Presented by Take This' Lead Workshop Consultant, Brian Kunde, LCSW

Often, the best way to cope with stress in our lives is to make a change: new behaviors, new environments, new routines, and new problem solving approaches to reduce the stressor's impact. But what do we do when the source of our stress is out of our direct control, such as hunting for a new job in games or being unable to leave the one we're in due to instability in the industry? How do we cope effectively when we can't quickly change the structural sources of our stress?

Join Brian Kunde, LCSW, for a workshop exploring the neurology behind stress and how that can help us identify effective ways to cope when we can't directly control the source. We'll learn what a stress loop is in our brains, what it's trying to achieve, and healthy strategies for closing it. As part of the workshop, attendees will build a toolkit of coping skills tailored to their specific situation and stressors.

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 only pay what you're able to!

Brian Kunde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist in Austin, TX with over 15 years of experience in mental healthcare, youth services, and games advocacy. Passionate about building more inclusive workplaces, narratives, and communities in games, Brian's work at Take This focuses on providing education and policy guidance to game studios working towards these same goals. Brian previously worked with GaymerX, where he helped manage their event volunteer program and directed their consulting services for game developers. As part of his time at GaymerX, Brian provided technical consultation for Dead By Daylight and Saints Row (2022). In addition to his role with Take This, Brian works in private practice where he specializes in work with anxiety, ADHD, young adults, LGBTQIA+ issues and geeks/gamers.

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.

Closing The Loop: Coping With Structural Stress

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