Foundation training is your first stop at the Academy.

Mental wellness is not just the absence of mental illness, but the attainment of happiness and wellbeing. To create positive change in your mental world—to enhance your mental wellness—you need to start by looking within—tuning into your body, your breath, your mind—getting your inside right. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place. This is a journey of change inside-out via the practice of holistic self-care—a journey in self-discovery, healing and transformation. The journey in mental wellness begins with you, the moment you decide to take ownership / responsibility of your own wellbeing. The Foundation modules will help you get started on this journey.

Program Outline (Sessions / Topics)

Duration: 3 hours

OTR Orientation

Over-The-Rainbow (OTR) is the mental wellness initiative of the WholeTree Limited, the family charity of Yen-Lu & Yee Ling Chow founded in loving memory of their dear son and only child who ended his own life at the age of 26 after suffering for many years from manic depression. 

OTR is a one-stop hub for youth mental wellness, and a pioneer and trailblazer in the youth mental health space. Join us to learn more about the genesis, our mission and strategy to transform mental wellness for the 21st century - bringing mental wellness to all corners of the society while leading movement in wellbeing.

Duration: 30 minutes

Mental Health 101

Mental health is an integral part of our health. While various factors in our day to day life and/or life crisis can cause poor mental health, there are also predispositions, genes, and trauma that causes mental health issues/ illnesses. Key topics covered include:

• Common Causes and Types of Mental Health Issues among Youth
• Facts and Myths
• Signs and symptoms of the common Mental Health issues
• What to do to support

Duration: 60 minutes

Self-Care 101

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed.

Mental wellness is not just the absence of mental illness, but the attainment of happiness and well-being. To enhance your mental well-being, you need to start by looking within; tuning into your body, your breath and your mind, to get your inside right. This is a journey in holistic self-care. Key topics covered include:

• Our Beautiful Mind – Our Troubled Mind
• Self-Care: How Full is Your Cup?
• Discovering Your 3 Best Friends
• Tending to Your Mind
• Dealing with Triggers
• Uncovering Your Values
• Listening to Your Heart
• Finding Inner Joy & Happiness 

Duration: 90 minutes

Human relationships are fundamentally about communication and connection. The purpose of communication is to create a common understanding through sharing and to coordinate actions. It involves good listening skills, questioning skills, and creating skillful conversations.  

This one-day highly integrative and intensive coaching program is for anyone who is serious about embarking on the journey of a  Wellbeing Champion . This program comes with a  Certificate of Participation  upon satisfactory completion.

Program Outline (Sessions / Topics)

Duration: One Day (8 hours, including breaks)

Section 1: Foundations of Empathic Communication

• The Human Need to be Heard
• Effective Communication Skills
• Identifying Feelings and Needs 
• Understanding Non-Verbal Communication
• Cultural Awareness in Communication
• Self-awareness in Communication

Section 2: Active Listening & Questioning

• How Listening Helps
• The Art of Deep Listening
• Asking Learning Questions
• Barriers to Effective Listening
• Managing Emotional Triggers
• Mindfulness in Communication
• Non-violent communication basics
• Empathy vs. Sympathy: Understanding the Difference

Section 3: Building Connection & Practice

• Skillful Conversations
• Building Trust through P.A.R.T.
• Activity: Role-Playing and Skills Practice
• Giving and Receiving Feedback
• Conflict Resolution Basics
• Adapting Communication Styles to Different Situations
• Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

The Science of Wellbeing Fundamentals is an engaging one-day course introducing participants to the key concepts and scientific research behind wellbeing. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance personal wellbeing or integrate wellbeing principles into their professional practice, this course blends theory with hands-on application.

Participants will explore the foundations of wellbeing through the lens of positive psychology, focusing on both research and real-world strategies. Key topics include the PERMA model—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—five essential elements that drive personal flourishing and optimal functioning.

Throughout the course, attendees will engage in interactive sessions featuring mindfulness exercises, goal-setting workshops, and relationship-building activities. By applying evidence-based strategies, participants will gain practical tools to enhance daily life, improve overall life satisfaction, and cultivate a more meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling existence.

This highly interactive and intensive one-day programme is designed for those committed to becoming Wellbeing Champions—leaders in fostering wellbeing for themselves and others. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Program Outline (Sessions / Topics)

Duration: One Day (8 hours, including breaks)

Session 1: Understanding Wellbeing

- Definition and components of wellbeing

- Introduction of wellbeing model 

- Identifying individual wellbeing levels 

- Align actions with individual wellbeing objectives 

Session 2: Positive Emotions 

- Emotions are data 

- The role of positive emotions in elevating wellbeing 

- Positive Psychology interventions to cultivate positive emotions 

Session 3: Engagement 

-Understanding “flow” and its benefits

-Identifying opportunities to experience flow

-Overcoming obstacles to achieving flow

Session 4: Relationships 

- Role relationships in wellbeing 

- Strategies for nurturing and maintaining healthy relationships

- Recognising and leveraging support systems

Session 5: Meaning 

- Defining meaning and wellbeing 

- Sources of meaning in life

- Strategies for creating more meaning in in daily life

Session 6: Accomplishment & Health

- Wellbeing beyond physical health

- Goal setting for sustainable success

- Creating lasting behaviour change

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

- Overview and integration of individual wellbeing plan

- Course evaluation and feedback collection