CoSIDA Continuing Education: Focus on Mental Wellness
CoSIDA is proud to introduce a new initiative as part of our continuing eduation program and membership outreach - mental health wellness. With that in mind, we are introducing a new consultant for our members to communicate with -
anonymously: Lisa Stromeier, a Psychotherapist with over 25 years of clinical experience.
Details will be available in the coming weeks about how CoSIDA members will be able to submit questions anonymously to Stromeier for the first session on November 12.
by Judy Willson, Mountain West Conference Associate Director of Communications
2015-16 CoSIDA President
As athletics communications professionals, we spend a great amount of time looking out for the best interests of other people – our student-athletes, our coaches, our athletics directors and other administrators. Sometimes that can be to the detriment of our own lives. We can face different personal issues during a year, in addition to our work challenges. Some of those challenges can be due to changes in our family, trying to find lifestyle balance, depression or job-related stress.
Once in a while, we need to take time to take care of ourselves.
The CoSIDA Board of Directors discussed the ways in which our association could help members address some of these concerns and learn to help themselves when possible. Toward that end, in June, CoSIDA partnered with
Lisa Stromeier, a licensed psychotherapist and professional speaker, to be our designated mental health resource during the 2015-16 year.
Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Stromeier will provide question-and-answer sessions as part of the 2015-16 CoSIDA Continuing Education
Series presented by Capital One. In a completely anonymous and confidential manner, membership will be invited to submit questions on a variety of mental health topics to be addressed during the four Continuing Education sessions. Stromeier will also be a primary panelist at the 2016 Convention in Dallas.
Stromeier provides counseling to individuals on a variety of topics including anxiety, relationships, stress management, crisis intervention and other areas through her private practice.
Details will be available in the coming weeks about how CoSIDA members will be able to submit questions anonymously to Stromeier for the first session on November 12.
“We are pleased to have Ms. Stromeier share her expertise with our members,” said CoSIDA President Judy Willson. “She will be a great resource as we continue to educate ourselves on mental health issues that we are challenged with in our professional and personal lives.”
Each Continuing Education session will be based on a specific theme with all pre-submitted questions being held in strictest confidence. No names or identifying information will ever be used, and the CoSIDA staff, board members and membership will not have access to the emails. Questions will be used to develop the direction of the session, as Stromeier will not be able to personally answer all of the questions submitted.
We hope that you will take some time to submit questions or concerns you may have throughout the year and that you benefit from Stromeier’s presentations as part of the Continuing Education series and at the 2016 Convention.
Note of Emphasis: While we expect these sessions to be of great benefit to the membership, they are purely for educational purposes and are not a substitute for one-on-one counseling with a qualified mental health professional. In the event that any member of CoSIDA has extreme feelings of anxiety or depression, or are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, please seek immediate help through professional resources available in your local area, i.e. hospitals or national hotlines. You can also check with your human resources department for programs through your employment benefits package.