"Attending a
CAST Canada event leaves me feeling ​
refreshed, validated
& revitalized!"
 Why are CAST Canada workshops unique? 
We know that to help  struggling individuals you must connect with them, be connected to yourself and be present.  CAST Canada workshops help you to develop a deep, intuitive grasp on what is going on in the minds and hearts of the individuals you are aiming to support.  We will help you redefine  goal setting and progress, be more comfortable in creating space for those who are struggling and be effective and confident in working from a trauma informed lens. 

We utilize narrative, facilitated discussion, education, experiential exercises, community and humour in our events.
Who are the workshops for?  
  • Social workers
  • PSWs, Home care supports and Caregivers
  • Educators
  • Housing & Homelessness workers
  • Justice
  • Mental Health/Wellness teams
  • First Responders
  • All Health and Helping Professionals
  • Addictions, front line and outreach workers
You work with vulnerable people and are exposed to complex trauma
Benefits
For You
  • Be more  effective working with complex clients and stressful situations
  • Learn to be more 'present' in the face of large unknowns and complexity
  • Improve  understanding of what is going on in the hearts, minds and bodies of yourself, clients and colleagues
  • Reduce stress, uncertainty and fear in client interactions
  • A validation of the complexity and emotional challenges of the work
  • Coping strategies to help you be healthy, authentic and well in your work and in your life

For the Organization
  • Improved service for clients
  • Reduced sick time, stress leave and turnover
  • Improved morale and team cohesiveness

​
Topics
  • Trauma Essentials - A good grounding in trauma for new or seasoned professionals
  • Working  with addiction, substance use and harm reduction through a trauma lens
  • Trauma informed community development
  • Traumatic Writing/Growth
  • Complex Emotional Burdens - Understanding various unique stressors can empower you
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Trauma informed Motivational Interviewing
  • The Cost of Caring - understanding the impact of stress on our work, our hearts and our bodies .

                     
  Where did the CAST Canada Material and approach come from?

The material and process we deliver was evolved in combination with about 85 moderated panel discussions where people in early trauma and addiction recovery had discussion with 25 to 30 health professionals beginning in 2003. As ideas were distilled out of the process we ran them by many trauma and mental health professionals. We also held 7 full day "Tool Builder" workshops where professionals took each idea and identified the value, language and practical application tips.

This is what  we deliver.

Over time many trauma experts have experienced the workshop, endorsed the material and worked with us. My colleague, Becca Partington, B.A, has worked and continues to work directly with individuals in fields of Acquired Brain Injury, Community Building, Caregiver support and emotional resiliency and identification in youth.  We  co-present much of the material based on our experience, our goals to reduce suffering and improve quality of life and raise awareness of the underlying role of trauma, loss and unresolved grief in various coping strategies.

We are pleased to share also that our material has been picked up by the McMaster University Occupational Therapy program where we present to 1st and second year students about trauma, empathy, stigma and other factors that will impact their future work.

For a Custom Workshop Designed for your
Organization or Community
[email protected]