In recognition of the importance of the mental wellness of its clients, its own personnel and their families especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gowling WLG has launched a new series of webinars tailored to help registrants function at their very best as they cope with unimaginable challenges.
On May 8th, Gowling WLG held a webinar for clients called "Mental Health in an Age of Dramatic Change and Uncertainty." The webinar featured Dr. Jennifer Laffier, an experienced psychotherapist and the firm's mental health first aid trainer, and Michael Herman, general counsel at Gowling WLG. More than 850 people registered for this webinar, a clear indication of the topic's importance to our clients.
"We decided to host this webinar for our clients because we realize that, as important as mental health issues were to them and their workforces before the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues will be much more prevalent in the weeks and months ahead as we grapple with the dramatic changes and uncertainties for which none of us was prepared," said Herman.
The firm also scheduled a four part series of webinars for its personnel and their family members called "Mental wellness in times of change." This series covers a range of practical and relatable mental health topics – including:
- How to recognize the signs of problematic stress, anxiety and depression in ourselves and family members, colleagues or friends
- Practical steps we can take to manage mental health issues
- Ways in which we can support others while taking care of ourselves
- How to maintain and enhance our productivity and motivation in these difficult times
Herman noted: "Our internal webinars afford our people the opportunity to better understand the emotional turmoil they and their family members are feeling and to provide practical ways to enhance mental well-being and resilience."
These programs are just the latest initiative of Gowling WLG's comprehensive mental health strategy, launched in 2018 with a view to enshrining the firm's longstanding commitment to mental health and wellness in a single coordinated program.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Jennifer Laffier is a licensed therapist, assistant professor and director of mental health in the Digital Age Lab at Ontario Tech University. Her research examines the areas of mental health, trauma and resiliency. Her lab focuses on how technology is impacting our mental health and ways we can improve our mental health in the digital age.
With more than 35 years of experience, Michael Herman is Gowling WLG's general counsel and is a highly regarded strategic adviser to a broad range of clients, with a particular focus on entrepreneurial, privately held companies, mid-market private equity funds and investment institutions. He is also a strong advocate for mental health in the legal community. Through his ongoing work to raise awareness and eliminate stigma, he hopes to make it easier for anyone experiencing mental illness to come forward and seek help without fear of judgment
ABOUT GOWLING WLG
With more than 1,500 legal professionals in 19 cities worldwide, Gowling WLG provides clients with in-depth expertise in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.