Training in Clinical Practice |
Holding the Hope: Understanding and Supporting Youth with Severe Behavioural and Emotional Challenges
Caregivers and Professionals working with youth presenting with complex mental health issues struggle to understand a multitude of diagnoses, and also to find ways to intervene effectively to deal with behaviour. This broad training provides education about the research regarding core issues (i.e. early adversity, attachment, neurobiology of trauma, regulation, and learning) which is required to be able to intervene differently with youth in a way which will build safety and relationship, decrease problematic behaviours, and promote resiliency and recovery. Concepts are applicable to youth with a broad range of diagnoses, as the focus is on reducing stress and building connection as a pathway towards fostering skills and competencies. Learn more about HTH training here.
Trauma - Informed Schools Training: Understanding and Supporting Youth Impacted by Early Adversity and/or Developmental Trauma in the Classroom
Schools are increasingly recognizing the impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may have on children and evidenced in struggles with learning and behavioural challenges. Students impacted by early adversity often struggle with the self-regulation of emotion and behaviour, executive functioning skills, and interpersonal relationships. These students may at times present risks to themselves or others and can be challenging to contain. This training reviews core elements including research regarding ACEs, neurobiology of trauma, neuroscience, and the role of attachment. It is geared specifically to the classroom with a focus on creating relational safety. Evidence-based models are referenced including the Attachment, Self-Regulation, Competency (ARC) model, the Circle of Security (COS) model, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT/NME). Learn more about TIST here.
Creating Relational Safety: How to Use Relationship to Signal Safety, Co-regulate Youth, and Increase Availability for Learning.
This training is a follow up to either Holding the Hope Training or Trauma-Informed Schools Training. A review of the research on key foundational elements is provided. (early adversity, trauma, attachment, neuroscience). However, the predominant focus is on the application of concepts learned in training. Training covers a number of topics, such as how to assess and intervene to co-regulate effectively; how to distinguish between cues and miscues and respond accordingly. Learn how behaviour communicates needs. Role plays and exercises create opportunities to apply learning regarding connection vs control. Practice setting limits while maintaining relational safety to reduce amygdala hijack.. Learn how to build relationship with students who have interpersonal challenges. This training will be of interest to anyone supporting youth impacted by early adversity.
Making it Work: The Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) Model
Caregivers and staff working with youth presenting with complex mental health issues often struggle to understand a multitude of diagnoses, and also to find ways to intervene effectively to deal with challenging behaviour. According to Bruce Perry, "85% of youth involved in children's mental health have the same 5 diagnoses". The Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework is an evidence-based components model which provides a guide to planning treatment and intervention for youth and families impacted by early adversity, and targets core issues that are at the root of challenges. Meeting these needs related to attachment, self-regulation and competency will go a long way to bending the trajectory of the trauma curve. The focus of this training is to explore evidence-based models of intervention that align with the ARC framework components, drawing on a broad range of both formal and informal resources, customized to address the unique needs of youth and families. Options for evaluating the impact of intervention are also reviewed. This training is ideal for individuals and/or agencies that have the ARC training and/or are interested in exploring possible applications of the model.
Holding the Hope: Building Community Resilience
The Community Resilience training covers core concepts and key learning related to an understanding of the most vulnerable children and families. This training will provide an opportunity to understand resilience in the context of trauma, attachment theory, research, and evidence-based practice. Identify and discuss opportunities to network with others, build resilience, and wrap services and support around youth and families.