Hello & Welcome!
Belmont Behavioral C.C.E.
is a mental health advocacy and public speaking group. Within our services, we provide interactive discussions related to behavioral health advocacy and crisis intervention for all ages and group types!
First, Choose Your Group's Discussion
David's Mental Health Journey - Discussion
“David’s Mental Health Journey” is an interactive discussion that outlines social crises and how David was diagnosed with a mental illness while away from home attending college. In this talk, David explains that it is common for those between adolescence and young adulthood to develop a behavioral illness. David also explains that his story is not an isolated case and that several others have had the same situation happen to them. They were young and had behavioral symptoms develop while they were away from home. They didn’t have the resources or knowledge to know what to do and it eventually ended with them in a state of psychosis attempting self-harm. David uses his experience to raise awareness about these issues. He feels blessed to have overcome his situation and doesn’t want any parents, siblings, friends, or loved ones to lose their child. By informing others about these facts, David hopes it somehow prevents lives from being taken. This discussion is accompanied by one of our collaborative activities on behavioral health. Although candid, this discussion provides a wealth of knowledge about behavioral health and living with a psychiatric illness. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
We ALL Need a Simon - Discussion
“We ALL Need a Simon” is a biblical discussion about behavioral health. Within this talk, David mentions St. Simon the Cyrene and how he was an aid to Jesus Christ from the Bible. David uses this example to show that we ALL need help from time to time and that it is okay to accept that help. David also explains that we are all meant to be helpers too. That we are not only supposed to ask for help but to help those needing assistance also. David points out that this can be hard to do when we don’t understand the person or the issues they are facing. To address this concern and enable others with the knowledge they need, David offers this interactive discussion with the hope of helping others become competent and socially aware. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
Being At-Risk, Then & Now - Discussion
“Being At-Risk, Then & Now” is a collaborative discussion related to behavioral health and at-risk youth. Outside of holding a certification in At-Risk Youth, David has also lived the majority of his own life at risk too. Outside of experiencing poverty and homelessness as a child, David was also diagnosed with a behavioral illness while in college at a young age. That being such, he has lived the majority of his life at risk allowing him lived experience and firsthand knowledge that most lack. David uses his education and experience with these social issues to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and correct misinformation related to behavioral health and the social issues that surround it. David believes that doing such is the best prevention technique available. By educating participants about these issues and their truths, he hopes to save lives. David wants everyone to know that those in between adolescence and young adulthood are most at risk for experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation. David does not want any parent, sibling, friend, or loved one to lose their child because they were unaware of these issues and their statistics. David feels educating others about these truths is the first step towards preventing tragic situations. This discussion, like the others, is accompanied by one of our collaborative activities that allows participants to experience the issues for themselves. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
Surviving the Transition - Discussion
“Surviving the Transition” is a conversation about behavioral health and suicide prevention that is specifically built for teenagers who are still in high school. This discussion is perfect for teaching sensitive subjects like behavioral health and self-harm to groups who are still developing. It explains that those between the ages of adolescence to young adulthood have a higher predisposition to experience a crisis or develop a behavioral illness. It also outlines that in America, over 50% of those diagnosed with a behavioral health condition are within these age ranges. The name of this age range is defined as the “Transitional Age Youth”, hence the name “Surviving the Transition”. Although candid, this discussion presents important topics like behavioral health without being obscene or explicit. It is the perfect discussion to be used with groups that are still in the early stages of development. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
The Wheel of Emotions - Discussion
“The Wheel of Emotions” is an interactive discussion related to behavioral health that is designed specifically for those between the ages of childhood and adolescence. In this activity, groups use a “feelings wheel” to review and discuss the different emotions experienced throughout life. Groups are divided into teams and are then told to portray a different student living in crisis who is trying to make it through their school day. For this activity, each group faces multiple life situations that will either help that person succeed in their day or cause them to fall behind. After each situation is read, teams will each spin their wheel of emotions with whatever feeling landed on being their emotional response to that situation. For each situation encountered, we will also review the emotional response given by each team and try to understand why they responded that way. The goal is to make it through these 10 situations without landing on too many negative emotions. The team with the HIGHEST score and the LEAST amount of negative emotional responses encountered is the winner. Although this activity is informative, the information is not explicit, making it the perfect activity for teens and those still in development. (This discussion comes with its own activity. In-Person Only, No Virtual Options.)
The Ride Along #1 & #2 - Discussion
“The Ride Along #1 and #2” is a discussion related to crisis intervention and public service. In this activity, groups are split into teams of 3 and give each of them a crisis intervention case study to act out. In each team, group members portray a different individual related to the story. They each read these parts as a group acting the situation out 1 scene at a time. After part of the story has been read by each group, I discuss the step of crisis intervention related to that part of the story. I also use these rounds to allow groups the chance to provide an emotional response to the situation. Each group uses a feelings wheel to provide a response after each round. Whatever the dial lands on is the emotion given. We then discuss that emotion and how it relates to the story. We do this process over and over till the story is complete.
For this activity, I provide 2 different case studies as options for the group to experience. They are each separate activities but follow the same curriculum. Although both case studies are not explicit, one of them is more mature than the other.
(This discussion comes with its own activity. In-Person Only, No Virtual Options.)
Understanding Behavioral Health - Discussion
“Understanding Behavioral Health” is an interactive discussion that takes an in-depth look at the common behavioral diagnoses found within society. For this exercise, the activity is broken into 10 rounds allowing a chance to discuss each kind of diagnosis one at a time. This also provides an opportunity to ask questions and review the different symptoms associated with each illness. The group will do this together over and over until each type of behavioral illness has been explained. When this part of the exercise is complete, the group is then divided into two teams to see how much of the information was retained. Although only one team will win, both groups walk away from this exercise with a basic understanding of behavioral science. This activity is the perfect educational tool to understand behavioral health from a clinical and diagnostic point of view. Although the discussion is mature, it is similar to other health videos presented in high school. (This discussion comes with its own activity. In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
The Emojis Game - Discussion
“The Emoji’s Game” is an interactive behavioral health discussion designed specifically for children and adolescents. In this activity, participants are introduced to behavioral health by using emojis to represent the different emotions experienced throughout life. When the exercise starts, each of the participants is given a sheet of paper that has several different emojis on it with words listed at the bottom of the page that match each of the expressions above. Each of these expressions/emotional words is used only once and the goal is to match each of the emojis to the right emotional word. After the group has completed this part of the exercise, we will review each of the emojis one at a time and see how that emotion relates to life. The person or person’s to get the list completely right or closest to being right is the winner and gets a prize. This is the perfect activity to discuss behavioral health with those who are still in development. (This discussion comes with its own activity. In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
Life on the Ward - Discussion
In this exercise, David reads aloud 3 different short stories from his book “Life on the Ward”. In this manuscript, David has collected 40 different short stories that summarize memorable moments from his journey with mental health and being hospitalized. Before arriving at the event, David will present you with a list of the various stories related to his mental health journey. You will choose four of these stories that you think would benefit your group to hear. After that is decided, David will then read these stories to the group and answer any questions that remain. Although this activity can accommodate most groups, some stories are considered mature in nature. That being such, we will always discuss the preferences needed before the activity to ensure that no one is exposed to any unsuitable material. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
Once You've Chosen Your Group Discussion...
Once you have chosen the group discussion that you would like your group to hear, all you need to do next is choose an activity to accompany it. Note. Some discussions come with their own activity. Although the options can vary to accommodate your group's needs, some options work better than others. David will help you make sure your option is the best fit for your group to experience!
Next, Choose an Activity to Accompany It!
The Cultural Competency Experience - Activity
The “Cultural Competency Experience” is an informative activity that addresses social crises like poverty and behavioral health all at the same time. Like other "Poverty Simulations", this exercise teaches a great deal of information in a hands-on format. During this activity, participants “Experience” living in poverty but in a safe environment without bias or judgment. Participants are divided into four groups/families, each with a different pre-existing family situation. They are then given a limited amount of financial means and are told to select a choice from 8 different categories considered essential resources. Participants go from station to station and try to make their choices as a team/family. Families also encounter barriers similar to those faced in real-life situations related to poverty and social issues. They must overcome these issues as a team/family and find a way to ensure every area needed for survival is provided for. At the end of David’s “Experience”, participants walk away with a new perspective on these issues. They can empathize and better understand crises now that they understand the issues themselves. (In-Person Only, No Virtual Options.)
Reality - Activity
“Reality” is a hybrid activity that like our “Cultural Competency Experience” allows participants to experience poverty and living in crisis for themselves. Every day within our communities, we have citizens who struggle to access the basic resources needed for survival. No matter how hard they work or try, their efforts never seem to amount to anything. Although they do everything required of them, they continue to be met with one crisis situation after another. It is no wonder that this portion of our society is struggling. “Reality” highlights these real-life crises and allows participants to portray them individually while in a safe environment without bias or judgment. Like our other activities, “Reality” leaves its participants informed, culturally competent, and socially aware. behavioral health by using emojis to represent the different emotions experienced throughout life. When the exercise starts, each of the participants is given a sheet of paper that has several different emojis on it with words listed at the bottom of the page that match each of the expressions above. Each of these expressions/emotional words is used only once and the goal is to match each of the emojis to the right emotional word. After the group has completed this part of the exercise, we will review each of the emojis one at a time and see how that emotion relates to life. The person or person’s to get the list completely right or closest to being right is the winner and gets a prize. This is the perfect activity to discuss behavioral health with those who are still in development. (This discussion comes with its own activity. In-Person Only, No Virtual Options.)
The Wheel of Emotions - Activity
“The Wheel of Emotions” is a collaborative group activity that pairs up with “The Wheel of Emotions” discussion. This exercise is perfect to help those between childhood and adolescence understand social topics like mental health. In this activity, groups are divided into teams and are told to portray a different high school student living in crisis. They are then given a feelings wheel to help this student navigate their day at school and understand the emotions encountered. Groups use this wheel one at a time while responding to life situations that regularly occur and are difficult to experience. The team whose individual makes it through the day without encountering too many bad emotions is the winner. (In-Person Only, No Virtual Options.)
The Ride Along #1 & #2 - Activity
“The Ride Along #1 and #2” is an interactive team-building exercise that pairs up with “The Ride Along” discussion. In this activity, groups are provided an in-depth look into the work of public service and crisis intervention. In this experience, participants are split into groups of three where they work together as a team to solve a crisis intervention case study. The activity is broken into several rounds to identify and discuss each of the 7 steps of crisis intervention. As groups go through these steps, they use a feelings wheel to provide an emotional response to the crisis which is also discussed. This activity is the perfect tool to understand crisis intervention. It not only builds competency but also exposes the challenges faced by those in public service. This is the perfect activity to teach others about behavioral health, psychosis, and living in crisis. Although the material is mature, it is not explicit and can be suitable for most ages and groups. (This discussion comes with its own activity. In-Person Only, No Virtual Options.)
For this activity, I provide 2 different case studies as options for the group to experience. They are each separate activities but follow the same curriculum. Although both case studies are not explicit, one of them is more mature than the other.
Understanding Behavioral Health - Activity
“Understanding Behavioral Health” provides an in-depth look into the common behavioral diagnoses found within society and how they differ from psychopaths, sociopaths, and narcissists. For this activity, the exercise is broken into 10 rounds. For each round, the operator will present a common behavioral diagnosis that can be encountered throughout daily life. After explaining that diagnosis, the group will then discuss the symptoms associated with that diagnosis and the operator will answer any questions the group has about the condition. We do this as a group over and over allowing us to take a brief look at the common types of behavioral illness. After the rounds have been completed, and the diagnoses have been explained, the room is split into two groups to play a game related to the information to see what was retained. This activity is the perfect behavioral discussion for most groups. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
The Emojis Game - Activity
“The Emoji’s Game” is a collaborative activity specifically designed to teach children and those still in development about behavioral health. In this activity, participants are engaged in a discussion about feelings by using emojis to represent the different emotions experienced throughout life. For the first half of the exercise, participants are given a sheet of paper that has several different emojis on it with words listed at the bottom of the page that match each of the expressions above. The goal is to match each emotional word to the correct emoji facial expression listed on the page. After that part of the exercise is complete, the answer for each of the emojis is provided one at a time, providing an opportunity to discuss that emotion and how it relates to life. This simple exercise is the perfect educational tool to teach behavioral health to children and those still in development. (This discussion comes with its own activity.)
(Note. This activity is versatile and can also be used with adults too. It can help initiate group discussions for those who don’t know how to talk about their emotions. Those who are in public service, or the military can benefit from this exercise as it teaches them how to identify and process their emotions without talking about them. In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
The Crossroads Activity - Activity
“The Crossroads Activity” is an interactive discussion that offers 16 different options for groups to experience. (Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, First Responder/EMT, High School Educator, College Educator, College Student, Leader/Manager, Call Center Worker, Coach, Doctor, Nurse, Social Worker, Retail Worker, Non-Profit Worker, Clergy, and Librarian.) Each of these versions was constructed with the hopes that it would create a platform to reduce the stigmas associated with behavioral health. In this activity, the group acts as a team while they portray a fictional person struggling to survive a month of living in crisis. They then work together as a group to decide the trajectory of this individual’s month, hoping that their decisions enable the person to survive. Although the individual in this activity is made up, the circumstances they face within it are not. Like our other exercises, each of the crises experienced within this exercise has happened to real people. This activity is the perfect tool to highlight behavioral health and how stress can leave anyone in a state of crisis. (This activity provides a data report and overview of the group's mental health. In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
Life on the Ward - Activity
This is considered to be more of a group discussion than an activity. In this exercise, David reads aloud 3 different short stories from his book “Life on the Ward”. In this manuscript, David has collected 40 different short stories that summarize memorable moments from his journey with mental health and being hospitalized. Before arriving at the event, David will present you with a list of the various stories related to his mental health journey. You will choose four of these stories that you think would benefit your group to hear. After that is decided, David will then read these stories to the group and answer any questions that remain. Although this activity can accommodate most groups, some stories are considered mature in nature. That being such, we will always discuss the preferences needed before the activity to ensure that no one is exposed to any unsuitable material. (In-Person and Virtual Options Available.)
Once You've Chosen your Discussion and Activity...
Now that you've chosen your groups activity and discussion, all you have to do next is schedule the event with David and go over the "Experience" details. You can schedule your appointment on this site, and David will contact you to go over the information. Or You can contact David directly using the "Contact Me' button on this site and receive a callback.
"Life on the Ward" - A Collection of Short Stories
"Life on the Ward" - A Collection of Short Stories by David George
I am proud to announce that my book “Life on the Ward” - A Collection of Short Stories, is now available for purchase on Apple Books and the Google Play Store! If you have ever wondered what it is like to be hospitalized for a behavioral illness, then this is the book for you! Throughout this collection, David highlights some of the more memorable moments of being hospitalized for Schizoaffective Disorder. To get a real in-depth look at the mental health system, check out “Life on the Ward” today!
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