Building Emotional Awareness

This welcoming, in-person 1-hour workshop invites university staff and faculty to explore the fundamentals of emotions with curiosity, compassion, and practical care. Participants will build an accessible understanding of the science of emotions by examining the many factors that influence emotional responses—such as lived experiences, stress, relationships, environment, and nervous system states—rather than viewing emotions as something to “fix” or control.

Through guided discussion and reflection, participants will explore the purpose of emotions as meaningful signals that support safety, connection, learning, and decision-making. This workshop is grounded in trauma-informed principles that recognize the impact of lived experiences, stress, and adversity on emotional responses and how they influence our interactions. Emphasis is placed on choice, self-awareness, self-compassion, gentleness, and honouring the diverse experiences each participant brings.

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Increase emotional awareness by more clearly identifying and naming emotions.
• Develop a deeper appreciation for the role emotions play in daily life.
• Identify regulation strategies that align with individual needs and capacity.

The workshop introduces simple, practical tools for emotional regulation that can be applied flexibly in everyday situations to support well-being and resilience.

Registration: Register through Qualtrics!

Facilitated by:

Isidora (Isi) Nezic, RSW, Wellness@Work Advisor, HR.

Isi leads the Wellness@Work initiative, supporting the holistic well-being of the University of Guelph’s staff and faculty through evidence-informed health promotion. As a Registered Social Worker, Isi also provides psychotherapy to community members in the Waterloo Region. She is passionate about creating caring, inclusive spaces and believes that supporting individual well-being and fostering systemic change go hand in hand in building healthy, thriving communities. Isi is committed to reducing mental health stigma, emphasizing relationality and the importance of community, while equipping individuals, groups, and communities with knowledge and tools to support their own mental health and the mental health of others.

Lynne Jenkins, M. Ed. C. Psych., Wellness@Work Intern, HR.

Lynne is currently completing her Master of Social Work placement with Wellness@Work. Lynne is a leader in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practice, advancing social justice, mental health, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Their career expertise spans direct clinical work, crisis intervention, and advocacy within legal and social systems, as well as the design and evaluation of group and community-based interventions. Throughout their career, Lynne has been recognized for strategic leadership in program development and cross-sector collaboration, spearheading research and community partnerships to improve access and outcomes for those facing trauma, addiction, and systemic barriers. Lynne has delivered lectures, workshops, and trainings on trauma-informed care at national and international conferences, universities, and legal organizations. With a career defined by compassion, innovation, and a commitment to equity, Lynne continues to inspire change and foster resilience in individuals, organizations, and communities.

Questions? Email wellnessatwork@uoguelph.ca