Continuing Education

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FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 2: Essential Legal Skills for Practice 

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.

Workshop Summary

As the demand for access to justice grows, social workers are taking on new and increasingly important roles in the justice system. While the current trend in Canadian law is to resolve legal matters using adversarial methods, such as settlement conferences, mediation, parenting coordination, and restorative approaches, the need for negative processes in areas such as child protection, criminal law, youth justice, adult criminal law, corrections law, and human rights continues to increase. As frontline practitioners in the justice system, social workers must thoroughly understand court processes, the tools used by lawyers, crowns, and judges, and the principles of collaborative law practice. This understanding is especially crucial for those who do forensic social work in the areas such as child protection, private practice social work, probation services, corrections, or forensic hospitals. By possessing essential skills and knowledge of legal practises and procedures, those that practice forensic social work can align their work with that of legal practitioners, the courts, and the justice system.

Additionally, social work practitioners must possess a solid knowledge of various legal concepts to work effectively in specific workplaces, particularly those within the justice system. To meet social work standards and ethical obligations, these practitioners require essential practical and hands-on skills. While many generalist or specialist forensic positions in the justice system offer in-house training, independent professional development programs focusing on forensic social work (the intersection of law and social work) and its sub-specialties are limited in Canada.

To address this gap, NIFSW offers a rigorous professional development program that provides evidence-based and theory-based training in essential practice skills for forensic social work. Our workshops/courses provide hands-on skill training that will help social work practitioners develop the confidence and effectiveness necessary to succeed in their practice. Unlike academic studies, our programs offer practical training focussed on developing forensic social work as a sub-specialty of practice.

Participating in this training will allow you to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and advance your career. The Forensic Social Work 2 course is designed to provide social work practitioners with the necessary tools to meet their cultural and ethical obligations. We are confident that our training will be an invaluable asset to your practice.

Target Audience

This two-day workshop is tailored for social work practitioners and others seeking to enhance their hands-on skills in forensic social work. It is particularly relevant for generalist practitioners who are knowledgeable in the legal concepts impacting social work and human service practice within the justice system. Completing level one in FSW training, Foundational Law for Social Work and Human Service Practice is a prerequisite for this course. However, a waiver of the provision will be considered for those who have completed the Social Work and The Law course at Dalhousie University. This workshop will benefit private practice clinicians, court social workers, litigation support social workers, legal system navigators, parenting coordinators, family court assessors, hospital clinical social workers, mental health practitioners, child protection social workers, psychiatric social workers practitioners, youth justice and adult justice practitioners, grassroots community practitioners, and anyone with a general interest in forensics social work practice.

If you work in the justice system or aspire to work in forensics social work, this workshop is a must-have for you.

Learning Goals and Objectives

The sub-specialty of forensic social work is an evolving and dynamic field in Canada. This comprehensive two-day workshop focuses on essential skills for forensics social work practice, including lectures and practical skills-based components. Participating in this workshop will improve their practice skills and be better equipped to engage with the legal system. The workshop is designed to increase participants' confidence, knowledge of legal processes, courtroom skills, interviewing, writing and drafting skills for court documents, critical thinking skills, and contemporary approaches aligning with social workers' core competencies. These competencies include anti-oppressive practice, cultural competence and humility, trauma-informed care, and professional, ethical commitment. Through interactive exercises, critical reflections, thought-provoking case studies, and skills-building exercises such as forensic interviewing, preparing for court, and cross-examination in the courtroom, learners will develop their forensic skills and gain an increased understanding of the law and court procedures, including evidentiary issues that may arise. Participants will learn practical and evidence-based skills that align with best practices in the field.

This two-day workshop aims to equip social work practitioners and others with the essential skills and knowledge to work effectively within the justice system. The course is an interactive, skills-based workshop designed to align with the Canadian Association of Social worker Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

The FSW 2 workshop is delivered over two days, each day focussing on specific learning goals and objectives.

At the end of the two-day workshop, learners will have an increased understanding and working knowledge of the skills required for forensic social work practice. By gaining new skills and knowledge, learners will enhance their confidence, competence, and readiness for new opportunities, benefitting their clients, employers, and career progression.

This workshop is condensed into a two-day intensive training in forensic social work. Participants must attend both days and actively participate in all activities and discussions. In-person attendance with a laptop or tablet will be beneficial as materials will be shared online. Quizzes and skill-building exercises will be completed during the course. Dalhousie University School of Social Work Continuing Education will provide a letter of completion. A certificate will be provided to participants from the National Institute of Forensic Social Work.

Refreshments (coffee, tea, water) will be provided. Please bring your own snacks and lunch.

16 Continuing Education Credit Hours

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.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.

30 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.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.

30 continuing education credit hours.

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.

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.