Presented by Take This' Accelerate Program Manager, Dr. Sarah Hays.

The job search can take a lot out of you. Between applications, interviews, uncertainty, and everyday stressors, it’s easy for healthy habits to fall by the wayside. Join Dr. Sarah Hays for a practical workshop on creating balance, managing stress, and building habits that support your well-being. You’ll leave with tangible strategies you can put into practice, one small change at a time.

This is a free event with a suggested donation of $10. We welcome your support of Take This, but we also don't want cost to be a barrier, so please pay what you're able.

Sarah Hays (she/her) is a doctor of counseling psychology and licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Her passion for serving the gaming community has been clear since before she started working for Take This in 2018, where she serves as the Accelerate Program Manager - providing revolutionary mentorship to marginalized individuals seeking to bridge their careers between games and mental health. She also delivers live, educational content like workshops, panels, and co-hosts Take This’ Twitch stream. Never satisfied with limiting herself to serving one part of the gaming community, Dr. Hays is an outpatient therapist for the game-based mental health clinic Respec Psychological Services, specializing in working with games industry, ADHD, and LGBTQIA+ populations. She has served as the Director of Programming for Queer Women of Esports, and an advisor for the Games Hotline. Sarah is an editor of the 1st edition of the groundbreaking book A Clinician’s Guide to Geek Therapy, and recently released her first solo-edited book,The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Black Mirror. She has authored a number of other works, including chapters in Video Games and Well-Being, The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Witcher, The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Disney Villains, and The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Stardew Valley.

Take This is a mental health advocacy organization with a focus on the game industry and community. We provide resources, training, and support individuals and companies that help the gaming community improve its mental well-being and resilience. The organization addresses the underlying conditions that can create and perpetuate mental health challenges: stigma, harmful studio culture, harassment and toxicity, lack of diversity and accessibility, and problematic game and community design.

Side Quests: Building Good Habits When You're (Un)Employed

A Take This Talks workshop for game developers impacted by lay offs and instability in the industry.