POTSDAM -- The Local Living Venture will present a series "do-it-yourself" anxiety and stress relief workshops starting Sunday, Feb. 1.

Kathy Montan will share techniques that can be used to reduce stress and anxiety. Montan is a body-centered expressive therapist in private practice in Canton.

The series "Mind & Body Centered Anxiety & Stress Relief" begins with the first session entitled "Using the Mind to Reduce Stress and Anxiety" at 2:30 p.m. in the Potsdam Community Room in the Civic Center complex next to the fire station.

This first session is an overview of the many current stress reduction techniques that are mind-based. Participants will learn a little about all of them, but guided imagery and self-hypnosis are given a more in-depth participant experience.

Concepts such as neuroplasticity, the negativity bias, rumination, and health concordance will be explored and the inherited nature of anxiety explained. Attendees will learn the difference between worry, anxiety and stress and the evolutionary value of worry.

Participants can register for all three sessions at a package rate of $45 or join in individual sessions for $17 each. There is a discounted rate for couples and students.

The dates for the sessions are Feb. 1, 8, and 15 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. with registration at 2:15 p.m. Each session is 90 minutes long.

To sign up, contact LocalLivingVenture@gmail.com or call 347-4223 to reserve a seat.