Workshops
The Belonging Lab’s workshop series equips individuals and organizations with the tools to respond to the youth mental health crisis through education, community-building, and action. These workshops are rooted in lived experience, intersectional understanding, and the belief that suicide prevention must happen long before someone reaches a breaking point.
With a trauma-informed lens and a focus on early intervention, we train participants to become mental health allies, reduce stigma, and cultivate environments where people feel seen, supported, safe, and that they belong.
Build awareness of the systemic, social, and cultural drivers of mental distress.
Teach non-clinical intervention tools like reflective listening, crisis de-escalation, and empathetic boundaries.
Demystify suicide prevention, encouraging direct but compassionate conversations and proactive connection.
Foster a culture of community care, where belonging, presence, and peer support are prioritized.
Reduce preventable loss by turning ordinary people into everyday protectors.
Program Goals
Mental Health Allyship Workshop
Duration: 2 hours
Audience: Community members, students, educators, and anyone ready to support others
Description:
Being there for someone in a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This workshop teaches you how to show up with confidence, compassion, and care.
Through discussion, scenario-based learning, and expressive art activities, you'll gain practical skills to support someone in distress—without trying to “fix” them.
Key Takeaways:
What to say and not say to someone struggling
How to recognize early warning signs of mental health crises
De-escalation and holding space for big emotions
Using art as a bridge to connection and communication
Self-care boundaries while helping others
Art-based activities invite participants to process what allyship looks like in their own lives, making it personal and lasting. No experience needed.
Suicide Prevention Workshop
Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Audience: Adults and youth ages 16+
Description:
This workshop breaks the silence around suicide by offering evidence-based strategies for prevention, early identification, and compassionate response. Participants will explore root causes like isolation and stigma, practice what to say (and what not to say), and leave with the confidence to act if someone they know is struggling.
Key Takeaways:
Myths vs. facts about suicide
Warning signs and risk factors
How to ask directly and safely
Safety planning basics
Postvention and healing after loss
Art Based Community healing
We approach this sensitive topic with care, honoring lived experience and creating space for open conversation.
Creative expression helps participants process heavy topics and walk away with a renewed sense of hope and clarity.
Parenting for Mental Health Workshop
Duration: 2 hours
Audience: Parents, caregivers, and guardians of youth and teens
Description:
Raising emotionally healthy kids starts with connection. This workshop helps parents and caregivers understand the emotional world of youth today—especially in the face of anxiety, depression, and social disconnection.
Through a blend of research-based tools and interactive art activities, participants explore their own parenting style, practice supportive communication strategies, and reflect on how to create emotionally safe environments for their children.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding youth mental health and Gen Z stressors
How to respond with empathy instead of fear or judgment
Creative, low-pressure ways to connect through art
Practical tools for emotional regulation and communication
What to do when your child is struggling, shutting down, or acting out
Bonus: No art experience required—just curiosity and an open heart. Art-based reflection helps shift conversations from reactive to relational.
Why it matters
Loneliness, disconnection, and silence are driving forces behind rising rates of suicide and depression. We believe prevention starts with human connection and community education. By training everyday people to act with knowledge and care, we create networks of belonging—one relationship at a time
Pricing & Access
We believe suicide prevention and mental health education should be accessible to all. That’s why we offer a sliding scale for individuals and community groups, and custom pricing for schools, nonprofits, and workplaces based on size and budget.
Single Workshop:
Small Group (1–10 participants): $735
Mid-Size Group (11–25 participants): $985
Large Group (26+ participants): $1,535
Includes:
Up to 2.5 hours of facilitation for up to 25 participants
All art supplies and printed materials
Two trained facilitators
Pre-session consultation
Travel within San Diego County
Custom Workshop/ Organizational Training: Inquire for quote
We’ll co-design a training series based on your goals—whether for educators, parent groups, peer leaders, or workplaces.
Discounts & Needs Based Options
Free for Stay Café Members (for Allyship workshop)
Scholarships available for students, educators, and low-income community members
Grant-funded workshops provided at no cost in underserved areas
If cost is a barrier, we’ll work with you.
How to Book
Interested in hosting a workshop?
Email: thebelonginglab@gmail.com
Include:
– Your name & org/business
– Workshop(s) you want
– Group size & preferred dates
We’ll get back to you within 2 business days.
