A supportive conversation about mental health starts October 15
Talking about mental health can be difficult. Misconceptions about therapy, emotional wellness, and seeking support can prevent people from reaching out when they need help. That is why Radiant Recovery & Counseling is hosting a free virtual conversation designed to make mental-health discussions more open, informed, and supportive.
On October 15, 2026, Radiant will host:
Breaking the Stigma: Conversations That Change Lives
The event is part of Radiant’s 2026 Therapy Panel Discussion Series, a collection of free virtual conversations on mental wellness and the issues that affect individuals, families, and communities.
What the conversation will explore
“Breaking the Stigma: Conversations That Change Lives” will examine barriers to mental-health care, challenge common misconceptions about therapy, and promote open conversations about emotional wellness.
The discussion is intended to help attendees think more carefully about the messages they have received about therapy and mental health. It will also create space for practical, respectful conversation about why people may delay care, what can make support feel more accessible, and how communities can encourage emotional well-being without judgment.
The goal is not to tell everyone to approach mental health in the same way. Instead, the panel will encourage thoughtful questions and honest discussion about the many reasons people may hesitate to seek support—including stigma, cultural expectations, past experiences, uncertainty about what therapy involves, or concern about being misunderstood.
Meet the moderator and speaker
Ceria Hamlin, MS, NCC, NBC-HWC — Moderator
Ceria Hamlin will moderate the conversation. As moderator, she will help guide the discussion, introduce key themes, and create space for the panel’s perspectives.
Chartel Hawkins, LPC, LPCC, Approved Clinical Supervisor — Speaker
Chartel Hawkins will join the event as a featured speaker. The conversation will draw on her professional experience to explore common assumptions about therapy and the importance of making mental-health support more approachable and understanding.
Why conversations like this matter
Stigma can affect whether people recognize that support may be helpful, how long they wait before seeking care, and whether they feel safe discussing emotional challenges with family, friends, or professionals.
A person may be coping with anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, relationship stress, burnout, or a major life transition while believing they are expected to manage everything alone. Others may want support but feel unsure about what therapy involves or whether their concerns are “serious enough.”
Open education can help replace uncertainty with clearer information. A mental-health conversation can also remind people that asking questions does not require having all the answers and that seeking support is not a sign of weakness.
Who should attend?
This free virtual event may be helpful for:
Adults who want to learn more about therapy and emotional wellness
People who have questions about seeking mental-health support
Family members and friends supporting someone through a difficult season
Community members interested in reducing mental-health stigma
Professionals and educators who want to encourage healthier conversations
Anyone who wants a more informed and compassionate understanding of therapy
You do not need to be currently attending therapy to participate. The discussion is designed as an educational and supportive conversation for people at different points in their mental-health journeys.
What to expect from the virtual panel
The event page describes this as a free virtual conversation. After you reserve your spot, Radiant will send the virtual meeting link as the event approaches.
Attendees can expect a discussion focused on:
Barriers that can make mental-health care feel difficult to access
Common misconceptions about therapy
The role of open, supportive communication in emotional wellness
Ways communities can encourage people to seek appropriate support
A respectful conversation about mental health without judgment
This panel is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychiatric, or mental-health treatment. If you are experiencing an urgent mental-health crisis or believe you may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or call or text 988 in the United States for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Reserve your spot for October 15
Radiant Recovery & Counseling invites you to take part in this important conversation. Whether you are curious about therapy, supporting someone you care about, or looking for ways to help reduce mental-health stigma in your community, this virtual panel offers an opportunity to learn and reflect in a supportive setting.
Reserve your spot for “Breaking the Stigma: Conversations That Change Lives”
Visit Radiant’s Events page for the current event details and RSVP instructions. You can also learn more about Radiant’s mental-health services and telehealth options.
Frequently asked questions
When is the event?
“Breaking the Stigma: Conversations That Change Lives” takes place on October 15, 2026.
Is the event free?
Yes. The event is listed as a free virtual conversation through Radiant’s 2026 Therapy Panel Discussion Series.
Do I need to be a current therapy client to attend?
No. The event is open to people who want to learn more about mental health, therapy, emotional wellness, and reducing stigma.
Who will lead the discussion?
Ceria Hamlin, MS, NCC, NBC-HWC, will moderate the panel. Chartel Hawkins, LPC, LPCC, and Approved Clinical Supervisor, will participate as the featured speaker.
How do I receive the virtual meeting link?
Reserve your spot through Radiant’s Events page. Radiant states that the virtual meeting link will be sent as the event approaches.
Can I ask questions during the event?
The event page describes the program as an open, supportive discussion. Check the RSVP information or the event communications for the latest details about questions and audience participation.
Start the conversation
Mental-health stigma often grows when people feel they have to remain silent. Conversations grounded in empathy, accurate information, and respect can help make support feel more approachable.
Join Radiant Recovery & Counseling on October 15 for “Breaking the Stigma: Conversations That Change Lives.”