Faculty/Staff Employee Assistance

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Accessibility/Accommodation Requirements

If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in these offerings, please contact Karen Patchell at kpatchell@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible (at least 3–5 days in advance of the event).

Employee Assistance Training and Education

Employee Assistance offers workshops on a variety of issues either by request from departments or by open enrollment in classes. Topics include, but are not limited to: stress management, instant relaxation, and coping with transition/change. 

Monthly Offerings

Perinatal Support Group

When: 2nd Wednesday of each month from 12-1 pm via Zoom

Facilitated by Julie Resnik, LCSW , Employee Assistance Counselor

Navigate early parenthood with support! Our virtual group for expectant parents and parents of 0 - 2 year olds offers a safe space and community for sharing, gaining insights, and connection. Babies and non-birthing partners are always welcome.

To register and be included on bcal invites, please email: kpatchell@berkeley.edu

Monthly Meditation and Mindfulness for Faculty and Staff

The regular practice of mindfulness meditation has a demonstrable impact on psychological and physical health, improving mood, decreasing stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting sleep.

Be Well at Work Employee Assistance and Work/Life invite faculty and staff to join us for a monthly meditation group which will offer a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation during the work day. Each month will focus on a beneficial intention to guide us.  

No registration is required and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. All are welcome.

Virtually

  • First Wednesday of the month at 12:15 - 12:45 pm 
  • Third Thursday of the month at 2 pm - 2:20 pm 

If you would like these sessions added to your bCal for scheduling notifications and the Zoom link, please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu

Monthly BIPOC Support Group

Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 12 - 12:50 pm

Facilitated by Kiran Johl, LCSW. Employee Assistance Counselor

This virtual space is for faculty and staff to join together to explore BIPOC-related topics including workplace experiences, care for self and others, and mental health. Participants are encouraged to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Group is facilitated by an EA counselor, and participants are welcome to bring topics of interest to discuss.

Email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for registration, zoom link, and bCal Scheduling

Fall 2026 Stress Management Events

ENROLLMENT

UC Berkeley and LBNL Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars, and Postdocs:

  1. Click on the “enroll” hyperlink to take you to the UCB Learning Center.
  2. Enter your CalNet Passphrase. 
  3. Click "Submit."

All workshops listed below are being held virtually on Zoom.

Please email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to submit accessibility needs for these events.

Fall 2026 Stress Management Workshops

Demystifying Anger

Thursday, September 10th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom

Speaker: Kiran Johl, LCSW, Employee Assistance Counselor

This psychoeducational workshop explores why we feel anger, different styles of responding to anger, and tools to increase our resilience to anger. Content will encourage self-reflection around societal, cultural, and familial scripts about anger. Note this workshop focuses specifically on anger in adults, and is not an anger management course. 

Register

Using Watercolor to Design Your Rest Practice **In-Person Event**

Thursday, October 1st, 12:10 - 1 pm In-Person at the Tang Center

Speaker: Ainhoa Indurain, LPCC , Employee Assistance Counselor

Join us for a relaxing workshop designed to help you prepare for the winter months ahead. Come in person to enjoy warm tea, explore mindful watercolor blending, and create a personalized "Visual Rest Menu". No artistic skills are necessary; materials will be provided.

Register

Emotional Intelligence for the Workplace

Wednesday, October 28th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom

Speaker: Julie Resnik, LCSW, Employee Assistance

Understanding and managing our emotions can increase our sense of well-being, motivation, empathy and ability to relate to others in a healthy way. This workshop will examine what it means to be emotionally intelligent and how to apply key concepts to create a more successful and fulfilling work/life experience.

Register

Prioritizing Your Personal Energy **Hybrid Event**

Tuesday, November 3rd, 11 am - Noon via Zoom and In-Person at the Tang Center

Speaker: Ainhoa Indurrain, LPCC, Employee Assistance 

Join us for a practical, one-hour workshop designed to help you strategically manage your personal capacity and energy this winter. Come in person to create your handmade journal and start implementing changes. Join online and follow along as we go through the principles of energy use and conservation.

Register

Workshop Topics by Request

Please contact us at (510) 643-7754 or email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to request an Employee Assistance workshop for your department.


Topics include:

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness and Stress Management
  • Enhancing Focus and Productivity at Work
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Creating Healthy Boundaries
  • Healthy Habits
  • Customized options to fit your department's needs 

Elder Care Training and Education

The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to elder care and caregiver resilience. The workshops are presented by professionals and experienced caregivers. These workshops are open to current UC Berkeley and LBL employees and generally take place on a weekday from 12:10-1:30 pm.