Chandler residents seeking to bolster their mental health and well-being have a renewed opportunity as the City of Chandler's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division teams up with the ARISE Alliance Institute to bring back the Building Better Mental Health series. Through a pair of free workshops, community members will be equipped with practical techniques to foster mental wellness, open to all without the need for registration, ensuring easy access.
The series, led by Estefana Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades in behavioral health, aims to create a space of support and education. According to a news release by the City of Chandler, the first session scheduled on September 9, delves into understanding and regulating stress responses and the nervous system. The second, set for September 23, will guide participants through setting healthy boundaries, maintaining control, and fostering community connections.
"Our hope with this series is to create a welcoming space where community members can learn simple, everyday tools to care for their mental health. We want people to walk away feeling supported, connected and empowered," Adrianna Erickson, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator for the City of Chandler, told the City of Chandler News Center.
Both workshops will run from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Downtown Chandler Library. The hands-on sessions provided by Johnson, who apart from her clinical work, stands as the Director of Clinical Training for ARISE Alliance and the Clinical Director for ASA Now, a non-profit dedicated to aiding foster, and adoptive youth and their families reflect her commitment to bringing mental health resources into the community fold. "Growing up Hispanic, therapy wasn’t an option. I know the stigma, and I understand the need. That’s what drives my passion to normalize human struggles and make support accessible to everyone by bringing mental health tools straight to the community," Johnson shared with the City of Chandler News Center.
Those interested can learn more about the Building Better Mental Health series by visiting the City of Chandler's website. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, underscoring the initiative's focus on inclusivity and wide reach. For additional inquiries, Betsy Lizer serves as the point of contact.
