As part of the project "Intercultural Bridge in Sustainability: From Awareness to Action," supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the UNIDES program, a nature-integrated “Somatic Therapy Workshop” was held in Bolu Yedigöller. Organized in collaboration with Üsküdar University’s Department of Health, Culture, and Sports (HCS), Young Minds Academy (GBA), UNIDES, and the Sustainable Development Club, the event aimed to raise young people's awareness on key concepts such as sustainability, connection with nature, and intercultural understanding. The “Somatic Therapy Workshop,” which embraced the healing power of nature, was conducted under the guidance of Psychologist Sinem Arslan.
The workshop provided therapeutic gains for young people in terms of recognizing the body-mind connection, developing emotional regulation skills, and accessing their internal resources.
Stood out as an innovative model
Brought to life with the financial support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the academic contributions of Üsküdar University, and the dedicated efforts of civil society partners working with youth in the field, the event emerged as a successful example of university-NGO-government collaboration. It stood out as an innovative model centered on the multidimensional development of young individuals.
Awareness was raised on 'The Value of Youth Project Development'
Under the guidance of academic project advisors, Asst. Prof.Nebiye Yaşar, advisor of the Sustainable Development Club, raised awareness among participating youth on “The Value of Youth Project Development.”
Asst. Prof.Ayhan Özşahin, Head of the Department of Family Medicine at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, spoke about “The Positive Effects of Outdoor Activities on Human Health.”
Dr. Gülcan Ayral, Director of International Student Affairs at Üsküdar University, emphasized the importance of sustainability.
Aligned with sustainable psychological resilience strategies…
The workshop was structured based on a scientific approach that emphasized the impact of somatic awareness on strengthening psychological resilience. The model was developed with particular consideration of young people’s increased stress levels and disconnection from nature in the post-pandemic period, aligning with sustainable psychological resilience strategies.
Transformed into a learning experience that reinforces values
The event not only contributed to individual awareness and mental well-being but also transformed into a learning experience that reinforced values such as social peace, building cultural bridges, and responsibility toward nature. The participating youth returned with strong motivation to actively contribute to intercultural dialogue and the production of shared values.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)