Training and Education
This training and education hub was created to help Edmontonians come together to support one another in living happier, more meaningful lives. Whether you're caring for family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, we all play a role in looking out for each other.
These courses are designed to support your growth—whether you're a peer, a service provider, or someone just trying to help. Topics include mental health and addictions, suicide prevention, peer support, poverty and housing, parenting, and more. All trainings emphasize approaches that are fair, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and rooted in community values. See a calendar view of upcoming locally offered training →
Creating Cohesive and Inclusive Workplace Cultures (Part 1) – LearnSphere
This 2 part workshop series is designed to help elevate workplace culture through recognition of the value and contribution that diversity, equity, and inclusivity add to an organization.
This 2 part workshop series is designed to help elevate workplace culture through recognition of the value and contribution that diversity, equity, and inclusivity add to an organization. First, by identifying and understanding personal, team, and organizational key guiding principles, and then by using this learning to increase belonging, safety, and purpose by actively engaging in a collective applied learning project.
Module 1 (of 2): Cultural Impact Awareness: Values in the Workplace and Beyond
Workshop 1 (2 hours): Pillars of Purpose: Core Values as Cornerstones of Workplace Success
Identify your core values and how they shape your role and impact at work
Workshop 2 (2 hours): Beyond the Surface: The Influence of Values & Beliefs on Inclusive Practices
Understand how beliefs and motivations influence inclusion and team dynamics.
Workshop 3 (2 hours): Charting the Course: Mapping the Journey of Personal Values and Organizational Culture
Create your personal values map to align with and influence workplace culture.
To register: LS – CCIWC1
Creating Cohesive and Inclusive Workplace Cultures (Part 2) – LearnSphere
This 2 part workshop series is designed to help elevate workplace culture through recognition of the value and contribution that diversity, equity, and inclusivity add to an organization.
This 2 part workshop series is designed to help elevate workplace culture through recognition of the value and contribution that diversity, equity, and inclusivity add to an organization. First, by identifying and understanding personal, team, and organizational key guiding principles, and then by using this learning to increase belonging, safety, and purpose by actively engaging in a collective applied learning project.
Workshop 1 (2 hours): Building Blocks: Identifying Skills and Action Steps for an Inclusive Workplace
Identify key skills and choose an area of focus to apply your values and strengths. Begin crafting a personalized inclusion action plan.
Workshop 2 (2 hours): Charting the Course: Tools and Techniques for Workplace Inclusion
Define your vision for an inclusive workplace. Explore tools, strategies, and best practices to bring that vision to life.
Workshop 3 (2 hours): Navigating Obstacles: Solutions for Implementing Inclusive Action Plans
Tackle common barriers, refine your plan, and explore supports to successfully implement inclusive change in your organization.
To register: LS – CCIWC2
De-escalating Customer and Clients – LearnSphere
Dealing with tense or challenging situations is part of the reality in customer service and client-facing roles — but knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
In this workshop, participants will learn a simple and effective model for de-escalation, understand the roots of emotional reactions, and develop active listening skills to defuse situations before they escalate further.
Participants will leave with:
A clear step-by-step de-escalation plan
Helpful phrases and language to use with upset clients or customers
A ready-to-use script for handling verbal abuse
Strategies for managing threats or violence when de-escalation fails
Perfect for anyone who deals with the public and wants to feel more confident, calm, and in control — no matter what the day brings.
To register: LS – DeCC
Delivering Constructive Criticism – LearnSphere
This interactive online workshop with leadership expert Monique Gallie will give you the tools to deliver feedback that builds, not breaks.
Giving feedback isn’t easy — but done right, it can transform performance and strengthen your team.
You’ll learn to:
Know when (and how) to deliver constructive feedback
Set the right tone and atmosphere
Follow a clear step-by-step approach
Manage emotions to keep the conversation productive
Set goals and follow up effectively
Perfect for anyone in a leadership or supervisory role who wants to give feedback with clarity, impact, and confidence.
To register: LS – DCC
LGBTQIA2+ Inclusion in the Workplace – LearnSphere
This 2.5 hour workshop introduces foundational concepts related to the LGBTQIA2+ community from a professional perspective.
Participants will explore inclusive language, the realities of coming out at work, homophobia and transphobia in the workplace, and concrete ways to be a supportive ally.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Define key terms related to sexual orientation and gender identity
Recognize and address workplace homophobia and transphobia
Access tools and resources to foster LGBTQIA2+ inclusion
Take concrete actions to build a more inclusive and respectful workplace
To register: LS - LGBTQIA2+IW
StressLess Workshop: Empowering Communities to Help Kids Manage Stress – Strong Mind Strong Kids Psychology Canada
The 1-hour StressLess Workshop is designed for caring adults who support kids outside of the classroom – in other words, where they live and play!
This engaging session offers a grassroots understanding of age-appropriate stress management and resilience-building strategies for children and teens. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how stress presents in young people and walk away with simple, effective tools and strategies from the StressLess Booklets.
We offer customized StressLess workshops designed to meet the needs of children and youth of different ages.
1. StressLess Workshop for All Ages
2. StressLess Workshop for Ages 4-12
3. StressLess Workshop for Ages 12-18
To register: SMSKPC – Workshops
Masterclass in Stress Management: Supporting Kids Mental Well-Being - Strong Mind Strong Kids Psychology Canada
In this dynamic 1-hour virtual workshop, participants will gain essential insights into stress and resilience—key skills for helping young people navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.
In this workshop participants will learn to:
Recognize the signs and symptoms of stress in children and youth.
Understand what stress feels like from a child’s perspective.
Identify common stressors and their impact.
Reframe stress as an opportunity for growth.
Equip young people with effective coping and problem-solving strategies.
Perfect for parent nights and professionals working with children and youth, this session offers an introduction to practical tools to foster resilience and well-being in the next generation.
To register: SMSKPC – Workshops
Taking Care of You Workshop: Supporting Your Mental Well-Being - Strong Mind Strong Kids Psychology Canada
This 1-hour virtual workshop empowers adults with practical strategies to manage life’s ups and downs while prioritizing their own mental well-being.
In this workshop participants will learn to:
Understand the science behind stress and its impact on the mind and body.
Explore positive coping mechanisms for home and work.
Learn actionable strategies to build resilience and maintain balance
Gain access to valuable resources, including interactive tools, workplace resilience booklets, and helpful tips.
Looking for a more comprehensive experience? This workshop is also available as part of a condensed 1.5-hour session that combines Taking Care of You & Masterclass in Stress Management for an all-in-one approach to stress and resilience building.
To register: SMSKPC – Workshops
Prevent It! – Little Warriors
Prevent It! educates and empowers adults to take action and help prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
The Prevent It! workshop offers hope to help prevent child sexual abuse. Research has shown that adults who complete it become more supportive of children and begin using more behaviours that are believed to reduce children’s vulnerability to sexual abuse.
Offered in person and online by Little Warriors, Prevent It! is a FREE evidence-based educational workshop developed in Canada in conjunction with researchers at the University of Alberta. The course is available in live or self-paced formats, and an Indigenous version is also available.
To register: LW – PI
Anger Management Classes – The Family Centre
At The Family Centre, our anger management classes are designed to help you gain control over your emotions, transform your responses, and build a happier, more fulfilling life.
Are you struggling to control your anger, leading to regrettable outbursts and strained relationships? Do you wish to break free from the cycle of frustration and find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges?
Anger is a natural emotion you experience when something doesn’t go as planned or someone contradicts what you think is “right.” People of all ages and personalities experience anger, but how we respond to it varies greatly from person to person.
Whether you've experienced anger issues for a long time or you're looking for preventive measures, our classes offer effective strategies to meet your needs.
We provide hands-on ways to deal with your anger so you can have positive relationships and strategies to handle conflict in a healthy way.
Don't let anger control you. Take the first step towards a more balanced and harmonious life. Join our anger management classes today and start your journey toward emotional well-being and self-improvement.
You will learn how to address anger as a normal, healthy emotion by understanding:
The underlying emotions connected with anger
Your own triggers for anger
Effective ways to deal with and express anger
Ways to set healthy boundaries in relationships
How to manage stress
How to effectively communicate and resolve conflict
Why self-esteem/self-worth affect anger
By the end of the session, you will feel more comfortable:
Communicating, resolving conflict, setting boundaries, and asserting yourself
Sharing your most important concerns with others
Identifying personal traits to address specific issues, such as positive self-esteem, healthy boundaries, stress management, and emotional triggers
Solving day-to-day problems and challenges
Separate sessions for men and women are available.
To register: TFC – AMC
Fostering Resilience I: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences – The Family Centre
In part one of our "Fostering Resilience" workshop series, participants will gain valuable insights into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their profound impact on healthy brain development and body functioning.
Discover how ACEs can have lasting effects on health, well-being, and development, leading to challenges such as chronic health issues, mental illness, or substance abuse in adulthood.
In this 3-hour workshop, participants will:
Develop a clearer understanding of ACEs and their implications
Learn about the crucial role of addressing ACEs in fostering resilience and recovery
Gain practical strategies for supporting service users affected by ACEs
Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to make a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by childhood adversity.
To register: TFC – Staff Skill Development
Fostering Resilience II: Building Navigation & Negotiation Skills – The Family Centre
In part two of our "Fostering Resilience" workshop series, we dive into resilience theory and practical strategies for building resilience.
Discover how to apply a Science X Design approach (developed by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University) to identify effective strategies for supporting service users in reducing stress, developing new skills, and enhancing connections with others.
In this 3-hour workshop, participants will:
Explore the principles of resilience theory and its application in practice
Learn evidence-based techniques for fostering resilience in themselves and others
Gain insight into using a Science by Design approach to tailor interventions for maximum effectiveness
Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of resilience and equip your staff with actionable tools to make a meaningful impact in their work with others.
To register: TFC – Staff Skill Development
Managing Vicarious Trauma: Strategies for Resilience and Well-Being – The Family Centre
Participants will learn:
Practical strategies for personal and professional self-care
How to engage in interactive exercises designed to understand trauma responses
To identify and implement strategies to foster a healthier work-life balance
Join us as we help your staff build a supportive network, develop essential coping skills, and ensure sustainable success in their roles.
To register: TFC – Staff Skill Development
Mastering Therapeutic Soft Skills: Using Emotional Intelligence to Empower Solution-Focused Conversations – The Family Centre
This workshop introduces participants to a collaborative, solution-focused approach to working with children and families using their emotional intelligence.
In this 6-hour workshop, participants will:
Understand their own emotional intelligence
Recognize the difference between problem-solving and solution-building interviewing
Understand the implicit assumptions of both approaches
Learn practical tools and techniques for implementing solution-building conversations
Participants will receive an overview of introductory therapeutic skills, including active listening, validation, normalizing, paraphrasing, empathy, and containment. Additionally, your staff will learn the importance of "soft skills" such as self-reflection, self-awareness, accessibility, authenticity, genuine interest in others, flexibility, and humour.
Providing Trauma-Informed Care – The Family Centre
Elevate your understanding and skills with our workshop on providing trauma-informed care.
In this 2-hour workshop, we will review:
Trauma 101: understand the basics of trauma, including its prevalence, types, and effects
Neurobiology of trauma: learn how trauma impacts brain development and functioning
Recovery and healing: explore the various paths to recovery and healing for those who have experienced trauma
Trauma-informed care: understand the definitions, values, principles, and practices that form the foundation of trauma-informed care
Participants will gain the ability to:
Describe what trauma-informed care entails
Identify and apply the core principles, values, and practices of trauma-informed care
Recognize and reflect on their specific roles in implementing trauma-informed approaches within their work
Join this workshop to become proficient in trauma-informed care and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have experienced trauma.
The content presented in this workshop is based on the Creating Cultures of Trauma-Informed Care model (CCTIC) developed by Community Connections.
Trauma-Informed Approach to De-Escalation – The Family Centre
This workshop is designed to equip service providers with essential skills for managing crisis situations through a trauma-informed approach.
This workshop does not cover physical restraint procedures and promotes a “no physical contact” approach to de-escalation.
In this 3-hour workshop, participants will:
Gain a deep understanding of the anatomy of a crisis
Learn practical strategies to identify, prevent, and de-escalate crises effectively
Learn valuable debriefing techniques to help service providers process and reflect on crisis incidents
Throughout the workshop, attendees will be introduced to a variety of techniques for supporting individuals in crisis through verbal and nonverbal communication. By mastering these skills, participants will be able to set effective boundaries and guide interactions toward positive outcomes. This workshop emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that all interventions are grounded in empathy and respect.
After attending this workshop, participants will be better prepared to successfully handle future crises with resilience and confidence.
Trauma-Informed, Objective Writing Skills – The Family Centre
Master the art of clear, compassionate, and unbiased documentation with our 1-hour workshop on trauma-informed, objective writing skills.
Designed for professionals who handle sensitive information, this course provides essential techniques for writing that respects and acknowledges trauma experiences while maintaining objectivity.
Participants will learn how to:
Avoid re-traumatizing and oppressive language through careful word choice, structure, and tone
Enhance their writing skills to create supportive and accurate documentation
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to improve their written communication skills so they can better support their service users and uphold professional standards in their writing.
Understanding Attachment: The Impact of Trauma on Brain Development and Behaviour – The Family Centre
We will explore how early attachment interactions shape brain development, identify various attachment patterns, and discuss complex trauma within the context of attachment.
Join us for an enlightening workshop that delves into the intricacies of attachment theory.
Our 6-hour workshop includes:
Detailed coverage of brain development affected by early attachment
Identification of different attachment patterns
In-depth discussion on complex trauma related to attachment
Strategies for assessing and intervening with both children and caregivers
Through a blend of lectures, videos, and experiential exercises, participants will gain valuable insights into the impact of trauma on attachment behaviour. Participants will enhance their understanding and skills in working with service users in a supportive and engaging environment. This workshop uses content from: Alberta Family Wellness Initiative
Building Effective Leaders – The Family Centre
This course consists of four individual 3-hour workshops. In this introductory leadership course, participants will learn that effective leadership begins with an understanding of yourself.
These sessions will give participants the skillset to grow into strong leaders, mentors, and coaches within their organization. This course is designed with a clear purpose: to increase the expertise needed to lead effectively, no matter the participant’s place in the organization. Leadership is not just for those with fancy titles—it's for anyone looking to step up and make a difference.
We believe that becoming a great leader starts with a better understanding of yourself. Participants will use resources such as Discover Your Strengths/Clifton’s Strengths Finder 2.0, the Emotional Intelligence Skills Inventory, 16 Personalities, and the Enneagram Personality Test to develop their own unique leadership style and vision.
To register: TFC – Leadership Development
Building Trust and Resilience Through Relationship-Based Supervision – The Family Centre
In this 3-hour workshop, participants will acquire the tools and skill sets necessary to become effective leaders within their organizations.
By embracing trauma-informed values and adopting relationship-based supervision models, they will cultivate environments of trust, empathy, and support. Acknowledging the diverse past experiences of their staff members, participants will gain insight into how these experiences may influence their work with their service users. Participants will be equipped to intervene proactively to avoid burnout, fostering a culture of well-being and resilience.
Participants will develop essential skills to ensure that their teams can thrive in even the most challenging circumstances. Through this comprehensive approach, participants will not only enhance their leadership capabilities but also contribute to supporting their agency’s service users through an effective supervision model.
To register: TFC – Leadership Development