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 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
Foundation in Threat Assessment – Center for Trauma Informed Practices
This course will present our own evolutionary process for understanding violence, and introduce you to the early research, concepts, and variables that led to the development of the comprehensive Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA™) model.
Whether individuals are the perpetrators of violence or the victims of it, nothing occurs in a vacuum. There is a story and a reason for “why,” behind the complex human causes and reactions where violence, trauma, and family dynamics are manifest. We know far more now than ever before about the “evolutionary pathway to serious violence”.Unlike other threat assessment models, VTRA™ is the only community-based, multidisciplinary model developed to address all forms of violence simultaneously. Therefore, this course will consider multiple forms of violence, including family, community, school, and workplace.
Module 1: Threat Assessment Foundation: Early Thinking
Module 2: The Evolution of the VTRA™ Model: Early Research
Module 3: The Missing Link: Connecting the Dots
Module 4: VTRA™ Applies to All Forms of Violence
Module 5: Worrisome Behaviors: Early Intervention
Module 6: The Empty Vessel: The Power of Connection
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 - FTA
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
Talking About Suicide: Empowering Healthcare Providers, Instilling Hope in Clients – Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Talking About Suicide course is designed to provide health-care providers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognize suicide risk and to engage in meaningful conversations with their clients about suicide.
Health-care providers play a pivotal role in preventing suicides in Canada. They are ideally positioned to engage with clients experiencing thoughts of suicide and to provide, or link them to, potentially life-saving support and resources. This course includes scenarios, case studies, practice tips, and personal accounts from suicide attempt survivors — and it can be completed in as little as three hours.
Upon completion of this course, health-care providers will be able to:
Practise building trust with clients at risk of suicide and gain the confidence needed to have a conversation with them about suicide
Comprehend the complexity of suicide and its prevalence in Canada
Identify common suicide risk factors and protective factors
Employ tools, resources, and strategies to evaluate and respond to suicide risk among clients in their health-care setting and to offer appropriate support
Implement best practices for safety planning for clients experiencing thoughts of suicide
Recognize the responsibility of health-care providers as individuals and as a team in talking about suicide and instilling hope in clients
This activity meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Quebec College of Family Physicians, a continuing professional development accrediting organization recognized by the Collège des médecins du Québec, and has been approved for up to 4 Mainpro+® Certified Activity credits.
The Talking About Suicide training is currently approved by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) for 2 continuing education credits. The CNA Accreditation Program upholds standards of quality for continuing professional development for nurses in Canada.
To register: MHCC – Talking About Suicide
An Introduction to Social Emotional Learning -Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
Learn more about social and emotional learning (SEL), reflect on how it connects to your daily life and your relationships with young people, and plan opportunities for SEL in the next month.
CASEL’s free, self-paced online course can be completed in less than an hour. It is for staff members, parents and caregivers, and community partners looking to learn about SEL.
This course includes:
Application Activities—Reflective activities help you imagine ways you can (and already do!) apply social and emotional skills to support young people.
Facilitation Guide—This course can be taken individually, but it is even better with a group! Use the downloadable guide to lead a group through this course.
Next Steps—This course is a first step. At the end, you’ll find discussion guides to help continue conversations and links to learn more.
Certificate of completion—You’ll earn a downloadable certificate that will be saved to your account.
This introductory course works well as foundational learning for all staff and can help recruit an SEL leadership team to experience Leading Schoolwide SEL together.
Available in English and Spanish.
To register: CASEL – ISEL
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
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
De-escalating Customer and Clients – LearnSphere
Dealing with tense or challenging situations is part of the reality in customer service and client-facing roles — but knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
In this workshop, participants will learn a simple and effective model for de-escalation, understand the roots of emotional reactions, and develop active listening skills to defuse situations before they escalate further.
Participants will leave with:
A clear step-by-step de-escalation plan
Helpful phrases and language to use with upset clients or customers
A ready-to-use script for handling verbal abuse
Strategies for managing threats or violence when de-escalation fails
Perfect for anyone who deals with the public and wants to feel more confident, calm, and in control — no matter what the day brings.
To register: LS – DeCC
Delivering Constructive Criticism – LearnSphere
This interactive online workshop with leadership expert Monique Gallie will give you the tools to deliver feedback that builds, not breaks.
Giving feedback isn’t easy — but done right, it can transform performance and strengthen your team.
You’ll learn to:
Know when (and how) to deliver constructive feedback
Set the right tone and atmosphere
Follow a clear step-by-step approach
Manage emotions to keep the conversation productive
Set goals and follow up effectively
Perfect for anyone in a leadership or supervisory role who wants to give feedback with clarity, impact, and confidence.
To register: LS – DCC
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
Self-Guided Public Safety Personnel Wellbeing Course – PSPNET
The self-guided course provides free education and guidance on effective skills for managing various mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress injuries.
Offered free to public safety personnel across Canada.
To register: PSPNET - SGPSPWC
Public Safety Personnel Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course – PSPNET Families
As a spouse or significant other of a first responder or other public safety personnel (PSP), your wellbeing and mental health may be impacted by your partner’s job. This course provides proven strategies to help improve wellbeing, assist with managing stress and mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety).
The core strategies are the same ones offered in the PSP Wellbeing Course but provide examples and stories from other spouses of PSP. This means you will be learning the skills that can benefit not only you, but your spouse as well.
This course is accessible to all spouses or significant others of PSP in Canada who have access to the internet.
What to Know:
The course consists of 5 main lessons that you complete at your own pace.
Each lesson includes assignments that help you apply new strategies.
There are 20 additional lessons you can review if you are interested depending on your needs on topics such as communicating with your spouse, PTSD, sleep, building motivation, anger, problem solving, etc.
We will send you emails of encouragement to keep you on track.
Course materials are accessible for up to 6 months after you’ve finished.
To register: PSPNET Families – SSOWC
StressLess Workshop: Empowering Communities to Help Kids Manage Stress – Strong Mind Strong Kids Psychology Canada
The 1-hour StressLess Workshop is designed for caring adults who support kids outside of the classroom – in other words, where they live and play!
This engaging session offers a grassroots understanding of age-appropriate stress management and resilience-building strategies for children and teens. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how stress presents in young people and walk away with simple, effective tools and strategies from the StressLess Booklets.
We offer customized StressLess workshops designed to meet the needs of children and youth of different ages.
1. StressLess Workshop for All Ages
2. StressLess Workshop for Ages 4-12
3. StressLess Workshop for Ages 12-18
To register: SMSKPC – Workshops
Masterclass in Stress Management: Supporting Kids Mental Well-Being - Strong Mind Strong Kids Psychology Canada
In this dynamic 1-hour virtual workshop, participants will gain essential insights into stress and resilience—key skills for helping young people navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.
In this workshop participants will learn to:
Recognize the signs and symptoms of stress in children and youth.
Understand what stress feels like from a child’s perspective.
Identify common stressors and their impact.
Reframe stress as an opportunity for growth.
Equip young people with effective coping and problem-solving strategies.
Perfect for parent nights and professionals working with children and youth, this session offers an introduction to practical tools to foster resilience and well-being in the next generation.
To register: SMSKPC – Workshops
Taking Care of You Workshop: Supporting Your Mental Well-Being - Strong Mind Strong Kids Psychology Canada
This 1-hour virtual workshop empowers adults with practical strategies to manage life’s ups and downs while prioritizing their own mental well-being.
In this workshop participants will learn to:
Understand the science behind stress and its impact on the mind and body.
Explore positive coping mechanisms for home and work.
Learn actionable strategies to build resilience and maintain balance
Gain access to valuable resources, including interactive tools, workplace resilience booklets, and helpful tips.
Looking for a more comprehensive experience? This workshop is also available as part of a condensed 1.5-hour session that combines Taking Care of You & Masterclass in Stress Management for an all-in-one approach to stress and resilience building.
To register: SMSKPC – Workshops
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