Provincial Family Violence Treatment Program:
Knowledge Sharing Forum
October 16 – 17, 2014
Session Descriptions
(in order of presentation on agenda)
Guest Expert Workshop: Daniel Sonkin ~
8:15 – 10:15 AM
Over the past 22 years, imaging technology has
improved to such an extent that we are literally able
to peak into the brain as it functions in real time. Not
only do we now have a better structural
understanding the brain, but also we now have a
much better understanding of how the various
structures function in relation to behavior generally
and violence and aggression specifically. We already
know that aggression and violence are two of the
most stable personality characteristics, making
batterer intervention particularly
challenging. Because affect is one of the key areas
treatment programs focus on, understanding
emotion and emotion regulation is key to reducing
aggression and violence. Ironically, one of the areas
that has enjoyed the greatest growth in the past
twenty years is the affective neurosciences; the
study of emotion. Due to these new insights,
emotion has shifted from a back seat or lessimportant position in scientific literature to being in
parity with cognition. In fact, research suggests that
cognition and emotion are so inextricably entwined
that it would be very rare that we would have
emotion without a thought or visa versa. This fact
suggests that psychological change is as much an
emotional process as it is one based in thought.
This renaissance of affect has been valuable to
clinicians of all orientations. For the past hundred
years, emotion has been an integral part of
psychotherapy, and yet many clinicians tend to shy
away from emotion and overly emphasize thoughts
and decision-making as a path to change.
Batterer programs often help their clients heighten
their awareness and identification of emotional
processes, as well as finding more adaptive ways of
regulating their emotions, but do a lot of education,
even though education has been proven to be one of
least effective variables contributing to change.
Understanding how focus on and use emotion in
therapy (especially as it relates to relationships) can
be one of the most effective strategies for change.
This keynote will review the most salient recent
findings in the affective neurosciences, as well as
genetics, attachment theory and memory, and their
application to domestic violence theory and
intervention. Daniel Sonkin will discuss batterer
treatment outcome studies and examine why we
need to update our models of intervention to better
reflect the body of knowledge about the brain and
behavior in general. He will also discuss ways
therapists may incorporate this knowledge into their
work with perpetrators. On the positive side, many
of the findings support some of the interventions
already utilized by programs. But the findings also
suggest that we may need to incorporate additional
interventions so as to optimize effectiveness and
reduce violence and aggression.
Daniel Jay Sonkin, Ph.D. is a Licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist in an independent practice in
Sausalito, California. Since 1981, his work has
focused on the treatment of individuals and couples
facing a variety interpersonal problems. In addition
to his clinical experience, he has testified as an
expert witness since 1977 in criminal cases where
domestic violence is an issue. As one of the early
specialists in the field of family violence, Dr. Sonkin
has developed a widely used protocol for treating
male batterers. His book, Learning to Live Without
Violence: A Handbook for Men has been published in
English, Spanish and Japanese and is utilized by
treatment programs around the world. He is also the
author of numerous articles and books on domestic
violence and child abuse. For the past twenty years
he has been integrating attachment theory and
neurobiology into his clinical work with perpetrators
and victims of violence, as well as his general
psychotherapy patients. He is the recipient of the
1989 Clark Vincent Award for Literary Contribution
to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy from the
California Association of Marriage and Family
Therapists, and is the 2000 recipient of the
Distinguished Clinical Member Award from the
California Association of Marriage and Family
Therapists.
Concurrent Sessions – October 16, 2014 –
10:30 AM to Noon
A.
Daniel Sonkin Additional Session ~
Daniel Sonkin, Licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist (16644) Cogmed Certified
Coach
In this small workshop, we will go into greater detail
as to how to conduct batterer treatment
intervention with the brain in mind. It will include a
discussion on the value of medication,
mindfulness/meditation and secure base
priming. We will discuss rationale for the time-outs
and how repetition is critical to solidifying brain
changes necessary to make behavior more
reflexive. We will discuss the importance of helping
clients develop more effective affect regulation
strategies beyond the typical cognitive (CBT)
interventions. We will also focus on how
formulating interventions that target specific brain
functions differs from working from a particular
theoretical orientation (CBT, Feminist, etc).
B.
Understanding Trauma 101 ~ Tracy
Harvey, MSW, RSW, Clinical Traumatologist,
Clinical Supervisor, Addiction and Mental
Health, AHS
This workshop will provide an introduction to
understanding trauma including impacts of trauma,
types of trauma and how this influences responses.
If we want to truly understand and help our clients,
we need to hear their story – and accept that for
most of our clients, their trauma experiences are
weaved throughout. While the focus of this session
will be on developing an understanding of trauma
impacts, this session will also include recommended
resources and suggestions for further research.
Session Goals
• Increase awareness of trauma
• Understanding the impacts of trauma
• Exploration of resources
As a clinical supervisor, Tracy is either directly or
indirectly involved in many of the treatment
initiatives that happen within the Lethbridge
Addiction and Mental Health office in addition to
providing supervision to the addiction and mental
health counseling staff. Throughout her experience
with addiction services, Tracy has developed and
facilitated a two day trauma workshop throughout
the province, and continues to instruct a sessional
trauma course at the University of
Lethbridge. Throughout her career, she has worked
with youth families and adults in a variety of
settings. Tracy is also a clinical traumatologist
practicing with Associates Counselling in Lethbridge.
C.
IPV and Substance Use: Addressing
Treatment Challenges through
Integrated Programming ~ Brian Cote
(B.A. Psych.), Jaime Hansen (M.A.
Counselling) and Deena Workun (B.A.
Criminology), Family Violence Addictions
Counsellors at Addictions Services
Edmonton
The marked co-occurrence between IPV and
substance use has attracted considerable attention.
While the nature of the relationship between IPV
and substance abuse remains debated within the
field, research has consistently identified rates of cooccurrence in the range of 40-92%. The literature
suggests significant treatment challenges in working
with this population including: high attrition, low
engagement and motivation for change, and poor
treatment effects. Integrated IPV and substance
abuse treatment has been proposed as one possible
alternative. This presentation will examine two
integrated and innovative treatment programs at
Addictions Services Edmonton that seek to
overcome these treatment obstacles.
Session Goals
• Explore the connection between IPV and
substance use.
• Explore treatment challenges experienced by
professionals working in the area of IPV and
addiction treatment.
• Increase awareness of current services and
programs that concurrently address IPV and
addiction issues, including the Safe & Sober
program and FV Information Session at
Addiction Services Edmonton.
Brian Cote (B.A. Psych.) is a Family Violence
Addictions Counsellor at Addictions Services
Edmonton (ASE). Since earning his B.A. from the
University of Alberta (Cooperative Education
Program), Brian has worked as a counsellor in both
adult and adolescent treatment settings including
Counterpoint House, Henwood Residential
Treatment Centre and ASE. Brian has also facilitated
groups in the intensive outpatient treatment
program at ASE as well as developed a recoveryoriented psychoeducation program.
Jaime Hansen (M.A. Counselling) is a Family Violence
Addictions Counsellor at Addictions Services
Edmonton. For the past ten years, she has worked as
a counsellor with adult forensic populations.
Currently, Jaime has been engaged in the
development, facilitation and evaluation of
integrated spousal violence and addictions
programming and is currently working towards
completing her registration as a psychologist.
Deena Workun (B.A. Criminology) is a Family
Violence Addictions Counsellor at Addictions
Services Edmonton. For the past ten years, she has
worked as a counsellor in both adult and adolescent
treatment settings and has experience in sex
offender, addictions and family violence treatment.
Currently, Deena has been engaged in the
development, facilitation and evaluation of
integrated spousal violence and addictions
programming and is currently completing her
Master’s of Social Work degree through the
University of Calgary.
Concurrent Sessions – October 16, 2014 –
1 PM to 2:30 PM
A. The Dream Criminal Justice
Response to Family Violence: What
Would it Look like? ~ Allison M.
Downey-Damato, LL.B, Assistant Chief
Crown Prosecutor, Family Protection
Section
Have you ever wondered what actually happens to
Family Violence cases when they get to court? Have
you heard good things about what happens in
court? Or just horror stories? This session will
provide a candid insider look at what actually
happens in court, what is going well, what isn’t and
what we can do about it. You will hear about
accommodations that have been made for
vulnerable witnesses and what else can be done,
without changing the law, to hear and resolve these
cases more successfully without further traumatizing
the parties involved.
Note: This session will contain my personal views,
not those of Alberta Justice.
After obtaining early admission to law in 1996,
Allison Downey-Damato graduated from U of A Law
in 1999. She initially practiced civil litigation with a
large Edmonton firm. In 2002, she joined the
Edmonton Crown Prosecutors’ Office. Since then,
she has prosecuted almost exclusively intimate
partner violence, sexual assault and child
abuse. From 2004 to 2007, she was the lead
prosecutor in Edmonton on non-domestic sexual
assaults and high risk offenders in Edmonton. She is
now an Assistant Chief Crown Prosecutor in charge
of the Family Protection Unit, a position she has held
since 2009. She supervises about 12 prosecutors
and all files relating to intimate partner violence,
child abuse and elder abuse in the Edmonton office.
She also supervises the prosecution of high risk
offenders. She lectures extensively on intimate
partner violence to police, victim advocacy groups,
medical professionals and other community
groups. On top of this, she continues to carry a
caseload including serious sexual assaults and
homicides. When not working or furthering family
violence issues in the justice system, she enjoys
spending time with her husband, young son and
three stepchildren.
B.
Collaboration: The Good, The Bad
and the Benefits ~ Barb Barber –
Executive Director, The Outreach Centre
(Women’s Outreach)
Domestic Violence Collaborative Program is an interagency team whose partnership formed in 2005. A
coordinated approach to services for offenders has a
large impact in reducing re-offending, as well,
includes working together across disciplines to
encourage an integrated and consistent approach to
the victim, the children and the offender.
Presenters will share the good, the bad, the benefits
and what it takes to use a scattered site approach in
the delivery of support to victims and the treatment
of offenders. Our presentation will demonstrate the
effectiveness; necessary steps and the value of
building a coordinated collaborative response.
As the Executive Director of The Outreach Centre for
the past ten years, Barb Barber has been with the
Collaborative program since the development in
2005 and continues to play a role in the leadership of
the program. Her background is in Social work and
non-profit management. The Outreach Centre
plays a key role in victim support from initial police
involvement to long term support.
In September 2007 Ian Wheeliker joined the Central
Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter Society as the
Executive Director. Ian has 28 years of experience
working with perpetrators and victims of domestic
and sexual violence Ian has developed a particular
interest in the effects of violence on children. Ian has
served on the executive committee of the
collaborative project since 2007.
Peggy Olstad, Manager, Child and Family Services,
Red Deer Child Intervention Office, has been
connected with the Collaboration since 2005 and
continues participate as a member of the
collaborations executive team. She believes that all
partners have benefitted through their ability to
develop the program over time, based on the needs
of the community. More importantly vulnerable
children and families in the Central Region have had
resources to support and keep them safe, and
healthy due to the collaboration.
Noreen McCallum is the Program Manager
Community Addiction & Mental Health Red Deer
with Alberta Health Services. Noreen has been with
the program since its inception. She is a strong
advocate for “working together and making it
happen”.
Kim Fay, Manager, Red Deer Community
Corrections, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General,
has been involved with the program since its
inception, and his extensive career in corrections has
fueled a desire to work collaboratively within the
service community to ensure a multi-facetted
approach to dealing with offenders and victims of
domestic violence. He strongly believes that a united
and collaborative approach is essential in dealing
with this significant social problem which impacts us
all.
C. Working with couples that are
experiencing both domestic abuse
and substance abuse ~ Christine Berry,
Director of Family Violence Preventions
Initiatives, Calgary Counselling Centre,
Calgary Alberta
The workshop will address working with couples
experiencing both domestic abuse and substance
abuse in their relationship. The focus of the work is
to build support for abstinence, increase relationship
enhancement, and conduct ongoing safety and risk
assessment.
Session Goals
• To become aware of the complexities of working
with couples with issues of both domestic abuse
and substance abuse.
• To become familiar with specific strategies and
clinical tools for practical application.
Christine Berry, MSc. Registered Psychologist, has
worked extensively in the field of family violence as a
therapist, educator, supervisor, researcher and
program director. She received her Masters of
Science in Counselling Psychology from the
University of Calgary, is registered as a psychologist
within the province of Alberta and has been the
Director of Family Violence Prevention Initiatives at
the Calgary Counselling Centre since 2005.
Concurrent Sessions – October 16, 2014 ~
2:45 – 4:15 PM
A.
Trauma Informed Care: Practice
Principles and Implications ~ Tracy
Harvey, MSW, RSW, Clinical Traumatologist,
Clinical Supervisor, Addiction and Mental
Health, AHS
This workshop will build on one’s basic
understanding of trauma and focus more on Trauma
Informed Care and how this impacts one’s work.
Our understanding of trauma has evolved and we
now recognize that many of the people we work
with in a variety of settings could potentially be
survivors of trauma. This discussion will focus on
how we approach our work and ensure that we
minimize re-traumatization and introduce safety as
the beginning of the healing process.
Session Goals
• Increased understanding of TIC
• Identifying principles of TIC
• Practical implications of TIC
As a clinical supervisor, Tracy is either directly or
indirectly involved in many of the treatment
initiatives that happen within the Lethbridge
Addiction and Mental Health office in addition to
providing supervision to the addiction and mental
health counseling staff. Throughout her experience
with addiction services, Tracy has developed and
facilitated a two day trauma workshop throughout
the province, and continues to instruct a sessional
trauma course at the University of
Lethbridge. Throughout her career, she has worked
with youth families and adults in a variety of
settings. Tracy is also a clinical traumatologist
practicing with Associates Counselling in Lethbridge.
B. Examining Rural/Remote
Community Responses To IPV Mailloux, S., Hungler, K., Barton, S.,
Brochu, B., McBride, D., & Letourneau,
N.
This session will increase understanding of
effective community response to IPV in rural and
remote regions of Canada. Research questions
from the project focus on understanding the
needs of women who experience IPV and gaps
in meeting these needs along with how to create
and sustain non-violent communities. Progress
of current Alberta data analysis will be
highlighted along with a discussion of the
parallels between needs/gaps of IPV victims with
needs/gaps of IPV offenders. How will
stakeholders in Alberta respond to these
identified needs/gaps?
•
Session Goals
•
•
•
To inform about this research project
Discuss progress of data analysis to-date
Draw on the parallels between IPV victim’s
needs/gaps in rural and remote Alberta and
the IPV offender’s needs/gaps in rural and
remote Alberta
C.
•
•
Risk Assessment 101 ~ Lisa Buys, Ph.D.,
R.Psych.
Risk assessment is an integral part of working with
perpetrators of intimate partner violence. This
presentation will encourage participants to examine
how they are evaluating and integrating risk-related
information in their work. An overview of partner
violence assessment tools will be provided, with a
more extensive examination of the SARA and its role
in the FACS spousal violence program.
Concurrent Sessions – October 17, 2014 –
8:30 AM to 10 AM
A.
Family Violence – A Corrections
Perspective ~ Jennifer Lavens, Senior
Probation Officer, Edmonton South, Teri
Smerychynski, Probation Officer,
Wetaskiwin, Lukasz Herba, Probation
Officer, Edmonton Central
This session will provide an overview of Community
Corrections and the role of probation officers within
a family violence framework. Evidence based
practices relating to risk management and risk
reduction will be reviewed, including: specific
collaborations occurring in Edmonton, Calgary, and
rural Alberta.
Session Goals
•
Those in attendance will gain an
understanding of how probation works
•
within a coordinated and collaborative
approach to family violence.
Gain a greater understanding of goals in
relation to risk management and risk
reduction models and the implementation
of evidence based practices including the
use of the SPIn assessment tool,
motivational interviewing and the
importance and impact of collaboration
within the community
A review of the Family Violence client
referral process to a provincially accredited
Family Violence treatment programs
Gain an understanding of Edmonton District
specific initiatives such as the Domestic
Violence Edmonton District Community
Corrections Committee, as well as, Calgary
District specific initiatives such as HRMI –
the High Risk Management Unit.
Review the practice model within a rural
perspective and its unique challenges to the
delivery of domestic violence treatment
programs within Community Correction
B. Female Domestic Violence Clients
with Co-occurring Conditions:
Women with DV, Substance Abuse
and/or Trauma Symptoms ~ Gary
Gibbens MaPsy, CCC, Domestic Violence
Specialist, YWCA and Lisa McLean MaPsy,
Supervisor YWCA Calgary
According to both research reviews (Literature
Review, Prairie Research Associates) and research
profiles from the YWCA program in Calgary, women
who receive treatment for Domestic Violence have
much higher rates of substance abuse compared to
the general population, 50% have experienced a
major depression, more than 2/3 have developed
symptoms of PTSD, and as many as 2/3 of the
women who receive treatment for substance abuse
have experienced domestic violence in the past year.
In this presentation, we will examine the profile of
women who have been referred for Domestic
Violence Treatment who apparently have cooccurring problems with substance abuse, and
mental health issues. We will review the literature
to develop some possible profiles and look at
indications for intervention.
settings. Tracy is also a clinical traumatologist
practicing with Associates Counselling in Lethbridge.
In the second half of the presentation, we will review
the current Substance Abuse Program at the YWCA
in Calgary, discuss program content, and examine
both successes and challenges in developing this
program.
Concurrent Sessions – October 17, 2014 –
10:15 AM to 11:45 AM
Session Goals
• Identify and describe female clients with cooccurring DV and Substance Abuse
• Brief description of programs offered/needs
identified
• Description of YWCA women’s group for DV and
Substance Abuse
Ducharme, HomeFront and Constable Chris
Kirby, Calgary Police Service
C.
Understanding Trauma 101 ~ Tracy
Harvey, MSW, RSW, Clinical Traumatologist,
Clinical Supervisor, Addiction and Mental
Health, AHS
This workshop will provide an introduction to
understanding trauma including impacts of trauma,
types of trauma and how this influences responses.
If we want to truly understand and help our clients,
we need to hear their story – and accept that for
most of our clients, their trauma experiences are
weaved throughout. While the focus of this session
will be on developing an understanding of trauma
impacts, this session will also include recommended
resources and suggestions for further research.
Session Goals
• Increase awareness of trauma
• Understanding the impacts of trauma
• Exploration of resources
As a clinical supervisor, Tracy is either directly or
indirectly involved in many of the treatment
initiatives that happen within the Lethbridge
Addiction and Mental Health office in addition to
providing supervision to the addiction and mental
health counseling staff. Throughout her experience
with addiction services, Tracy has developed and
facilitated a two day trauma workshop throughout
the province, and continues to instruct a sessional
trauma course at the University of
Lethbridge. Throughout her career, she has worked
with youth families and adults in a variety of
A.
The High Risk Management
Initiative: A collaborative response
to high risk domestic violence ~ Laura
The High Risk Management Initiative (HRMI) is a
Calgary based collaborative team of professionals
who work with domestic violence offenders
identified as being most likely to commit a homicide
or serious assault. By utilizing well established
criteria, the project identifies and targets repeat
offenders from whom traditional responses have not
been successful. This panel presentation will provide
an overview of the initiative and the partners
involved, examine the interventions, treatment, and
management of these high risk offenders, and
finally, look at how the program provides an
umbrella of safety for the victim and their families.
Case studies will be utilized to demonstrate both the
complexities and successes of such an innovative
collaboration.
Session Goals
• Provide insight and background into the work
being done by the High Risk Management
Initiative
• Showcase a new strategy for approaching high
risk files
• Encourage and demonstrate the success of
utilizing community collaboration in preventing
domestic homicides
Laura Ducharme started with HomeFront in October
2000. She assisted in the development of the
domestic trial court, and trained and supervised the
growing numbers caseworkers within the programs.
During 2009-2012, Laura was the coordinator for
“Building a Comprehensive Response to Family
Violence in Aboriginal Communities” funded by the
National Crime Prevention Centre of Canada. The
Strengthening the Spirit Committee, which Laura
chairs, implemented their men’s, women’s and
children’s domestic violence programs in Siksika,
Tsuu Tina, Morley and Calgary. From 2012-2013,
Laura was seconded to develop the “Family Violence
Response Initiative” in Siksika, AB through the Safer
Communities Fund. The program is a secondary
response model with the Gleichen RCMP
detachment on all the domestic responses within
Siksika, AB. In July of 2014, Laura entered into the
High Risk Management Initiative as Interim
Coordinator.
Constable Chris Kirby started with the Calgary Police
Service in September 2001. In 2010 he transferred to
the Domestic Conflict Unit and became one of the
first two members of the Habitual Offender
Management and Enforcement (HOME) team.
Constable Kirby has received training in relation to
domestic violence, threat assessments, offender
management, major case management, crowd
management and incident command systems.
Constable Kirby is a provincial instructor for law
enforcement and victim advocate workers in
relations to the crimes of stalking and criminal
harassment. Constable Kirby was accepted as a
member of ATAP in 2013 and was a speaker last
year’s ATAP threat management conference.
B. Trauma Informed Care: Practice
Principles and Implications ~ Tracy
Harvey, MSW, RSW, Clinical
Traumatologist, Clinical Supervisor,
Addiction and Mental Health, AHS
This workshop will build on one’s basic
understanding of trauma and focus more on Trauma
Informed Care and how this impacts one’s work.
Our understanding of trauma has evolved and we
now recognize that many of the people we work
with in a variety of settings could potentially be
survivors of trauma. This discussion will focus on
how we approach our work and ensure that we
minimize re-traumatization and introduce safety as
the beginning of the healing process.
Session Goals
• Increased understanding of TIC
• Identifying principles of TIC
• Practical implications of TIC
As a clinical supervisor, Tracy is either directly or
indirectly involved in many of the treatment
initiatives that happen within the Lethbridge
Addiction and Mental Health office in addition to
providing supervision to the addiction and mental
health counseling staff. Throughout her experience
with addiction services, Tracy has developed and
facilitated a two day trauma workshop throughout
the province, and continues to instruct a sessional
trauma course at the University of
Lethbridge. Throughout her career, she has worked
with youth families and adults in a variety of
settings. Tracy is also a clinical traumatologist
practicing with Associates Counselling in Lethbridge.
C.
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse:
Engagement, Treatment and What
Men are Telling Us ~ Alex Cameron,
MSW, Coordinator, Male Domestic Abuse
Outreach Program, Calgary Counseling
Centre
This workshop will touch on the similarities and
differences of working with males versus females
who have experienced domestic abuse, while
looking at how to engage and work with males.
Session Goals
• Attendees will understand the similarities and
difference between male and female victims of
domestic violence
• Knowledge about prevalence and type of
domestic violence that males experience
• Hear anecdotal evidence of what males are
reporting of their experiences and what they are
asking for from treatment
• Learn ways to engage with clients and what they
are seeking
• Themes that are being seen from males as
victims
Alex Cameron has worked in different educational
roles throughout his career and has five years of
experience working in Vancouver’s Downtown
Eastside with marginalized populations. Alex moved
to Calgary in 2010 to complete his Masters in Social
Work degree with the University of Calgary and upon
graduating, was excited to take on the role of Male
Domestic Abuse Outreach Program Coordinator with
the Calgary Counselling Centre.
Concurrent Sessions – October 17, 2014 ~
1 PM – 2:30 PM
A. Everyday Heroes: Rethinking Our
Approach to Domestic Violence
Treatment ~ Sharon Mailloux, Executive
Director, North Peace Society for the
Prevention of Domestic Violence
Utilizing the work of Joseph Campbell (The Hero’s
Journey) and Terry Real (Relational Heroism) this
creative workshop will re-examine the roles of victim
and villain by deconstructing old narratives and
building new ones founded in empowerment and
the ability for a person to save one’s self. The
concepts covered in this workshop will be valuable
on many levels, applicable to most of us, but
presented in a way that specifically addresses
treatment practices with those impacted by family
violence. (Cape and tights not required for
attendance).
Session Goals
• Develop new ways to conceptualize the clients
we work with and the inner journey they are on;
• Present hands-on learning and skill development
focused on accountability and empowerment;
and,
• Foster new ways for practitioner’s to connect
with their clients in meaningful ways and join
them in the therapeutic journey.
Sharon Mailloux is the Executive Director of the
North Peace Society for the Prevention of Domestic
Violence. She has a Master of Counselling Degree, is
a Provisional Psychologist has worked for three years
with DV, and a cumulative 14 years of working with
high risk individuals and families.
B. Surviving The Work: How Do We
Stay Engaged ~ Tracy Harvey, MSW,
RSW, Clinical Traumatologist, Clinical
Supervisor, Addiction and Mental Health,
AHS
We have each come into this work to make a
positive difference on the lives’ of others. Although
we experience the positive rewards of our work, it is
also important to note that doing this work also has
a cost on our personal and professional lives. This
workshop will provide an opportunity to explore the
impacts of working in this field both personally and
professionally.
Session Goals
• Increase awareness of vicarious trauma
• Self-reflection with regards to vicarious trauma
and compassion fatigue
• Exploration of resources
As a clinical supervisor, Tracy is either directly or
indirectly involved in many of the treatment
initiatives that happen within the Lethbridge
Addiction and Mental Health office in addition to
providing supervision to the addiction and mental
health counseling staff. Throughout her experience
with addiction services, Tracy has developed and
facilitated a two day trauma workshop throughout
the province, and continues to instruct a sessional
trauma course at the University of
Lethbridge. Throughout her career, she has worked
with youth families and adults in a variety of
settings. Tracy is also a clinical traumatologist
practicing with Associates Counselling in Lethbridge.
C. A Room Full of Men (and a
Woman): Exploring the Role of the
Female Facilitator ~ Lisa Buys, Ph.D.,
R.Psych. – moderator with Charlotte
Cooper, MSW, RSW, (Clinical), Edwina
Fernandes, MSW, RSW and Skylin Herba,
BA, MSW student
Most intimate partner violence programs require a
male-female co-facilitation team. The role of the
female facilitator is complex and can be challenging.
The female facilitator is often the lone
representative of her gender in a room full of men,
and she may face their collective anger, shame,
distrust and negative beliefs. The women on this
panel represent a variety of backgrounds and levels
of experience. We will discuss our experience around
responding therapeutically to the men in our groups,
while maintaining our own needs for self-respect
and self-care.
Closing Remarks and Roundtable
Networking – 2:30 – 3 PM