"Faces of Sadness. Depression in its various guises" - A masterful lecture that makes you think

Last Saturday, as part of a series of masterclasses, a meeting was held on one of the most serious mental health challenges - depression. The theme of the event was a lecture entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets'. The event was initiated by Professor Ryszard Poprawa, to whom we would like to thank him for his involvement in organising the lecture.

Expert perspective of Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

The speaker was Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Ph. - recognised clinical psychologist, certified psychotherapist and specialist in addiction psychotherapy, who has been combining academic work with psychotherapeutic practice for more than 30 years, helping people with addiction problems and their families.

Professor Chodkiewicz shared his extensive knowledge and clinical and scientific experience, focusing on the complexity of the phenomenon of depression.

The different faces of depression and their consequences

The topic of the meeting was not only classical depressionbut also its less obvious 'faces'. The lecture provided an introduction to the issue, presenting both the classic symptoms of (internalising) depression - such as disorders of mood, motivation, cognitive function or somatic complaints - as well as the various variants of this disorder, occurring in different age groups and situational contexts, such as depression in children and adolescents, the elderly, postnatal, seasonal or existential depression.

Male depression, comorbidity and counteracting stigma

Particular attention was paid to externalisation depression, also known as 'male depression'. Professor Chodkiewicz discussed the so-called 'male depression'. gender paradox - juxtaposing the higher suicide rate among men with the higher diagnosis of depression in women - and pointed to specific forms of expression of this variety of depression: impulsivity, aggression, substance abuse or escape into work.

During the lecture issues related to the co-occurrence of depression with other mental disorders were also addressed, the diagnosis of this disorder and the importance of education and anti-stigma in the context of helping people struggling with depression.

We would like to thank Professor Jan Chodkiewicz for an extremely valuable lecture and Professor Ryszard Poprawa for his initiative and organisational support. The event certainly contributed to the knowledge of the our academic community and open up space for further reflection on this important topic.

"Applying AI in Business - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Market". A practical online workshop for students of our University.

12 June 2025 (Thursday) from 19:00-21:00 an online workshop for students of the College of Vocational Training will be held. The topic of the meeting will be "Applying AI in Business - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Marketplace". The workshop will be led by MA Mehmet Ömürlü collaborating with WSKZ, who will present ways in which artificial intelligence can be used in different areas of companies' operations. The workshop has been prepared with the following in mind students interested in modern technologies and their impact on the labour market.

What will you learn during the workshop?

The aim of the workshop is to present, How artificial intelligence is changing the way companies operate, influences process efficiency and enables the creation of new business models. Participants will learn how AI is used in marketing, HR, finance and data analysis.

The following will be discussed specific toolssuch as chatbots, recommendation systems or process automation. The workshop provides for interactive exercises through which participants will learn about real examples of AI implementation in companies and the challenges that come with it. Particular emphasis will be placed on competences that will be key in the labour market in the coming years.

Technical details

The meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform. Participants can also join by phone on +48 22 163 89 13 and PIN: 185 821 777#.

Direct link to the meeting: https://meet.google.com/sgq-fzzk-kgv and additional telephone numbers https://meet.google.com/tel/sgq-fzzk-kgv?pin=3836374194634.

Don't ignore sadness. Learn the truth about depression - masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

You are cordially invited to a unique masterclass entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets", which will take place 7 June 2025 at 11:30 am w the 3D Hall of the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław. The lecture will be given by Mr. Professor Dr Jan Chodkiewicz - a prominent specialist in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and addiction psychology. 

The organiser of the event is the Institute of Psychology University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Depression - the disease of civilisation of our time

The modern world presents us with numerous challenges, and depression is becoming one of society's most pressing problems. This disease does not only affect individuals - affects entire societies, changing their functioning and psychological safety.

Depression can cause:

• psychosocial factors - chronic stress, low self-esteem, insecurity, low level of social skills;
• biological factors - hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition;
• sociological factors - difficult family situation, poor financial situation, alcohol abuse, violence.

The multifaceted nature of the causes means that depression remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

During the lecture Professor Jan Chodkiewicz will address the key issues of the, such as:

• Biological, psychological and social causes of depression;
• recognising the different facets of depression,
• specific problems associated with depression in men,
• effective methods of psychotherapy for people struggling with depression.

The presentation will not only provide an opportunity to expand knowledge, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the disease and the social challenges of depression in a rapidly changing world.

Who are you, Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Professor of the University of Łódź?

Professor Jan Chodkiewicz is a respected clinical psychologist, specialist in addiction psychotherapy and certified cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist. For almost 30 years, he has combined his scientific activity with his therapeutic practice, helping addicts and their families.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr Professor works with the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Łódź. His areas of expertise include:

• addiction psychology,
• the issue of depression in men,
• cognitive behavioural therapy.

The Professor's scientific output includes:

• Co-author and author of numerous books, including:
  • "Bouncing off the bottom? The role of quality of life in the course and outcome of treatment for alcohol dependence" (Łódź, 2012),
  • "Alcohol addiction. Faces of the problem" (Warsaw, 2020);
• More than 100 scientific articles and chapters in monographs;
• Participation in numerous research projects funded by PARPA, NCPU and NCBiR.

He is also an active member of numerous scientific organisations:

• Polish Psychological Association,
• Polish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies,
• Polish Society for Research on Addictions,
• Section on Addictions of the Polish Psychiatric Association.

Why take part?

Masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz entitled. "Faces of sadness. Depression in various guises" is an excellent opportunity to:

• broaden their knowledge of contemporary psychological issues;
• better understand the importance of mental health in everyday life;
• gain reliable information on effective forms of help for people in mental health crisis.

It is also a chance to meet an eminent scientist whose knowledge and experience inspire both practitioners and those interested in psychology. 

You are cordially invited to participate!

Thanks to the initiator of the master class project

Special thanks go to Mr Professor Dr Ryszard PoprawaHe is the originator of the entire master class project. It is thanks to his initiative and commitment that we can participate in extraordinary meetings with eminent representatives of the world of science, which broaden horizons, inspire and strengthen the academic identity of our University.

Programme "Safe city - Safe student. Opole Against Trafficking in Human Beings. Scientific and didactic levels of research on human trafficking" as an example of good academic practice

The project is being implemented in 2025 from funds of the University of Opole and the budget of the Marshal's Office of the Opole Voivodeship as part of Small Grants for Universities in the Opole Voivodeship. It is called: "Safe city - Safe student. Opole against trafficking in human beings. Scientific and didactic levels of research on human trafficking". The programme is aimed at the region's student and research community. The project is implemented by the Centre for Counteracting Trafficking in Human Beings of the University of Opole and the La Strada Foundation (CPHLUOiFS) in cooperation with invited experts and practitioners, including lawyers dealing with human trafficking issues.

The need for education on human trafficking

Ease of establishing contacts - including via the Internet - as well as freedom of movement and access to employment, particularly in the summer months - bring young people not only positive aspectssuch as the opportunity to learn about new cultures or make friends, but also risks. One of the most serious challenges remains the contemporary phenomenon of human trafficking - involving forced labour, exploitation for prostitution or organ trafficking. It is therefore essential to conduct educational activities to raise students' awareness on hazard identification, countermeasures and available forms of protection.

Programme structure and objectives

The project involves an educational programme, starting with an initial survey of the students' level of knowledge by means of a questionnaire. On this basis, the following will be developed a didactic programme addressing the identified needs of participants. It will include information materials, multimedia lectures and workshops on human trafficking. The content will include an analysis of the current forms of the phenomenon, legal provisions, ways of counteractingas well as the issue of gainful employment - taking into account regional conditions. The role of public institutions such as the Police, Border Guard, courts or labour inspection will also be discussed, as well as the importance of the activities of non-governmental organisations.

Conference and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The project will culminate in international scientific conference organised at the University of Opole. Among the speakers will be a regular collaborator of the La Strada Foundation - the Dr. Vytautas Yakimko, assistant professor at the Institute of Law of the College of Professional Training. As part of the programme on 4-6 June 2025. he will conduct some of the guest lectures and educational meetings for students at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Opole.

2nd WSKZ Conference 'Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support' - an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems

The 2nd WSKZ Conference entitled "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" brought together a group of eminent professionals from a variety of fields, including psychology, psychotherapy, social and medical sciences. The event aimed to explore the contemporary challenges of psychological support for people affected by trauma resulting from flooding, war and domestic violence. The conference provided a unique opportunity to exchange of knowledge and experience in the face of such pressing social problemsthat the modern world is facing.

Diversity of participants and conference themes

The conference was attended by around 100 participants, including representatives from academia, students and social service providers such as MOPS and crisis intervention units. Such a broad representation from different fields showed the importance of exchange of knowledge and experience between specialistswho work with people experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

22 hours of lectures and workshops - three main thematic blocks

The 22 hours of lectures and workshops, delivered by 18 experts, provided participants with practical tools for working with people affected by trauma. Presentations were given by academics and practitioners, which allowed the transfer of theoretical knowledge embedded in the realities of everyday work.

The event was divided into three main thematic areas: flood trauma, war trauma and domestic violence trauma. Each of these topics provided a space for in-depth reflection on the psychological and social aspects of trauma, as well as knowledge of the latest research in the field.

Pre-conference meeting of multiple perspectives

A great deal of interest was shown in pre-conference workshopswhich addressed the topics of body work in stress reduction, psychological first aid and contact with a person after sexual violence. Participants had the opportunity to acquire practical skillswhich they can use in their daily work.

The speakers represented various professional backgrounds, from clinical psychology to education to the uniformed services. This made the conference an excellent opportunity to exchanges of experience and the combination of theory and practice.

Gala dinner - establishing links and cooperation

After the first day of the conference a gala dinner was heldwhich became an informal but valuable moment for networking and further exchange of reflections and experiences between the event's participants.

Building bridges between science and practice

The conference "The trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" was not only an opportunity to learnbut also to build bridges between different disciplines. We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their active participation, as well as their commitment to development of scientific cooperation and practical.

Meeting with an authority - Prof. Dariusz Dolinski in the series "In the Circle of Authorities"

Already on 4 June 2025 at 14:00, the second meeting of the "In the Circle of Authorities" series will take place. This time, the special guest will be Professor Dariusz Doliński, PhD - a prominent social psychologist, author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, including the book 'One Hundred Techniques of Social Influence', written together with Professor Tomasz Grzyb. The event will be streamed live online, allowing a wide audience to participate.

Manipulation all around us - how to recognise and defend against it?

The topic of the talk will be the everyday mechanisms of social influence - often unnoticed but extremely effective. Participants will learn, among other things:

• What are techniques for exerting influence - and why we succumb to them so easily.
• How to recognise manipulation attempts - both in private and professional relationships.
• How to defend yourself against peer pressure - and make decisions in a more informed manner.

The talk will be hosted by Dorota Wodecka, a journalist known for her insightful, inspiring conversations with authorities from the world of science and culture.

Meeting the champion - don't miss the broadcast

The meeting with Professor Dolinski is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how everyday interactions shape our decisions and emotions. The event is open and will be streamed live - we encourage you to book a time and join online. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and look at social mechanisms of influence from a completely new perspective.

Groundbreaking collaboration between the College of Vocational Training and the State Vocational College at the 7th Scientific Conference

On 5-6 June 2025  at the Prof. Edward F. Szczepaniak State Vocational College in Suwałki. Szczepaniak in Suwałki will host the 7th Scientific Conference. The event will address the key topic: "Competences, tasks and capacities of governmental and self-governmental bodies in the field of civil defence and counter-hybrid and anti-cognitive actions used by Russia on a large scale in Ukraine, as well as against the countries of Central and Eastern Europe". This unique endeavour is not only an opportunity to explore international security issues, but also to exchange experiences between academics and professionals in the field.

Scientific cooperation growing in importance

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław as co-organiser of the event, reaffirms its key contribution to shaping the academic space dedicated to security. The Managing Director of the College of Vocational Training, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, has assumed Honorary Patronage of the Conference, which is a great asset for the eventstrengthening the university's position in the international arena. Cooperation with the State Vocational College in Suwałki means an important step towards the development of scientific cooperation between universities.

Representatives of the College of Vocational Training

Representatives of our University will actively participate in the conference:

• Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences - Prof. Irena Malinowska, University of Applied Sciences;
• Director of the Institute of Law and Criminology - Dr Janusz Bryk;
• Director of the Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek.

Summary of guest lecture by Lt. Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat - prominent military psychologist and authority on mental toughness

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław hosted an extraordinary guest lecture by Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat, a world-class expert in military psychology, developmental psychology and leadership in extreme conditions.

Lecture topic - "Self-Regulation in Dealing with PTSD and PTG". (Self-regulation in the context of coping with post-traumatic stress syndrome and post-traumatic growth) - was met with great interest by the participants. Dr Rawat shared his unique knowledge and experience gained as an infantry company commander in the extreme conditions of the Siachen Glacier and as a psychologist at the elite National Defence Academy in India.

The lecture was interactive and concluded with a lively discussion. Students actively asked questions, often of a problematic nature, raising issues of practical aspects of self-regulation and psychological support for people after traumatic experiences. The meeting was not only a source of valuable knowledge, but also an inspiration to reflect on the role of mental resilience in the modern world.

Dr Rawat's visit to Wrocław had a wider dimension. On 22-23 May, he also participated as a speaker at the 2nd WSKZ Conference "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support", organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław. The event brought together prominent professionals involved in trauma support, and Dr Rawat's participation was highly appreciated by academics and practitioners.

During his stay in Wrocław, Dr Rawat also had the opportunity to explore the city - he visited, among others, the Racławice Panoramawhere he was accompanied by the Director of the Institute of Psychology and a representative of the Centre for International Cooperation. The meeting was not only an opportunity to exchange experiences, but also to strengthen international cooperation in the field of extreme psychology and intercultural education. We would like to thank all the participants for their activity and Dr Rawat for his inspiring speech, which will remain in the memory of the audience for a long time.

International meeting on human trafficking with an expert from the School of Vocational Training

29 May 2025 in Warsaw, in the conference rooms of the National Stadium, hosted a seminar of the European Crime Prevention Network EUCPN (European Crime Prevention Network). The theme of the event was prevention of trafficking in human beings with particular focus on public educationincluding in the context of the situation of migrants affected by the war in Ukraine. The seminar was organised in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and lasted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Speeches, debates and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The programme included speeches by representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations and the scientific community. Participants in the event included both Polish and foreign experts representing EU Member States. The seminar was held in English, which underlined its international character.

Our University represented by Dr Witold Yakimko, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Law of the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław. He took part in an expert panel on anti-trafficking research and education campaigns by universities and the private sector.

Guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari

On 25 May 2025, the School of Professional Training, Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security, hosted a guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari, entitled 'The Criminology and Homeland Security'. "Russian disinformation in the Middle East and North Africa - threats and challenges"..

The lecture was organised for second-level students of the criminology and provided an opportunity to deepen the understanding of contemporary information threats in a geopolitical context. Dr M. El Ghamari presented mechanisms of action of russian disinformation campaigns, their impact on regional security, particularly in Syria and Libya, and the challenges they pose to states and the international community.

The presentation was of great interest to students and was a valuable addition to the training programme in the area of threat analysis and contemporary forms of hybrid operations.