Lectures and Workshops
As my desire to lecture and train people about mental health and self-harm comes into fruition, I shall seek to record and post the videos here! Like my blog, language and graphics will be as trigger free as is humanely possible.
"Mental Health and the Christian"
People keep telling me “It’s all in your head.” Then why does it all feel so real? Am I a bad Christian for feeling angry or sad a lot? Are there GOOD vs. BAD emotions (if so, who do I only feel the bad ones)? Am I doomed to feel negative and alone forever?? Why do I have so many bad dreams? What even IS going on in my head (I’m pretty sure it’s insanity)?! Does God hate me because of how I feel?
Together we’ll not only look at emotions, but what the world, and what God has to say about them. With neuroscience made easy, we’ll explore the brain and what really DOES go on in there… from what we think, to what we do, even why we have so many nightmares! And we will explore one of the ultimate questions: Can I change the way I think? Despite the topic, this lecture will be lighthearted, incorporate fun interactive activities, and bubbles (for science).
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For middle schoolers and up. 5th grade and younger may find it unintelligible and emotionally advanced.
This workshop was hosted at the 2019 Diocesan Youth Gathering by the Anglican Church of North America. This was my third year to present, and first year to get a decent recording!
Self-Harm: More Than Skin Deep.
Are your emotions just too much for you, and you feel like there’s no way out? Do you have a friend with new cuts or burns on their wrist? Did you watch 13 Reasons Why? How could your friend say it feels good? Why is it so hard to stop? People say it’s for attention but it’s NOT… But what IS it? Websites say it’s just a coping mechanism, but that’s just so… shallow?
This lecture takes a safe look at the strange addiction/coping mechanism monster-hybrid that is self-harm. Included will be an explanation of what self-harm is and how it works, random effect it has on your body, mind, and soul, healthy coping techniques, ways to stop, and even what life might be like years later! And will we continue making neuroscience easy? Of course! Presented by a cutter who to date has been clean for 9 1/2 years.
Though the topic itself is about self-harm, there will be NO graphic photos or gestures.
Part 1: The Science.
Building off of Mental Health and the Christian, this lecture begins with diving deeper into our brain and how neuron pathways are formed, cementing memories and addiction. We then take a look at self-harm, defining it, and exploring the circumstances that may groom someone into becoming a harmer.
Part 2: The Harmer.
… Continuing to explore the question of motivation, we read 5 stories illustrating common situations that may drive a person down the road to self-harm. Names, (including my own) have been changed. After examining our five people within the self-harming cycle, we turn to one of the most pressing questions: Is self-harm a suicidal act?
* The stories have some upsetting elements and themes, including sexual abuse.
Part 3: The Hope
… What options does the self-harmer have? Are they doomed to an endless cycle of relapses, or rebounding to other harmful behaviors? The final section of this lecture applies our learned neuroscience and explores ways we can train our bodies, minds, and souls to live into a new way of care and compassion. I introduce and dissect in detail my own recovery tools that have kept me self-harm free and healthy for nearly ten years: B.R.E.A.T.H.E.
"Everything" a Priest Needs to Know About Self-Harm"
Written for priests, deacons, youth group leaders, and other adult ministers of the church. Given that this lecture is written for the church leaders on the frontlines, this workshop is NOT trigger free, is NOT open to anyone under 21 years of age, and is available for IN-PERSON trainings and events only. But it’s still me, so bubbles, prizes, and group activities are of course included. For more information on how to book me for this 1.5-2 hour workshop, drop me a line.
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Note: I'm writing a lecture for parents. Until it is completed and advertised, families of harmers should ask for "Self-Harm: More Than Skin Deep" and indicate you want "the parent slides" included. Concerned family members are discouraged from attending the priest lecture.
Want to book me for a workshop? Shoot me an email!
I'm Pittsburgh PA based, but able and willing to travel!
