Continuing Education

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TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY & RELATED CONDITIONS

About the Presenter

Martin M. Antony, PhD, FRSC, ABPP is professor and chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University and provincial clinical and training lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program. Previously, he was founding director of both the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and the Psychology Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and a past president of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He has published 33 books and over 300 scientific articles and chapters in areas related to cognitive behavior therapy and anxiety-related disorders. He has given more than 425 presentations to audiences across four continents, and has been interviewed, featured, or quoted more than 450 times in various print, radio, television, and online media outlets, including BBC News, CBC, Chatelaine Magazine, CNN, CTV, the Globe and Mail, National Post, New York Times, O (Oprah) Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Scientific American Mind, Toronto Star, USA Today, Washington Post, and many others.

Workshop Summary

Anxiety and related disorders are among the most common conditions that negatively impact on our mental health and wellbeing. The core features of these disorders include excessive anxiety and fear, as well as avoidance of feared situations and the overuse of safety behaviours (i.e., actions designed to reduce anxiety or protect oneself from potential threats). Anxiety and related problems lead to significant impairment across a wide range of life domains, including work, school, relationships, and other important areas of functioning. They are also often associated with other problems, such as depression, excessive substance use, and problematic perfectionism, for example.

This course provides training in evidence-based strategies for treating a range of anxiety and related disorders. The course will emphasize the importance of case formulation and core treatment principles that cut across anxiety-based problems, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, health anxiety, and related problems. You will learn about the diagnostic features (based on the new DSM-5-TR) for anxiety and related disorders, factors that contribute to the onset and maintenance, and effective cognitive and behavioral methods for overcoming anxiety (e.g., cognitive strategies, exposure-based techniques, relaxation-based treatments, mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies). Strategies for dealing with treatment resistance will also be discussed.

Martin is so knowledgeable and I learned a lot. ~ course participant

Target Audience

This course is aimed at those working in mental health care, including social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and other professionals who work with individuals with anxiety and related conditions

Learning Goals

By the end of this 4-week course, participants will develop an understanding of

1. core diagnostic features of anxiety and related disorders in DSM-5-TR
2. effective cognitive approaches, such as Socratic questioning experiments, and imagery-based strategies
3. effective behavioural approaches, such as exposure therapy and relaxation-based strategies
4. mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
5. strategies for managing ambivalence and disengagement

Thank you to the course instructor. You did an amazing job of teaching this material in 4 short weeks. ~ course participant

Format

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work.  

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

Descriptive examples brought theory to life. ~ course participant

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7. (16 continuing education credit hours)

COUNSELLING SKILLS LEVEL 1 (Certificate Program)

About the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Toronto Metropolitan University and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for many years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

Instructors were excellent. Very engaged during the entire course, and interested in seeing us do well. Would take more courses with Jill and Barry in a heartbeat. ~ course participant

Workshop Summary

The certificate program, Counselling Skills Level 1, has been adapted for online delivery. Counselling Skills Level 1 blends counseling theory with practice to develop counselling skills for individuals working in a helping profession. Mini lectures, discussions, reflective exercises, skill building activities, role-play, and case studies are used as methods to guide participants in their learning. Since this is an experiential class, participants are invited to share their experiences from their workplaces and to actively participate in the program.

Objectives

This was a wonderful and practical course. ~ course participant

Format

An adult education learning approach is used in the delivery of the program. Since the course is intended to be an experiential program, the methodology includes activities to engage participation. Participants are invited to practice counselling skills by participating in various exercises and simulations. This is accomplished through online group discussions, posting in a discussion form, viewing and discussing of videos, participating in and recording role plays, assigned reading materials and creative reflective exercises.

There are 6 modules in the Counselling Skills Level 1 online program. It is expected that participants will complete 1 module per week with a minimum of 5 hours of participation per week. Modules are designed so that learning is incremental throughout the 6-week program. It is further expected that participants will complete all tasks and assignments during the week devoted to each specific module. This ensures that all participants are working on the same module at the same time. As such, it is important for participants to begin each module on Monday of each week, so they can plan their time in a way that ensures the module will be completed on time.

This program is designed to allow participants to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Participants may log onto the course site at any time to complete the course work. Counselling Skills Level 1 includes some activities which require participants in small groups to log in at a specified time. The online meeting times are determined by the group members.

I loved that this course briefly covered some of the theoretical pieces, but most content was focused on practical skills that we started learning early in the course. ~ course participant

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7. (30 continuing education credit hours)

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.

FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 1: Foundational Law for Social Work & Human Service Practice in Canada

About the Instructor

Shawna Paris-Hoyte ONS, KC, MSW, RSW, BCCH, is a distinguished professional with a broad-ranging background as a therapist, social worker, lawyer, and educator. With almost three decades of experience as a lawyer, she has established a practice in various fields, including child welfare, family law, human rights, youth justice, criminal justice, corrections law, administrative law, and community social justice. In addition to her legal practice, Shawna is a psychotherapist and Board-certified hypnotherapist specializing in intergenerational trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, and racial trauma.

As an educator, Shawna imparts her knowledge to third-year law students in clinical law, psychology students and social work students at all levels, including mentoring candidates for licensing with the provincial regulatory body. Her work as an inter-professional and multidisciplinary practitioner and consultant has earned her a reputation as a highly sought-after speaker in law and social work practice throughout Canada and the United States. In the past several years, Shawna has expanded her training and education programs in Forensic Social Work (FSW) to the government sector and several countries throughout the Caribbean.

Shawna is dedicated to advancing the field of forensic social work as a sub-specialty of social work practice in Canada. In 2016, she established the National Institute of Forensic Social Work (NIFSW) (www.nifsw.com), which provides social/ legal professional development for practitioners across the country. Her commitment and expertise have made her a respected leader in her field, and she continues to inspire and educate others through her work. As such, Shawna’s unique skill set as a lawyer, social worker, and educator makes her an invaluable asset to forensic social work.

I really recommend this course as it provides individuals with a basic yet detailed and important understanding of forensic social work and the law. ~ course participant

Workshop Summary

The law has influenced all aspects of social work and human service practice since the inception of these professions. As such, it is crucial that practitioners in these fields have an understanding of the essential law for social work and human service practice. Unfortunately, many practitioners commence their careers without an awareness or understanding of how the law will impact their professional practice and their work with clients.

Many social work and human service practitioners work in the public sector, and the clients often are representative of the marginalized and disadvantaged in our society (such as Indigenous people, persons with mental health challenges and addictions, newcomers to Canada, etc.). The number of people facing social and economic challenges continues to increase. As a result, there is a formidable demand on social and human services. As social workers and human service practitioners continue to emphasize access to justice, the rights of the individual and social justice for all, it is imperative they have an understanding of how law and policy impact their work.

This engaging and interactive entry level 4-week workshop has a skills-based component and will increase your awareness of the law and its application and impact on practice. The workshop design takes into account the development of critical thinking skills and knowledge sharing from a social justice lens and applies approaches and perspectives that are grounded in anti-oppressive, cultural awareness and trauma-informed practice. Through interactive exercises, critical reflection and thought-provoking case studies, you will learn to improve your professional skills and increase your awareness of the law.

Target Audience

This workshop is geared toward those working in social work, healthcare, human service, and helping professions in the justice system including community legal workers, generalist forensic social workers and legal navigators.

Great foundational program!" ~ course participant

Learning Goals and Objectives

You will explore the Canadian legal system and the application of law relevant to social work and human service practice. You will develop an awareness and understanding of how law and social work intersect (forensic social work) and the impact on clients. By the end of the 4-week workshop, you will have developed a solid foundation and working knowledge of several areas of the law and its application to social work and human service practice, including new strategies and best practices to develop skills that will enhance your current practice and build confidence and competence in your understanding of the law.

I really enjoyed this course and have already started to apply what I have learned." ~ course participant

Format

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work. Participants are required to complete all 4 modules and pass a short quiz at the end of each module.

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

16 continuing education credit hours.

COUNSELLING SKILLS LEVEL 2 (Certificate Program): Building on the Basics

About the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for many years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

I really appreciated Jill and Barry's feedback. It was very informative, practical and helpful. ~ course participant

Workshop Summary

Counselling Skills Level 2 builds on the skills obtained in Counselling Skills Level 1. Mini lectures, discussions, reflective exercises, skill building activities, role play, and case studies are used to guide participants in their learning.

Objectives

Peer consultation, collaborations, the excellent course material and helpful feedback from instructors all combined to contribute to an excellent course. ~ course participant

Format

An adult education learning approach is used in the delivery of the program. Since the course is intended to be an experiential program, the methodology includes activities to engage participation. Participants are invited to practice counselling skills by participating in various exercises and simulations. This is accomplished through online group discussions, posting in a discussion form, viewing and discussing of videos, participating in and recording role plays, assigned reading materials and creative reflective exercises.

There are 6 modules in the Counselling Skills Level 2 online program. It is expected that participants will complete 1 module per week with a minimum of 5 hours of participation per week. Modules are designed so that learning is incremental throughout the 6-week program. It is further expected that participants will complete all tasks and assignments during the week devoted to each specific module. This ensures that all participants are working on the same module at the same time. As such, it is important for participants to begin each module on Monday of each week, so they can plan their time in a way that ensures the module will be completed on time.

This program is designed to allow participants to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Participants may log onto the course site at any time to complete the course work. Counselling Skills Level 2 includes some activities which require participants in small groups to log in at a specified time. The online meeting times are determined by the group members.

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

I am very grateful for this course and would recommend it to anyone. ~ course participant

Prerequisites

Participants must have completed our Counselling Skills Level 1 Certificate Program or an equivalent and have direct counselling experience. A university background in social work, psychology, criminology, human ecology, nursing, or occupational therapy is preferred. Please contact Karla at coned@dal.ca with questions regarding prerequisites. (30 continuing education credit hours)

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.

TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNALING FOR HELPERS & HEALERS: Self-Care, Renewal, Resilience

About the Presenter

Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and founder of Thrive Training & Coaching. She offers training workshops, courses, and presentations with extensive experience in healthcare, emergency services, education, social and public service sectors. Lynda brings over 30 years combined clinical and facilitation experience. She teaches in the areas of self-care for caregivers, compassion fatigue, stress management, burnout prevention, vicarious trauma, resiliency, and change management. Lynda has trained thousands of professionals and worked one-to-one with hundreds of clients over the years.

Lynda is also the Director of the International Association for Journal Writing.  She is co-editor of two books including Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists, and Clients: A Complete Guide to the Benefits of Personal Writing (2021) and The Great Book of Journaling: How Journal Writing Can Support a Life of Wellness, Creativity, Meaning and Purpose (2022). She is the co-author of Writing Alone Together: Journaling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection (2014). She developed Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity (2009). Lynda regularly teaches, writes, and speaks on the healing and transformational power of journaling and expressive writing. She lives with her family on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.

You can learn more about Lynda’s work at http://lyndamonk.com and http://iajw.org.

Lynda brings her wisdom, passion and talent to this topic. ~ course participant

Workshop Summary

Are you looking for a creative and effective way to care for yourself and reduce the risk of burnout?  During this course, you will learn how to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and replenish from within through transformational journaling. Discover the healing power of expressive writing for reflective practice and resilience.  Learn how to make journaling a meaningful part of your self-care toolkit to mitigate the risks of burnout and compassion fatigue. You will also explore how to use journaling in your work with others including individual clients and within groups, and consider how journaling can be a tool to support employee wellness in the workplace. This course is especially for helping and healing professionals who make a difference with their caring.

This is the most relevant course I have taken for professional self care and I wish I had taken it years ago! ~ course participant

During this course, you will…

Reflective journaling and expressive writing are proven techniques for increasing self-knowledge, healing stress, nourishing creativity and enhancing resiliency. Participants will gain first-hand experience with the writing and wellness connection. 

When you write in your journal, you begin the process of taking a more active role in maintaining your health.  Writing is action, very personal action.  And you’re writing about ideas that can nourish you. ~  Sheppard Kominars, PhD, Author of Write for Life:  Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit Through Journal Writing

Please note, there is no previous journaling or expressive writing experience required to benefit from this course. 

Format

The instructor uses a variety of methods to invite participant learning, including videos, reading material, and exercises. All the course materials are presented in the online course site. Participants engage with others through online discussions, and receive feedback from the instructor.

I am better in my role as a practitioner for taking this course. ~ course participant

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 3 hours of online work.  

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

This course content opens the way for many practical applications -- both for personal and professional life. ~ course participant

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7. (12 continuing education credit hours)

FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 2: Essential Legal Skills for Practice

About the Instructor

Shawna Paris-Hoyte ONS, KC, MSW, RSW, BCCH, is a distinguished lawyer and social worker with a broad-ranging background as a therapist, social worker, lawyer, and educator. With almost three decades of experience as a lawyer, she has established a practice including child welfare, family law, human rights, youth justice, criminal justice, corrections law, administrative law, and community social justice. In addition to her legal practice, Shawna is a psychotherapist and Board-certified hypnotherapist specializing in intergenerational trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, and racial trauma.

As an educator, Shawna imparts her knowledge to third-year law students in clinical law, psychology students and social work students at all levels, including mentoring candidates for licensing with the provincial regulatory body. Her inter-professional and multidisciplinary practitioner work has earned her a reputation as a highly sought-after speaker in law and social work practice throughout Canada and internationally. In the past several years, Shawna has expanded her training and education programs in Forensic Social Work (FSW) to the government sector and several countries throughout the Caribbean.

Shawna is dedicated to advancing forensic social work as a sub-specialty of social work practice in Canada. In 2016, she established the National Institute of Forensic Social Work (NIFSW) (www.nifsw.com), which provides social/ legal professional development for practitioners nationwide. Her commitment and expertise have made her a respected leader in her field, and she continues to inspire and educate others through her work. As such, Shawna’s unique skill set makes her an invaluable asset to forensic social work.

Workshop Summary

Social work practitioners operating in environments with legal implications necessitate a thorough grasp of diverse legal concepts. Within the justice system, social workers must possess hands-on, practical skills, enabling them to function confidently and effectively in alignment with established social work standards and ethical mandates of the profession.

While entry-level positions for social workers, whether in a generalist or specialist forensic capacity within the justice system, often provide in-house training tailored to the specific responsibilities of the role, comprehensive professional development at the intersection of social work and the law – particularly in the context of forensic social work- remains scarce mainly or absent in Canada. In contrast, this multidisciplinary practice area thrives as a vibrant sub-specialization in various other countries.

Considering the evolving landscape of legal practice and the growing demand for equitable access to justice, social workers are assuming expanded roles within the justice system. The prevailing trajectory in Canadian legal practice emphasizes resolving legal issues through non-adversarial means, including settlement conferences, mediation, parenting, coordination, and restorative approaches. While there is a noticeable surge in the establishment of such specialized courts, there remains a persistent requirement for the legal processes, particularly in domains such as child protection, criminal law, youth, justice, adult, criminal law, Corrections law, and human rights.

Social workers invariably find themselves at the forefront of these judicial processes. Consequently, discharging the responsibilities of forensic social work in realms such as child protection, private practice, social work, probation services, corrections, or within forensic healthcare institutions. Social workers must comprehensively comprehend court procedures and acquaint themselves with the tools employed by legal practitioners, prosecutors, and judges. Moreover, a new understanding of collaborative law practice is essential.

Equipping social workers with the requisite skills and knowledge of legal practice and procedures will harmonize the efforts of forensic social work with those of legal professionals, the judiciary, and the broader justice system.

Although many Canadian schools of social work offer academic courses grounded in evidence-based legal and social work theory, a notable gap exists in independent professional development initiatives that deliver hands-on training centred on integrating legal principles with social work practice, specifically within the domain of forensic social work. Notably, the courses offered through Dalhousie University School of Social Work, Continuing Education, and the National Institute of Forensic Social Work present key exceptions, focussing on the evolution of forensic social work as a distinct sub-specialty of practice.

This comprehensive four-week online course offers an engaging, interactive platform, combining lectures with hands-on, skills-based components tailored to enhance your proficiency in interfacing with the legal system. The program is meticulously designed to bolster learners’ confidence, augment their grasp of legal procedures, refine courtroom aptitude, and sharpen their writing and documentation skills for court proceedings.

Key Highlights:

We invite professionals committed to advancing their social work practice proficiency to join us for this enriching course. Elevate your expertise, refine your skills, and fortify your awareness of legal protocols in this dynamic and pivotal field.

The combination of theory and practice was super. ~ course participant

Target Audience

Suppose your work is related to the justice system, or you are new to social work practice and are interested in attaining the skills and knowledge to work as a forensic social work generalist. In that case, this is a “must-have” workshop for you.

This course aims to develop a sub-specialty hands-on skill set in forensic social work.  It is ideal for the generalist social work practitioner familiar with common legal concepts that impact social work and human service practice in the justice system. Ideally, the learner in this workshop will have taken Level-1 training in Foundational Law for Social Work and Human Service Practice, which is the prerequisite for this course (Forensic Social Work 1). A prerequisite waiver will be considered for those who have taken Social Work and the Law, SLWK 3200, at Dalhousie University School of Social Work with Ms. Paris-Hoyte.

The social work practitioners most likely to benefit from this workshop are private practice clinicians, legal system navigators, litigation support social workers, court social workers, family court assessors, parenting coordinators, hospital clinical social workers, those in corrections law, child protection services, psychiatric social work practice, mental health, youth justice, adult justice, those who do community practice with grassroots organizations and those with a general interest in forensic social work practice. 

Learning Goals and Objectives

The focus of this workshop is specific to the practice of social work in the justice system. It is a skills-based interactive online seminar. As participants/learners, you will be introduced to forensic social work practice basics from a skills-based social-legal lens in keeping with the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. You will rely on your theoretical training in social work from previous academic studies and continuing education training in forensic social work practice.  As a learner, you will increase your knowledge and develop essential skills for forensic social work practice based on four weekly 4-hour modules that include:

At the end of the 4-week online course, you will have increased your understanding, working knowledge and legal drafting skills as a beginner generalist or specialist forensic social worker practitioner. Overall, you will gain new skills and knowledge that enhance your confidence and competence and prepare you for new opportunities to benefit your career, clients, and employer(s).

I enjoyed the opportunity to write the PSR/Workplan. It is not something I have ever done, but it is great to have the exercise. ~ course participant

Format

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work. Participants are required to complete all 4 modules and pass a short quiz at the end of each module.

I loved that it was well-organized and easy to navigate. ~ course participant

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

Enrolment is limited to a maximum of 35 participants.

16 continuing education credit hours.

SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY

About the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation in solution focused practice to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for many years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

Thank you to Barry and Jill. Their support and expertise allowed for a wonderful learning experience. Inspirational! ~ course participant

Workshop Summary

Solution Focused Therapy is a respectful, collaborative approach to helping others. Whether the helper is engaged in a formal therapeutic relationship or simply engaged in brief, helpful conversations, it’s essential for the helper to have a clear understanding of the fundamental assumptions about people, problems and change inherent in the solution focused approach. As such, this online introductory course begins with a specific focus on these assumptions and values. This serves as the basis for examining the structure and techniques used by solution focused practitioners in the first and subsequent client conversations.

The practitioner’s use of respectful curiosity in learning about what is important to clients lies at the heart of effective solution focused conversations. It’s also essential in the co-construction of their preferred future. Clients are regarded as having the necessary expertise about their own lives to create useful change. There’s also a strong emphasis on the use of the client’s language in solution focused work, as opposed to the dominant “expert” language embedded in the traditions of the helping professions. As such, solution focused practice can be a useful approach in engaging people across the broad spectrum of culture, race, and gender.

I found it really thought provoking and it forced me to challenge some of my practices. ~ course participant

Format

The facilitators use a variety of methods to invite participant learning, including numerous audio demonstrations, reading material, small group practice, and exercises designed to provide experiential learning. All the course materials are presented in the online course site. Participants engage with others through online discussions and assignments, and receive feedback from the course facilitators. The course is comprised of 4 modules. Participants are expected to complete one module per week.

The entire course has been helpful and has gotten me to think more about next steps in my practice. ~ course participant

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7. (16 continuing education credit hours)