Health services to present Cohen workshop, Feb. 19
Award-winning author and speaker Marissa Cohen will present a Healthy Relationship workshop, Feb. 19, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center Ballroom A.
The event is hosted by the Student Health Center, Health Education, Student Conduct and Care Services, and the Title IX Office.
The interactive workshop will include activities and prizes.
“Our job is to brainstorm and recognize what issues resonate most with college students,” Jayna Bonnette, assistant director of health education services, said.
Cohen is the founder of the Healing From Emotional Abuse philosophy, and the author of the “Breaking Through the Silence” series. According to her website, Cohen’s mission is to empower all survivors of sexual abuse, narcissism, emotional abuse and domestic violence to release their trauma, build resilience and rebuild their lives, so they can feel complete, happy, and confident.
Bonnette said the workshop will provide Lamar University students with external resources and tools they can apply to their lives.
Sarah Chavez, health education program coordinator, said with Valentine’s Day coming up, and April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the workshop is particularly timely.
“Marissa Cohen is helping students identify healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, notice if something is toxic, and give them tools to help rebuild relationships,” Chavez said.
Bonnette said the workshop is not limited to toxic relationships.
“I think that anyone should attend, even if you’re in a really great relationship,” Bonnette said. “This doesn’t always have to apply just to romantic relationships either. Any relationship, any family friend, acquaintance, anything like that — it’s always good to have those tools to recognize what a healthy and unhealthy relationship is.”
Support resources will also be available beyond the workshop.
“We are also going to have some of our Student Health Center counselors on standby in rooms behind the ballroom,” Bonnette said. “Outside of the event, we will also have some of our resources tabling there as well.”
The presentation will not require attendees to share personal experiences, Chavez said.
“You’re not expected to give a life story or anything like that,” she said. “It’s very low stress.”
The workshop will offer a new perspective on information already provided to students, Bonnette said.
“Especially as college students, y’all are navigating so many things,” Bonnette said. “We wanted to offer something different that is impactful.”
Bonnette said students should feel free to participate in whatever way they feel comfortable.
“If you ever feel uncomfortable, you do not have to stay,” she said. “We understand this could be triggering. If you need to step out, that is absolutely OK. We hope to have more events like this in the future, so if now is not the right time, that’s OK. We’d love to have you.
“Healthy relationships don’t just stop at Valentine’s Day.”
For more on Cohen, visit marissafayecohen.com.