Education & Training
Training and courses to help deal with a variety of challenging situations
Professional development workshops
Workshops will cater to a range of experience levels given the strengths based nature of facilitation and the tailoring of the session to attendees learning needs and level. Programs are relevant across a range of sectors and a range of professionals working in the health and community services field.
Price includes GST, comprehensive notes, lunch, morning & afternoon tea. Group size is 40 participants maximum.
Download the 2020 course calendar in PDF format.
Advanced P.L.A.Y. 'Let's Get Physical!' - Music & Movement, Drama & Dance in Transforming Trauma - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander - with panel of experts
Date: Friday 28th of February 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
Following on from the huge success of the experiential P.L.A.Y. workshop is 'Let's Get Physical' with its focus on the use of drama and dance in therapy for children and young people who have experienced trauma. The program integrates a neurobiological model of trauma with experiential activities that can be used which promote healthy brain development, body growth and unlock trauma as it manifests itself in the body. It draws from the modalities of: sensory motor psychotherapy; mindfulness; massage music, dance and drama therapy. Dance heals the mind, body and the soul and drama allows the trauma narrative to be acted out thereby creating new meaning and story.
Learning outcomes
Participants will: 1. Understand the impact of trauma on the development of the child and young person's brain and subsequent behavioural responses and therapeutic enrichment and intervention strategies. 2. Develop dance and drama strategies to confront avoidance behaviours and educate children and young people about the purpose these behaviours serve for them. 3. Learn about music, dance and drama as the language to transform trauma in the body and find solutions to its behavioural manifestations. 4. Develop music, dance and drama based practice skills for use in trauma assessment, and neurobiological and body intervention in a range of work based contexts. Have fun so come in clothes suitable to move in!
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
'Unlocking Childhood Trauma!'- Keys to Transforming the Body and Mind - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 5th of March 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
Trauma in childhood has a significant impact on the developing brain and can lock itself down in the body. Children show us this in their behaviour and their relationships with others.
This workshop explores: the most recent research on the impact of trauma on the brain development of children and young people; provides a framework for understanding the effects of trauma for a child's cognitive, social, physical and emotional development and functioning and; explores implications for practice. This is a practical workshop utilising experiential activities and case studies.
Learning outcomes
Participants will: * Develop an understanding of normative brain development through childhood and adolescence * Understand the way that trauma affects children's brain architecture and functioning and can lock itself down in the body * Identify ways that trauma shapes memory states and emotional experiences * Explore non verbal, creative, playful and sensorimotor approaches to enable children to communicate and process their experiences of trauma * Explore practical strategies to strengthen parent's, caregivers and others to understand the world of the child or young person who has experienced trauma * Use participant knowledge to place this information in their own work. * Have fun!
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
'Between a Rock & a Hard Place'- Parenting after Trauma - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Friday 8th of May 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
This workshop will focus on effective assessment and treatment in families where trauma has impacted on parenting.
Let's go beyond parent-blaming, safety and parenting skills and move into the complex realm of assessment and transformation of parenting in the context of ghosts in the nursery and trauma. We will explore the best practice parenting models and principles of Gottman, Seigel and Hughes and traverse the territory of therapeutic parenting so that Social Workers can make a real difference. It presents practical strategies on attachment and sensory regulation strategies, PACE, parenting and trauma interventions.
Learning outcomes
1.Gain knowledge of the research underpinning the evidence base of trauma on parenting capacity and the principles and structure of effective intervention. 2.Explore the impact of trauma (including non-relational and relational) on the parent-child relationship and capacity to parent. 3.Develop skills in teaching trauma psycho education, effect management, distress tolerance and the rationale for exposure to parents and families. 4.Increased confidence and competence in undertaking parenting assessments and treatment work with traumatised families. 5.Develop an enhanced practice framework for therapeutic trauma assessment and intervention when working with children, young people and their parents to transform their traumatic experiences and relationships. 6.Explore the role of group work with parents and children exposed to trauma.
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Trauma & Disability - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd of May 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
TBA
Learning outcomes
TBA
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
'The Roller Coaster Ride Of Private Practice!' - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander & panel of experts
Date: Saturday 30th of May 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
This workshop aims to explore the challenges and triumphs of private practice for those who are contemplating the roller coaster ride and those who are on it. It will explore everything from: business planning and development; Medicare, ATAPS, VOCAT and other business revenue opportunities; financial management and recommended fees schedules; legal issues; marketing; to isolation and networking. The ride is one of being a Jack and or most likely a Jill of many skills and areas of expertise that our training did not prepare us for. Beyond the lure of money, private practitioners agree on the non-tangible rewards of working with people, unencumbered by the bureaucracy of an agency setting. "It's very challenging in terms of getting a reputation and building on that. But it's incredibly rewarding. And there will always be people who are looking for good therapy and service" So come along for this workshop ride and let's see where we all end up as the professions compete for a seat!
Learning outcomes
Practitioners contemplating entering the field of private practice will be provided with information to assist them to make the decision to take the ride and the skills for it whereas this is an opportunity for experienced private practitioners to network and resource each other with the challenges and pitfalls of this area of practice. Develop the understanding of structures, processes and issues involved in establishing a small business including business and financial plans and legal issues Develop understanding of marketing and marketing plans To explore business opportunities and challenges of these systems To network with others in private practice
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Unlocking Complex Trauma in Adults Traumatised as Children-Keys to Transforming the Mind, Brain and Body! - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 25th of June 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
Unlocking Complex Trauma in Adults Traumatised as Children - Keys to transforming the mind, brain and body
Some of the most difficult to support and treat people we see have histories of profound trauma, which can often get lost when a diagnosis is made. This workshop will focus on effective trauma assessment which is paramount to the development of effective intervention/treatment plans and yet so often is either missed or minimised and the focus is on the effects- the depression, anxiety. Practitioners will become trauma detectives and be given the tools to assist in this process, both in frameworks and testing- learning how to implement and score a rage of relevant psychometric tests and integrate them into their practice. The conceptualisation and treatment of complex trauma and its many variants and Axis II diagnoses, namely Borderline Personality Disorder will then be uncovered. Complex trauma is defined as involving traumatic stressors that are: 1) repetitive or prolonged; 2) occur at developmentally vulnerable times in the person's life and 3) are relational-often perpetrated by caregivers. The effects and journey through such experiences will be addressed, including difficulties with identity and personality development; interpersonal and emotional dysregulation, as well as symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a range of other comorbidities. This foundational, theoretical skills-based training will provide you with the skills necessary to successfully case manage, support, treat, advocate for, and refer people. Through the use of a range of case studies, the principles of safe trauma therapy and evidence based approaches to treatment will be discussed and reviewed.
Learning outcomes
1. To appropriately assess and intervene in relation to complex trauma presentations. 2. Understand the links between core theoretical knowledge and therapeutic intervention utilising the three phase trauma treatment model. 3. Increased confidence and competence in dealing with these complex presentations and transforming the embedded trauma load and related shame and self loathing. 4. Gain knowledge of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, the W.O.T. and how to use such strategies. 5. Recognising the current evidence based approaches in this area of work and where there current learning and self care gaps are.
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Creating the New Dream!, Treating the Trauma of Domestic and Family Violence - A Feminist Strengths Based CBT Approach - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of July 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
This workshop is targeted at advanced practitioners either working in a specific counselling role within the family violence field or endeavouring to move into this work.
This workshop aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated treatment framework for work with victims and survivors of domestic and family violence trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Violence in the home is like living in a war zone with no escape and the enemy both beside you and within. This experiential two day skills based workshop will combine feminist and strengths based practice and principles with the Cognitive Trauma Treatment (CTT).
Learning modules include: trauma history exploration;, negative self-talk monitoring; stress management; P.TSD education; exposure to trauma triggers; overcoming learned helplessness; challenging "supposed to" beliefs; building assertiveness; managing distrust; identifying potential abusers and avoiding revictimisation; managing contact with former partners; managing anger; decision making; self advocacy and; trauma related guilt. This highly structured intervention is deliverable to survivors like no other form of treatment with its procedures being explored in great step by step detail over the two days
Learning outcomes
Participants will: * Develop an understanding of the treatment modality of C.T.T. * Understand how and why C.C.T. as a form of exposure works to effect change in trauma response and traumatic memory * Explore Trauma Assessment and Planning for C.T.T. work * Develop skills and knowledge to the application of C.T.T treatment to PTSD including managing complications and potential difficulties Have fun!
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
'Unlocking Infant and Early Childhood Trauma!' - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 30th and Friday 31st of July 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
This is a specialized two day workshop focusing on unlocking trauma presentations in children in infancy and the early years. Trauma in this period has a significant impact on the developing brain and locks itself down in the body. Infants and preschoolers show us this in their behavior and their relationships with others. This workshop provides a neurobiological and relational framework for understanding the effects of trauma on cognitive, social, physical and emotional development and functioning and; explores implications for practice. Evidenced based models of intervention will be presented utilizing research in the areas of attachment, parenting, parent-child relationship difficulties, diagnostic assessment of infant and preschool children, neurobiological correlates of psychiatric disorders, outcome prediction, and for preschoolers the development of short term protocol-driven therapies.
A preschool PTSD Treatment (PPT) model will be presented. This 12-session manualised protocol uses a strategic combination of cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) and parent-child relational treatment suited for the developmental needs of very young children. The principles of CBT and parent-child relational treatment will be briefly overviewed. The CBT techniques are developmentally adapted for younger children with limited cognitive and verbal skills. Clinicians will learn from this training how to implement the CBT techniques and how to assess and intervene in salient parent-child relational dynamics. They will also learn the systematic use of weekly checklists to ensure: therapist integrity; child compliance; parent compliance, reluctance, and acceptance of the treatment. Participants will explore specific and practical strategies for promoting transformation for infants and very young children who have experienced trauma.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this program you will be able to: * Develop an understanding of normative brain development through infancy and early childhood. * Be able to understand and assess mental health conditions in infants and very young children in particular: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); infant and preschool state, behaviour, cues, state modulation, and feeding interaction. * Understand the way that trauma affects the brain's architecture and functioning and how it can lock itself down in the body * Identify ways that trauma shapes infant and early years memory development attentional processes, arousal states, emotional experiences and later cognitions * Explore models and strategies to unlock the trauma load from the body and mind of the infant and preschool child who has experienced it * Explore strategies to communicate and strengthen parents, caregivers and others to understand and respond to the infant and early years child who has experienced trauma.
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Trauma Informed Care - Creating Sanctuary for the S.E.L.F. - SUVA, FIJI
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Friday 28th of August 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
TBA
Learning outcomes
TBA
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: SUVA, FIJI - TO BE ADVISED
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Trauma Informed Care - Creating Sanctuary for the S.E.L.F. - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Monday 7th of September 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
TBA
Learning outcomes
TBA
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Unlocking Trauma via P.L.A.Y.- 'Play, Laughter, Art & You!' - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander with panel of experts
Date: Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th of September 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
WE were all children and young people once, first we PLAYED then we "HUNG OUT" and now we WORK. This two day workshop will explore the theoretical underpinnings of trauma work with children and young people in the context of the neurobiological impact including on the social engagement system. PLAY and the experiential use of the self via the tools of play, laughter, art and other creative therapies/strategies will be demonstrated. It will explore issues such as observation, trauma assessment, suitability for PLAY therapy and therapy type, the use of language, the use of the self, transference, counter-transference and resistance. Such strategies will be explored in the context of working individually, in groups and in families.
Learning outcomes
Participants will: 1. Understand the impact of trauma on the development of the child and young person's brain and subsequent behavioural responses and therapeutic enrichment and intervention strategies. 2. Develop P.L.A.Y. strategies to confront avoidance behaviours and educate children and young people about the purpose these behaviours serve for them. 3. Learn about P.L.A.Y. as the language and strategies as the words to transform trauma and find solutions to its behavioural manifestations. 4. Develop P.L.A.Y based practice skills in trauma assessment and neurobiological intervention and transformation in a range of contexts. Have fun so wear comfortable relaxed PLAY clothes!
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
'Let's Beat Counting Sheep!' - Conquering Sleep Post Trauma - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of October 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
Let's Beat Counting Sheep - conquering sleep post trauma (2 days)
Like sufferers, practitioners often avoid the issue of sleep in trauma treatment. A CBT-based approach has emerged as the 'treatment of choice' for managing sleep difficulties in trauma presentations. Sleep disruption is both a strategy and an effect of violence, abuse and trauma which profoundly effects the lives of people who have suffered. This workshop traces the interconnections between the patterns of sleeping (not sleeping), the insomnia's and the parasomnias for adults, young people and children. Many survivors experience nightmares, bed-wetting, night panic and disrupted sleep patterns following trauma. Recovery of the ability to sleep is often slow and uneven with interactive effects. Sleep difficulties impair night functioning, reduce quality of life and can cause secondary health problems. The workshop will explore proven evidence based therapeutic strategies to improve night time happenings and help to make new positive dreams come true!. Issues relating to treatment implementation and factors that mediate sufferers' responses are examined, including clinical outcomes utilising a range of case studies. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and develop skills in I.R.T.
Learning outcomes
Participants will: 1. Increase their knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms and processes underpinning sleep in children and adults and the impact of trauma on such processes. 2. Increase knowledge of appropriate trauma sleep assessment and intervention models. 3. Be provided with the appropriate skills in assessing, intervening and supporting the long term recovery of sleep. 4. Develop creative and proven effective intervention tools for their tool box including skills in creative dreaming and I.R.T.
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Unlocking Trauma- 'Keys to Exposing Exposure Therapy and C.B.T.' - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th of November 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
Unlocking Trauma -Exploring the Exposure therapy and CBT Key (2 days)
Exposure treatments using C.B.T. have emerged in response to the need for more intensive, direct and effective interventions for anxiety and stress disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and they are the key evidenced based treatment. This two day workshop, covers the fundamentals of exposure treatment and its many variants. It describes how it is used in the treatment, and offers guidelines for the use of this technique within a comprehensive approach to the treatment of PTSD. This workshop will cover the fundamentals of exposure therapy and its many variants, describe how it is used in the treatment of PTSD, and to offer guidelines for when to use this potentially very effective technique within a comprehensive approach to treating PTSD. It will be skills based including hands on experience and practice in triads and small groups of phases of exposure and include demonstrations of the Foa Prolonged Exposure model and stages of treatment
Learning outcomes
1. Gain knowledge of the research underpinning the evidence base of exposure therapy in PTSD treatment, the principles and the structure of the therapy. 2. Gain knowledge of the structure of safe trauma treatment and the skills to prepare clients for exposure in 'single incident' and complex trauma presentations. 3. Develop skills in teaching trauma psycho education, effect management, distress tolerance and the rationale for exposure to clients. 4. Increased confidence and competence in undertaking prolonged exposure and understanding the role of C.B.T. within the process.
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Taming Traumatic Anger - MELBOURNE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Friday 27th of November 2020 (1 day)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
TBA
Learning outcomes
TBA
Price: $250.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $230.00
Venue: To Be Advised-Central Melbourne
Morning, Afternoon Tea, Lunch & GST Inclusive
Unlocking Trauma- 'Keys to Exposing Exposure Therapy and C.B.T.' - ADELAIDE
Presented by: Donna Zander
Date: Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th of December 2020 (2 days)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Course overview
Unlocking Trauma -Exploring the Exposure therapy and CBT Key (2 days)
Exposure treatments using C.B.T. have emerged in response to the need for more intensive, direct and effective interventions for anxiety and stress disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and they are the key evidenced based treatment. This two day workshop, covers the fundamentals of exposure treatment and its many variants. It describes how it is used in the treatment, and offers guidelines for the use of this technique within a comprehensive approach to the treatment of PTSD. This workshop will cover the fundamentals of exposure therapy and its many variants, describe how it is used in the treatment of PTSD, and to offer guidelines for when to use this potentially very effective technique within a comprehensive approach to treating PTSD. It will be skills based including hands on experience and practice in triads and small groups of phases of exposure and include demonstrations of the Foa Prolonged Exposure model and stages of treatment
Learning outcomes
1. Gain knowledge of the research underpinning the evidence base of exposure therapy in PTSD treatment, the principles and the structure of the therapy. 2. Gain knowledge of the structure of safe trauma treatment and the skills to prepare clients for exposure in 'single incident' and complex trauma presentations. 3. Develop skills in teaching trauma psycho education, effect management, distress tolerance and the rationale for exposure to clients. 4. Increased confidence and competence in undertaking prolonged exposure and understanding the role of C.B.T. within the process.
Price: $460.00
AASW CPE approved, APS Members & Students price: $440.00
Venue: To Be Advised - Adelaide, SA