Dallas College Mental Health Symposium

We believe mental health and wellness is for everyone. Join Dallas College Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for an engaging, interactive day of learning as we dive into ways to support your mental health.

2025 Mental Health and Wellness Symposium: Self-Care Circus

Presented by Dallas College Counseling and Psychological Services

Step right up to the Self-Care Circus!

In a world where emotional juggling is a daily act and the pressure to "fit in" can feel overwhelming, Self-Care Circus offers a space to reflect, recharge and learn new strategies for juggling our emotions, practicing self-compassion and creating meaningful connections.

Join us at the Self-Care Circus and discover how you can manage your own emotional health while building a community that cares!

Date, Time and Location

Friday, April 4, 2025, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Brookhaven Campus, Performance Hall (C210) and Online

Register Now and Experience the Magic
 

The symposium is free to attend and is open to all students, faculty, staff and community members. Choose to attend in-person or virtually (a link will be emailed to those who register).

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all registered in-person attendees.

What to Bring

Please consider bringing a "Handbag for Hope" with you to the symposium. We are collecting donations of new and gently used purses, totes, diaper bags and backpacks for survivors of intimate partner violence.

Earn Credit for Attending

During the symposium, each morning Breakout Session offers 1 CEUs (Continuing Education Units), and the afternoon Keynote offers 1.5 CEUs. Dallas College employees can also earn Professional Development (PD) credits for attending. PD credit is offered for all the Breakout Sessions except these two: Circus Yoga and Making Magic.

Agenda

 

9 a.m.

Symposium Begins

10-10:30 a.m.

Transition Event

Title: Line Dance for Wellness
Presenter: Kay Coder
Room: Common Courtyard

Presentation Summary: Join us for some Wellness Line Dancing - a fun and social way to engage your mind, body, and spirit! It engages our bodies and our minds into learning new things while giving us a chance to dance to diverse, energizing music with colleagues and new friends while relieving stress.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Breakout Session 1

Title: AS+K
Presenters: Dr. Toynes Kimberly Toynes & Dalia Blell
Room: Performance Hall

Presentation Summary: Develop suicide prevention skills during this free one-hour training that provides an overview of public health information important to developing suicide prevention skills. In-person attendees will also receive the AS+K certification/certificate.


Title: Ho'oponopono: A Path to Healing
Presenter: Chandler Hill
Room: K246

Presentation Summary: In this breakout session, you will be introduced to the concept of Ho”oponopono and how to incorporate it into daily life practices to increase connection with mind, body and spirit. Taking a look at the energetic principles of this mantra, and combining it with practical mindfulness skills taken from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we'll learn how to move forward on a path of healing.


Title: Making Magic (or getting close!) With Art Therapy
Presenter: Aubrey Webster
Room: K245

Presentation Summary: In this breakout, you will learn a little about art therapy, meditation, and the magic of your own imagination. Aubrey’s presentation utilizes experiential learning, where you will be able to make your own art piece that you can use to help you cope with life’s big and small stressors.


Title: Secret, Silent & Sinister: Understanding Dating & Domestic Violence
Presenter: Erin Kelley
Room: K244

Presentation Summary: The initial signs of dating violence often go overlooked until it is too late. This presentation will teach the audience how to recognize the red flags. The talk will also provide resources and support for victims, and it will discuss how we, as a community, can work together to help prevent this form of abuse.


Title: The Power of Hobbies
Presenter: Jeremiah Stinnett
Room: K250

Presentation Summary: Using hobbies as self-care and forming a sense of community through hobbies.


Title: What's So Funny? The Subtle Art of Using Humor for Better Mental Health
Presenter: Lou Whatley
Room: K238

Presentation Summary: When we laugh, our bodies respond in ways that boost our mood, strengthen social connections with others, and improve our overall mental and physical health. We will take a look to understand what happens when we laugh and by making an intentional effort to incorporate more humor into our daily lives, we can harness the healing power of a good laugh.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Breakout Session 2

Title: Circus Yoga! Balancing in Asanas & Joyful Fun
Presenter: Dalia Blell
Room: T100

Presentation Summary: Let’s have some joyful fun learning how to practice self-care in the moment, when you need it the most! By engaging in beginner yoga poses that balance the nervous system, mentally and emotionally.


Title: Growing Your Purpose with Passion
Presenter: Dr. Kimberly Toynes
Room: K244

Presentation Summary: This course offers a deeper awareness of passionately pursuing your purpose by focusing on a clear understanding, implementing practical strategies, and appreciating the value of your purpose.


Title: Ho'oponopono: A Path to Healing
Presenter: Chandler Hill
Room: K246

Presentation Summary: In this breakout session, you will be introduced to the concept of Ho”oponopono and how to incorporate it into daily life practices to increase connection with mind, body and spirit. Taking a look at the energetic principles of this mantra, and combining it with practical mindfulness skills taken from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we'll learn how to move forward on a path of healing.


Title: Making Magic (or getting close!) With Art Therapy
Presenter: Aubrey Webster
Room: K245

Presentation Summary: In this breakout, you will learn a little about art therapy, meditation, and the magic of your own imagination. Aubrey’s presentation utilizes experiential learning, where you will be able to make your own art piece that you can use to help you cope with life’s big and small stressors.


Title: The Power of Hobbies
Presenter: Jeremiah Stinnett
Room: K250

Presentation Summary: Using hobbies as self-care and forming a sense of community through hobbies.


Title: What's So Funny? The Subtle Art of Using Humor for Better Mental Health
Presenter: Lou Whatley
Room: Performance Hall

Presentation Summary: When we laugh, our bodies respond in ways that boost our mood, strengthen social connections with others, and improve our overall mental and physical health. We will take a look to understand what happens when we laugh and by making an intentional effort to incorporate more humor into our daily lives, we can harness the healing power of a good laugh.

12:30-1:45 p.m.

Lunch Break

2-3:30 p.m.

Keynote Presentation by Andrea Baum & Rebecca Hogg

Title: Attainable Self-Care: Building Resilience, Preventing Emotional Fatigue, And Fostering Connection
Room: Performance Hall

Presentation Summary: Join Rebecca D. Hogg, MA, LPC, and Andrea Kyprianou Baum, M.Ed., LPC, for an engaging and interactive session viewing self-care through emotional awareness, connection, and personalized action. Walk away with practical tools, a deeper understanding of mind-body balance, and your own self-care strategy ready to implement immediately!

3:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks by Associate Dean Kaitlin Hill

3:45 p.m.

Symposium Ends