Many FSW students have experience with challenges and/or vulnerabilities related to mental health and/or neurodivergence. In this short course, we will explore the concept of experiential knowledge together and discover what kinds of experiences and insights we already possess—and how these might be applied. By sharing our stories, we find recognition in one another and develop collective experiential knowledge. Throughout the course, we will become more aware of the value of experiential knowledge and deepen our personal and professional development.

Objectives:

• Become familiar with the concept of experiential knowledge
• Discover the experiences and knowledge students already have, and find recognition and validation in one another
• Explore whether and how students can apply their experiences
• Build collective experiential knowledge through student-to-student exchange about mental health and/or neurodivergence
• Gain a clearer understanding of one’s own experiences and the process of “recovery”
• Increase awareness around mental health and/or neurodivergence and the value of this knowledge
• Deepen personal and professional development among FSW students

Kaylee works as an expert by experience at LUMC Curium, where she supports young people who have been admitted to child and adolescent psychiatry, and assists in teaching medical students. She also volunteers by sharing her experiences at symposiums, in lectures, and as a policy advisor. In addition, she is a member of NJR’s Hoofdzaken panel and of Expex.

In het verlengde van Laura's  persoonlijke zoektocht naar de betekenis van ervaringen met mentale ontwrichting in de context van haar werk als onderzoeker en docent, doet Laura nu wetenschappelijk onderzoek naar de positie en potentie van ervaringskennis. Centraal staat voor haar de vraag: Hoe verhouden onze ervaringen zich tot professionele en wetenschappelijke kennis in relatie tot mentaal welzijn? Hoe kunnen we kennisbronnen combineren ten behoeve van persoonlijke en professionele ontwikkeling?