AUK Hosts Mental Health Talks Presented by US Embassy

AUK hosted two mental health talks presented by the US embassy in Kuwait; the speakers included mental health specialists, clinical psychologist, Dr. Sarah Sease; and psychologist, Dr. Nicholas Scull.

Hosted by AUK’s Counseling Center, Dr. Sarah Sease discussed students’ ability to deal with anxiety and building healthy mental health habits. She highlighted the importance of being able to identify barriers that prevent development. Dr. Sease also discussed how healthy mental habits warrant the implementation of everyday actions that are simple, yet effective.

Dr. Georges Chedid, director of the Counseling Center, commented on how this event reflects the Center’s mission to support students, “Providing students with the skills and space to build and maintain good mental health habits is one of the Counseling Center’s missions. It is our aim to provide students with personal counseling sessions, talks, and workshops that discuss mental health disorders so that they can begin their journey to maintaining healthy coping mechanisms and habits.”

Dr. Nicholas Scull was also hosted by the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) to discuss the role of professors in mentoring underperforming students, especially with anxiety disorders. Having worked as a U.S. licensed mental health provider for more than 20 years, Dr. Scull shared some insights on common anxiety disorders and how they are typically presented in the classroom. He provided practical tools to help students cope and discussed how to develop effective mentoring relationships with students.

Ms. Basema Dana, director of CTE, highlighted the importance of maintaining the relationship between professors and students, “AUK is committed to mutually beneficial professional relationships among all stakeholders within its community. This includes the most salient relationship between students and faculty. To this end, the role of AUK faculty members in mentoring students is the most important and potentially rewarding relationship that the institution fosters.”

Audiences of both talks included a high number of students and professors; a turnout that showcases the campus community’s readiness to learn about mental health. Both events concluded with open discussion and Q&A sessions.

Auk hosts mental health talks presented by us embassy

Dr. Nicholas Scull giving his presentation

Auk hosts mental health talks presented by us embassy