Full course description
We all want to build emotionally safe and healthy connections in the relationships we keep; we want to feel seen and heard for who we really are. In this 3-part series, you will explore ways to improve the quality of your relationships with others, and perhaps most importantly, with yourself. These three workshops will focus on two interconnected concepts: validation and self-trust. Psychotherapist, Meghan Watson, will deliver the series through a combination of lecture style and experiential reflection, offering psychoeducational material and opportunities for you to reflect on the material.
1. Validation in relationships
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 11 am–12 pm PST
- What is validation and why is it important?
- Barriers to validation in relationships.
- Learning the skills to validate others.
- Building validation into everyday life.
Session 1 begins our journey with validation in relationships, where we explore what validation truly is and why it’s so important for our relationships. Together, we will explore common barriers to successfully validating and understanding others and equip you with practical skills and tools to incorporate validation into your daily communication, connections, and experiences.
2. Practicing self-validation
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 11 am–12 pm PST
- What self-validation is and what it isn’t.
- Challenges with validating ourselves.
- The key tools to validate your experiences.
- Rituals and practices for healing from invalidation.
In the second session of this 3-part workshop series, we are building on the knowledge of session 1 (validating others) and focusing on validating ourselves. By exploring the value of self-validation as a tool, we will discuss and learn how to apply that tool to connect with your core self, honour emotional and tangible needs, and ground yourself with integrity, intention, and purpose.
We will explore what self-validation is and when to apply it, as well as identify common blocks that get in the way. Participants will leave with practical tools and tips to support building a validation practice that works for them and learn strategies to begin healing from experiences of invalidation in their everyday lives.
3. Building self-trust
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 11 am–12 pm PST
- Defining self-trust and the importance of trusting yourself
- The traps of self-trust and confidence-building.
- Exploring your history of trust
- Healing trust issues and moving forward.
In the third and final session of the workshop series, we will explore how self-trust relates to, and supports, practices of validation. When we trust ourselves, we can learn effectively from both our successes and our failures, while reflecting on experiences without added shame or self-criticism.
In this workshop, we will explore what self-trust is and how it influences our interactions, while also identifying the barriers to building self-trust and confidence. You will be guided through ways to explore your own history of trust and distrust and gain tools to heal and repair personal trust within.
Location: Zoom. (Once you’ve registered, you will be directed to the course Canvas page where you can find the Zoom link.)
Audience: All faculty and staff at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan.
Important Notes for this three-part series:
- We hope to see you at all three sessions, as each session builds off each other. However, if you can only attend one session you are still welcome to enrol; you will get a lot of value from attending a single session.
- Participation will be via Zoom chat. There will not be breakout rooms.
- The session will be recorded and the slides will be shared.
- Closed captioning can be enabled.
About Your Facilitator:
Meghan Watson (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist, clinical director and wellness consultant with over 10 years of experience in research and mental health. Meghan is also the founder and owner of Toronto-based therapy clinic Bloom Psychology and Wellness. Meghan earned her graduate degree from Boston University School of Medicine and specializes in working with individuals and couples struggling with understanding complex emotions, navigating body image and disordered eating, managing burnout and stress, and establishing healthy relationships.
Dedicated to mental health awareness and advocacy, Meghan provides clinical insight, expert guidance and support to organizations and companies worldwide through her writing, speaking, consulting and clinical work from a mindful and growth-focused perspective.
If you have any questions, please email Lauren Lee at lauren.lee@ubc.ca.
Keywords: VRPTGY, ONCS, VRRNSE, ORLS, OE, WG, WGIS, INSWE