High-pressure or competitive workplaces can compromise our mental health. When we operate in conditions that trigger stress, mental health problems like burn out, anxiety and depression can occur. In this course we explore mental health threats at the workplace and how we can prevent or alleviate them.

We will use the integrative framework of Compassion Focused Therapy which helps us understand our brain, motivations and nervous system. Investigating key themes such as; perfectionism, fear of failure, imposter syndrome and the inner critic, whilst working out how to address these concerns. The programme explores coping strategies to deal with these stressors, as well as how to talk about mental health and to how to listen effectively.

This programme encourages students to understand what drives us in our work and what role we play in the workplace. Students are guided to learn what their work values are and how they pertain to their motivation and health. What boosts playfulness and creativity? How do we flourish? How do we improve team functioning and wellbeing, and how can we shape our work-life to use our strengths?

Exploring what can help us to stabilise at work, students will discover how they can regulate their nervous systems and find balance. How do we promote psychological safeness at the workplace? We will experience and look into the impact of movement, breathing and self-compassion practices.  

The goal of this course is to equip the participants with evidence-based information and practical resources that promote well-being and mental health at the workplace. The course will help us to create work-environments that are safe and thriving. This course will include a playful mix of lecture, group discussions, personal exploration and practice, creative exercises, roleplay and guided imagery.

This programme is for working professionals (with university/academic experience) and graduate students who wish to explore and experience what helps us stay grounded and thrive in the workplace. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This course will use social scientific theory, research and ideas and will be highly experiential. You will be invited to personally explore the practices provided at your workplace during the course. Students are expected to actively participate and share their thoughts. 

• This course will meet live via Zoom 3 times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The live Zoom sessions will take place in the afternoon 16:00-18:30 CET. 
• Students will also complete in-course assignments and a final paper due roughly one month after the course ends.
• Looking for more information? Visit our practical matters page to find out more.

Drs Daisy Alsemgeest is an Amsterdam based therapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). She is a member of the UvA’s Psychogolists team where she offers trainings, workshops and individual sessions for students and PhD’s with study or work-related problems. She also runs trainings about Mental Health and Well-being for UvA staff (educators, counsellors, security-officers). She is a guest lecturer at the UvA Mindfulness and Compassion Summer School.  Next to her work at UvA she offers a postdoctoral course on Compassion Focused Therapy for mental health workers and incompany trainings for health organisations. She has been a social skills trainer and mental health educator at the Police Academy in the past.

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