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
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