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 →
Community Resiliency Model (CRM) – Trauma Resource Institute
The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® is evidence-based and trains community members to not only help themselves but to help others within their wider social network.
The primary focus of this skills-based, stabilization program is to re-set the natural balance of the nervous system.
CRM’s goal is to help to create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-focused” communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach.
CRM’s adaptation to disasters is called the Disaster Relief Mobilization-Community Resiliency Model ™ (DRM-CRM). DRM-CRM is a trauma-informed, resiliency-focused systemic response for how to bring the Community Resiliency Model into disaster settings. It can be implemented in preparation for a community disaster, during a disaster, and post-disaster. For more information about this program, please contact us at hello@communitytri.com.
To register: TRI - Trainings
Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) – Trauma Resource Institute
The Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)® is a body-centered, neuroscience-informed approach that helps individuals restore balance in mind, body, and spirit after trauma.
Designed for clinicians and practitioners, TRM teaches ten somatic skills that support clients in processing overwhelming experiences, completing thwarted biological survival responses, and reconnecting with their natural capacity for well-being.
Especially effective for those impacted by developmental, historical, and intergenerational trauma, TRM offers a compassionate, strengths-based framework grounded in the understanding that the body holds the multi-sensory imprint of trauma.
Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, somatic psychology, neuroplasticity, and sensory integration, TRM practitioners learn how to empower their clients to regulate their autonomic nervous system. TRM provides the missing link in trauma recovery by emphasizing body awareness and bottom-up processing, helping clients access relief, meaning, and greater emotional regulation through the innate wisdom of the body.
Key Features of TRM:
💡 Biologically Based: Learn how the body responds to fear and threat and how healing begins by restoring regulation in the autonomic nervous system.
🛠 Somatic Tools for Safety: Practice the ten trauma and resiliency-informed skills that help complete thwarted fight/flight responses and reduce intrusive symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and dissociation.
🌿 From Surviving to Thriving: Support clients in moving beyond survival to reconnect with hope, empowerment, and meaning.
🌎 Culturally Responsive & Adaptable: Used globally in diverse settings, from disaster zones to clinical offices, TRM meets clients where they are—honoring the body's wisdom across all cultures and identities.
Come and learn a deeper, embodied approach to trauma recovery - TRM offers a practical, heart-centered path to resilience.
“The body holds the story—and it also holds the key to healing.”
To register: TRI - Trainings
Unconscious Bias & Bias Awareness – Canadian Equality Consulting
In this course, you'll examine personal and organizational biases and learn how to recognize, address, and challenge them.
Explore the most common types of biases and how they can lead to discrimination, microaggressions, and exclusion. We’ll also delve into the neuroscience behind bias and provide practical strategies to help you identify and mitigate biases, creating a more equitable and inclusive environment.
To register: CEC – UBBA
Equitable and Inclusive Boards – Canadian Equality Consulting
An asynchronous program designed specifically to support Boards of Directors and aspiring Board Directors in building equity and inclusion into their governance, strategic planning, policy setting, and all other board practices.
This is a great program to sign up and complete either as a Board together, or individually. If you complete it together as a Board, you can purchase an add-on for a CEC expert facilitator to lead debrief/discussion sessions with your Board live online or in-person at key points in the program.
To register: CEC - EIB
Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Certification – Canadian Equality Consulting
CEC is proud to offer the first of its kind Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Certification. This is a leadership development program specifically tailored to spearheading diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in your organization with immediate actionable tools and strategies.
The curriculum has four courses including advanced DEI fundamentals, privilege, oppression, and biases, inclusive and equitable leadership, and allyship and organizational transformation. Sign up now.
To register: CEC - EILC
Detangling Anti-Fat Bias in the Workplace – Canadian Equality Consulting
Learn the correct terminology to use, how anti-fat bias appears in the workplace, and how that ties to other systems of oppression and then learn about the many common misconceptions. End with clear and concise ways to combat anti-fat bias.
To register: CEC - DAFBW
DEI Fundamentals – Canadian Equality Consulting
Gain a strong foundational understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in this course.
You will explore essential DEI concepts, including common language and the significance of promoting equity in organizations. Learn about equity-deserving populations, intersectionality, and the dynamics of power and privilege. This course provides the tools and knowledge you need to foster inclusive environments and help advance your organization's DEI goals.
To register: CEC - DEIF
Black History Month: Exploring the Roots of Anti-Black Racism – Canadian Equality Consulting
This course will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, concepts and resources to identify the prevalence of anti-Black racism, and learn how to actively and intentionally build an anti-racist workplace.
To understand the impact of anti-Black racism and how it manifests in today's society, it is crucial to learn about significant moments and changemakers in Black history, from both the American and Canadian contexts.
To register: CEC - BHMERABR
Traumatic Event Systems (TES) Training – Center for Trauma Informed Practices
Train and certify individuals in your organization on the TES model, a responsive methodology that addresses the systemic aftermath of a traumatic event on individuals and communities.
“The Traumatic Event Systems Model is a model that is meant to understand the human systems response to trauma…so it is a model that is applied to both the early, initial response to tragedy, that is also meant to support all levels of the human system – so students, staff, parents and caregivers, in a school based response, or workers and their families in an organizational response – and also address the issue of traumatic aftermath." – J. Kevin Cameron, Executive Director, NACTATR (now CTIP)
The Traumatic Event Systems (TES) Model enhances traditional crisis response practice by providing leaders and professionals with the tools they need to prepare, intervene, and support individuals and communities through the complex and sometimes, lasting effects of trauma.
With the advent of media and social media, we’ve seen how a natural response to trauma can be intensified and amplified far beyond the initial impact zone, needlessly building anger and anxiety within communities. Until recently, the majority of trauma research has focused on the linear impact to the individual; however, the TES Model aims to identify and prevent traumatic events that continuously affect multiple human systems (e.g., families, schools, communities, states, provinces and territories) that may even be located hundreds to thousands of miles away from where the initial trauma occurred.
The TES Model focuses on four phases of assessment and intervention, with necessary distinctions for schools, worksites, and entire communities:
Children and Youth Focus
Phase I: Initial Response: Child and Youth System (e.g., schools, sports teams, clubs or church youth groups, etc.)
Phase II: Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: Adult Systems (e.g., teachers, coaches, support workers, etc.)
Phase III: Community Intervention: Parent & Family System
Phase IV: Traumatic Aftermath: Preparing for the Process of Recovery
Workplace Focus
Phase I: Initial Response: Frontline Staff in the Workplace
Phase II: Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: Adult Systems (e.g., managers & leaders, affiliates, etc.)
Phase III: Community Intervention: Spouse/Partner & Family System
Phase IV: Traumatic Aftermath: Preparing for the Process of Recovery
High-Impact Crises or High-Profile Traumatic Events:
Combination of the above
To register: CTIP - TES
Foundation in Trauma Response – Center for Trauma Informed Practices
This course will present our own evolutionary process for understanding trauma, and introduce you to the early research, concepts, and variables that led to the development of the Traumatic Event Systems (TES™) model of crisis and trauma response.
Whether individuals are victims of trauma or supporting others who are, nothing occurs in a vacuum. There is a story and a reason for “why” behind the complex human reactions to traumatic situations, including the fact that ten people can be exposed to the same traumatic stimuli and yet have ten completely different responses. Unlike other crisis response models, the TES™ Model considers the unique characteristics of the individuals, families, schools, workplaces, or communities we are supporting. We do not assume that every human being or human system functions the same, therefore trauma response should be “measured” to the actual circumstance of those we are supporting. Born out of our experience working in the aftermath of some of North America’s highest-profile traumas, this course is a timely edition for understanding the human response to trauma in individuals, families, and beyond.
Module 1: Trauma Response Foundation: Early Thinking
Module 2: Understanding Trauma: Early Research
Module 3: Media-Generated Trauma
Module 4: Impact of Trauma on Adults
Module 5: Impact of Trauma on Children and Youth
Module 6: Impact of Trauma on Families
CEU: 3 Continuing Education Credits
Credential Type: Badge
Cost: $85 USD / $120 CAD + applicable tax per individual
Time to complete: 3 hours / self-paced learning
Course access: Available for 60 days from date of enrollment
Who should take the course?
The Foundation Courses are customized for the person who has an interest in the fields of threat assessment, trauma response, or family dynamics: including para-professionals, professionals, and those with a general interest in advancing their learning. It is designed to provide learning for those who want general exposure to the CTIP™ models as well as those who are planning—as part of their professional development—to complete any of the two-day, in-person training courses. It is also meant to provide those who have already completed two-day trainings an opportunity to refresh their learning and dive more deeply into areas that informed our current training program.
To register: CTIP - FTR
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
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
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 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
Principles of Trauma-Informed Supervision – The Family Centre
In this 3-hour workshop, participants will engage in an in-depth exploration of the five values of trauma-informed care, examining their critical role in fostering safe and effective supervision practices.
Through this workshop, attendees will gain an understanding of how these components intersect with and enhance the supervisory process. Participants will develop a proficiency in nurturing the growth and development of their staff. Additionally, they will learn to assess their supervisees' quality of life in relation to their work, ensuring a holistic approach to staff well-being and professional growth.
By nurturing qualities such as humility, hunger, and emotional intelligence, participants will foster cohesive, high-performing teams.
The content presented in this workshop is based on the Creating Cultures of Trauma-Informed Care model (CCTIC) developed by Community Connections.
To register: TFC – Leadership Development
Effective Intercultural Practice - Center for Race and Culture (CFRAC)
This workshop will examine the concept of culture, the effect culture has on one’s personal and professional life, as well as the role that our cultural norms and expectations play in our interactions with others.
This workshop will examine the concept of culture, the effect culture has on one’s personal and professional life, as well as the role that our cultural norms and expectations play in our interactions with others.
It will equip the participants with practical tools to reflect on their programs and services, apply strategies to challenge cultural bias and discrimination, practice intercultural communication to create a more inclusive workplace where colleagues and clients from different cultural backgrounds feel valued and respected.
In this session, participants will:
Explore culture, cultural norms, and the way our own cultural lens influences our work
Understand our cultural biases and the way they can lead to discrimination
Understand intercultural practice in the context of social inclusion and equity
Use culturally informed practices to guide their interactions for effective intercultural communication
For more information: CFRAC Training