Mental Health Seminar: Mindfulness Through Art and Contemplative Practice
This was the first seminar in the Fall 2025 Mental Health Seminar series.
Explore the connection between creativity and wellbeing with Dr. Cheryl Woods Giscombé. Participants discovered how art can be used as an embodied, mindful practice to facilitate reflection and presence. The session blended research-backed insights with hands-on approaches designed to boost focus, manage stress, and restore energy. Dr. Giscombé also highlighted how art and contemplative practices are being integrated into healthcare, education, and community settings using culturally relevant approaches. Participants left with strategies for themselves and their communities, as well as resources for continued practice.
A LeVine Family Distinguished Professor of Quality of Life, Health Promotion, and Wellness as well as a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Giscombé is nationally recognized for her research and leadership in stress management, mindfulness, and culturally relevant health interventions. She completed a BA in psychology from North Carolina Central University and a BSN from Stony Brook University in New York. She earned MA and PhD degrees in social and health psychology from Stony Brook University, as well as an MSN and post-doc from UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Giscombé has developed innovative approaches to integrating contemplative practices—such as mindfulness and art-based reflection—into healthcare, education, and community settings. Through her scholarship and practice, she empowers individuals and organizations to foster resilience, wellbeing, and holistic health.
The Mental Health Seminar series offers students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff insight into the research and practice of mental health. They create a space for learning, reflection and discussion. The overall goal of the seminars is to empower campus community members to help influence the culture of mental health and well-being.
