Professional Development

The Spiritual Impact of Trauma

Dates to be announced

"In the ultimate depth of being we find ourselves no longer separate but, rather, part of the unity of the universe. That unity includes the sufferer and the suffering, and the healer and that which heals. Therefore all acts of healing are ultimately our selves healing our Self." -- Ram Dass

Workshop Overview
As therapists we are attuned to the cognitive, emotional, social and physical impacts of trauma. Increasingly, we are beginning to understand how spirituality can also be a resource for healing trauma. Trauma sometimes affects individuals on a spiritual level often robbing them of an inner centeredness that can be a potent source of support and guidance in their healing process. This workshop will explore the spiritual effects of trauma, how it may present in the various aspects of therapy, and how to facilitate a restorative process with clients.

Workshop Objectives:

• To provide counsellors and therapists with an opportunity to thoughtfully consider spiritual dimensions within the therapeutic process of trauma recovery work.
• To build knowledge, skill and comfort level in order to respond to spiritual issues that may spontaneously arise in client work and to discern the appropriateness, for each client, as to the use of a spiritual dimension in their process.
• To create a forum to share and learn with others who are exploring using spiritual concepts and practices in their work with clients.

From this program you will receive:

• A general overview of the intersection of counselling and spirituality
• The ability to identify universal spiritual needs and themes
• How to recognize the effects of trauma on spiritual experience
• An overview of the risks and benefits of bringing a spiritual dimension to clients’ work with trauma
• The ability to assess the appropriateness and readiness of clients to use a spiritual perspective
• Tools and techniques to bring a spiritual component to the counselling experience
• A greater facility in working with the five most common spiritual/existential questions that arise during the process of healing from trauma
• An exploration of one's own biases and assumptions about religion and spirituality
• How to spiritually nourish your own day-to-day life and work as a helping professional.

Instruction, discussion, case study and experiential learning will be used. A small group setting with a maximum of 16 participants allows for a learner-centered approach. Reading and reflective exercises will be part of the course work.

This workshop is appropriate for all mental health practitioners including psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, coaches, and others in the allied healing professions who have an interest in the spiritual dimensions of counselling and a desire to increase their competency and confidence integrating a spiritual dimension to their work.

Click here to view a full outline of the day.

Dates: To be announced

Early registration fees (before November 6): Regular - $335, Student - $250, price includes GST.

Late registration fees (after November 6): Regular - $355, Student - $265, price includes GST.

Cancellation policy: Refunds will be made up to 10 days prior to the beginning of the workshop, less $35 for administration. After that time, refunds are not available.

Location: St Paul’s University, Main Street, Ottawa.

Registration: Send a cheque for the full amount made payable to Madeline Dietrich at P.O. Box 4663 Stn. E. Ottawa, Ontario. You will receive confirmation information and details of the workshop on receipt of your registration.

Continuing Education Credits have been approved by the O.S.P. Other applications for continuing education credits have been made and are pending.

Facilitated by: Madeline Dietrich M.A., Holistic Psychotherapist Madeline has a Master's Degree in Psychology and Counselling from Norwich University, Vermont, and has been a clinical member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists since 1999. Madeline has also completed professional training as a spiritual counsellor with Pathwork International.

Since 1988 Madeline has worked in the various roles of teacher, therapist, and group facilitator. She has run a private practice and consulting service in Ottawa working with individuals and groups since 1991. In the past year Madeline has offered professional development workshops for the National Capital Employment Assistance Counseling Association, The Sexual Assault Network and the Ottawa Rape Crisis Center. Her work addresses the interface between psychology and spirituality.

Madeline lives in rural Eastern Ontario, Canada. She is a spiritual seeker, as well as an active community member, an avid outdoor enthusiast, a gardener and beekeeper, and a mother and grandmother. For her own renewal she seeks silence and solitude in nature.

Testimonial
"Madeline’s measured pace encouraged depth-seeking and reflective connection with other participants. She practices presence and her nurturing style created a digestible and refreshing flow of learning. Madeline has wisdom to share that other therapists will find invaluable." -- Rita Myres, MSW, RSW, Clinical Associate for the Men’s Project and Therapist in Private Practice

Feedback from recent workshops on the interface of spirituality and psychology:

• "The concept of a spiritual bypass was new to me and an eye-opener."
• "The workshop was excellent and very useful to my practice."
• "Informative and great handouts."
• "Madeline is a good presenter, very real and relaxing. She was able to engage us with her genuine love of life."
• "Madeline modeled what she was teaching: i.e. slow is fast, less is more."
• "It was a very thought-provoking day."
• "Great! Practical! Solid! Nurturing!
• "Nurturing, slow-paced, digestible, refreshing."
• "A very refreshing, enjoyable experience."