First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework Implementation – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Free for First Nations community wellness workers, This 3-day virtual training provides participants with an understanding of the key themes and concepts of the Continuum framework.

This training is designed to guide the design of new or existing programs and services to improve Indigenous wellness outcomes, using culture as foundation.

To register: ThunderbirdPF – Training Calendar

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing Using Plants – University of New Mexico

Learn about how plants are used in traditional Hispanic/Latino healing medicine.

As one of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on the use of plants in traditional healing. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share the history, influences, and contributions of traditional medicine. Trained traditional healers will share their knowledge of the healing properties of plants commonly found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico through practical applications that can still be used today. Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine to approach health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the use of plants for the digestive and nervous systems; how to prepare tinctures and microdosis for healing; how to use juice therapy and geotherapy (clay combined with plants) for treatments; and the use of herbal oils and herbal smoke for healing.

To register: Coursera – UNM – C:THUP

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Mind, Energy & Spirit – University of New Mexico

Learn ways to support your mind, energy, and spirit, through Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine.

As the third of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on traditional healing of mind, energy and spirit. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share a number of traditional body therapies. Trained traditional healers will share their knowledge of cleansings from different cultures such as spiritual, energetic and Tonalli Cleansing.

Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine for health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the traditional therapy of the sweat lodge temazcal, laugh therapy risaterapia and they will learn about the creation of sacred spaces and healing grief through Día de los Muertos.

To register: Coursera – UNM – C:ThMES

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

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

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

Gender-Based Analysis Plus – Government of Canada

A tool that can be applied to policies, programs, and initiatives that will guide development in an accessible and equitable way that benefits everyone and that all members of society can participate with minimal barriers.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

To register: GoC – GBA Plus

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

Psychological First Aid – Johns Hopkins University

Learn to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition.

Utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), this specialized course provides perspectives on injuries and trauma that are beyond those physical in nature. The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, the workplace, the military, faith-based organizations, mass disaster venues, and even the demands of more commonplace critical events, e.g., dealing with the psychological aftermath of accidents, robberies, suicide, homicide, or community violence. In addition, the RAPID model has been found effective in promoting personal and community resilience. Participants will increase their abilities to: - Discuss key concepts related to PFA - Listen reflectively - Differentiate benign, non-incapacitating psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions from more severe, potentially incapacitating, crisis reactions - Prioritize (triage) psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions - Mitigate acute distress and dysfunction, as appropriate - Recognize when to facilitate access to further mental health support - Practice self-care

To register: Coursera – JHU – PFA

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

The Science of Well-Being for Teens – Yale

A course for youth on how to be happy, less stressed, and thrive during their youth and into adulthood.

A recent survey found that 37% of teens say they have poor mental health. This 6-week course aims to curb this mental health crisis by bringing together the best insights from Dr. Laurie Santos’ popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life. In this course, you will explore what the field of psychology teaches us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to thrive in high school and beyond. The lessons along with short weekly ‘happiness homework’ assignments will ultimately prepare you to put these scientific findings into practice. The ultimate goal is for you to feel better and build healthier habits. Parents, teachers, and other professionals supporting teenagers may also find the course beneficial.

To register: Coursera – Yale TSWBT

Mindfulness and Well-being Specialization – RICE University

A 3 course series on the benefits of mindfulness to educate and provide moments for practice and self-reflection.

The goal of the specialization is to showcase the ways in which the practice of mindfulness is an effective means of enhancing and maintaining optimal health and overall well-being that can be implemented in every aspect of daily living. The intention of the Specialization is to supply learners with practical tools to support thriving in life. Each course will feature mindfulness practices, directions for implementation and application, experiential exercises and reflection opportunities.

Applied Learning Project

Each week, there will be lectures to watch, discussions to contribute to, and short quizzes to assess your learning. You will also have the opportunity to practice mindfulness yourself, and you will find different ways to try it out when you complete the weekly challenges/experiences.

To register: Coursera – RICE - MWBS

Music for Wellness – Berklee College of Music

Learn how music can be a valuable tool in supporting your well-being.

You love music. You listen to music all the time. Maybe you sing, play an instrument, or compose music. You don’t need to have musical talent to use music to enhance your well being, and even your health.

Learn simple techniques to enrich your mind, body, and spirit through music. The methods can be applied in your daily life, particularly when you are feeling down or stressed out. Developed by a board-certified music therapist and a vocalist/pianist/composer/recording artist specializing in Indian music, these strategies combine science with the wisdom of Eastern philosophy. In the course, discover how to unlock your creativity. You will learn not only how to listen to music in a new way, but also how to listen to the impact that music has on you. You will find out how to care for yourself by practicing coping techniques that are supported by music that is special to you.

To register: Coursera – Berklee MW

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

Trauma-Informed Care: Transforming Practice Through Trauma-Informed Principles – Imagine Institute for Learning

Acknowledge the prevalence and impact of trauma and learn how to apply a trauma-informed lens to your work.

Join our two-day training to transform your practice with trauma-informed principles. Gain skills to provide services that prioritize emotional and physical safety, client choice, and collaboration.

Day two focuses on the well-being of caregivers in human services, addressing burnout and empathic strain from exposure to trauma. Explore the journey from vicarious trauma to resilience and post-traumatic growth, emphasizing the strength found in Adversity.

Learning Objectives

• Define trauma and understand the different types of traumas.

• Identify the signs and symptoms of trauma.

• Understand the impacts and effects of trauma.

• Explore the principles of trauma-informed approaches, including Awareness, Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice and Control, Collaboration and Connection, and Strength-Based Approach.

• Explain the elements of vicarious trauma and how they have the potential to create an imbalance in our ability to sustain our work

• Discover the transformation from vicarious trauma response to post-traumatic growth.

• Discuss tools and wisdom related to emotional intelligence and resilience as ways of supporting strength-based relationships and individual and collective growth within the professional setting.

• Explore the Indigenous theory of two-eyed seeing as a mindset and tool that can support healing and understanding related to vicarious trauma.

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

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) - Imagine Institute for Learning

A 3-hour session designed to share strategies on how to both identify and support someone who may be at risk of suicide.

Imagine Institute for Learning is certified by the QPR Institute to provide suicide prevention training. QPR teaches the warning signs of a suicide crisis, how to offer hope through positive action and ultimately, how to assist in saving a life. The three basic steps for this training workshop include:

Question - the individual's desire or intent regarding suicide;
Persuade - the person to seek and accept help and support;
Refer - the person to the appropriate resources.

This initiative was created to talk openly about suicide and to reduce the stigma that is attached. The plan is to provide better awareness and knowledge to service providers, front-line workers and others so that they are trained to detect signs of suicidality and equipped to refer the appropriate assistance and supports.

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