An exploration of the cultural, societal, and systemic factors shaping mental health in the Philippines. This session highlights the importance of culturally competent therapy and how traditional beliefs intersect with modern practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Local mental health statistics and evolving perspectives
• The impact of stigma in urban vs rural settings
• Approaches to build trust and reduce barriers to access

Interact with peers and exchange opinions and insights in a structured networking focusing on current advances and issues in mental health

This session will explore generational perspectives on mental health in Filipino families and workplaces, and how therapists can bridge these gaps in practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural expectations and generational divides
• Addressing mental health with parents and elders
• Communication techniques to foster intergenerational empathy

Explore the psychological impact of high social media usage in the Philippines, one of the world’s most connected countries, and how clinicians can support digital well-being.

This will cover:

• Internet addiction, cyberbullying, and online trauma
• Tools to help clients create healthier digital habits
• The role of tech in therapy: from apps to AI

With a focus on trauma from poverty, conflict, family abuse, and natural disasters, this session explores trauma-informed care.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognising trauma responses in culturally relevant ways
• Providing support for survivors of domestic violence and displacement
• Building long-term emotional resilience

Addressing the challenges solo practitioners face. This session offers practical guidance for self-care, peer support, and continuous development.

Discussion Points:

• Counsellor burnout and compassion fatigue
• Finding supervision and mentorship locally
• Collaboration in a decentralised system

A closer look at employee wellbeing in organisations, how to advocate for mental health support, and creating psychologically safe workplaces.

Key Takeaways:

• Legal framework and employer obligations
• The mental health toll of hustle culture
• Equipping HR and leaders with mental health literacy

With an estimated 1 in 5 Filipinos experiencing a mental health issue, access remains a core issue. This session explores solutions from public and private sectors.

This includes:

• Government initiatives and grassroots movements
• Increasing the number of registered practitioners
• The role of telehealth and community-based programmes