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 →
Understanding Human Connection – Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre
This group focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills through effective communication, conflict resolution, self-care, and strategies for dealing with difficult situations.
Participants will engage in education, discussions, and activities focused on the importance of fostering resilience, boundary creation, and emotional intelligence. The group looks to teach valuable skills for building healthier, more fulfilling connections.
To register: Norwood - Courses
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
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
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.
Listening to Understand Not To Respond -MRD Training & Consulting Inc.
Learn what it means to be an active listener, and how to be a good listener.
Have you ever been accused of not listening? It’s a common complaint, one that many of us can relate to. But did you know that there’s a difference between hearing and truly listening? It’s true! Good listening skills are not innate; they are habits that we develop over time. And the impact of these habits can be far-reaching, affecting our relationships and careers.
In our fast-paced world, where distractions abound, being a good listener is more important than ever. It can earn you respect, appreciation, and help you build stronger relationships in both your personal and professional life. But how can you become a better listener? That’s where our course comes in.
Our course goes beyond the basics of listening. It delves into the different types of listeners and helps you identify your own listening style. Understanding your listening habits is the first step towards improvement. This course is optimized for individuals in the insurance industry.
Accreditation: 3 Hours
AB: General and Adjusters #70951
To register: MRD - LUNR
Healthy Boundaries and Effective Communication – The Family Centre
In this half-day workshop, you will learn how to express your feelings honestly and discover real-life ways to be assertive.
Do you find it difficult to speak up for yourself and share your opinion or feelings, especially when they aren’t the same as someone else’s? A lack of assertiveness or confidence can result in challenges between you and your family, partner, or coworkers. Effective communication and conflict management skills are critical for your overall health and happiness. You have a right to be heard, make your own choices, and even say “no.”
You will build skills to enhance your communication by understanding:
Different communication styles
What assertive communication is, why assertive communication is important, and how to communicate assertively
How to effectively resolve conflicts
“I” statement
Boundaries and how to say no
By the end of the course, you will feel more comfortable:
Communicating, resolving conflict, setting boundaries, and asserting yourself
Sharing your most important concerns
Solving day-to-day problems and challenges
How much does it cost?
Group workshop: $75 per person
Private session: $325 per person
We are dedicated to supporting families of all income levels. We offer a subsidy for attending the group workshop for this class, thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services.
If needed, you can apply for a subsidy by selecting one of the subsidy options in the registration form.
To register: TFC - HBEC