Professional development: Tuning in: The Person of the Therapist - Vancouver

Tuning in: The Person of the Therapist - How your own here-and-now experience can transform the power of your sessions

Vancouver Couple & Family Institute

Date: Oct 20 - 21, 2016                Time:  9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace - 1825 West 16th Ave Vancouver, BC

In this workshop you will discover new ways to use your inner experience to navigate stuck places and nurture healthy bonds in your work with individuals and couples.

We will incorporate video excepts, engaging didactic presentation and small group exercises focusing on:

1) Helping therapists find new ways to share how we are impacted by our clients.

2) Exploring how to navigate and repair times when we become triggered in our therapist role.

3) Self-care.

More information and to register.

Ethical Decision-making Models and Tools for Social Workers

Social workers are faced with many different types of ethical dilemmas in our professional work and practice. When making ethical decisions in our work, it helps to use ethical decision-making models. To support ethical decision-making in our work some social work models and tools are presented below. 

Ethical Decision Making Toolkit. BC Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from: http://www.bcasw.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Ethical-Decision-Making-Toolkit.pdf

Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work Practice. Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from: http://www.nlasw.ca/pdf/Practice_Standards/Ethical_Decision_Making_Framework.pdf

Ethical Decision-Making Models in Resolving EthicalDilemmas in Rural Practice: Implications for Social Work Practice and Education. 
Edwards, B. and Addae, R. (2015). Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 12, (1). Copyright 2015, ASWB. Retrieved from: http://jswve.org/download/spring_2015,_vol._12,_no._1/articles/88-JSWVE-12-1-Rural%20Practice-Resolving%20Ethical%20Dilemmas.pdf

Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving

From the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from: http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/oepr/steps.asp

1. DETERMINE whether there is an ethical issue or/and dilemma.

Is there a conflict of values, or rights, or professional responsibilities? (For example, there may be an issue of self-determination of an adolescent versus the well-being of the family.)

2. IDENTIFY the key values and principles involved.

What meanings and limitations are typically attached to these competing values? (For example, rarely is confidential information held in absolute secrecy; however, typically decisions about access by third parties to sensitive content should be contracted with clients.)

3. RANK the values or ethical principles which - in your professional judgement - are most relevant to the issue or dilemma. 

What reasons can you provide for prioritizing one competing value/principle over another? (For example, your client's right to choose a beneficial course of action could bring hardship or harm to others who would be affected.)

4. DEVELOP an action plan that is consistent with the ethical priorities that have been determined as central to the dilemma.

Have you conferred with clients and colleagues, as appropriate, about the potential risks and consequences of alternative courses of action? Can you support or justify your action plan with the values/principles on which the plan is based? (For example, have you conferred with all the necessary persons regarding the ethical dimensions of planning for a battered wife's quest to secure secret shelter and the implications for her teen-aged children?)

5. IMPLEMENT your plan, utilizing the most appropriate practice skills and competencies.

How will you make use of core social work skills such as sensitive communication, skillful negotiation, and cultural competence? (For example, skillful colleague or supervisory communication and negotiation may enable an impaired colleague to see her/his impact on clients and to take appropriate action.)

6. REFLECT on the outcome of this ethical decision making process. 

How would you evaluate the consequences of this process for those involved: Client(s), professional(s), and agency (ies)? (Increasingly, professionals have begun to seek support, further professional training, and consultation through the development of Ethics review Committees or Ethics Consultation processes.)

From discussion by Frederick Reamer & Sr. Ann Patrick Conrad in Professional Choices: Ethics at Work (1995), video available from NASW Press 1-800-227-3590. Format developed by Sr. Vincentia Joseph & Sr. Ann Patrick Conrad. NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review, 1-800-638-8799

Reamer, F. G. (2002). Making Difficult Decisions. Social Work Today: Eye on Ethics. Retrieved from: http://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_101402.shtml

Global Politics: Increasing Racism and Marginalization of Refugees

Shifting Social Constructs: The Rising Villianization of Refugees

Keyes, A. (2016). Social Work Helper. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkhelper.com/2016/08/24/shifting-social-constructs-rising-villianization-refugees/

Headlines detailing the fallout of refugee migration throughout Europe appear in major news sources almost daily. While discussion around countries and organizations being overwhelmed by sheer numbers remains the same, the sentiment toward refugees appears to be shifting from benevolence to something entirely different.

As a nation, Germany serves as a case study for this hypothesis. In 2015, Germany accepted over a million refugees, larger than the amount the United States has in a decade, as well as the highest number accepted by any European country for the calendar year. The open-door policy authored by German Chancellor Angela Merkel toward refugees fleeing Syria and Iraq last fall sanctioned the influx.

During the initial months of the policy being in effect German citizens actually came to train stations where refugees were arriving and applauded them as they arrived. However, this widespread welcoming attitude has since been abandoned. Events like mass sexual assaults in Cologne on New Year’s Eve, alleged high crime rates within refugee camps, and infiltration of terrorists amongst refugees contributes to the recasting of refugees within Germany as deviants.

CNN reporters recounted how in the city of Cologne on New Year’s Eve 2015 there were ninety criminal incidents recorded reported with a smaller number of such instances in Hamburg. Of those incidents, twenty-five percent were reported as being sexual assaults including one instance of rape. All victims described the individuals as “gangs of Arab or North African men”. At that point in time, German Justice Minister Heiko Maas “warned against linking the assaults to the immigration issue” but with the description of the perpetrators broadcast, connections were drawn and the public outraged.

Additionally, German authorities announced on May 11 that there were 40 open investigations regarding believed Islamic militants who immigrated to Germany with the refugees. The announcement confirmed and built upon already present fears regarding terrorist attacks. Instances like the July 19 axe attack, one of three violent acts by refugees this month, aboard a German passenger train by an individual identified as “teenage Afghan refugee”  continue to fuel fear and provide further evidence to solidify the relegation of refugees’ social construct, within Germany’s perceived popular opinion, to the deviant category.

Aljazeera went as far as to label this the emerging image of “the rapist refugee as Germany’s boogeyman”. It is an image which will inform future immigration policy and popular opinion. It is already noted in the decreasing support for two term German Chancellor Angela Merkel as she continues to support immigration and is experiencing a drop in polls with almost two-thirds surveyed saying she should not run again in 2017.

The focus on the miscreant minority casts a shadow over the refugee majority’s potential. It is a potential that economists assert could be the answer to Germany and Europe’s aging workforce. The labor market needs an influx of young workers to make up for the millions reaching retirement age. It is a need which roughly one third of the refugees within Germany’s borders can fill. Yet, the success of refugee integration into the German labor market hinges on more than just age. It encompasses language, education and skill levels, qualification recognition, legal right to work, and employer openness.

Successful integration into the labor market does not operate in a vacuum where only the listed criteria apply. Instead it will be steered by society which begs the question: will a criminal minority shift the perception of the refugee population at large? The fallout politically, socially, and economically for refugees in Germany and in other receiving countries is yet to be determined. However, the swinging social construct will impact millions of lives globally.

Global Education: Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work

This is David Denborough writing from Dulwich Centre in Adelaide, Australia.

We’re writing now to Canadian Social workers about our Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work (in collaboration with the University of Melbourne). We don't know if you're already aware of this Master's degree, but in our first three years there have been 10 participants from Canada, and it's been a pleasure having them in the course!

This Master's program is designed so that International participants can attend - it only involves two trips of two weeks each to Australia. The rest happens online. And the cost of the program is the same for Australian and international participants (which is very unusual and makes it much more affordable for international students). The diversity of participants is a particular highlight with graduates from South Africa, Chile, Tanzania, Singapore, Spain, USA, Ireland, Denmark, Mexico, New Zealand, Israel, Hong Kong, UK, Australia and Canada! There is also a strong Aboriginal representation (on both the faculty and among students).

This program is practice-based and involves participants honing their narrative skills and innovating forms of narrative practice in their own contexts. We are excited about what this will mean for the continuing development of diverse narrative practices.

This Master's program is co-ordinated by Dulwich Centre, taught by our international faculty and in conjunction with Australia's leading university, the University of Melbourne. We are thoroughly enjoying the Masters and we are wondering whether any of you would be interested in joining us next year or in the future. If so, please write to me at dcp@dulwichcentre.com.au

Or look up this website: www.dulwichcentre.com.au/masters

Greetings to all in Canada!

Warm regards,
David Denborough
Dulwich Centre

www.dulwichcentre.com.au

Clinical/Professional Development: Dialectical Behavioural Theory (DBT) - Vancouver

DBT Vancouver

1. 12-week Introduction to DBT course - starting September 16th
2. Part 2 of the New DBT Skills workshop - Friday, December 2nd 

Intro to DBT Course

We will also be running our popular 12-week Intro to DBT training on Friday mornings, starting September 16th. This course cover many aspects of DBT including individual therapy, skills training, telephone consultation, and consultation teams. Among the topics to be covered are:

• Research on BPD & DBT
• Dialectical Theory and Strategies
• Commitment Strategies
• Suicidal Risk Assessment and Intervention
• Chain Analysis and Problem-Solving
• Reciprocity and Irreverence
• Telephone Consultation
• Change Strategies in DBT: Solution Analysis, Cognitive Modification, Contingency Management, Exposure, & Skills Generalization
• Skills Training in DBT: Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, & Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Case Management & Consultation Teams

To register:

• Fill in attached form (319kb) and email to info@dbtvancouver.com
  or fax to 604-569-1230
• Online at: http://dbtvancouver.com/our-events/fall-2016-intro-to-dbt-course/

Part 2 of The New DBT Skills: Interpersonal Effectiveness & Emotion Regulation workshop will be held on Friday, December 2nd at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver from 9am - 4pm.

The publication of the 2nd edition of Dr. Marsha Linehan’s DBT Skills Training Manual in 2015 greatly expanded the skills available for clients struggling with a range of psychological problems. The second edition is more than 4 times the length of the first and includes a booklet of new handouts.This special 2-part training explores many of the new DBT skills. Part 1, presented in May 2016, focused on updates to the Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance skills. Part 2, the focus of this current workshop, will address important updates to the DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness and Emotion Regulation Skills.

By the end of this training, participants should be able to:

• Identify and describe at least three new DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills.
• Identify and describe at least three new DBT Emotion Regulation Skills.
• Determine when and how to teach these skills effectively in clinical practice.

For more information and to register, please visit: http://dbtvancouver.com/our-events/the-new-dbt-skills-part-2-interpersonal-effectiveness-and-emotion-regulation/

To register:

• Fill in attached form (319kb) and email to info@dbtvancouver.com
  or fax to 604-569-1230
• Online at: http://dbtvancouver.com/our-events/the-new-dbt-skills-part-2-interpersonal-effectiveness-and-emotion-regulation/

Early bird prices are in effect until November 4th, 2016.

Professional Development: Substance Use Certificate - Justice Institute of BC

The Substance Use Certificate is a 20-day (10 credit) program. Courses in this area are grounded in a harm-reduction approach.

These courses or program is for management and staff of health, criminal justice, and social service agencies whose clients include people who are using substances.

Sessions are led by experienced professionals with a focus on understanding substance use within a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework; the application of current research and knowledge about interventions; and the exploration of social justice issues such as race, class, gender, poverty, and violence.

These courses are designed for counsellors, management, and staff of health, criminal justice, and social service agencies whose clients include people who are using substances.

Upcoming Courses:
Understanding Substance Use (COUN-1100)
Sept 23-24
Continuum of Care: Prevention to Harm Reduction (COUN-1105)
Oct 21-22
Assessment Practices (COUN-1115)
Nov 18-19
Motivational Interviewing 1 (COUN-1125)
Dec 9-10

For more information:

604.528.5608
cccs@jibc.ca

Professional Development: Satir training programs in Fall 2016/Winter 2017

Satir Institute of the Pacific's Fall/Winter Programs
www.satirpacific.org

CALLING ALL HELPING PROFESSIONALS(no pre-requisite course required)

5-Evening Workshop

Use of Self in Addictions Counselling with Kathlyne Maki-Banmen, MA, RCC and Teresa McLellan, MA

• September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 2016

This program will lead participants through experiential process to develop their own sense of internal awareness and congruence so that they are better able to connect with themselves and their clients

2 Day Worshops (Friday and Saturday) Helping People Change

• Experience the Depth: Experiential Process in Therapy - September 16/17, 2016 with Kathlyne Maki-Banmen, MA, RCC
  
• Parenting Teenagers: From Crazy to Connected - October 28/29, 2016 with Jennifer Nagel, MA, RCC
  
• Body Wisdom: Using Mindfulness to Access Inner Resources for Healing - January 20/21, 2017 with Anastacia Metcalf
  
• Soulful Money Matters: Transforming Your Relationship with Money - March 3/4, 2017 with Linda Lucas, MA, LCPC
  
• The Sacred Journey: From Addiction to Connection - April 21/22, 2017 with Teresa McLellan, MA
  
• Caring for the Caregiver: Maintaining a Sense of SELF While Caring for Others June 9/10, 2017 with Robin Beardsley, MD

Explore how systemic, experiential, positively directional therapeutic process can improve your positive results with clients. These professional 2 day workshops focus on specific aspects of therapeutic process, symptoms and dynamics, relationships and other therapeutic issues.

10 Day Transformational Systemic Therapy Training Programs - $1250

• Surrey - September 24, 25, October 22, 23, November 26, 27, 2016
  and January 14, 15, February 18, 19, 2017 with Kathlyne Maki-Banmen, MA, RCC
  
• Kamloops - October 14, 15, 16, November 18, 19, 20, 2016 and January 12, 13, 14, 15, 2017 with Jennifer Nagel, MA, RCC

For more information see attached forms or go to our website at http://satirpacific.org/our-events/

or call 604-634-0572