Public Affairs

Counseling Center Hosts Lecture on Mental Health in Collaboration with ASAP Initiative

29th Oct 2018 | by the Department of PR & Marketing

The Counseling Center at AUK collaborated with the ASAP Initiative to host a lecture by Dr. Lori Davis, a Clinical Instructor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and a Professional Associate at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The ASAP Initiative was founded in October 2017 by Sheikha Majda, co-founder of the Kuwaiti beauty brand ASAP. The initiative aims to normalize mental health issues in Kuwait by raising awareness and encouraging people to open up to others about their struggles. The lecture was held in the AUK auditorium and was attended by AUK students and members of the public.

The event began with opening remarks by Sheikha Majda. After explaining the history and goals of the Initiative, she introduced Dr. Davis who created a video to educate the audience about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and then described the different ways in which the disorder can manifest in people—from a subtle, short-term effect, to an overwhelming, debilitating condition. The event provided an open and safe atmosphere to learn about a condition that affects the community and gave audience members a chance to ask questions about symptoms, treatment, and how to get involved with fighting the stigma.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Director of the Counseling Center, Jason Sullivan commented, “ASAP Initiative and Dr. Davis were excited to come out and share the opportunity. They were very excited about the Art and Music Therapy program because it has similar goals to the initiative—creating an alternative way for people to receive therapy while helping normalize mental health. We are probably going to coordinate with them in the future to do more work, because I really think it’s a great initiative.”

About ASAP Initiative
The ASAP Initiative was launched in October 2017. It is spearheaded by Sheikha Majda, co-founder of ASAP, a Kuwaiti beauty brand. The initiative aims to end the stigma against mental health in Kuwait by sharing the benefits of opening up to others and being honest about your struggles.
 
About Dr. Lori Davis
Dr. Lori Davis is a Clinical Instructor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and a Professional Associate at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She specializes in PTSD and anxiety disorders and has published over 20 articles on the topics.
 

Jason Sullivan, Director of the Counseling Center
 

Dr. Lori Davis during her lecture
 

Members of the audience at the lecture

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