Our Courses

Community Mental Health Training and Education for Professionals

SickKids CCMH Learning Institute is a training facility with a focus on outreach and capacity building within the mental health sector. For over 30 years we have been providing evidence-based training and education to professionals in the Health and Human Services Industry. Our certificate programs along with our one and two-day workshops provide participants exposure to clinical conversations with multidisciplinary contributions in an interactive, hands-on environment of learning, all orchestrated by innovative facilitators providing best practice training in their field of distinction.  Leading the way in Mental Health Training and Education

For your convenience, our Winter, Spring & Summer 2019 Academic Calendar outlined below is divided into 4 key learning areas. Whether you work with Children, Youth, Families, Adults, or are looking for Leadership Skills Development we have the evidenced-based training to suit your needs.

Let us bring the training to you!
Our Customized On-site Training Program provides interactive training sessions delivered by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators where and when it is convenient for you. To learn more about this tailored training, click here.
 

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?  We would love to hear from you. Please contact Mary Anne Van Rooyen via email at mvanrooyen@sickkidscmhlearning.ca, toll-free: 1-855-944-4673, or local: 416-924-1164, ext. 3233

Winter, Spring & Summer 2019 Academic Calendar

Photography is being used for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted in the content is a model, except where indicated.

Winter, Spring & Summer 2019 Certificate Programs

	Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Level 1: Practical solutions to real world problems June 13, 14, 27, 28, 2019 Facilitator: Nili R. Benazon, Ph.D. This training is suitable for: Mental health professionals and direct service workers.
In this introductory 4-day certificate program, participants will learn cognitive and behavioural strategies, including case formulation and conceptualization in CBT, identifying and modifying thoughts, behaviour activation and experiments, exposure, stress reduction strategies, and problem-solving therapy. This course is not focused on a specific client population or clinical disorder. Rather, it provides instruction on a set of tools that can be applied to common and more complex mental health conditions. The format of this training includes didactic presentation, experiential exercises, feedback and a focus on micro-skill development.
	Management Certificate: Leadership training specifically designed for health and human service professionals June 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2019 Facilitators: Anne Bulstrode, BBM., FICB., Faye Marcotte, Susan Geary, Ph.D., Adam Lodzinksi, Ph.D., and Marion Langford, M.Ed. This training is suitable for: All health and human service professionals looking to expand their management and leadership skills.
This 5-day certificate program is made up of the 5-key management learning modules, that together offer participants the opportunity to fully explore the many exciting ideas and practices that make up the vast world of management. It will specifically target the key areas of importance for success in this field from the management of employee performance, to the effective use of time and tasks, to the mindful care of team members. Module 1 | June 17: The Leadership Edge Module 2 | June 18: Foundations of Coaching  Module 3 | June 19: Managing Employee Performance in Health and Human Service Module 4 | June 20: Holding Difficult Conversations Module 5 | June 21: Change Management Each Individual Learning Module may be taken separate from the Certificate Program as stand-alone workshops however, all 5 modules must be completed to receive the certificate.
	Certificate in Trauma Counselling for Mental Health Professionals: Level 1 trauma certificate June 24, 25, 26, July 8, 9, 10, 2019 Facilitator: Natalie Zlodre, MSW., RSW. This training is suitable for: Experienced front-line workers (nurses, clergy, social workers, residential workers), counselors and psychotherapists who provide services to vulnerable populations.
In this 6-day certificate program, participants will be given the most current information on the bio psychosocial phenomenon of trauma and training in how to assess and respond ethically and appropriately to clients, given the parameters of the workplace.
	Certificate for New Supervisors: Develop and enhance your supervisory skills in the Health and Human Service sector. (including individual learning modules 1-4) July 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2019 Facilitators: Susan Geary, Ph.D. & Marion Langford, M.Ed. This training is suitable for: New supervisors, or experienced supervisors who would like to fine-tune their supervisory abilities.
This 4-day certificate program gives participants the opportunity to develop and enhance their supervisory skills through the 4-key supervisory based modules that together build the supervisors skill set. July 16 | Module 1: Essential Skills for the New Supervisor  July 17 | Module 2: Leadership and Motivation for Supervisors  July 18 | Module 3: Holding Difficult Conversations for Supervisors  July 19 | Module 4: Building and Sustaining Your Credibility and Influence Each Individual Learning Module may be taken separate from the Certificate Program as stand-alone workshops however, all 4 modules must be completed to receive the certificate.
	5-Day Narrative Therapy Certificate: Actively engage and leave empowered to implement change August 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 2019 Facilitator: Bonnie Miller, MSW., RSW. This training is suitable for: Those interested in Narrative Therapy as a beginner, or who have taken Narrative workshops, but would like a refresher on how to apply it.
This 5-day certificate program breaks down the theory of Narrative Therapy into skills that can be implemented immediately into your practice. After each session, participants will leave with a clear set of steps to incorporate this therapeutic model into practice. This training will utilize interactive conversations, small and large group exercises, live demonstrations, coached practices, and worksheet handouts. If you are new to practice, you will be introduced to a stimulating framework for doing inspired work in this field. If you are an experienced clinician, you will be invited to explore and adapt these ideas and practices to fit with what you already do best. Spend a week with Bonnie Miller and learn how to: Make your therapeutic relationship even stronger and more collaborative. Bring forward people's values, skills and hopes even in the midst of repetitious complaint and systemic constraints. Manage multi-person, conflict-prone and mandated sessions in a way that increases alliance and motivation. Use assessment and closing documentation to support change. Embed support for change within people's existing communities and networks.

Winter, Spring & Summer 2019 Workshops:

Working with Children, Youth & Families
 

	Creative Techniques for Child-Focused Family Therapy May 24, 2019 Facilitator: Liana Lowenstein, MSW., RSW., CPT-S., best-selling author and one of Canada's foremost presenters on childhood trauma. This training is suitable for: Mental health professionals, clinicians, psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists and social workers.
The use of creative techniques in child-focused family therapy sessions provides a medium for all members to participate and promotes positive family interaction. This workshop will outline innovative techniques to engage, assess and treat families.  Interventions to strengthen parenting skills will also be described and demonstrated. The facilitator will present the key ingredients for an effective termination and integrate techniques into ending sessions with families. This is Learning Module 4 of the Certificate in Essential Skills for Assessing and Treating Children and Families. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Blending theory with innovative techniques June 6 & 7, 2019 Facilitator: Liana Lowenstein, MSW., RSW., CPT-S., best-selling author and one of Canada's foremost presenters on childhood trauma. Prerequisites: Understanding of the impact of trauma on children, good child psychotherapy skills. This training is suitable for: Mental health clinicians.
Learn how to implement this empirically-supported psychotherapy model for treating traumatized children and adolescents into your practice. Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an empirically-supported psychotherapy model for treating traumatized children and adolescents. This two-day workshop will provide the theoretical framework of TF-CBT, and will present creative interventions for each of the 8 treatment components of TF-CBT. Workshop participants will come away with a solid understanding of TF-CBT, strategies for working with hard-to-engage children and learn how to utilize TF-CBT to treat a range of childhood traumas including sexual abuse, domestic violence, traumatic grief, car accidents, natural disasters. This workshop will combine theoretical material with hands-on therapeutic interventions.
	Grounding the Heart, Mind and Body: Help dysregulated clients ground themselves and regain a sense of self-control and self-efficacy July 15, 2019 Facilitator: Michel Jones, MSW., RSW., RP. This training is suitable for: Mental health professionals, social workers, medical professionals, direct service workers, child and youth workers, youth justice workers, first responders.
Using recent neurological research and proven stress reduction methods, this workshop will provide practical tools that front-line workers can use to help dysregulated clients ground themselves and regain a sense of self-control and self-efficacy. Participants will learn how the brainstem, the limbic system and the pre-frontal cortex system work together and impact each other, how these three systems differentially affect "fight or flight", emotional response and cognitive distortions. Participants will gain different grounding techniques that work with each of the three systems, to bring clients back into their "window of tolerance" and bring traumatized clients out of the "there and then" to the "here and now” to allow for treatment.
	Promoting Adaptive Anxiety in Children: Confronting the rising anxiety disorders in children and youth July 24, 2019 Facilitator: Alex Russell, Ph.D, C.Psych. This training is suitable for: Counsellors, educators, early childhood educators, school counsellors, mental health professionals, psychotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
This workshop will provide participants with a healthy perspective on anxiety, in which childhood anxiety is understood as a necessary building block of adaptation and an essential gateway to a child’s creative engagement with the world. Participants will learn how to work with parents caught between protecting their children and supporting their independence. Understanding and working with children and youth who have developed maladaptive forms of anxiety and tools for working with this group will be covered in detail.

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Winter, Spring & Summer 2019 Workshops:
Working with Adults
 

	Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Part 2: Formulating effective treatment plans for complex clients May 30 & 31, 2019 Facilitator: Lyndsey Davies, MSW., RSW. This training is suitable for: Educators, mental health professionals, medical professionals, social workers and direct service workers. Prerequisite: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Part 1: An introduction to essential components, or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Components of group and individual treatment.
This training is designed for clinicians who have taken a foundational training in DBT and are familiar with core concepts. This 2-day workshop will provide a more in-depth understanding of DBT, with respect to developing a DBT-based case formulation and understanding of the controlling variables of problematic behaviours. Ms. Davies will present methods to recognize and address secondary targets, how to avoid becoming polarized with clients and coaching clients in crisis, all while maintaining personal limits and avoiding burnout.
	Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Part 3: Individualized clinical consultation in DBT informed treatment June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4, 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8, 2019  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Facilitator: Lyndsey Davies, MSW., RSW This training is suitable for: Educators, mental health professionals, medical professionals, social workers and direct service workers. Prerequisite: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Part 1 workshop AND Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Part 2 workshop AND have clients willing to be video/audio taped for consultation purposes.
This consultation group is designed to offer participants individualized feedback on their clinical practice based on a review of audio/videotaped therapy sessions, in order to increase their proficiency in offering DBT to individual clients. Participants will benefit from input and suggestions that are based on the DBT core competencies, to enhance their level of adherence to the model. It will focus on honing the ability to identify any potential barriers and implement relevant strategies that are in keeping with DBT conceptualization and treatment plan. Based on the nature of this program, participation is limited to five registrants.
	Becoming an Adult Attachment-Focused Therapist: Shifting framework in therapeutic work July 11, 2019 Facilitator: Annette Kussin, MSW., RSW. This training is suitable for: All educators, mental health care professionals, direct service workers, and medical professionals
This workshop will present a model of therapy that will shift participant’s theoretical framework to that of Attachment-Focused Therapy. This model will help assess adult attachment categories, recognize the impact of early childhood attachment experiences, guide clients through the process of mourning their losses and longings and use one’s self in the reparative process of therapy. Participants will develop awareness of their own attachment style and its importance in therapeutic work.
	Motivational Interviewing (MI): Incorporate Miller and Rollnik’s MI Techniques into Practice July 12, 2019 Facilitator: Adam Lodzinski, Ph.D. This training Is suitable for: Mental health and medical professionals, as well as direct service workers of all experience levels.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a form of collaborative conversation for strengthening a client's motivation and commitment to change. This workshop teaches the guiding principles, strategies and skills for incorporating Miller and Rollnik’s MI techniques into practice.
	Grounding the Heart, Mind and Body: Help dysregulated clients ground themselves and regain a sense of self-control and self-efficacy July 15, 2019 Facilitator: Michel Jones, MSW., RSW., RP. This training is suitable for: Mental health professionals, social workers, medical professionals, direct service workers, child and youth workers, youth justice workers, first responders.
Using recent neurological research and proven stress reduction methods, this workshop will provide practical tools that front-line workers can use to help dysregulated clients ground themselves and regain a sense of self-control and self-efficacy. Participants will learn how the brainstem, the limbic system and the pre-frontal cortex system work together and impact each other, how these three systems differentially affect "fight or flight", emotional response and cognitive distortions. Participants will gain different grounding techniques that work with each of the three systems, to bring clients back into their "window of tolerance" and bring traumatized clients out of the "there and then" to the "here and now” to allow for treatment.

	The Leadership Edge: Empower and engage employees for maximum performance June 17, 2019 Facilitators: Susan Geary, Ph.D., and Anne Bulstrode, BBM., FICB This training is suitable for: All professionals looking to expand their management and leadership skills.
This workshop is presented in a very collaborative and interactive way, using case studies, personal examples, and discussion to bring material to life and make the experience and learning meaningful. Participants will create a shared vision and value for their team, as well as outline the process to relay that vision to employees. Focus will be given on how to effectively lead people through the change process, how to build high functioning teams, as well as how to engage employees to their full potential. This is Learning Module 1 of the Management Certificate. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Foundations of Coaching: Building stronger communication and leadership skills through coaching tools and techniques. June 18, 2019 Facilitator: Marion Langford M.Ed. This training is suitable for: Any professional interested in building communication, and leadership skills.
During this interactive workshop participants will gain an understanding of the core competencies of coaching, along with how to implement practical coaching tools and strategies. Focus will be given on how to develop and apply a framework to structure and drive conversations forward, in addition to understanding the skill of facilitating team and individual awareness through powerful questions. This collaborative workshop will utilize role-playing, and in-workshop practice of coaching tools and techniques to help integrate the learning. This is Learning Module 2 of the Management Certificate. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Managing Employee Performance in Health and Human Service June 19, 2019 Facilitator: Adam Lodzinski, Ph.D. This training is suitable for: Any professional looking to expand their management and leadership skills.
This workshop is designed to provide supervisors, and managers with a framework for on-going, regular employee performance management, how to relay expectations to employees and the importance of the performance management process. Participants will gain the tools and language to support them in this on-going management process. The workshop will consist of lecture and demonstration but will also focus on practice to successfully manage employee performance. This is Learning Module 3 of the Management Certificate. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Holding Difficult Conversations: Uncover and utilize your own strengths and style of communication to improve your management skills June 20, 2019 Facilitator: Marion Langford, M.Ed. This training is suitable for: All professionals who want to improve their skills in conducting difficult conversations in the workplace.
This workshop will help participants discover their own strengths and style of communication. Using a combination of self-awareness and conversational tools, participants will have the opportunity to apply and practice the tools in a safe learning environment. Strategies on how to acquire effective listening and inquiry skills when engaging others in conversation, as well as how to develop clarity around needs assumptions during those conversations will be covered. Participants will leave the workshop with a communications toolkit that will increase confidence and preparation for future difficult conversations. This is Learning Module 4 of the Management Certificate. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Change Management: Successfully lead and implement change on a large, or small scale in your organization June 21, 2019 Facilitators: Susan Geary, Ph.D. and Faye Marcotte. This training is suitable for: Directors, managers, supervisors and team leaders who are responsible for leading and implementing change within their organization.
This workshop will explore the best practices in facilitating change, as well as how to help employees handle change constructively. Participants will learn how to develop and implement an effective communication plan and strategy to communicate change to obtain buy-in. Participants will learn practical tools and techniques that will enhance their ability to manage negative reactions to change and respond appropriately. This is Learning Module 5 of the Management Certificate. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Essential Skills for the New Supervisor: Making the successful transition to supervisor July 16, 2019 Facilitator: Susan Geary, Ph.D. This training is suitable for: First time supervisors, team leaders with supervisory responsibilities, and new managers.
This workshop will focus on the multi-faceted role of the supervisor and how to provide supervision to employees through the use of effective leadership strategies. Participants will learn the basics of supervision such as setting expectations, delegation, feedback and coaching for improved performance. Interviewing strategies, hiring and essential time management skills will also be covered. This is Learning Module 1 of the Certificate for New Supervisors. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Leadership and Motivation for Supervisors: Engage and inspire employees to achieve success and motivate performance July 17, 2019 Facilitator: Susan Geary, Ph.D. This training is suitable for: New supervisors, or those who hope to take over a supervisory position in the future. It is also well suited for experienced supervisors who would like to fine-tune their supervisory abilities.
Dr. Geary will start off by presenting what leadership is and how it differs from management. Participants will then examine the supervisor's role in leading and motivating employees through needs assessment tools and appropriate leadership style. The supervisor’s role in change management will also be covered. This is Learning Module 2 of the Certificate for New Supervisors. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Holding Difficult Conversations for Supervisors: An essential skill in a supervisor role July 18, 2019 Facilitator: Marion Langford, M.Ed. This training is suitable for: New supervisors or those who hope to take over a supervisory position in the future. It is also suitable for experienced supervisors who would like to fine-tune their supervisory abilities.
This workshop will offer supervisor insight, tools and strategies for holding difficult conversations through the use of appreciative listening, identifying conflict patterns, understanding the observational process and how to create and communicate boundaries/limits. Time will be provided to discuss any current dilemmas and develop an approach for when participants return to work. This is Learning Module 3 of the Certificate for New Supervisors. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.
	Building and Sustaining Your Credibility and Influence as a New Supervisor July 19, 2019 Facilitator: Marion Langford, M.Ed. This training is suitable for: New supervisors, or those who hope to take over a supervisory position in the future. It is also suitable for experienced supervisors who would like to fine-tune their supervisory abilities.
This workshop is designed to take participants through the how-to and strategies that can be used to meet the common credibility and influence challenges facing new supervisors. Participants will learn how to establish their credibility and authority in the role in a respectful and confident way, while building new supervisory relationships and collaboration capacity with the team. Ms. Langford will provide practical advice on establishing a support network and mentoring relationships to sustain ongoing development. Conflict management strategies for the new supervisor will also be covered. This is Learning Module 4 of the Certificate for New Supervisors. This module may be taken separately from the certificate program as a stand-alone workshop.