Trauma-sensitive practice for Occupational Therapists
Online
Living with trauma is a universal experience. Talking about mental health and emotional pain used to be taboo – but no longer. Thankfully and appropriately, trauma-sensitive practice is becoming an increasingly common topic within forward-thinking organizations world-wide. This is essential if we want the individual people, we serve to be receiving the most effective levels of support needed for them to thrive.
An individual’s experience of their life’s trauma impacts every area of human functioning: physical, mental, behavioural, social, and spiritual. Circumstances such as violence, abuse, neglect, addiction, loss, racism and exclusion are examples of what can dramatically affect a child’s development and it can significantly impede their capacity to function throughout their lifespan. But the understanding of “trauma” is frequently misinterpreted, misunderstood and minimized - leaving people responding repeatedly from wounded places, without awareness. When combined with developmental disability or substance abuse, the challenges for individuals living with trauma are compounded enormously.
As occupational therapists, we are most effective at supporting others when we understand how personal trauma experiences influence overall function and healing processes. This workshop will help us develop new skills in working mindfully and effectively with other people. The upside is that we’re highly likely to understand ourselves more too.
Workshop format
Recorded videos (9.5 hours, on your own): Seven sessions that average just over 80 minutes each. Participants will have access for a 6-month period.
Interactive Q&A (1.5 hours, live): Held on December 5, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) or on June 7, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Recording available for 90 days. Exact date is based on the schedule below.
Practical applications Q&A exclusive to CAOT participants (2 hours, live): Held on February 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Recording available for 90 days.
Workshop topics
Recorded videos (9.5 hours; on your own)
The impact of trauma on development
Arousal as a foundation for behaviour, learning and function
The stress-trauma continuum and regulation
Attachment
Trauma-sensitive practice in action (Part 1)
Trauma-sensitive practice in action (Part 2)
The only person you can change is yourself
Interactive Q&A (1.5 hours): December 5, 2022 or June 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Ask questions and engage in discussion with professionals across the world interested in trauma-sensitive practice
Practical applications Q&A (2 hours): February 2, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Exclusive to registrants of the workshop through CAOT, ask questions and engage in discussion about application of trauma-sensitive practice in occupational therapy
Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will:
Gain an appreciation for the deep impact that trauma has on brain development, relational skills, coping strategies and behaviour.
Identify the red flags in behaviour that are suggestive of relational trauma, and the complexities when coupled with developmental disability.
Appreciate the value of attunement and “holding space” as a force for regulation, healthy brain rewiring, reflection, self-esteem, and learning.
Develop practical scripts and skills related to compassionate communication.
Learn how to support others with trauma in any setting.
Understand how, as one person supporting another, your awareness and mindfulness can open the door for improved connection with people who live with these challenges, and in doing so, increase the sustainability of your practice.
Be able to utilize a trauma-sensitive approach in your occupational therapy practice.
Target audience
Occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, students in occupational therapy programs, and students in OTA/PTA programs who are interested in increasing their knowledge and skills in using a trauma-sensitive approach in their occupational therapy practice. Other professionals are welcome to attend – please note that the practical applications Q&A on February 2, 2023 will be geared towards occupational therapy practice.
Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Young children (0-4 years), Children (5-12 years), Adolescents (13-19 years), Adults (20-64 years), Older adults (65 years +), Non-clinical
Areas of practice
Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Brain Injury/Concussion/SCI, Caregiver/Family Education, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Cognition, Dementia, Equipment Assessments, Health Promotion and Wellness, home Assessment and Modification, Independent Living and Housing, Insurance Assessment, Medical-Legal Services, Mental Health, MVA Rehabilitation, Neurology, Older Adults, Palliative Care/End of Life Care, Pediatrics, Universal Design, Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces, Vision
Workshop level
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in trauma-sensitive practice)
Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop.
Presenter
Kim Barthel, Reg. OT (BC)
Kim Barthel is an occupational therapist, multi-disciplinary teacher and best-selling author who is active in supporting people in many contexts globally. She is passionate about understanding complex behaviour, neurobiology, sensory processing, trauma-sensitive practice, attachment, movement and mental health. Kim has 37+ years of practice in helping people to be their best selves. She pulls together information from many academic disciplines and combines them with a wealth of personal and professional experiences – in her heart and mind being a keen life-long learner and holistic OT. In 2019 she was honoured to receive the Award of Merit from the CAOT. Kim’s overall mission is to support the conscious evolution of the human spirit.
Registration fees
CAOT Members and AssociatesNon-member*$350$419
Plus applicable taxes
Registration deadline: January 18, 2023
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
Included in your registration fee:
Access to 9.5 of recorded videos for a 6-month period, access to an interactive Q&A live then to the recording for a period of 90 days, access to a practical applications Q&A live then to the recording for a period of 90 days, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with others interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Access dates
If you register by October 19, 2022, you will have access to the recorded videos from October 21, 2022 to April 21, 2023. You will also have access to the Q&A webinar on December 5, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) and the practical applications Q&A webinar on February 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
If you register between October 20, 2022 and November 16, 2022, you will have access to the recorded videos from November 18, 2022 to May 18, 2023. You will also have access to the Q&A webinar on December 5, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) and the practical applications Q&A webinar on February 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
If you register between November 17, 2022 and December 14, 2022, you will have access to the recorded videos from December 16, 2022 to June 16, 2023. You will also have access to the practical applications Q&A webinar on February 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and to the Q&A webinar on June 7, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
If you register between December 15, 2022 and January 18, 2023, you will have access to the recorded videos from January 20, 2022 to July 20, 2023. You will also have access to the practical applications Q&A webinar on February 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and to the Q&A webinar on June 7, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca.
For those that register by October 19, 2022, all cancellation requests received by October 19, 2022 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitution requests received by October 19, 2022 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after October 19, 2022.
For those that register between October 20, 2022 and November 16, 2022, all cancellation requests received by November 16, 2022 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitution requests received by November 16, 2022 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after November 16, 2022.
For those that register between November 17, 2022 and December 14, 2022, all cancellation requests received by December 14, 2022 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitution requests received by December 14, 2022 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after December 14, 2022.
For those that register between December 15, 2022 and January 18, 2023, all cancellation requests received by January 18, 2023 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitution requests received by January 18, 2023 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after January 18, 2023.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT reserves the right to change the technology for the Workshop or change the timing of a Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Additional questions?
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts, auto-generated closed captioning, as well as access to the recording following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.
We invite you to consult the Professional Development FAQ for an immediate response to the most frequent questions we receive regarding Workshops. Please do not hesitate to contact us at education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268 should you have additional questions or concerns.
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