INTRO TO MENTAL HEALTH & trauma FIRST AID

TOTB knows that authenticity is key when working with people. Therefore, we believe our approach to teaching about mental health should be engaging and genuine in order to make an impact. This is why we leverage the power of theatre and use it as a learning tool. Our unique approach is hands-on and interactive, allowing participants to absorb important topics in a more experiential manner.

In Intro to Mental Health & Trauma First Aid you'll learn to recognize signs of trauma & mental health concerns in yourself, friends, and peers through: 

• Discussion of the 4 R's of Trauma Informed Care (Realize, Recognize, Respond, Resist Retraumatization)

  • Grounding & meditation techniques

  • Partner activity exploring personal boundaries

  • Movement exercise on the Window of Tolerance

  • Creation of scenes to help "rehearse for the reality" of responding when a peer has a mental health concern. Use of Augusto Boal's Forum Theatre to allow the audience to give alternate suggestions & act them out.

TOTB WORKSHOP FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS

“They LOVED IT! Amazing feedback! [One student] said, “I can’t believe how amazing that was.” I thought so too!”

— -Jill Howard (Henry Street High School)

REQUIREMENTS

TIME 1 - 2 hours

PARTICIPANTS 10-30

INSTRUCTORS 1 facilitator / 30 participants

DRAMA EXPERIENCE None required

SPACE One large room