Mindfulness and Managing Triggers
Mental Wellness Workshop with Beste Kalender
January 29, 2026 | 1-2:30 pm ET | 10-11:30 am PT | Zoom
Overview
Learn practical mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques to navigate intense emotions with greater calm and control. In this interactive, small-group workshop, you’ll practice observing thoughts and feelings, grounding in the present moment, and using DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy)-inspired tools like self-soothing, distraction, and more. Through guided exercises, discussion, and hands-on practice, you’ll gain strategies to manage emotional triggers and respond skillfully in challenging situations.
This workshop emphasizes recognizing personal triggers, spotting early signs of crisis, and creating individualized coping plans. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, you’ll apply skills in real-life scenarios, ask questions, share experiences, and reflect. You’ll leave with actionable strategies, practical examples, and handouts to continue building resilience and applying these skills in everyday life.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is for anyone seeking healthier ways to cope with strong emotions or stress. It’s particularly useful if you:
- Feel easily overwhelmed, anxious, or “on edge”
- Tend to shut down, avoid, or act impulsively when upset
- Are navigating grief, relationship challenges, work or school pressures, or major life transitions
- Are in therapy and want extra skills practice (including those familiar with DBT)
- Support others in distress (e.g., caregivers, helpers) and want tools for yourself
No prior mindfulness experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to try new strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Mindfulness techniques to stay present when emotions feel intense
- Distress tolerance strategies, including grounding, self-soothing, and healthy distraction
- Greater awareness of personal triggers and early warning signs
- A personalized coping plan for high-stress moments
- Confidence in managing difficult feelings and urges
- Handouts and exercises for ongoing practice after the workshop
Important Note
Our workshops are intended to provide general information and strategies; they are not a substitute for counselling. Participation in this workshop does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. This workshop will be held in a small-group format, with a limited number of participants.
Accessibility
ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions will be available. If you require accommodations to make this event accessible for you, please get in touch, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Recording
This event will not be recorded to maintain privacy and presence during the session.
Register Now
Meet Beste Kalender
In addition to her background as a classical singer, Beste Kalender (she/her) is also a mental health clinician and registered social worker. She has expertise in crisis support and biopsychosocial assessment, utilizing client-centred and evidence-based interventions (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care) for diverse, marginalized individuals. Beste holds an MA in Developmental Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, in addition to clinical certifications in CBT, Trauma-focused CBT, and training in Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Single-Session Therapy.
Beste currently works as a clinician at the Intensive Concurrent Disorders Program (ICDP) at Credit Valley Hospital and is looking forward to connecting with members of The AFC community.
Photo: Courtesy of Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity
