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 →
Foundation in Family Dynamics – Center for Trauma Informed Practices
This course will introduce you to the early work of the pioneers in the field of family therapy and expand on key insights that have influenced clinical practice throughout the world.It will also tie together elements from the fields of threat assessment and trauma response that are sometimes family-generated.
People often come into counselling—or are brought into counselling—because it is assumed by others “there is something wrong with them.” Although there are presenting issues unique to each individual entering counselling, there are usually other factors that can elevate risk for symptom development that are “outside” the individual. In other words, it’s not all about the identified person: often family dynamics are a risk-enhancing variable that can contribute to what’s wrong with an individual as well. Understanding family dynamics can be the solution to many problems. No two families are the same—and no two family members have the same experience—even if they were raised by the same parents or caregivers.
Module 1: Family Dynamics Foundation: Early Thinking
Module 2: The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts: Early Research
Module 3: Genograms: The Family Map
Module 4: Family Structure
Module 5: Family Function
Module 6: Family Emotional Process
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 - FFD
Microlearning: Maintaining Hope Course Series – Center for Trauma Informed Practices
This course series provides four individual courses that give insight into the idea and value of hope, and end with practical applications for how one can help others.
Keeping hope alive, even in seemingly hopeless situations, is paramount to our functioning as humans. Learned helplessness is the opposite of hope, and holds people down even if those around them can see ways out of situations.
The four courses are:
What Happens Without Hope?
What Do We Mean By Hope?
How Do We Have Hope?
How Do We Help Others Have Hope?
Each course has one objective that is accomplished by introducing learners to content through slides, videos, images, reflections, questions, and applications.
The objectives are:
Define learned helplessness and identify the ramifications of not having hope.
Explain the concept of a hopeful person; a hopeful person is one who believes that hope exists even in a traumatic situation.
Distinguish between two types of hope and explore, in detail, life-changing hope.
Synthesize the foundations of hope with open communication and meaningful conversations to help those around have hope.
CEU: 1 Continuing Education Credit
Credential Type: Badge
Time to complete: 1 hour / self-paced learning
Course access: Available for 30 days from date of enrollment
To register: CTIP - MHCS
Natural Supports Simulation - United Way Alberta Capital Region
Learn how to build trusting relationships and help support a youth through 8 skills.
A Natural Support mindset is built upon 8 skills that can support a child or youth experiencing a mental health concern.
The simulation lasts about 15-25 minutes. Once started, you can leave the simulation at any time and we’ll save your spot.
Pick a role - Unique scenarios are available for 3 main support roles in a youth’s life: Parent or Caregiver, Teacher or Coach, and Friend or Relative.
Pick an area of concern - Each youth represents a mental health concern. You can repeat the simulation as many times as you like to explore multiple roles and concerns.
Give honest answers - Provide honest responses that reflect your interactions with youth so you can learn which skills and resources you need.
Get resources and support - The outcomes of this simulation will help you prepare and strengthen your skills as a Natural Support.
Developed by The Social Impact Lab.
To register: United Way – NSS
Prevent It! – Little Warriors
Prevent It! educates and empowers adults to take action and help prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
The Prevent It! workshop offers hope to help prevent child sexual abuse. Research has shown that adults who complete it become more supportive of children and begin using more behaviours that are believed to reduce children’s vulnerability to sexual abuse.
Offered in person and online by Little Warriors, Prevent It! is a FREE evidence-based educational workshop developed in Canada in conjunction with researchers at the University of Alberta. The course is available in live or self-paced formats, and an Indigenous version is also available.
To register: LW – PI
Bridge Community Programs – Little Warriors
An online module-based program designed for youth addressing multiple topics around preventing sexual abuse by providing information, resources, tools and support services in an interactive, age appropriate way.
The Bridge Community Programs were developed by the Clinical Team at the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch, in collaboration with Safe Places.
We began with a concept to develop a workshop to educate children and teens on how to help prevent sexual abuse, in line with the Little Warriors Prevent it! program that educates adults on how to help prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
As the team began developing content, it became apparent that we could and should utilize the knowledge and expertise of our psychologists, social workers, professionals, and parents to develop a program that would become a platform to educate and empower children and youth on a much broader spectrum.
After registering to access the program, individuals or facilitators of groups can log into the platform and work through as many modules as they want to. Each module has information to read, videos, activities, reflection, calming grounding strategies, wrap up and resources. Facilitated programs for groups have facilitator notes and guidance as well as resources and supports to follow up with the group after the module has been delivered.
Topics Include:
Identity and Values, Culture and Traditions, Spirituality and Religion, Mental Health, Self-Care and Wellness, Resiliency, Self-Compassion, Challenging Our Thoughts, Mindfulness, Calming and Grounding, Gratitude, Mind and Body Connection, Body Image, Mindfulness and Movement (Yoga), Understanding Diversity, Gender, LGBTQI2S+, Relationships, Drama, Conflict, Jealousy, Bullying, Boundaries, Consent, Sexuality, Sexual Safety, Coming Out, Abuse, Stress, Trauma, Understanding Sexual Abuse, Dealing with Abuse, Internet Safety, Internet Child Exploitation, Sharing Intimate Images, Human Trafficking, Addiction, Self-Harm, Suicide, Eating Disorders, Effective Study Skills and Test Taking and Menstruation.
To register: LW – BCP
Anger Management Classes – The Family Centre
At The Family Centre, our anger management classes are designed to help you gain control over your emotions, transform your responses, and build a happier, more fulfilling life.
Are you struggling to control your anger, leading to regrettable outbursts and strained relationships? Do you wish to break free from the cycle of frustration and find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges?
Anger is a natural emotion you experience when something doesn’t go as planned or someone contradicts what you think is “right.” People of all ages and personalities experience anger, but how we respond to it varies greatly from person to person.
Whether you've experienced anger issues for a long time or you're looking for preventive measures, our classes offer effective strategies to meet your needs.
We provide hands-on ways to deal with your anger so you can have positive relationships and strategies to handle conflict in a healthy way.
Don't let anger control you. Take the first step towards a more balanced and harmonious life. Join our anger management classes today and start your journey toward emotional well-being and self-improvement.
You will learn how to address anger as a normal, healthy emotion by understanding:
The underlying emotions connected with anger
Your own triggers for anger
Effective ways to deal with and express anger
Ways to set healthy boundaries in relationships
How to manage stress
How to effectively communicate and resolve conflict
Why self-esteem/self-worth affect anger
By the end of the session, you will feel more comfortable:
Communicating, resolving conflict, setting boundaries, and asserting yourself
Sharing your most important concerns with others
Identifying personal traits to address specific issues, such as positive self-esteem, healthy boundaries, stress management, and emotional triggers
Solving day-to-day problems and challenges
Separate sessions for men and women are available.
To register: TFC – AMC
Fostering Resilience I: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences – The Family Centre
In part one of our "Fostering Resilience" workshop series, participants will gain valuable insights into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their profound impact on healthy brain development and body functioning.
Discover how ACEs can have lasting effects on health, well-being, and development, leading to challenges such as chronic health issues, mental illness, or substance abuse in adulthood.
In this 3-hour workshop, participants will:
Develop a clearer understanding of ACEs and their implications
Learn about the crucial role of addressing ACEs in fostering resilience and recovery
Gain practical strategies for supporting service users affected by ACEs
Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to make a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by childhood adversity.
To register: TFC – Staff Skill Development
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
Managing Vicarious Trauma: Strategies for Resilience and Well-Being – The Family Centre
Participants will learn:
Practical strategies for personal and professional self-care
How to engage in interactive exercises designed to understand trauma responses
To identify and implement strategies to foster a healthier work-life balance
Join us as we help your staff build a supportive network, develop essential coping skills, and ensure sustainable success in their roles.
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.
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 Effective Leaders – The Family Centre
This course consists of four individual 3-hour workshops. In this introductory leadership course, participants will learn that effective leadership begins with an understanding of yourself.
These sessions will give participants the skillset to grow into strong leaders, mentors, and coaches within their organization. This course is designed with a clear purpose: to increase the expertise needed to lead effectively, no matter the participant’s place in the organization. Leadership is not just for those with fancy titles—it's for anyone looking to step up and make a difference.
We believe that becoming a great leader starts with a better understanding of yourself. Participants will use resources such as Discover Your Strengths/Clifton’s Strengths Finder 2.0, the Emotional Intelligence Skills Inventory, 16 Personalities, and the Enneagram Personality Test to develop their own unique leadership style and vision.
To register: TFC – Leadership Development
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
Protocol Teachings – The Family Centre
Learn about the significant of protocol in Indigenous culture and how to offer it respectfully.
In the nêhiyaw worldview, health and wellness are understood as miyo pimâtisiwin, or ‘living the good life,’ and is achieved by seeking mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical balance. miyo pimâtisiwin is a way of being and a commitment to living and practicing in accordance with nêhiyaw ceremonies, teachings, and values.
Through active participation in this 1-hour workshop, participants will:
Develop an understanding of the relationship between ceremony and healing
Understand the significance of and meaning behind offering protocol
Learn how to respectfully approach Elders and offer protocol
To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings
Seven Sacred Teachings – The Family Centre
Join our knowledge holder as they guide participants in discussing what each of the Seven Sacred Teachings means and their application to the work with Indigenous children, youth, and families.
The Seven teachings provide the foundational directions for living miyo pimâtisiwin (living the good life). Each animal has shared teachings with us, and it is through them that we learned how to behave in the world.
In this 2-hour workshop, participants will:
Experience a smudge and understand how smudging places oneself in a sacred space, readying the participants to enter into a healing relationship
Receive teachings on the Seven Sacred Teachings
Learn how the Seven Sacred Teachings are applicable in many different contexts and how they can be used to better support and engage Indigenous children, youth, and families
To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings
Smudge Teachings – The Family Centre
We believe that any individual who has been given the gift of the smudging ceremony by an Elder or knowledge holder has the responsibility to practice that gift with the children, youth, and families they work with.
In this 1-hour workshop, participants will:
Experience a smudge and understand how smudging places oneself in a sacred space, readying the participants to enter into a healing relationship
Receive smudging teachings and understand how to respectfully enter into ceremony
Gain the confidence to lead a smudge with groups of people
Participants who attend will be able to better support and engage Indigenous children, youth, and families through ceremony.
To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings