Registration for these workshops is now closed.

The Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution (CIDR) at the University of Saint Paul University's School of Conflict Studies is offering the following workshops:

Trauma-Informed Practice for ADR: January 23-24-25, 2023, 10:00 – 16:00 EST, via Zoom, cost $600

Workplace Restoration: March 6-7-8, 2023, 10:00 – 16:00 EST, via Zoom, cost $600

These workshops are designed for ADR practitioners (and emerging practitioners). Certificates will be issued. CIDR is currently in the process of having all workshop hours approved to be counted towards ADR Institute of Canada's professional designations.

The language of instruction for these workshops is English, with Bilingual workshops to be offered in 2023/24.

*Please note that participants must have taken these Group Intervention and Trauma-Informed Practice workshops (current or previous), as a pre-requisite for Workplace Restoration.

Please direct any questions to Helene Arts at [email protected]

Full workshop details are as follows:

Trauma-Informed Practice for ADR:

This workshop is designed to equip those working in the field of ADR with a deeper understanding, and additional knowledge and skills, regarding how client (or practitioner) trauma can impact intervention processes. The first two days of the workshop are an exploration of the particularities to be considered by the practitioner, while the third day is skills and practice-based. Practical tools and checklists for usage by the practitioner will be included. The following topics (and more) will be covered:

• Understanding trauma: what is it, how does it manifest, how do we recognize it
• Diversity: the many faces of trauma
• The neurology and psychology of trauma
• Trauma and stigma
• The impact of trauma on feelings, needs and behaviours
• Ensuring client and practitioner emotional and physical safety
• Boundaries
• Managing trauma in ADR interventions
• Vicarious and secondary trauma: self-care

Workplace Restoration:

Workplace restoration is increasingly recognized as a compassionate and useful way to support teams who have gone through a difficult experience. Examples of these significant events are: the impact of an external event (such as a pandemic); painful organizational changes; death of a team member; harassment investigation; psychological violence in the workplace; etc. While not technically an ADR intervention, workplace restoration often involves ADR practitioners due to their applicable skills and experience, and as well for purposes of conflict prevention and/or healing. Practical tools and checklists for usage by the practitioner will be included. The following topics (and more) will be covered:

• Differentiating between workplace restoration and group intervention
• Trauma-informed practice
• Feelings, needs and behaviors in affected team settings
• The 5-stage process consulting model applied to workplace restorations
• Group Process: Critical Incident Group Debriefing
• Group Process: Traumatic Incident Group Mapping and Processing
• Group Process: Circles
• Boundaries, referrals, and closure
• Vicarious and secondary trauma: self and collective care

Facilitator Bio:

Helene Arts

Helene has been working in the field of conflict resolution since 1996, starting as a mediator in the Ontario criminal, family and civil court systems. In 2004 she transitioned over to workplace environments, specializing in group intervention, trauma-informed practice, and workplace restoration. Helene has taught continuously for the past 15 years at various Canadian universities, and is part-time faculty at the University of St Paul in the Conflict Studies Department; she has as well designed and delivered dozens of professional development workshops for ADR practitioners and for leadership. She authored the Federal Public Service “Manager’s Guide to Restoring the Workplace Following a Harassment Complaint”, created the psychometric Instrument known as the “Conflict Response Roles Inventory”, and has as well co-authored a series of practical books on conflict resolution for the creative industries, with a forthcoming 2023 book on Group Intervention. Helene has a BA in Religious Studies, a Masters in Human Systems Intervention, and certifications in Trauma Counselling and Support and in Mental Health Counselling Skills. She can be reached at fifthhousegroup.com.

Workshop Support:

Kirstie Brewer

Kirstie Brewer is completing her Master of Arts in Conflict Studies at Saint Paul University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours from Carleton University in Psychology with a concentration in forensics and a minor in human rights and social science. Kirstie is interested in the study of trauma and its relation to conflict and conflict resolution processes. She also has an interest in the environment and its interaction with conflict.