Let's Talk About It December 5, 2024:  Ecotherapy: Finding Peace in a Changing Climate -  Maia Kiley, LMFT, Certified in Ecotherapy

Concerned about climate change? Disconnected from nature? Feeling sad or worried most days? Climate related anxiety and depression are increasingly being identified as a part of the mental health crisis experienced primarily in youth and young adult populations. Ecotherapy is a guided nature-based mindfulness process intended to support easing some worry and sadness while maintaining and enhancing the love of planet and place that so many feel. Join us as Eco-therapist, and licensed clinician, Maia Kiley shares tools and tips for embracing self and planet.
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Let's Talk About It December 12, 2024: The Path of the Butterfly - Dulce Lopez, Psy.D. Psychologist Motivational Speaker 

This week’s guest, Psychologist Dulce Lopez, Psy.D. shares her life philosophy with us all. “The METAMORPHOSIS of the butterfly is utilized as a metaphor to describe the ongoing transformation/ transmutation that we experience throughout our lifetimes... The premise and foundation of my soul-work is to HEAL through LOVE. When we choose to walk the path of love...our whole world changes.” Join us for this amazing story that can help any of us to reclaim our human magic, kindness towards ourselves and others, and put the struggles we all face into perspective.
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Let's Talk About It December 19, 2024: Future Farmers of America and Mental Health - Michelle Taylor Future Farmers of America Teacher Brawley Union High School - Haleigh-FFA Student Advisor - Addison - FFA Student Recorder

The youth organization, Future Farmers of America (FFA), helps students learn about all aspects of agriculture, and about the wellbeing of animals. The student led organization prepares students in different areas such as animal science, plant science, woodworking, welding and plumbing. The activities that students participate also help support student mental health. With this knowledge members get to grown plants or take care of an animal which eventually the student will show at the annual Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair.

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Let's Talk About It December 26, 2024: Link Crew: Using Student Mentoring to Support Connection and Wellbeing at Central Union High School -  Union High School Staff: Stephanie Valenzuela, LCSW, Therapist ICOE. Ramona Campos & Irma Avelar, Counselors. Teresa Gonzalez, Link Crew Coordinator/ Teacher. Haydee Rodriguez, Teacher

Central Union High School shares with us their system of connection that supports incoming Freshman using selected upperclassman student mentors. The Link Crew system provides wellness and wellbeing coaching through activities designed to provide inclusion to arriving freshmen and identifies support needs that can be accessed at various levels of support, including counseling and professional treatment with an emphasis on behavioral health and wellness. Join us and an incredible team from Central Union to learn more about this innovative and caring system.
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Let's Talk About It January 2, 2024:  Right Hand Club of Calexico High School - Eva Lara, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Calexico Unified School District

The Right Hand Club at Calexico High School is where students represent students as spokespersons to better enhance each other’s experience in school, socially, academically, and extra-curricular activities. The club and its students serve as advocates and bring valuable resources to their fellow students. Join us as we speak with their advisor and leader about their passion which is resulting in making the behavioral health of their campus more valued and improving students outcomes.
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Let's Talk About It November 7, 2024: Mental Health of Family Caregivers - Sarah Enz, J.D., Public Administrator, Guardian, Conservator, Area Agency on Aging Director

Care-giving, for elderly and other individuals with care-giving needs, is a selfless act of love that is a critical element to our community. The question is who cares for the caregivers? Caregivers face a challenge of providing support to increasing needs. As the need of caregivers continues to grow, caregivers are being pushed to their limits both physically and mentally. Join us as Sarah Enz, Director of the Area Agency on Aging shares ways to determine if caregivers need additional support along with resources and self care tips.
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Let's Talk About It November 14, 2024:  Coping Cat Therapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders -  Phillip C. Kendall, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor of Psychology, Director of the Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Disorders Clinic Temple University

Anxiety is a growing source of concern for our children and youth. Over 30% of youth report anxiety-related problems in their lives affecting school, friends, family and their self-regard. Coping Cat is an evidenced-based therapy model utilized by Imperial County Behavioral Health to help solve anxiety problems in youth. Join us as the developer of Coping Cat, Dr. Phillip Kendall, describes how and why Coping Cat works.
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Let's Talk About It November 21, 2024: Mindfulness -  Dr. Ellen Langer, Ph.D., Social Psychologist Professor in the Psychology Department at Havard University

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is defined as placing one's attention to the internal and external experiences occurring at the present moment. There are numerous benefits to mindfulness which can lead to a healthier mental health journey. Join us as leading Mindfulness researcher, Dr. Langer explains how Mindfulness works and its benefits to our health.
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Let's Talk About It November 28, 2024: The Superstars: Lived at World Mental Helath Day - Sergio Alberti, Music Instructor, Wellness Center Imperial County Behavioral Health

 Imperial Valley College in collaboration with Imperial County Behavioral Health annually celebrate World Mental Health Day in October. This event has been known for their lunch hour performance by Imperial County Behavioral Health Wellness Center Band, The Superstars. Preparing for their annual performance, we have met with band director Sergio Alberti to talk about the work that goes into their performance, aspects of personal recovery through music, and the joy of performing for our community. 

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