance Office

The Overdose Prevention Training is tailored to the BU community. Learn how to identify an overdose, administer nasal naloxone, and perform rescue breathing. The training also includes information regarding where and how to access naloxone, local and university policies that support help-seeking, and more. These trainings are free and open to all BU students, faculty, and staff. All trainings will be held on Zoom.

Thursday, November 14th, 6:00 pm – 7 pm

Headspace Programming

On The Go

Three 25 minute episodes on managing stress, helping you sleep more soundly and finding a longer-lasting focus at work. Navigate to this link and use password Loveyourmind to access these episodes.

Live Meditations

World Mental Health Day

Thursday, October 10, 12:00 pm, Register Here

Mental health is more important than ever — and it starts with taking care of ourselves. The Headspace team invites you to step away from your day and share a collective moment of calm in honor of World Mental Health Day.

Cultivating Loving Kindness

Thursday, November 7, 12:00 pm, Register Here

During this season of gratitude, discover just how transformative a sense of compassion can be. Join this live meditation session to learn how to foster a spirit of loving-kindness toward yourself and others.

A Moment to Rest

Thursday, December 5, 12:00 pm, Register Here

Amidst all the busyness of the end of the year, give yourself the gift of peace and tranquility. A beloved Headspace teacher invites you to join this session so you can slow down, breathe, and recenter to the present moment during this relaxing meditation event.

Live Webinars

Navigating Grief with Grace & Gratitude

Session 1: Thursday, Nov 14, 12:00 pm, Register Here

Session 2: Thursday, Nov 14, 8:00 pm, Register Here

Headspace experts share advice for navigating life’s toughest moments.

Losing someone or something we love can feel like too much to handle. But processing grief and coping in a healthy manner can help us find solace and meaning during times of loss. In this live workshop, Headspace experts will explore the journey of navigating grief and provide actionable tools to foster grace and resilience — and even discover gratitude — during life’s toughest moments.

Watch Recordings of Previous Live Headspace Webinars and Meditations

For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation ( e.g. ASL Interpreters, Communication Access Realtime Translation CART), please email fsao@bu.edu. Please submit requests for accommodations as soon as possible.

Recent Recording

Understanding and Supporting BIPOC Mental Health

Thursday, July 18, 12:00 to 1:00 pm via Zoom, presented by Kujichagulia Wellness Center, Find the Recording Here

Join Kujichagulia Wellness Center founders, Tiffany Cooper, JD, MBA, LICSW and Jerrica Raspberry Lawson, LICSW, for a meaningful conversation regarding the unique mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Participants will leave the workshop feeling uplifted and empowered, well equipped with new coping and relaxation strategies.

Through a New Lens: Understanding the Autistic Perspective Recording Available

McLean’s Mental Health Webinar series

Always available recorded webinars in the FSAO Video Library

Including:

Thriving in 2024: A 30-Minute Guide to Cultivating Lasting Well-Being, presented by Karen Brouhard, LICSW

ADHD and Health, presented by Dr. Roberto Olivardia, PhD.