CES Sessions
All sessions are offered at no cost.

13 Nov 2024

Solution Focused Parenting ***please register using the poster only***

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Presenter: Harriet Johnston, PhD, RPsych, Eckert Psychology and Education Centre

This workshop is about using solution focused therapy principles in parenting. In this workshop you will learn ways to communicate with your children that will harness their strengths, resources, and focus you and your child on positive solutions to handle everyday challenges.

Poster

15 Nov 2024

Eating Disorders: An Introduction ***please register using the poster only***

10:00 AM - Noon

Presented by: Suzanne Evanson MSW, RSW and Lindsay Arbuthnot MSW, RSW
AHS Family Counsellors & Program Consultants with the Calgary Eating Disorders Program

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to:

• Explain what is considered an eating disorder and the complex nature of these illnesses.
• Describe potential risks and consequences of an eating disorder.
• Describe basic engagement techniques and considerations for treatment.

Poster

20 Nov 2024

Can We Talk: Healthy Relationships ***please register using the poster only***

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Presented by:
Diana Wark (She/Her), Parent Program Coordinator for Centre for Sexuality

Join us for an interactive workshop to learn how to navigate those sometimes awkward but essential conversations that foster well-being, healthy relationships and informed decision-making. We empower parents with knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in open, honest and supportive conversations about sexuality and sexual health with their children.

In this workshop, we will describe and explore healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship patterns. We will learn about effective communication and practice discussing topics related to romantic/intimate relationships in ways that are grounded in your values.

Poster

21 Nov 2024

Building Resiliency in Today's Youth ***please register using the poster only***

Noon - 1:30 PM

Presented by: Andrea Halwas, BA, MFA, PhD, REACE, Registered Expressive Arts Therapy Consultant, Associate Therapist & Educational Coordinator at Juno House

Brought to you by specialists in Girls' Mental Health

Before High School graduation, one-third of adolescent girls will experience depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm or an eating disorder. However, there is an incredible power in caregivers who can support our youth, both young women and men, before they seek therapy.

At Juno House®, we believe in the extraordinary healing power of parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers. In our 1.5 hour workshop presentation, we will share steps and strategies from the Juno House Therapeutic Model® that will provide effective emotional coaching tools for today’s youth as they develop through adolescence and into young adulthood.

We believe that talking does not grow neurons; experience grows neurons. This workshop is designed to give caregivers the skills to become their child’s emotional coach. The workshop will provide participants with:
• Basic introduction of interpersonal neurobiology,
• Where emotions live in our brains,
• The essential role emotions play in mental well being,
• How to identify emotions in youth,
• How to become an emotional coach in only five steps.

Poster

28 Nov 2024

Mental health for highly sensitive teens; unique struggles for these emotional feelers ***please register using the poster only***

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Presented by: Tracy Fields, BSW, MSW in partnership with Tracy Fields Consulting

Highly sensitive teens are often misunderstood by parents and teachers as they often have stronger emotional reactions. In this presentation, learn why this happens, and the necessary tools required to help these teens manage their emotions so they don't become derailed.

Poster

04 Dec 2024

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder​ ***please register using the poster only***

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Presented by: Jessica Heil, Registered Psychologist, DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™, Clinical Director, Inner Solutions​

This presentation will review:​

​- the 9 diagnostic criteria for BPD based on the DSM-V, explain each of these criteria ​
- the biosocial theory of BPD (ie., theory of how BPD develops)​
- how we differentiate BPD from other differential diagnoses (ie., how it's different than bipolar, ADHD, ​emotion
dysregulation, PTSD)​
- different presentations of BPD ​- what to do if you suspect your loved one has BPD​

Poster

11 Dec 2024

Navigating Technology with our Youth ***please register using the poster only***

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Presented by: Andrea Halwas Larsen, in partnership with Juno House

In this 1.5 hour presentation, we will discuss the role of technology and today’s youth. The message of this presentation is not only based on technology, but also about a child’s healthy brain development and the necessary parenting/caregiver role in creating healthy, emotional, regulated, and integrated brains. This presentation will address the underpinning of a child’s emotional brain development and how to grow it, as well as how technology can dangerously hijack this.

We believe that talking does not grow neurons; experience grows neurons. This workshop is designed to give attendees the skills to become their child’s emotional coach. The workshop will provide participants with:
• An understanding of the basic neuroscience behind healthy brain development,
• The dangers of technology for healthy brain development,
• Technology use rules that will help your child
• When building healthy brains, how to identify emotions in your child/student, and
• How to become your child’s/student’s emotional coach in only five steps and in that, build a resilient child.

The presentation is facilitated by a therapist from Juno House who has years of both clinical and facilitating experience. Juno House was founded in 2008 as a Centre of Excellence for adolescent girls and young women who are experiencing anxiety-based mental health issues of self harm, obsessive compulsive disorders, depression and eating disorders.

Poster

06 Feb 2025

ADHD & Executive Functioning ***please register using the poster only***

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Presented by: Rhonda Anderson and Stephanie Sands, BSc
Rocky View Schools and MHCB Stepping Stones to Mental Health

The session will provide an overview of ADHD and how issues with impulsivity and/or inattention impact children's ability to manage their environments. The session will also explore the impact ADHD has on Executive Functioning and how it relates to managing everyday tasks, and meeting daily expectations at home and at school, including social, emotional, behavioural, and academic demands.