Neuro-Affirmative Mental Health Workshops in Berlin

Defining mental health

World Health Organisation (WHO) describes mental health as: “a state of mental well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. This goes beyond being symptom-free and highlights the importance of self-awareness, coping skills, productivity, and social connectedness.

What is a neuro-affirmative approach in mental health?

A neuro-affirmative approach in mental health recognises and respects the diverse needs of neurodivergent identities. This is essential for providing effective, compassionate and empowering care to the neurodivergent community. By understanding and embracing the unique needs of each individual, we can all contribute to a safe and supportive environment to explore and develop strategies for navigating the world on our own terms.

What happens in neuro-affirmative mental health workshops? 

The workshops are led in an experiential way where creativity and the reflexive practice is used to support the participants’ mental health. Workshops may be focused on specific topics, depending on your team’s needs. These may be: 

• reducing stress and anxiety

• gaining valuable knowledge and tools on how to manage mental well-being

• learning effective coping skills

• creating awareness of mental health conditions and neurodivergence

• resilience-building techniques and strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance

• creating a positive and inclusive work culture

• focusing on the strengths of each individual

Arula Counselling integrates creative, psychodynamic, mindfulness and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) approaches with a focus on neuro-affirming and trauma-informed care. 

Rejecting the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) approach

Arula Counselling rejects the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) that is focused on neuronormative assumptions. It is not about changing one’s behaviour in order to fit into ‘typical’ ways of being but rather, focusing on one’s strengths and challenges through self-advocacy. 

Benefits of neuro-affirmative mental health workshops: 

Improved productivity and retention

Investing in mental health workshops positively impacts work performance and productivity. By equipping people with effective tools, strategies, knowledge and awareness to manage their mental well-being, and to understand others, our workshops reduce stress levels, enhance focus, increase problem-solving abilities, job satisfaction, and performance.

Stress and anxiety management 

Our mental health workshops offer practical strategies for managing workplace anxiety and stress. Through interactive sessions, participants learn valuable coping skills, fostering a supportive environment that enhances well-being and reduces mental health difficulties through creative and engaging ways.

Communication and team building 

We emphasise effective communication, empathy, and positive relationship-building in our workshops. By improving interpersonal skills, our workshops enhance team dynamics, collaboration, and overall workplace satisfaction. Engaging in shared musical experiences creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere, fostering trust, unity, and cooperation among individuals. 

Promoting self-care 

We help participants find a healthy work-life balance through our workshops. By exploring personalised self-care techniques, employees can prioritise their well-being, leading to increased overall satisfaction and improved work-life balance.

Enhancing creativity and new ways of thinking 

Neuro-affirmative mental health workshops employ creative techniques to support people in discovering new and creative ways of thinking. Engaging in music-making activities stimulates creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and adaptability. These skills can be applied in the workplace to overcome challenges and generate innovative solutions.

Neuro-affirmative mental health workshops in Berlin and beyond

Mental health is messy. Sometimes we need more than just talking to connect the mind and body. Through creativity, we can start to access the parts of us that have been hidden for so long, or we never thought existed in us. Neuro-affirmative workshops are to share knowledge and awareness and to increase compassion and understanding towards each other. These are available both in-person in Berlin and online. Please get in touch so we can get to know each other and find out together what your team would need.

All employees have a right to a safe and healthy work environment. Whether that’s supporting overall mental wellbeing of your organisation, or more specific workshops such as understanding neurodivergence, offering coping strategies, focusing on depression or understanding team dynamics, we can support your organisation in doing that.