Free virtual mental health sessions offered in wake of Oxford tragedy

To help ease the pain and stress of the Oxford shooting tragedy, the Pontiac Regional Chamber and Mindfulness Institute of Michigan are offering free virtual mental health sessions.

The next session, titled “Chaos to Coherence — Greater Ease,” will take place on Zoom from 4-5 p.m. Dec. 17. Speakers will include Damany Head, chairman and president of the Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce; Deborah Rozman, CEO of HeartMath Inc.; Judith A. Cox, CEO of Mindfulness Institute of Michigan; and Dr. Jill Griffin, education consultant with the Michigan Department of Education.

Organizers say the Oxford tragedy has affected nearly 300 students from Pontiac that attend Oxford Community Schools.

A team of professionals will “lead participants into a loving heart space to support their nervous system to drop down into a more relaxed state of ease,” using a combination of science-based technique, coherence technology and learning programs.

Sessions are targeted for those experiencing a state of high alert, high stress, high anxiety or depression, feeling numb or a sense of heaviness.

“We understand many in the community are dealing with the heaviness of coping with the awful tragedy that took place in Oxford High School,” Head said. “Supporting students, teachers, counselors, parents, first-responders and community members; ensuring open communication has always been important. But with the stress, fear and anxiety brought on by the incident, these things have become crucial.

“Through these sessions we aim to provide uplift and care to people in need of support and tools that can help lower their stress levels.”