In the fast-paced world of 2025, mental health is a major component of everyone’s success and well-being in professional and educational settings. At Anchor Therapy, our team of professional mental health counselors are passionate about creating healthy environments by delivering professional and academic mental health talks tailored to the unique needs of businesses and schools. These academic and professional talks aim to empower teams, inspire students, and prepare leaders with the right tools to construct resilience, enhance communication dynamics, and promote mental wellness.
By addressing popular topics, like stress management; emotional management; and fostering a creative, diverse team culture, the goal of our licensed psychotherapists is to spark meaningful discussions and actionable, long-lasting change. Continue reading this blog to discover how our expert-led talks can make a real impact on your organization or school community.
Anchor Therapy is a counseling center in Hoboken, NJ with mental health therapists specialized in helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, and more. Anchor Therapy is accepting new clients and is now providing in-person sessions and teletherapy sessions to residents of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
What topics do Anchor Therapy’s professional and academic talks cover?
Our mental health talks are designed to address a wide range of topics that meet the unique needs of businesses, schools, and communities. Each session is carefully curated to promote mental well-being, foster resilience, and inspire actionable change. We are here to meet your organization or school exactly where you are at so it fits your needs.
With that being said, we have some common mental health topics that may be explored in our talks.
Here are some of the core topics we cover, tailored to both professional and academic settings.
1. Stress Management and Resilience Building
Stress is a universal challenge. No matter how old you are, stress impacts performance, relationships, and overall health. Our talks delve into practical strategies for managing stress, identifying its triggers, and building resilience.
What are some tools for stress management?
Mindfulness (Read our blog “5 Places to Practice Mindfulness in Hoboken, NJ”)
Meditation (View our blog “How Meditation Can Lead to Stress Reduction”)
Physical activity and movement (Read our blog “5 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health”)
Time management strategies
Journaling and self-reflection
Breathing exercises (Check out our blog “5 Breathwork Techniques to Decrease Anxiety”)
Social connection and support
The professional support of a mental health counselor (Our blog “How to Find the Best Therapist Near Me” is a must-read)
Whether it’s teaching employees how to navigate workplace pressures or helping students prepare for exams, we provide tools that empower individuals to respond to stress in healthier, more productive ways. For more information, check out our blog “Everything You Need to Know About Stress Management Therapy.”
2. Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills
The ability to understand and manage emotions is critical in both personal and professional relationships. Our sessions on emotional intelligence explore self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication.
For businesses, this can enhance teamwork and leadership.
What are the benefits of emotional intelligence and healthy communication skills for businesses?
Stronger organizational culture
Higher productivity and performance
Better conflict resolution
Enhanced customer relationships
Increased employee engagement and retention
Enhanced team collaboration
Better leadership abilities
In schools, it helps students and teachers foster stronger, more empathetic relationships, creating a supportive learning environment.
What are the benefits of emotional intelligence and healthy communication skills for the school setting?
Stronger teacher-student connections
Effective classroom management
Development of lifelong skills
Better parent-teacher collaboration
Improved academic performance
Enhanced peer relationships
Better mental health and emotional well-being
Positive school culture
For more information on this topic, check out our blog “How to Regulate Your Emotions.”
3. Mental Health Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma remains a barrier to seeking help. Our talks aim to break down misconceptions and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. For businesses, this can transform workplace culture, while in schools, it empowers students and staff to support one another and create an inclusive community.
How can I work to reduce the mental health stigma?
Educate yourself and other people
Use inclusive and respectful language
Share your personal experiences with mental health if you feel comfortable
Advocate for mental health awareness
Encourage help-seeking behavior (e.g., normalize therapy and mental health care)
Challenge stereotypes and biases
Support mental health initiatives in schools and the workplace
Lead by example
4. Preventing Burnout and Promoting Work-Life Balance
Burnout has become a major issue in both professional and academic spaces. Our sessions provide actionable advice on recognizing early signs of burnout and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy balance between work, studies, and personal life.
What are the early signs of burnout?
Persistent fatigue and low energy
Decreased productivity and motivation
Physical symptoms (e.g., frequent headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, and other unexplained aches and pains)
Emotional changes
Sleep problems (Check out our blog “What Is The Main Cause of Insomnia?”)
Social withdrawal
Increased negativity and cynicism
Health neglect (e.g., skipping meals, overeating, neglecting exercise, relying on unhealthy mechanisms, like excessive caffeine, alcohol, overly-processed foods, etc.)
Feeling trapped or overwhelmed
Frequent forgetfulness or mistakes
What are some boundaries that should be established to prevent burnout?
Set clear work-life boundaries (Read our blog “3 Ways to Achieve Work-Life Balance”)
Learn to say “no”
Prioritize downtime and self-care (Check out our blog “The 8 Forms of Self-Care and How You Can Practice Them”)
Set emotional boundaries (e.g., protecting yourself from taking on the negativity or stress of those around you)
Delegate tasks when possible
Establish digital boundaries (e.g., set limits on screen time, notifications, and digital availability)
Manage expectations
Build a support network
Know when to ask for help from a licensed therapist
For more information on boundaries, our blog “6 Ways to Set Boundaries and Enforce Them” is a must-read.
According to data from The Society for Human Resource Management, roughly 44% of United States employees feel burnt out at work. It is no wonder why the topic of burnout is popular for organizations looking to retain top talent. Burnout is also applicable in school settings looking to support staff and student well-being.
5. Coping with change and uncertainty
In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to adapt to change is more important than ever. We offer guidance on navigating periods of uncertainty, whether it’s a workplace restructuring, a global pandemic, or personal life transitions. These talks help participants develop a growth mindset and embrace change as an opportunity for growth instead of something to be fearful of.
When things change, people’s mental and emotional health can be impacted for many reasons. Even if the change is inherently positive, it can induce stress and a high level of uncertainty.
Why can mental and emotional health be impacted by change?
Loss of stability and predictability
Increased stress and pressure
Fear of failure or not measuring up
Loss of control (Read our blog “Why Do I Have Control Issues?”)
Social and relational changes
Grieving what was lost
Cognitive overload
Identity and self worth (Check out our blog “Do You Understand Your Self-Esteem?”)
Uncertainty about the future
Lack of healthy coping skills
6. Tailored Topics for Specialized Needs
Beyond our core topics, we also offer customized sessions to address specific challenges. For example, businesses may request talks on diversity and inclusion in mental health or leadership-focused mental well-being strategies. Schools often ask for sessions on exam stress, peer pressure, or building confidence. We collaborate with businesses and schools to ensure our discussions align with their unique goals and challenges.
Who are the speakers, and what are their qualifications?
Our team of speakers consists of licensed psychotherapists, each with extensive training and experience in various aspects of mental health and well-being. They bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked in diverse therapeutic settings.
Our psychotherapists have experience working with:
Some of our speciality areas include:
Our psychotherapists hold advanced degrees in counseling and social work, and many have specializations in career counseling and school counseling. They also regularly attend professional development seminars to stay up to date on the latest therapeutic practices and mental health research.
Here are our team’s professional accomplishments and publications:
Kayla Murphy, LPC, LMHC presented at the following conferences:
NAEYC conference in Washington, D.C. in 2022 on research in regards to school readiness
NAEYC conference in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023 on research in regards to teacher and administrator soft expulsion practice in NJ
NASP conference in New Orleans in February 2024 on research in regards to child study team soft expulsion practices in NJ
Zero to Three Conference in Long Beach, CA in 2024 on research regarding interprofessional teams working with marginalized children and their families
Kayla Murphy, LPC, LMHC was published in the following:
Children and Youth Services Review for her research on, “Soft expulsion: A solution when there are no other options?”
Early Childhood Education Journal for her research on, “Pre-K and kindergarten teacher perception of school readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
School Mental Health journal for her research on, “Soft Expulsion: What happens when school based supports aren't enough?”
Sabrina Barrett, LAC presented at the following conference:
Los Angeles County Psychological Association Conference in 2022 about, “The efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for the treatment of eating disorders.”
Sabrina Barrett, LAC was published in the following:
Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care for her research on, “Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: A Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Priority.”
Courtney Glashow, LCSW was published in the following:
Behavioral Health News for, “Integrating Mental Health Services in a Primary Care Setting for Veterans”
Hoboken Girl for, “A Psychotherapist Shares How To Feel In Control When The World Seems Scary”
New Jersey Bride for, “Happily Ever After, And Stressed!”
The following are some community initiatives that Anchor Therapy has engaged in:
Hoboken Art & Music Festival
Presentation at Saint Peter’s University STEM Center
Hoboken Girl Wellness Crawl
Hoboken Special Needs Parents Group Support & Resource Fair
Presentation at PFLAG Jersey City
Presentation at Lean in Network Hoboken
Jersey City Families Back to School Picnic
Steven Institute of Technology Strive to Thrive Event
Presentation at Jersey City Mamas
Hoboken Charter School Anti-Bullying Parent Talk
Grief support for students, teachers, and parents at a local school following a student’s passing
Wellness talk for employees of a major media corporation
In addition to their clinical expertise and community engagement, our team members are passionate about spreading mental health awareness and promoting emotional well-being in business and educational environments. With a deep commitment to supporting others, our psychotherapists are equipped to guide organizations, schools, and individuals in navigating challenges and boosting overall mental health.
How long are the talks or sessions?
We understand that different organizations and schools have unique needs, so we offer customizable sessions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a brief one-hour session to address a particular topic or a comprehensive workshop lasting several hours, we can adjust the length and format of the talks to suit your schedule and objectives. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and strategies in a way that fits seamlessly into your environment, ensuring maximum engagement from your employees and/or students and impact.
Before finalizing a talk, you will have a video or phone call first with the speaker to discuss the professional or academic talk, and exactly what you are looking for. To reach out, complete the Contact Form on our website. From there, one of our Intake Coordinators will get back to you within 24 hours to start the process!
Are these talks more educational, interactive, or a mix of both?
Our talks are always designed to be educational at their core. We focus on providing valuable information, research-backed insights, and practical strategies to support your mental health, emotional well-being, and personal growth. Whether we are discussing stress management techniques, emotional management strategies, or general mental health awareness, our goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge they need to make positive changes in their personal and professional lives! These educational sessions are crafted to be engaging and thought-provoking, ensuring that the material is both informative and relevant to the audience.
With that being said, we can make our talks interactive based on your specific needs and preferences. While education is the foundation, we recognize that people often absorb information more effectively when they can practice it.
What are the benefits of educational and interactive talks?
Enhanced knowledge retention
Community focused
Practical application
Increased engagement
Better problem-solving
Encouraged personal reflection
A more enjoyable learning experience
Customization for different learning styles
For example, if one of our mindfulness counselors is leading a workshop, they may invite the group to participate in a mindfulness exercise so that everyone can experience the benefits firsthand. Similarly, we can incorporate group discussions, Q&A sessions, or even role-playing scenarios to make the content more dynamic and practical. This flexibility ensures that each talk is tailored to best meet the learning style and goals of your group which ultimately allows for a more impactful experience.
At Anchor Therapy, we are committed to empowering individuals, schools, and businesses with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to prioritize mental health and well-being. Whether you are seeking educational talks, professional workshops, or tailored sessions to address specific needs, our team of experienced, licensed psychotherapists and counselors are here to guide and support you every step of the way!
Victoria Scala
is the Social Media Manager, Intake Coordinator, and Community Engagement Director at Anchor Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Honors College of Rutgers University-Newark and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the graduate level. In her roles, Victoria is committed to managing the office’s social media/community presence and prioritizing clients' needs.
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