Agenda
17 October 2024

17 October 2024

8.30 – 9.00

Registration

9.00 – 9.10

Opening remarks

9.10 – 9.40

Digital Solutions for Better Mental Health

Megan Lam

Megan Lam

CEO & Co-Founder

Neurum Health
9.40 – 10.15
Compassion in Education: Boosting Student Wellbeing

University students’ mental health has become a focus of attention across the globe in recent years. Embedding compassion-based initiatives (CBI) in counselling curriculum is proposed as an experiential learning pedagogy to support students’ well-being in higher education.

The session will cover:

  • Relevance of cultivating compassion for positive mental health, prosocial behaviours and inclusivity
  • Strategies to embed CBI in higher education for creating a supportive learning environment
  • Insights from students and teachers
Dr. Jessica Tang

Dr. Jessica Tang

Senior Lecturer

University of Hong Kong

10.15am

Networking break

10.45 – 11.20

Body Language: Empowering Hong Kong youth towards Body Positivity

Body image concerns are highly prevalent among youth populations, with research suggesting that the onset of such issues peaks during the teenage years and is increasingly affecting younger age groups. However, the topic of body image can be hard to broach in Hong Kong where conversations on mental health topics are heavily stigmatised, and diet culture messages are pervasive and normalised.

The session will cover:

  • How body image concerns can affect the mental health of young people in significant ways, and the barriers faced when opening up about mental health issues
  • The power of language in either perpetuating or reducing mental health stigma
  • Practical strategies for encouraging young people to engage in sensitive and/or challenging conversations about body image and mental health issues
Stephanie Ng

Stephanie Ng

Founder and Executive Director

Body Banter

11.20 – 12.00

Demystifying Hypnotherapy

Explore the fascinating world of hypnotherapy and its benefits. Understand how hypnotherapy works, break down misconceptions, and experience its practical applications.

This session will cover:

  • Introduction to Hypnotherapy: Learn what hypnotherapy is, how it works, and its benefits.
  • Debunking Myths: Understand the truth about hypnosis and dispel common myths.
  • Mechanics and Benefits: Discover the techniques used in hypnotherapy, its uses for anxiety, stress, and pain management, and experience a live demonstration.
Sonia Samtani

Sonia Samtani

Clinical Hypnotherapist & Founder

All About You Wellness Centre

12.00 – 12.20

Home- based Rope Therapy for SEN Children

Discover how rope therapy can support the cognitive and emotional development of children with special educational needs.

This session will cover:

  • An introduction to Rope Therapy and its benefits, especially for children with various special educational needs, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, providing a tailored approach to enhance their physical and sensory integration
  • Role of parental involvement
Dr. Benny Lam

Dr. Benny Lam

Vice-President

Hong Kong Association of Psychology

12.20 – 1.20

Networking and lunch

1.20 – 2.00

Allergies and Anxiety: A Homeopathic and Nutritional Perspective

A Holistic healthcare view of Attention Deficit Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder and Anxiety based on scientific evidence and 25 years of work in the field.

This session will cover:

  • Clinical relevance of allergies as comorbidities in ADHD, ADD, SPD and anxiety disorders.
  • Tips for healthcare professionals, educators and parents to identify subtle signs of allergies and nutritional deficiency that may be hampering progress.
Dr. Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas

Dr. Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas

Nutritional Medicine Specialist and Homeopathic Physician

Maya Health Institute

2.00 – 2.40

Teenagers Translated

This session will cover:

  • Teen truths (medical and development levels).
  • Tips for talking to your teenager.
  • Tips for keeping connected.
  • Tips for managing expectations.
Dr. Amanda Oswalt Visher

Dr. Amanda Oswalt Visher

Director of Psychological Services and Clinical Psychologist

SPOT Children’s Therapy Centre

2.40 – 3.10

Swipe Right, Feel Wrong? Impact of online dating on mental health

This session will cover:

  • Digital facilitation of online connections
  • Formation of attachment on online dating and it’s impact
  • Understanding and addressing Ghosting and after care.
Maryam Samar

Maryam Samar

Integrative Counsellor and Doctoral Candidate for Counselling Psychology

Ascetic Therapy

3.10PM

Networking break

3.40 – 4.10

Breaking sexual stereotypes of the Menopausal Woman

This session will cover:

  • Critical assessment of the history of menopause.
  • Creating positive change through empowering intimacy and relationship education.
  • Refreshing narratives, research, and practical knowledge for managing menopause symptoms and enhancing the quality of intimacy and relationships.
Mary Foxworth

Mary Foxworth

Inclusive Sexologist, Sex Therapist & Founder

Foxworth Institute

4.10 – 5.00

[Panel discussion]

Holistic health in the Workplace

Delve into the strategies for cultivating wellbeing in the workplace, addressing mental, physical, and emotional dimensions for optimal health and productivity.

This session will cover:

  • Strategies for supporting mental health in the workplace.
  • Initiatives for promoting physical activity and health.
  • Techniques for managing stress and fostering emotional resilience.
  • Practical tips for creating a supportive work environment conducive to holistic health.

Moderator:

Shirralee Sisson

Shirralee Sisson

Trainer / Counsellor

Positive Wellbeing

Panellists:

Angela A. Watkins

Angela A. Watkins

Head Counsellor

Red Door Counselling

Dr. Alex W. K. Li

Dr. Alex W. K. Li

Director

St John’s Cathedral Counselling Service
Bhakti Wong

Bhakti Wong

Somatic Psychotherapist, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Mindfulness Mentor

Way-of-Being.com
Beth Wright

Beth Wright

Health Coach/ Functional Medicine / Nutritionist

B-Fit

5.00

Closing remarks by emcee