Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI)

🌿How do we integrate Indigenous wisdom with Western perspectives to create meaningful change? Our Giwiidabindamin ("We sit together") and Giwiidosendamin ("We walk together") certificate programs offer a transformative learning path — blending cultural wisdom with practical skills for helping professionals. ✨ Giwiidabindamin focuses on supporting individuals, families, and communities impacted by trauma and grief. Topics include the effects of trauma, grief responses, and practical approaches to healing. ✨ Giwiidosendamin takes a wholistic, trauma-informed approach to addictions and suicide prevention. Participants explore counselling skills, harm reduction, recovery capital, and suicide intervention. Here’s what participants are saying: "I've attended many trainings over my 35 years of practice, and I found Giwiidabindamin's content and process among the best I have seen." – Darlene O., Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre Let’s move beyond assumptions and embrace decolonized practices in our work. What does that look like in your field? Learn more: https://vist.ly/3mwqss6 💻 Missed our free Q&A on Giwiidabindamin? Watch the recording here: https://vist.ly/3mwqss5 #Decolonization #TraumaSupport #AddictionSupport #TwoEyedSeeing #ProfessionalDevelopment #WholisticHealing #Transformation

What if anger isn’t something to eliminate—but something to understand? In Episode 36 of The Counselling Insights Podcast, host Vicki Enns speaks with Janelle Jackiw—clinical counsellor, criminologist, and CTRI trainer—about working with anger as a natural, powerful emotion. "We don’t need to get rid of anger—we need to manage it in a way that doesn’t compromise our integrity." – Janelle Jackiw Whether you're supporting individuals, families, or communities, this conversation offers practical ways to explore the roots of anger, recognize patterns, and respond with clarity and care. You'll find tools you can use—both with clients and in your own reflection. 🎧 Take a listen—and consider what shifts this could inspire in your work. https://lnkd.in/ghw2agZ3 💬 What’s one trauma-informed shift you’ve made in working with anger? #TraumaInformedPractice #CaringProfessionals #TraumaSupport #CounsellingInsights #AngerManagement

What do you do when big emotions take over a session? Even experienced helpers can feel unsure in the moment. When a client’s emotions become overwhelming, it can be hard to know how to respond in a way that feels safe and supportive. In this week’s blog, Nadine Groves, MEd, RCC, shares simple, practical ways to help calm emotional intensity—so you and your client can stay connected and focused on what matters most. “Engaging our senses helps open up our awareness and expands our perception beyond the emotion.” Whether you're new to the work or have been doing it for years, these strategies are here to support you. Read the blog to learn more! #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthSupport #ClientCare #HelpingProfessionals

🧠 Do your clients struggle with unhelpful thinking patterns? Support them in building awareness and shifting toward more compassionate self-talk using our trauma-informed worksheet: Identifying Cognitive Distortions. Taken from our Counselling Activities Workbook, this accessible tool introduces common thinking patterns (such as all-or-nothing thinking and mind reading) and includes clear examples and reflection questions to guide change. 💬 Ideal for: • Clients open to exploring their thinking • People who prefer structured, action-based learning • Counsellors looking for meaningful take-home tools Use it in session or as homework to help clients become more self-aware, resilient, and engaged in their own healing. #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthSupport #HelpingProfessionals #CBTTools #CTRI #CognitiveDistortions #CounsellingResources

Healing happens in relationship. Are you ready to support others through addiction and suicide with deeper understanding and care? Join us on April 29 at 1 PM CT for a free webinar introducing our Giwiidosendamin Certificate Program—a transformative five-day training that takes a two-eyed seeing approach to addiction support and life promotion. Two-eyed seeing means weaving Indigenous, Western, and other perspectives. It means holding space for multiple ways of knowing—and walking alongside others, not ahead of them. 👣 Giwiidosendamin means “we walk together.” This program teaches culturally respectful, relationship-based practices that support decolonization, life promotion, and collective healing. 💬 You’ll hear directly from the program creator, Jaicee Chartrand, a Cree-Métis Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist, and CTRI trainer Jocelyne Lalonde, who brings 15+ years of experience in mental health and wellness. Together, they'll explore: Starting in relationship (connecting to yourself as a helper) The role of storytelling Shifting the language of addiction Confidence in suicide conversations Readiness for change If you believe healing is relational, and you want to walk a different path of support—this is your invitation. 🌿 Don’t miss it: https://vist.ly/3mzcen7

Talking about mental health with staff can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. These 4 steps from our friends at ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership help leaders show up with care and clarity: 1️⃣ Prepare ahead – Choose the right time, space, and words 2️⃣ Listen deeply – Be curious, not judgmental 3️⃣ Support collaboratively – Work together on next steps 4️⃣ Follow up – Keep communication open 💬 “People want to feel seen, valued, and like they have a voice. That’s the foundation of a trauma-informed workplace.” – Nathan Gerbrandt, CTRI Podcast Looking to deepen your leadership approach? 🎧 This episode is full of real, relatable strategies for trauma-informed leadership: 👉 https://vist.ly/3mzcc2w 🔗 ACHIEVE helps leaders build resilient, healthy teams: https://vist.ly/3mzcc2t #MentalHealthAtWork #TraumaInformedLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #CTRIInstitute #ACHIEVECentre #LeadershipDevelopment #SupportiveWorkplaces

One Trauma-Informed Practice That Makes a Big Difference 🔄 Shift Attitudes – from judgment to curiosity When someone is reactive, avoidant, or shuts down, it’s easy to label the behaviour as “difficult.” But what if we asked: 👉 What has happened that might explain this? Instead of: 🚫 What’s wrong with them? This one mindset shift can change how we listen, lead, and care. 🧠 Want to integrate more trauma-informed practices into your work? Our training gives you the tools. Find out how: https://vist.ly/3mzaisw #EmpathyInAction #TraumaInformedLeadership #MentalHealthAtWork #HelpingProfessionals

DBT isn’t just for therapy sessions – it’s a powerful tool for real-life challenges. Nadine Groves shares 5 reasons why Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has become essential in both her work and her personal life. Here’s a peek at what you’ll learn: ✅ Tools that help in the heat of the moment ✅ Skills to manage emotions and reduce reactivity ✅ A built-in approach to validation and connection 💬 Could DBT support your work – or your own wellbeing? 👉 Read the blog to discover how DBT can help reduce burnout, build resilience, and boost confidence: #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthTools #DBT

I am so excited about a recent gift mailout project that has been very close to our hearts. This project involved many of our talented staff members, who came together in collaboration, creativity, and a shared spirit of gratitude to design something meaningful. As part of our mission to express our deep appreciation to clients who have chosen us for their training and consulting needs, we decided to create something that symbolizes both our gratitude and the value we place on building lasting, continuous relationships: medicine boxes. These boxes were painted by our dedicated staff members, each bringing their unique touch to represent our heartfelt thanks and commitment to ongoing connection. The medicine boxes are more than just a gift—they represent the spirit of kindness, good intention, and the respect we have for the relationships we build.

Front-line work is incredibly hard. The emotional toll of showing up for others every day—especially in the face of trauma, crisis, and complexity—can be immense. 📊 71.1% of social workers say they’re currently experiencing burnout. But burnout doesn’t always show up the way we expect. Sometimes, it’s silent. 🧠 Swipe through these 5 subtle signs of burnout. How many of these resonate with you? 💬 Comment below or drop an emoji to reflect how you’re feeling today. You are not alone. 🔗 Learn more at ctrinstitute.com