TO: UCSB Staff and Faculty
FR: Pati Montojo, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) Manager, Human Resources
RE: ASAP Confidential Group - Mindfulness, Diversity & Belonging
Date and Time:
Tuesday, January 23 at 12:00-12:50 pm
Tuesday, January 30 at 12:00-12:50 pm
Tuesday, February 6 at 12:00-12:50 pm
Tuesday, February 13 at 12:00-12:50 pm
Tuesday, February 20 at 12:00-12:50 pm
We are offering a 5-week, 50-minute psychoeducational, confidential group that teaches mindfulness skills to reduce bias against those who seem different from us, perhaps by giving us distance from and perspective on some of our negative knee-jerk associations. Mindfulness is a state of being, often practiced through meditation that involves an increased awareness of our emotions, thoughts, and surroundings, accompanied by a sense of acceptance and non-judgment. Several studies have suggested that practicing mindfulness can reduce prejudice and bias. We will also discuss one of the most fundamental interpersonal tools for bridging differences — actively listening which makes people feel heard and understood. We will explore speaking in ways that are respectful and compassionate, while still expressing one’s point of view. This group aims to introduce skills to appreciate the presence and perspective of a diverse workforce.
This five-week psychoeducational group will meet weekly in-person on campus between January 23rd and February 20th.
Group members need to attend a short (15-minute) pre-group virtual screening session, commit to attending most group sessions, and complete a brief pre- and post-group survey. This is a closed group, so space is limited. The link to schedule the required group pre-screening will be sent on an ongoing basis to those who RSVP.
Location: Human Resources, 3101 Student Affairs and Administrative Services Building (SAASB)
RSVP: https://forms.gle/o34tgnVJ6AFU2PgS6
Facilitated by:
Pati Montojo, Ph.D., ASAP Manager, Licensed Psychologist
Melissa Cordero, Psy.D., ASAP Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Allen Weiss, Senior Teacher at InsightLA.org