Workshop Description
Community is critical to the well being and the healing journey of a survivor.
Over the past 45 years, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture has developed a community support model for survivors of torture and war. The model works from an integrated approach that complements both clinical intervention and the role of the community.
Participants will learn about the support model, starting with an explanation of the principles of Trauma Informed Care (TIC).
The workshop will also:
- Outline the specific needs of survivors of torture and the distinct aspects of this type of trauma.
- Delve into the flexible model of service delivery that should be considered when delivering Trauma Informed Care to this specific type of patient.
- Bring awareness of concepts related to trauma exposure within TIC, such as vicarious trauma and self care.
- Address the dynamics of trauma within families, particularly children and youth.
Learning objectives:
- Recognize the impact of trauma on refugees and their families, and gain an appreciation for their resilience.
- Identify the effects of culture, migration, settlement, intersectionality and integration on the mental health of refugees.
- Understand the importance of family and community support in the recovery from trauma, torture and war.
- Explore culturally competent approaches for working with trauma survivors.
- Address the after-effects of torture and re-traumatization.
- Explore self-care for mental health professionals and how to handle vicarious trauma.
Participants will work on case studies together, share best practices, as well as engage in small and large group reflective exercises.
5 issues mental health professionals should be aware of when working with survivors of war, torture, crimes against humanity and genocide
- If you live or practice in a metropolitan area, there’s a good chance that you have already encountered a survivor of war, torture, genocide or a crime against humanity.
- The definition of trauma as defined by CCVT
- The role of the community is essential in working with survivors of war, torture, crimes against humanity or genocide
- Torture and war affect more than just the individual
- Self care is essential for mental health professionals
About the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) aids survivors in overcoming the lasting effects of torture, war, genocide and crimes against humanity. In partnership with the community, the Centre supports survivors in the process of successful integration into Canadian society, works for their protection and integrity, and raises awareness of the continuing effects of torture and war on survivors and their families.
The CCVT gives hope after the horror.
Mbalu Lumor is the Senior Manager of Programs and Newcomer services at the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT). Mbalu has over 20 years’ experience in the immigration and refugee sector. She has extensive experience working with survivors of torture, management, program design, evaluation and research. She has conducted presentations and trainings locally, nationally and internationally on various topics including Trauma Specific Care, Vicarious Trauma and Resiliency.
She is passionate about social justice, human rights, decolonization and accountability by non-Indigenous racialized people. She is the co-author of the article, The Politics of Allyship with Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian Refugee-Serving Sector.
Teresa Dremetsikas attained her MD from The University of Nuevo Leon in Mexico. She has been working for the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) for the past several years in the areas of: assessment, counselling, crisis intervention, organization and facilitation of support groups as well as coordination of the settlement program and volunteer program.
She is presently a Program Manager at CCVT and focusing on Anti-human trafficking work. She has been involved in research, planning, designing and evaluation of programs at CCVT. She has been very active in public education, delivering several training sessions on the issues of Trauma informed Care and torture, assessment of survivors, and the development of supportive strategies for different institutions and for several organizations.
Program Information
Cost:
- OAMHP Members: $145 +HST
- OAMHP Student Members: $90 +HST
- Non-members: $200 +HST
- Non-Member Students: $150 +HST
CECs: 5
Date: April 12, 2023, at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (EST)
Location: YMCA of Greater Toronto, 20 Grosvenor Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2V5
Number of participants: 100
Registration is currently closed