All Art Opening Minds Classes are designed to be approachable, even if it’s your first time facilitating. But choosing the right type of Class for your comfort and experience level can make a big difference. Here’s a breakdown of the three Class Types, with pros and considerations for each, to help you decide where to start.
Mental Health Training Classes
These Classes are more informational in nature. They help Participants understand mental health concepts and build vocabulary around symptoms, stigma, and help-seeking.
Best for first-time Instructors who feel most comfortable facilitating structured, knowledge-based content
Pros:
- Less emotionally intense than other Class Types
- A great fit for academic or structured environments
- Easier to stay grounded while leading—less unpredictability in responses
Things to consider:
- You'll want to be prepared to answer questions or point Participants toward additional resources
- These Classes invite reflection, but may feel less personal
Supporting Our Own Mental Health Classes
These Classes guide Participants in reflecting on their own mental health experiences and developing personal wellness strategies.
Best for Instructors who are comfortable holding space for gentle self-reflection, and who want to help Participants walk away with personal insights
Pros:
- Often very meaningful and personal for Participants
- Helps build self-awareness and real-life coping tools
- Reflection questions are straightforward and supportive
Things to consider:
- Responses can get personal—be ready to gently redirect if someone over-discloses
- It helps to feel grounded yourself before leading one of these Classes
Building Empathy for Others Classes
These Classes are designed to help Participants connect with the lived experiences of others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Best for Instructors who are ready to hold emotional complexity, or who are co-facilitating with someone experienced in leading conversations about identity and empathy
Pros:
- Deeply powerful and perspective-shifting for many groups
- Sparks rich discussion and emotional engagement
- Promotes inclusivity, understanding, and connection
Things to consider:
- These Classes often explore identity, trauma, or injustice—be ready for complex conversations
- It helps to have experience (or support) around facilitating dialogue across difference
Tips & Notes
- You can preview any Class before you choose—watch the films, review the slides, and decide what fits your facilitation style
- All Class Types include discussion prompts, a suggested script, and optional slides to support you
- There’s no “wrong” place to start—choose what feels right for you and your group
