School of Peer Support – CMHA-Edmonton Peer College

Build a fully developed skill-set around being a peer worker through both in-class instruction and a practicum component.

The School of Peer Support is a nine-month course that delves into the fundamentals of peer support including such areas as supportive listening, boundaries, system navigation, etc. This course is delivered once each week over 93 hours of in-class training (from mid-October to late June) followed by a 50-hour practicum.

For more information or to register for a course or elective please contact Christine Ellery at cellery@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca

LEAP (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) – CMHA-Edmonton

Learn how to provide support and interact with someone you care about when they are experiencing psychosis.

Do you have a family member experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychotic illness who is unwilling to accept treatment? If so, then LEAP can help.

LEAP® (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) courses are for family members or caregivers of someone who is experiencing psychosis (hallucinations and/or delusions) and isn’t aware of having a mental illness. This is an evidence based course that aims to improve or repair your relationship and help you get your loved one to recognize the signs of their condition and accept treatment. LEAP was developed by Dr. Xavier Amador, a renowned clinical psychologist with first-hand experience caring for family members with serious mental illness.

The LEAP-certified trainer, a family member like you, was taught by Dr. Amador and has helped hundreds of other Albertans over the past five years. The interactive course includes opportunities to practice new ways to communicate with – and relate to – someone with a psychotic illness. 

Please note that each in-person course will be hosted at Prosper Place, 10455 172 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5S 1K9. If you have questions about LEAP or are wondering if this course is for you, please email ndorcas@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.

To register: CMHA-Edmonton – LEAP

Mental Health First Aid Virtual – CMHA-Edmonton

Learn to support someone who is struggling with their mental health.

The Mental Health First Aid training was developed to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

MHFA teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counselors, or mental health professionals. The philosophy behind MHFA is that mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If a crisis does arise, then members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1 – Self Directed) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3 – Virtual Classroom). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.

Participants will receive the “MHFA Participant Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health and substance use crises.

For more information: CMHA-Edmonton MHFA Standard

To register: MHFA

This training is available at no-cost for participants thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton.

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

Lunch & Learn Series - Mental Health Foundation

An ongoing series on various mental health and addiction topics that provides education and a place for connection.

Our Lunch & Learn Series is dedicated to fostering an open dialogue on mental health and addictions topics. These free online sessions provide the community with valuable knowledge, resources, and support in a warm, welcoming environment. The Lunch & Learn Series provides evidence-based resources that can help people stay up-to-date on best practices, connect with other like minded individuals, and engage in stimulating discussions.

To register: MHF Lunch & Learn

Indigenous Wellness Parenting Program – Ben Calf Robe

A strength-based program that supports parents to build valuable skills and healthy relationships with their children while honouring traditional Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

Parents will enhance their parenting skills in a positive, effective, and enjoyable way while honouring our Indigenous Ways of Knowing. Parents will learn strategies on how to best connect with their child(ren) and have a rewarding parent/child relationship. 

Our program is designed to support trauma informed persons served. We believe in using a strengths-based approach – persons served are led by their own strengths in which determine their outcome. Together we can decolonize our mind, body, and soul through a holistic traditional way.

Some Parenting Topics Include:

• Structure & Routine

• Residential School System

• Impacts of Intergenerational trauma

• Developmental stages of life

• Emotional Regulation

• Medicine Wheel Teachings

• Identity/purpose/culture

• Stress Management

• Communication

• Family Violence

• Grief and Loss

• Self-Esteem/Self-care

• Anger Management

• Conflict Resolution

• Attachment & Bonding

• Relationships & Boundaries

• Parenting Styles

• Behaviour Management

• Traditional Sharing Circles

To register: Ben Calf Robe – Indigenous Wellness Parenting Program

Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta

Learn the complexities of Indigenous history in Canada and the struggles they face in preserving their well-being in modern society.

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.

From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships.

To register: Coursera – UofA Indigenous Canada

Building Psychological Safety in the Workplace – Imagine Institute for Learning

Creating Safe and Growth-Oriented Workplaces: Learn what makes a workplace psychologically safe and what you can do to create a workplace that empowers people to show up at their best.

Writer Annie Dillard said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Many of us spend a large portion of our day at work. In fact, the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. It is safe to say that your job greatly impacts your quality of life. In this two-day session, we talk about the role of the internal narrative that accompanies the workloads, relationships and challenges faced within the work environment. The session includes interactive activities, research on psychological safety and a toolkit full of activities and assessments that you can use to move from existing to thriving at work.

Learning Objectives:

• Create a safe environment to learn from the wisdom in the room and use trauma-informed practices to engage in uncomfortable conversations in a safe way.

• Explore the foundations and application of psychological safety as it relates to inclusion, learning, contribution, and challenging environments.

• Employ practical workplace strategies and interventions to prioritize self-advocacy and agile conversations.

• Discuss real-time challenges and opportunities to support a healthy and sustainable work environment.

This training is now available at no cost to Edmonton and area participants by using the discount code Living25.

For more information: Imagine Training Framework PDF

To register: Imagine Institute for Learning Upcoming Sessions

This training is available at no-cost for participants thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton.

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

TIDeS™ Trauma-Informed De-escalation Strategies – Imagine Institute for Learning

Creating Safety and Connection in our Interactions: Learn how to de-escalate conflict and manage high intensity situations while maintaining a trauma-informed approach.

This full-day training is designed to provide participants with critical skills in using trauma-informed de-escalation strategies. Research shows that trauma is highly prevalent in the general public and will likely play a role in interactions with an escalated individual. TIDeS™ not only considers the trauma of the escalated individual but also the person providing support.

Participants will take a deep dive into assessing their own attitudes, boundaries, communication styles, and debriefing strategies. There is a focus on prevention and long-term reduction of crisis situations. Intended for all areas of the community, this training provides a universal trauma-informed approach to de-escalation. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of trauma-informed care and the principles of de-escalating a potential crisis.

• Develop skills in assessing attitudes, setting boundaries, and communicating effectively.

• Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation strategies to encourage safe connection.

• Explore the application of strategies in different demographics using case studies.

• Learn strategies for debriefing following a crisis.

This training is now available at no cost to Edmonton and area participants by using the discount code Living25.

For more information: Imagine Training Framework PDF

To register: Imagine Institute for Learning Upcoming Sessions

This training is available at no-cost for participants thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton.

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship MOOC – Athabasca University

A free course to build understanding and champion Indigenous health equity in Canada.

This MOOC is perfect for individuals looking to expand their understanding of Indigenous health issues and those committed to fostering allyship. Whether you are a student, healthcare professional, community worker, or simply passionate about making a difference, this course offers valuable insights for everyone.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhance your knowledge: Gain a solid foundation in the historical, social, and cultural contexts of Indigenous health.

• Build meaningful connections: Learn how to support Indigenous communities through informed and respectful allyship.

• Develop practical skills: Acquire tools and strategies to advocate for health equity and social justice effectively.

To register: Athabasca University – IHWAA

Trauma-Informed Care e-Learning Series – Alberta Health Services

Self-study modules designed to educate you on how to be mindful of the impacts of trauma when interacting with others and providing care.

The TIC e-Learning Series consists of seven (7) foundational self-study modules, each of which can be completed in approximately 30 minutes or less. The modules have been designed for a broad audience, including those providing Addiction & Mental Health treatment services. The content has been developed using evidence-informed best practices and is organized sequentially to create a seamless, flowing learning experience; the modules should be taken in order.

To register:AHS Trauma Training Initiative

Brain Story Certification – Alberta Family Wellness Initiative

A comprehensive online course that provides knowledge around early brain development and how stress and trauma experienced in early life contribute to changes in the brain that can lead to physical and mental health issues later on.

Lifelong health is determined by more than just our genes: experiences at sensitive periods of development change the brain in ways that increase or decrease risk for later physical and mental illness, including addiction. That finding is the premise of the Brain Story, which puts scientific concepts into a narrative that is salient to both expert and non-expert audiences. The Brain Story synthesizes decades of research and reflects a body of knowledge that experts agree is useful for policy-makers and citizens to understand.

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) has developed an online course to make Brain Story science available to professionals and the public. Brain Story Certification is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for lifelong health. The course is also designed for professionals seeking certification in a wide range of fields. 

To register: Alberta Family Wellness Initiative- Training

Provincial Addiction & Mental Health Curricula & Experiential Skills (PACES) – Alberta Health Services

Learn how to support individuals struggling with addictions, mental health, and concurrent disorders.

The Provincial Addiction & Mental Health Curricula & Experiential Skills (PACES) Learning Pathway advances learners from a basic understanding to a mastery of the competencies required to assess, treat, and support recovery from addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders.

PACES provides accessible, self-paced, and personalized addiction and mental health education for all skill levels through e-learning modules, educational videos, simulated clinical scenarios, and virtual skill-building sessions.

The learning pathway consists of four learning phases, allowing individuals to develop their skills based on their unique needs.

Read The Provincial Addiction and Mental Health Curricula & Experiential Skills Learning Pathway.

PACES consists of both Accredited Self-Assessment Learning and Simulation Activities (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Professional Development. Upon completion of each activity, the learner can request a CME certificate of participation. In addition, the PACES Beginning, Developing, and Advancing phases are duly accredited by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation.

To register: AHS - PACES

Alberta Opioid Dependency Treatment Virtual Training (ODT) – Alberta Health Services

Learn how to support those struggling with opioid dependencies, from a healthcare provider perspective.

The Alberta Opioid Dependency Treatment (ODT) Virtual Training Program is a component of broader efforts to respond to the drug poisoning crisis in Alberta by improving the capacity of prescribers and allied health care providers involved in treating opioid use disorder.

Read The Alberta ODT Virtual Training Program Course Overview for module learning objectives and durations.

The training program is an Accredited Simulation Activity (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development.

To register: AHS – ODT Virtual

Trauma-Focused Skills (TF) Workshop Series – Alberta Health Services

A follow-up course to the e-learning series designed to help build practical and applied knowledge around working with trauma.

The Trauma-Focused Skills Workshop Series consists of five (5) online workshops that are three hours long. Going beyond the knowledge gained within the TIC e-Learning series, the workshops will discuss creating safety, identifying stabilization skills and supporting strategies to enhance health care providers' knowledge and confidence while working with trauma survivors. The content has been organized sequentially to create a seamless, flowing learning experience; the workshops are to be taken in order, and all five must be completed to obtain a certificate of participation. The TIC e-Learning modules are a pre-requisite for the workshop series.

**This workshop series is not a replacement for trauma-specific treatment intervention training but covers the groundwork principles that underlie most trauma-specific interventions. It offers generalized training for health care providers to develop foundational skills in the areas of safety building and stabilization.**

Currently only available to AHS staff.

To register: AHS Trauma Training Initiative