Continuing Education

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TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNALING FOR HELPERS & HEALERS: Self-Care, Renewal, Resilience

About the Presenter

Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and founder of Thrive Training & Coaching. She offers training workshops, courses, and presentations with extensive experience in healthcare, emergency services, education, social and public service sectors. Lynda brings over 30 years combined clinical and facilitation experience. She teaches in the areas of self-care for caregivers, compassion fatigue, stress management, burnout prevention, vicarious trauma, resiliency, and change management. Lynda has trained thousands of professionals and worked one-to-one with hundreds of clients over the years.

Lynda is the co-editor and co-author of several books including Affirmations for Self-Love – a guided journal; The Great Book of Journaling; Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists and Clients; The Coaches Guide to Completing Creative Work; Writing Alone Together, and she is author of Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity. She lives with her family on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia where she uses journaling for her own self-care each day. 

Summary

Are you looking for a creative and effective way to care for yourself and reduce the risk of burnout?  During this course, you will learn how to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and replenish from within through transformational journaling. Discover the healing power of expressive writing for reflective practice and resilience.  Learn how to make journaling a meaningful part of your self-care toolkit to mitigate the risks of burnout and compassion fatigue. You will also explore how to use journaling in your work with others including individual clients and within groups, and consider how journaling can be a tool to support employee wellness in the workplace. This course is especially for helping and healing professionals who make a difference with their caring.

A meaningful course with lots to build on in my own practice." ~ participant

During this course, you will…

Reflective journaling and expressive writing are proven techniques for increasing self-knowledge, healing stress, nourishing creativity and enhancing resiliency. Participants will gain first-hand experience with the writing and wellness connection. 

When you write in your journal, you begin the process of taking a more active role in maintaining your health.  Writing is action, very personal action.  And you’re writing about ideas that can nourish you." ~  Sheppard Kominars, PhD, Author of Write for Life:  Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit Through Journal Writing

Please note, there is no previous journaling or expressive writing experience required to benefit from this course. 

Format

The instructor uses a variety of methods to invite participant learning, including videos, reading material, and exercises. All the course materials are presented in the online course site. Participants engage with others through online discussions, and receive feedback from the instructor.

Highly recommend! I have been talking to coworkers about this course." ~ participant

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 3 hours of online work.  

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

12 continuing education credit hours.

FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 1: FOUNDATIONAL LAW FOR SOCIAL WORK & HUMAN SERVICE PRACTICE IN CANADA

About the Presenter

Shawna Paris-Hoyte, ONS, KC, MSW, RSW-CS, BCCH, PhD (std), is an inspiring and highly accomplished African Nova Scotian leading this transformative course. Shawna brings thirty years of legal expertise and twenty years of clinical social work experience to her training as a private practice trauma specialist and licensed social worker. She is the founder of the National Institute of Forensic Social Work in Canada (est. 2016) and the first international member of the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Forensic Social Work in the U.S.A. With her extensive background, Shawna delivers dynamic and practical insights that will equip you to excel in trauma-informed forensic practice.

Course Outline

This course is for everyone who wants to master the intersection of law and social work. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just setting out on your career path, this interactive, skills-based 4-week workshop will change what's in your professional toolkit. Understanding that the law is directly linked with social work and human services in myriad ways, many working professionals find themselves entering this field without really knowing how legislation directly affects their jobs. This course serves as a bridge between law and social practice which strives to give you the confidence and ability to traverse legal complexities independently.

One of the obligations of social work and social justice work is to understand the law -- both its impact on society and how to respond. With increasing challenges to society, particularly among marginalized and minoritized groups like Indigenous people, people of colour, people who suffer from mental illnesses, and new Canadians, now is an especially critical time in history for looking at how law intersects with social work and justice.

This course is designed for social workers, health care professionals, lawyers, justice navigators, human service workers and others who wish to be advocates with tools in their hands; those who can stand up for legislation on behalf of people.

Why You Should Take This Course

Participants are talking about the practical knowledge they gained in the class.

I learnt a great deal from this course in terms of understanding how law and social work together." ~ participant

Through the study materials provided, interactive exercises and critical reflections, you will get a deep understanding of how to apply anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally aware approaches in your practice. You will not only build critical thinking skills through this course, but you will also gain an understanding of the legal environment which underlies your professional work.

Who Should Participate

This workshop is perfect for people working in any of the following sectors:

• Social Work
• Justice System (including legal staff, social workers, and legal navigators)
• Healthcare
• Human Service Delivery

If you are interested in bringing legal knowledge into your social work or social service practice, then your specialty field will benefit from the confidence-making capabilities offered by this course.

Agency lawyers have tried to help me understand how the two disciplines operate together but this course made a huge difference in appreciating this dynamic." ~ participant

Goals & Learning Objectives

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in forensic social work practice or just want information about the law, the following are the skills you will become knowledgeable about after just 4 weeks:

• Canadian law and its relevance for social workers and human service workers
• Essential law for social work and social justice practice
• How forensic social work cuts across various areas of law and how this affects client outcomes in criminal law, youth justice law, child welfare, family law and human rights
• New methods for expanding your capabilities in legal affairs and social justice issues, as well as cultivating good work habits from which you can continue learning for many years down the road
• Canadian court structure and process
• Law and policy as they concern your everyday practice
• Ethical concerns in practice within the legal field.

Not only was it practical but the knowledge was also immediately applicable to my work." – participant

Format

Each module will provide all you need for one week of study. A new module is posted each Monday morning. This course requires about 4 hours per week of dedicated study from you. You can undertake each module when it fits your schedule. Each module will also include a quiz at the end to see whether you have mastered the content.

While mobile devices might work for some areas, to gain the best experience you should use a Mac or Windows computer.

What you get: 24/7 access to course materials and a flexible learning environment where you can enhance your skills on a schedule that suits you. Get ready to dive into a lively and career-building experience that will deepen your professional skills at every stage. Join us today and study how to use legislation and social work to make a crucial difference!

16 continuing education credit hours.

TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY & RELATED CONDITIONS

About the Presenter

Dr. Martin M. Antony is Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Previously, he was founding director of both the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and the Psychology Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.  He was also Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and he is a past president of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He has published 34 books and over 300 scientific articles and chapters in areas related to cognitive behavior therapy and anxiety-related disorders. He has given more than 425 presentations to audiences across four continents, and has been interviewed, featured, or quoted more than 450 times in various print, radio, television, and online media outlets, including BBC News, CBC, Chatelaine Magazine, CNN, CTV, the Globe and Mail, National Post, New York Times, O (Oprah) Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Scientific American Mind, Toronto Star, USA Today, Washington Post, and many others.

Summary

Anxiety and related disorders are among the most common conditions that negatively impact on our mental health and wellbeing. The core features of these disorders include excessive anxiety and fear, as well as avoidance of feared situations and the overuse of safety behaviours (i.e., actions designed to reduce anxiety or protect oneself from potential threats). Anxiety and related problems lead to significant impairment across a wide range of life domains, including work, school, relationships, and other important areas of functioning. They are also often associated with other problems, such as depression, excessive substance use, and problematic perfectionism, for example.

This course provides training in evidence-based strategies for treating a range of anxiety and related disorders. The course will emphasize the importance of case formulation and core treatment principles that cut across anxiety-based problems, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, health anxiety, and related problems. You will learn about the diagnostic features (based on the new DSM-5-TR) for anxiety and related disorders, factors that contribute to the onset and maintenance, and effective cognitive and behavioral methods for overcoming anxiety (e.g., cognitive strategies, exposure-based techniques, relaxation-based treatments, mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies). Strategies for dealing with treatment resistance will also be discussed.

Martin is so knowledgeable and I learned a lot." ~ participant

Target Audience

This course is aimed at those working in mental health care, including social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and other professionals who work with individuals with anxiety and related conditions

Learning Goals and Objectives

By the end of this 4-week course, participants will develop an understanding of

1. core diagnostic features of anxiety and related disorders in DSM-5-TR
2. effective cognitive approaches, such as Socratic questioning experiments, and imagery-based strategies
3. effective behavioural approaches, such as exposure therapy and relaxation-based strategies
4. mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
5. strategies for managing ambivalence and disengagement

Thank you to the course instructor. You did an amazing job of teaching this material in 4 short weeks." ~ participant

Format

This course includes four weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work.

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website.

There are no scheduled lecture times. The course site is available 24/7.

16 Continuing Education Credit Hours.

ANGER MANAGEMENT: A TRAUMA AND SOCIAL JUSTICE INFORMED MODEL

About the Presenter

Jacqueline (Jackie) Barkley, MSW, RSW is a social worker with over 40 years experience in a variety of social work and community organizing areas.  She has worked in non-profit agencies, in child welfare, on the IWK Child Abuse Team, on the IWK Mental Health Crisis Team, at Choices Adolescent Treatment Program, at the Nova Scotia Hospital and on the Geriatric Assessment Unit. Jackie  has provided clinical therapy to a wide range of client populations, including for child protection clients, persons involved with Victim Services, conducted Parental Capacity Assessments and assessments for Family Court, and with members of the Canadian Armed Forces.  She has supervised work placements for both BSW and MSW students, as well as completed  supervision for NSCSW candidates.  Jackie has also been asked to provide expert testimony in family court proceedings.

Over the course of her career Jackie has been involved in a number of community based voluntary organizations. She was a founding member of the Children's Cooperative Day Care, the 17 year advocacy group the Metro Coalition for a Non Racist Society, a member of Housing for People Coalition, a founding member of Solidarity Kjipuktuk (Halifax), a founding member of the Child Welfare Advocacy Coalition, and a founding member of the a capella singing group Four the Moment. She also volunteered with the Friends of Dalhousie Legal Aid, the Community Justice Society, and the Model School Committee. 

Jackie has written and lectured widely on issues of racism and white supremacy, contemporary parenting, anger management, and the important relationship between activist solidarity and clinical practice.  She has presented at clinical and educational rounds at the IWK and Nova Scotia Hospitals, and has been a frequent guest speaker to classes at the Dalhousie School of Social Work,  the Dalhousie Department of Psychology and Schulich School of Law, in numerous high schools, as well as a guest speaker for the National Institute for Forensic Social Work and the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.  In 2014 she was awarded the Ronald Stratford Memorial Award for “outstanding contribution to the field of social service in Nova Scotia.”

Course Outline

This course is designed to help persons looking to link their client's experiences of trauma, and oppression, as well as their mental health challenges, to the larger social and political forces at play in their behavioural responses. We will explore how clients' unique identities (shaped by factors such as race, class, gender and ability) influence their experiences and expression of trauma and anger. All too often, both in public systems, private practice and non-profit agencies, service providers feel they have to choose between the individual's experience of suffering, or the political and social context in which that individual experience is located. Particularly in regarding anger behaviours which can be self-defeating or anti-social, we struggle with how to apply intersectionality in practice. 

This workshop will suggest a methodology and conceptual framework suitable for intervention with persons exhibiting a wide variety of both victim and perpetrator behaviours – that is, clients who have been harmed and have also harmed others – and who have externalized and internalized their anger in ineffective ways. Through the analysis and techniques that will be presented, participants will gain skill and ideas to challenge their clients, support their clients and encourage both agency and accountability. Those who have worked especially with persons who have personality disorders, or come through child protection, addiction or mandated systems, recognize the challenge in trying to empower and critique at the same time, while avoiding compartmentalization. These issues are difficult with both adult and adolescent populations.

Who is this workshop for?

Social workers, psychologists, youth care workers, therapists, school counsellors and support workers -- in public or non profit agencies, working with youth or adults.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal is to teach service providers a six-part process suitable for use in group or individual interventions to address problematic anger.  This will include not only addressing externalized anger, but also passivity and difficulty expressing anger. Both the why and how of anger will be examined in detail, and be located in a social, historical, cultural and intersectional analysis of oppression and trauma. We will discuss methods of breaking down the isolation and medicalization which often accompany anger management strategies. Upon completion of the day long presentation, participants will have tools to utilize the methodology and techniques in their own settings with a wide variety of populations.

Format

The workshop will be delivered in person, for 6.5 continuing education hours.  It will involve presentation of the history, context and conceptual framework guiding the process. This will be followed by detailed explanation of each of the six tools. There will be discussion, practice, role play, feedback and demonstration of the positive engagement of clients in moving through the steps, as well as the challenges and resistance that can be anticipated. As well, there will be discussion of radical questioning, humility and engagement of the intellect and experience of clients who often see themselves only in their emotions, or whose experiences have led them to lack confidence in their ideas because they lack formal education.

Participants are asked to attend with readiness to engage actively, with authentic use of self, humour, and encouraged to both give and receive feedback with respect and kindness.

Lunch will be provided.

Enrolment is limited to 15 participants. 6.5 continuing education credit hours.

SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY

About the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation in solution focused practice to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for over twenty years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

Thank you to Barry and Jill. Their support and expertise allowed for a wonderful learning experience. Inspirational!" ~ participant

Summary

Solution Focused Therapy is a respectful, collaborative approach to helping others. Whether the helper is engaged in a formal therapeutic relationship or simply engaged in brief, helpful conversations, it’s essential for the helper to have a clear understanding of the fundamental assumptions about people, problems and change inherent in the solution focused approach. As such, this online introductory course begins with a specific focus on these assumptions and values. This serves as the basis for examining the structure and techniques used by solution focused practitioners in the first and subsequent client conversations.

Amazing course. I am so beyond thankful for the instructors' time and thoughtful responses." ~ participant

The practitioner’s use of respectful curiosity in learning about what is important to clients lies at the heart of effective solution focused conversations. It’s also essential in the co-construction of their preferred future. Clients are regarded as having the necessary expertise about their own lives to create useful change. There’s also a strong emphasis on the use of the client’s language in solution focused work, as opposed to the dominant “expert” language embedded in the traditions of the helping professions. As such, solution focused practice can be a useful approach in engaging people across the broad spectrum of culture, race, and gender.Objectives

I found it really thought provoking and it forced me to challenge some of my practices." ~ participant

Format

The facilitators use a variety of methods to invite participant learning, including numerous audio demonstrations, reading material, small group practice, and exercises designed to provide experiential learning. All the course materials are presented in the online course site. Participants engage with others through online discussions and assignments, and receive feedback from the course facilitators.

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work.  

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course. The course is comprised of 4 modules. Participants are expected to complete one module per week.

The entire course has been helpful and has gotten me to think more about next steps in my practice." ~ participant

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

16 continuing education credit hours.

MINDFULNESS STRATEGIES FOR HELPING PROFESSIONALS 

About the Presenter

Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, and founder of Thrive Training & Coaching. Lynda has a passion for supporting the well-being of helping professionals and has over 25 years experience offering training in the areas of burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, self-care and resilience. Lynda has trained thousands of professionals and worked one-to-one with hundreds of clients over the years. Her own mindfulness practice has been part of her personal and professional growth.

Lynda is also the Director of the International Association for Journal Writing. She is the co-editor and co-author of several books including Affirmations for Self-Love – a guided journal; The Great Book of Journaling; Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists and Clients; The Coaches Guide to Completing Creative Work; Writing Alone Together, and she is author of Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity. She lives with her family on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.

Summary

Mindfulness is both a simple and a profound practice that can support the well-being and efficacy of helping professionals while also being a tool for integrating into work with your clients to support them in achieving greater health, healing and desired clinical outcomes. Mindfulness is ultimately about becoming more aware of one’s inner processes. It supports helpers to feel more grounded, self-aware and balanced. Mindfulness practices deepen both self-compassion and compassion with others.

During this 4-week online course, you will discover what mindfulness is, learn its many benefits, and experience many mindfulness practice tools and skills to nourish yourself and enrich your work with others. 

You helped me get back on track and now I have my own goals for my mindfulness practice. I feel more confident in using the tools of mindfulness with clients and learned better ways to approach mindfulness when teaching it." ~ participant

Overview

• What is Mindfulness?
• Benefits of Mindfulness
• Mindful Self-Care for Resilience and Stress Relief
• Mindfulness Practices - Stillness & Powerful Pause (week 1), Mindful Meditation (week 2), Body Awareness (week 3), Loving Kindness (week 4)
• Compassion and Wisdom: Making a Mindful Difference
• Mindfulness for Wellness at Work
• Introducing Mindfulness Strategies for Clients/Patients for Improved Treatment Outcomes

It was a great course, Lynda is very skilled and really embodies mindfulness in her teaching. The personalized feedback was really lovely, always encouraging and positive. I really appreciated it." ~ participant

Format

The instructor uses a variety of methods to invite participant learning, including videos, reading material, and exercises. All the course materials are presented in the online course site. Participants engage with others through online discussions, and receive feedback from the instructor.

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 3 hours of online work.  

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

12 continuing education credit hours.

COUNSELLING SKILLS LEVEL 1 (CERTIFICATE PROGRAM)

About the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation in solution focused practice to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for over twenty years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

Instructors were excellent. Very engaged during the entire course, and interested in seeing us do well. Would take more courses with Jill and Barry in a heartbeat." ~ participant

Summary

The certificate program, Counselling Skills Level 1, has been adapted for online delivery. Counselling Skills Level 1 blends counseling theory with practice to develop counselling skills for individuals working in a helping profession. Mini lectures, discussions, reflective exercises, skill building activities, role-play, and case studies are used as methods to guide participants in their learning. Since this is an experiential class, participants are invited to share their experiences from their workplaces and to actively participate in the program.

Objectives

This was a wonderful and practical course." ~ participant

Format

An adult education learning approach is used in the delivery of the program. Since the course is intended to be an experiential program, the methodology includes activities to engage participation. Participants are invited to practice counselling skills by participating in various exercises and simulations. This is accomplished through online group discussions, posting in a discussion form, viewing and discussing of videos, participating in and recording role plays, assigned reading materials and creative reflective exercises.

There are 6 modules in the Counselling Skills Level 1 online program. To receive a certificate at the end of the program, it is expected that participants will complete 1 module per week with a minimum of 5 hours of participation per week. Modules are designed so that learning is incremental throughout the 6-week program. 

This program is designed to allow participants to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Participants may log onto the course site at any time to complete the course work. Counselling Skills Level 1 includes some activities which require participants in small groups to log in at a specified time. The online meeting times are determined by the group members.

I loved that this course briefly covered some of the theoretical pieces, but most content was focused on practical skills that we started learning early in the course." ~ participant

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. 30 continuing education credit hours.