101 Introductory Courses – CAMH (Centre for Mental Health and Addictions)

A collection of introductory modules on different subjects within the field of mental health and addictions.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. They offer a number of introductory courses around mental health and addictions. Each module can be completed separately. Some of the courses include Addiction 101, Mental Health 101, Depression 101, Harm Reduction, Diversity and Health Equity, etc.

To register: CAMH Mental Health 101 Courses

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

Indigenous Perspectives on Trauma, Vicarious Trauma and Wellness – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Free for First Nations community wellness workers, this online course covers various aspects of trauma and resilience in Indigenous culture.

This course builds upon the strengths of Indigenous peoples, utilizing Culture as Foundation, to understand the experience of collective trauma, historical, intergenerational, and vicarious trauma. In doing so, the course explores trauma and its effects on individuals and communities and explore ways to promote healing and resilience, including the application and use of the Indigenous Wellness Framework (IWF) and First Nations Mental Wellness Framework (FNMWC). Additionally, the course will provide guidance on stress, vicarious trauma, burnout, and workplace wellness, exploring ways to promote self-care and organizational wellness.

To register: ThunderbirdPF – Online Course Sign-Up

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

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

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