Revisiting the UFT’s new 24/7 mental health helpline
Brewing Wellness
March can feel like the longest month of the school year for educators. That’s why we’re taking a moment to revisit our August conversation with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, to discuss the UFT’s partnership with Vibrant to launch the union’s 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members at 866-UFT-FOR-U. Tune in as we discuss the importance of this initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. Plus, exciting news: The helpline is now available via chat and text!
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Attachment Styles & Love Languages
Brewing Wellness
In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Identify and Cope With It
Brewing Wellness
Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced through the darker months.
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Understanding & Managing Perfectionism
Brewing Wellness
Do you always sweat the small stuff? Hold back until everything is just right? Let small flaws ruin the big picture? Listen in as Debbie Missud, licensed mental health counselor and owner of the Manhattan Psychotherapy Collective, discusses perfectionism with the UFT’s MAP team. Missud explains why people tend to develop perfectionistic tendencies and shares practical strategies and tips to help manage these tendencies and cultivate a more balanced mindset.
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Literature as Healing: The Art of Bibliotherapy
Brewing Wellness
Happy National Book Month! Celebrate with the Brewing Wellness Podcast as we discuss the power of literature in healing and personal growth. Sherry Reiter, LCSW, a “poetry therapist” and founder of the Creative Righting Center, talks with Vincent Corletta, an ELA teacher from Queens, about practical strategies to bring reading and writing into your own wellness journey. For more on Sherry’s work, visit .
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Navigating Seasonal Changes
Brewing Wellness
In the Season 6 premiere of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker with the Victim Support Program, talks with District 11 Representative Dana Falciglia about navigating the transition into a new season. Listen in as they discuss both the highs and the lows in the change of season and ways to manage the emotions that often come along with these shifts.
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UFT + Vibrant: About our 24/7 mental health helpline
Brewing Wellness
We chat with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, about the UFT’s exciting new partnership with Vibrant. This collaboration has launched a 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members. Listen in as we discuss the importance of this new initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. If you need mental health assistance, don't hesitate to call 1-866-UFT-FOR-U.
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Summer Self-Care for Educators
Brewing Wellness
In this episode of the Brewing Wellness Podcast, we’re joined by Workplace Wellness Specialist Mike Veny. Listen as he discusses his journey to becoming a workplace wellness specialist, defines what self-care means to him and shares tips on how to use the summer to rest and recharge.
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How physical activity can support mental wellness
Brewing Wellness
Our physical and mental health are connected: Research shows that exercise can boost your mood and lead to a more positive outlook on life. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Shanna Honkomp, a social work graduate and yoga instructor, and Stuart Kaplan, UFT Staten Island Safety and Health representative and chair of the UFT Runners Committee, share the benefits of staying active and offer tips for how to find what works best for you.
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Advocacy for LGBTQ Rights
Brewing Wellness
Just in time for Pride Month, this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast features a conversation with UFT educator Rashad Brown, co-chair of the UFT’s Pride Committee. He joins Mindy Rosier of the UFT Teacher Center for a discussion of the committee’s advocacy and goals, which include creating safe spaces within school communities. The committee also hosts the Daniel Dromm Scholarship Brunch and participates in an annual AIDS walk and a Pride March, which this year will be Sunday, June 30.
info_outlineAcupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote physical and emotional well-being. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Nicholas Sieben, a licensed acupuncturist and healer based in New York City, shares his personal journey with Chinese medicine and discusses how acupuncture can be used to manage chronic conditions and decrease mental stress.