Welcome to the Astronomy for Mental Health Facilitator Course

This course introduces astronomy not only as a science but as a resource for personal exploration, reflection, and growth. It is designed for facilitators of wellness programs, mental health practitioners, astronomy outreach professionals, science communicators, and educators.

Scope of Practice & Clinical Boundaries

This course provides tools to integrate astronomy-based practices into non-clinical settings that support well-being.

• Education, Not Therapy: The focus is on mental health promotion rather than psychotherapy.

• Clear Boundaries: The curriculum avoids diagnosis, treatment, or therapy-style disclosure.

• Participant Safety: Reflections are optional and present-focused; participants are never asked to share personal histories.

• Professional Limitations: Only trained and licensed mental health professionals may adapt elements for therapeutic use within their specific scope of practice and local regulations.

Accessibility & Cultural Adaptability

We believe the stars belong to everyone. To ensure you feel prepared to lead in your specific community:

• Equipment: You do not need expensive technology to facilitate these sessions. While we discuss tools like telescopes and mobile apps, the core activities are designed for naked-eye stargazing and can be implemented with zero equipment.

• Cultural Context: This framework is built to be culturally relatable. We encourage you to weave in local star lore, indigenous knowledge, and ancient storytelling to make the sessions resonate with your community’s unique heritage.

What You Will Learn

Across five modules, you will move from theory to practice:

1. The Cosmic Perspective: Explore how astronomy fosters awe, mindfulness, and connectedness.

2. Mental Health Foundations: Learn key concepts of mental health and the need for accessible approaches.

3. Safeguarding & Ethics: Understand risks with simple frameworks to keep activities safe and inclusive.

4. Activity Design: Gain step-by-step guidance to design, deliver, and adapt your own well-being activities.

5. Impact & Growth: Explore light-touch monitoring and evaluation to demonstrate your project's impact.

The Learning Experience

To support your journey, this course includes:

• Practical Resources: Facilitator guides, templates, and case studies.

• Active Engagement: Reflection prompts and optional peer discussions.

• Community: An invitation to join the OAD Discord to connect with global practitioners.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to safely use the wonders of the universe as a pathway to support well-being in your community.

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