Conference Mental Health Support & Skills Specialist 

 What I Do:

As a clinical & organizational psychologist, I offer in-the-moment skills support to attendees at professional conferences across sectors (e.g. tech, engineering, finance) & niches (e.g., for LGBTQ+ professionals, accessibility).

 How it Works:

Attendees are made aware of this resource during orientation, via email & with a contact card provided alongside “swag.” I am present for all components of the conference (networking, happy hours, presentations), and attendees are welcome to contact me however they feel most comfortable (e.g. walk up to me, text, call etc.) Skills support is discreet, confidential, goal-focused & brief (e.g. 5-10min). Typically, 15-30 attendees contact me during mid-large conferences. Often issues that arise look very different between individuals based on cultural identity (e.g., sexual orientation, disability status), learning style, personality, job & sector.

 Examples of Issues Discussed During Emotional Support Meetings

·      Feeling lonely & disconnected from co-workers

·      How to manage chronic pain during remote work

·      Exhaustion & social anxiety from being unaccustomed to social interactions

·      Managing anger, frustration & irritability at work

·      How to address microaggressions when there is fear of retaliation

·      Perfectionism & feelings of inadequacy at work

·      Being a woman in tech & feeling sexualized & ostracized

·      Transitioning from being active military to civilian life – social challenges

·      How to come out as neurodivergent at work

·      Coping with stigma about mental health in workplace

·      How to be more assertive without being unlikeable

 Examples of Brief In-the-Moment Skills I Teach Attendees

·      Mindfulness & self-soothing skills for reducing anxiety

·      Assertiveness skills

·      Self-care & boundary-setting with colleagues

·      Self-compassion & self-validation skills

·      Tools for stopping worry & rumination

·      Tools for challenging negative thoughts

·      Websites to look for therapists & support groups.

 Costs: Sliding scale - with an emphasis on making my services accessible vs cost prohibitive.

For more information, contact Dr. Sara.