Understand the science of stress
Build a clearer picture of how stress affects mental, emotional, and physical functioning.
Explore the science of stress, debunk common myths, and learn how stress affects the brain and body.
About this Talk
Whether acute or chronic, minor or major, experiencing stress is universal and part of our everyday lives. Yet, stress is often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular media. Stress can be both helpful and harmful, with long-term chronic stress taking a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. However, the first step to managing our stress is understanding it.
In this session, Dr. Ellen Jopling debunks common myths and misconceptions about stress, reviewing how our bodies respond and how to identify common symptoms. Attendees will learn to recognize their own risk and resilience factors, laying the foundation for effectively handling everyday pressures in a healthy, sustainable manner.
This talk serves as a launchpad for Dr. Jopling’s second talk on stress, Taking Control with Evidence-Based Strategies, which delves deeper into stress management tools.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Attendees leave with practical, evidence-based skills they can apply immediately.
Build a clearer picture of how stress affects mental, emotional, and physical functioning.
Identify common stress responses and the factors that increase vulnerability or resilience.
Learn why many popular beliefs about stress are incomplete or misleading.
Leave with a stronger foundation for approaching stress more intentionally and effectively.
SESSION BREAKDOWN
The session begins with a science-based overview of stress, including what it does in the brain and body and why it is often misunderstood.
Participants explore common stress responses and the personal and environmental factors that shape how stress is experienced.
This section connects stress awareness to healthier coping by helping attendees better understand their own patterns, needs, and strengths.
Your Speaker
Ph.D.
Dr. Ellen Jopling is a researcher, clinician, and speaker who specializes in stress, mental health, and the biological impact of adversity on well-being. With clinical training at UBC and Harvard Medical School, she brings cutting-edge science to organizations in a way that is clear, relevant, and actionable.
Dr. Jopling completed her Master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia and her residency at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, where her work continues to explore how stress affects both mental health and biological functioning. Dr. Jopling has authored 30 scientific articles and book chapters, is an active member of numerous psychological associations, and serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for more than 20 peer-reviewed journals. Her scholarship has been recognized with some of Canada’s highest academic honours, including the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, and the UBC Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. She is also deeply committed to making research meaningful outside academic settings. Dr. Jopling has delivered more than 50 presentations at leading conferences in Canada and internationally, along with talks for non-profit organizations, mental health networks, student associations, parent groups, and community organizations. In her spare time, she can often be found trail running, exploring local mountains with her rescue pup Piper, or trying a new coffee shop with her husband.
KEEP EXPLORING
Let’s discuss your needs and find the perfect fit to bring wellness to your team.
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