Strengthening Survivors: The Walk to Wellness
Trauma leaves no part of our lives untouched; it interrupts our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual growth and puts us out of balance. The way we have learned to respond to the hurt in these areas can be different for everyone. All of our responses are normal reactions to abnormal events – they are an attempt by our mind and body to survive. It is also important to note that no matter the response, healing is possible.
Program Focus
Strengthen trauma-informed practices in the workplace
Develop a working knowledge of addiction
Understanding emotions, mastering healthy communication
Solving conflicts
Managing anger
Cultivating trauma competence fosters a safe and supportive environment for growth, resilience, and well-being in both the workplace and the community. Enhancing emotional intelligence in your intrapersonal and interpersonal skills lays the foundation for meaningful engagement, active listening, and a deeper comprehension of others' experiences as well as your own wellness needs. Through our comprehensive modules, you'll gain profound insights into your own and others' experiences.
Our work is focused on meeting community needs. In Indigenous communities, we strongly encourage collaboration with community Elders to implement cultural supports and local teachings. The inclusion of the Elders allows for a deeper connection to their community and helps to re-integrate meaning and purpose in their lives as individuals see fit.
Often the ways we have learned to survive experiences of trauma can make us feel less than (these could include feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence, a loss of control, or feeling different from everyone else). But they do have a place in our healing.
Our responses to trauma may have helped us numb out, protect ourselves from further harm, feel more in control of an uncontrollable situation, adapt and survive our environment, or even get people to notice our pain. The goal of healing is not the absence of these responses but the ability to manage our responses through positive coping mechanisms and active choices.
Who this program is for
Strengthening Survivors: A Walk to Wellness is a training program tailored for both individual learners and organizations aiming to strengthen their skills with a trauma-informed perspective.
Whether you are a professional seeking to refine your ability to support those affected by trauma or an agency dedicated to enhancing your team's capacity for sensitive community service, this program is your stepping stone. It's also a valuable resource for individuals who want to understand and apply these principles in their personal lives to foster stronger, healthier relationships within their circle and community.
It can feel overwhelming
to look at the impact trauma has had on our lives.
It is important to remember that our answers lie within our pain. It is in our sadness that we separate what is good for us and what is not. We are fortunate in a sense, that when we go deep into our sadness, we go deep within ourselves. Because we go there, we get to truly know ourselves well. We are given the opportunity of insight. This is where we find our balance, where we find purpose and meaning in our experiences.
Delivery and Time Commitment
The program can be delivered in person, or virtually if required, and follow-up sessions can be provided as needed. This program can be used in whole or in part as an addition to existing programs. The content provided can be geared specifically to the needs of the participants. This program is beneficial to any Organization that serves Indigenous or Non-Indigenous populations. It can also be beneficial to community health centers, first responders, or any other agencies seeking to expand their trauma-competent knowledge.
“Perhaps the most unfair aspect of trauma, more unfair than the experience itself, is that we are left to be responsible for something we had nothing to do with or have control over. Because our choices were taken away from us, it is important in recovery to begin to take our choices back.”
Program Components
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The trauma program focuses on helping individuals understand the meaning of their experiences, exploring how trauma feels and its impact on their lives. By examining the different types of trauma and their effects, the program aims to cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose, guiding participants toward healing and a renewed sense of direction in their lives.
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Addiction often stems from underlying pain, manifesting as a response to emotional or physical suffering. It exists on a spectrum of substance use, ranging from occasional use to dependency, with each stage reflecting different degrees of struggle. Central to overcoming addiction is the importance of connection, as building supportive relationships can help address the pain at the core of addiction and guide individuals toward recovery.
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Suicide prevention and intervention are critical components of mental health care, focusing on the importance of open and honest conversations. Understanding the difference between imminent risk and suicidal ideations is essential, as it helps in determining the appropriate level of care and response. By fostering dialogue and providing support, we can address the underlying issues, offering hope and help to those in need.
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The power of your own mind is immense, shaping how you perceive and interact with the world around you. However, dysfunctional thinking patterns can distort reality, leading to negative emotions and behaviors that reinforce a cycle of despair or anxiety. By recognizing and challenging these unhelpful thoughts, you can harness the power of your mind to create a more positive and fulfilling life, transforming your inner dialogue into a source of strength and resilience.
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Mental health (MH) encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, while mental illness (MI) refers to specific disorders that affect these areas. The distinction is important, as maintaining good mental health is essential for everyone, not just those diagnosed with mental illness. Both MH and MI can significantly impact individuals and their families, influencing relationships, work, and daily life. Mental Health First Aid is a crucial tool in this context, providing people with the skills to support others experiencing a mental health crisis, helping to mitigate the effects and promote recovery.
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Healthy communication is vital for building strong relationships, and it involves expressing oneself with assertiveness while respecting the boundaries of others. Assertiveness allows individuals to convey their thoughts and needs clearly and confidently, without being aggressive or passive. Setting and maintaining boundaries is equally important, as it ensures that communication remains respectful and that each person's limits are honored. Together, assertiveness and boundaries create a foundation for open, honest, and constructive dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
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Item deEffective conflict resolution is essential for managing both intra/interpersonal challenges, helping to restore harmony and understanding in relationships. It involves not only addressing the immediate issue but also building empathetic links between those involved. By fostering empathy, individuals can better understand each other's perspectives and emotions, which paves the way for collaborative problem-solving and mutual respect. This approach transforms conflict into an opportunity for growth, strengthening relationships, and enhancing personal and social well-being.scription
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Mindfulness is a powerful practice of self-care that involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, which can significantly improve mental and emotional well-being. The benefits of mindfulness are vast, including reduced stress, enhanced focus, and greater emotional resilience. Given the fast-paced nature of modern life, practicing mindfulness is not just beneficial but a necessity for maintaining balance and mental health. Establishing mindfulness as a regular habit is crucial, as it reinforces its positive effects, making it an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Testimonials
Benefits of implementing trauma-informed training in the workplace
“Trauma-informed training benefits teachers by equipping them to understand and respond to students' emotional and behavioral needs more effectively. In teaching, we often encounter students who have experienced or are in the midst of experiencing various forms of trauma, which can impact their learning, behavior, and interactions in the classroom. We can better recognize signs of trauma and provide appropriate support, helping students feel safe and understood in the classroom. Which helps our classroom management, and helps to build an inclusive classroom.”
- Laura Thueman, BA, BEd, OCT
“Trauma-informed staff are better equipped to effectively support and care for patients who have experienced traumatic events. This understanding enables physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to empathize, navigate, and de-escalate challenging behaviors, ultimately benefiting patients. Additionally, it strengthens communication and enhances approaches in the often high-pressure environment of healthcare.”
- Katie Wilkes, RN, BScN
“Instructors led our work team through a full week of well-put together presentations and discussions around trauma which was relevant to the work we do. All very approachable and real. Definitely not a "canned" workshop.”
- Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Employment and Training Program (NETP) and Social Development Department (PES)
Strengthening Survivors: The Walk to Wellness
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