Much of the stress and struggle of modern life is simply a result of not having the right tools for challenging emotions and situations. Kinwell is pleased to offer a variety of classes designed to teach new skills and tactics for coping with life’s challenges.
Coping techniques
“I think anyone would benefit from learning new ways of coping and approaching problems, thoughts, and emotions,” noted Alix Jansma, LMHC and organizer of the upcoming classes. “We all need skills for dealing with change and uncertainty, intense emotions, and bothersome thoughts. People who are interested in learning about the brain will have a fun and entertaining time.”
There will be six classes, each focused on a different coping skill. Among the topics are:
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How to proactively manage health and wellbeing to optimize mental health.
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How to notice and redirect ruminating thoughts that intensify our emotions.
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How to identify and solve problems effectively.
“I gravitate toward group therapy,” said Jansma. “There’s all different types of group therapy but these classes present one or two coping skills each session. Patients can share what’s worked in their lives and learn from the successes of others. To know that others are facing similar problems and that you’re not alone is something only the group setting can really provide.”
Online and on your lunch hour
So that patients can conveniently attend from home or work during their lunch hour, each class will be held online. The first class will be on Tuesday, May 28 with additional classes every Tuesday from 12-1pm. Classes will last from 30-50 minutes. Patients can attend whatever classes they find most relevant to their interests.
Coping skills are particularly helpful to patients who have experienced difficulties with anxiety and depression, but anyone would benefit from helpful additions to their emotional tool kit. “We all have a motivation on some level to feel better,” explained Jansma. “What I find is that the people who are most successful in counselling or classes are those who have the motivation to do something different. I often tell patients, ‘If it’s working, do more of it. And if isn’t working, do something different.’ These classes are a chance to learn something different and to find what works and do it with intention.”
Finding what worked in her own career required a couple different turns for Jansma. “I took a circuitous path to counseling. I started as an acting major and later transferred to study English. When I thought about what I wanted to do with my career long-term, behavioral health ticked several boxes. What I liked about acting, literature, and behavioral health is that they are all about people, stories, and vulnerability. Working in behavioral health and hearing patient stories and how they navigate work and relationships is a privilege.”
Who can attend?
Kinwell’s coping skills classes are open to any established Kinwell patient. The cost of attending depends on your healthcare plan. Attendees should check with their healthcare plans to determine what costs and copays are required. Medicare Advantage patients may need a referral from their primary care clinician to attend. See our behavioral health classes page for more information on course content and financial obligations. Established patients can register for any class by calling (206) 360-9298.
