CHANDLER, Ariz. – The City of Chandler Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division, in collaboration with the ARISE Alliance Institute, is excited to bring back the Building Better Mental Health series to the Chandler community. These two free sessions from licensed clinical social worker Estefana Johnson are designed to equip participants with tools to support mental wellbeing.
The first workshop takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and focuses on understanding your stress response and regulating your nervous system. The second workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 23, concentrates on maintaining control through setting boundaries and building strength and community. Both sessions are from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
“Our hope with this series is to create a welcoming space where community members can learn simple, everyday tools to care for their mental health. We want people to walk away feeling supported, connected and empowered,” says Adrianna Erickson, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator for the City of Chandler.
The series facilitator, Estefana Johnson, has worked in behavioral health for more than 20 years. Trained in various therapeutic modalities, she specializes in trauma treatment and memory reconsolidation techniques. As part of the development team contracted by Arise Alliance, Johnson co-developed Critical Memory Integration (CMI™) and now serves as the organization’s Director of Clinical Training, leading efforts to introduce CMI to mental health professionals nationwide. She currently practices at Lighthouse Psychiatry and TMS, and is also the Clinical Director for ASA Now, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive youth and their families.
“Growing up Hispanic, therapy wasn’t an option. I know the stigma, and I understand the need. That’s what drives my passion to normalize human struggles and make support accessible to everyone by bringing mental health tools straight to the community,” Johnson says.
Registration is not required, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about the Building Better Mental Health series, visit Mental Health.
Media contacts:
Betsy Lizer
City of Chandler, Public Information Officer
480-782-2225
Cindy Tanenbaum
ARISE Alliance Institute
917-589-8469