2025 - Mental Health & Substance Use
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Workshop
Overview of the Program:
The Substance Use and Mental Health training is an 8-hour presentation that combines lecture and group discussion to help give attendees a greater understanding of mental health and the impact it has on substance use and their overall well-being. Topics covered will include a definition of what is mental health, information on various symptoms and disorders, understanding how symptoms can manifest in moments of crisis and an in-depth exploration of substance use. Special attention will be spent on challenging some of the stigma and misconceptions around substance use and presenters will be using the biopsychosocial framework to show how our biology, psychology and social environments are all contributing factors. Attendees are encouraged to be interactive and ask any questions they have around these topics. There will be two small breaks and a longer break for lunch.
Facilitators: Kate Awford & Alensia Ma
Kate:
Growing up in Australia, Kate has always had a passion and interest in psychology. This drive propelled her to complete her master’s in clinical psychology at Macquarie University in Syndney. She began her career working at a National Drug and Alcohol research center where she was inspired hearing about the impact of the opioid crisis in Canada. She became determined to continue to foster her skills, and one day relocate to B.C. to offer support for those suffering from this epidemic.
Kate has specialized knowledge in ACT, Schema therapy, DBT, CBT and psychological assessment. Her strong clinical proficiency combined with her warm personality and empathy are the cornerstone of how she works with individuals in the counselling space.
Kate’s appreciation for nature has fostered her self-care hobbies that include hiking, camping and biking.
Alensia:
Originally from Northern B.C., Alensia has lived in various places before relocating to Vancouver to complete her master’s in counselling psychology at Adler University. It was her own lived experience that inspired her to find a role where she could combine her appreciation for the field of psychology and desire to connect with and guide others through similar journeys of healing and self-discovery. Beginning her career in a community counselling center in East Vancouver, her work with a variety of clients inspired her to move into the field of substance use and trauma.
Alensia operates from a depth-oriented approach and continues to grow her ability in merging an interpersonal and somatic based therapeutic approach with skill based DBT and EFT interventions. She is a strength focused therapist and is dedicated to creating a judgement free space for clients to explore the impact of early childhood patterns on their current mental health.
Alensia enjoys creative and tactile crafts as a way to engage in mindfulness and self-care.
Date and Time
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM PST
7:30 am - Program Registration
8:00 am - Program Commences
9:45 -10:00 am Coffee break
11:45 am - Buffet Lunch
4:00 pm - Program Convenes
Contact Information
Leanne Husdon
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