Description
Black people live in a world where Anti-Black racism exists in many constructs, creating chronic racial trauma. Workplace diversity, equity and inclusion are poorly executed organizational strategies that are not meeting the needs of Black and racialized employees; while systemic barriers, negative news cycles, and day to day lived experiences of Anti-Black racism actively threaten the physical and mental health of Black people, and the Black community.
Coping with Chronic Racial Trauma will examine research on the outcomes for Black people in systems such as education, health, child & youth welfare, and within the workplace. It will link chronic experiences of Anti-Black racism to negative mental and physical health, PTSD/trauma responses and maladaptive coping strategies. The story telling, and counter story-telling aspect of this course will help individuals navigate and contextualize their trauma safely, while promoting healing. This workshop will look at the reality of racial trauma, and it will build competencies that recognize the crisis being experienced by Black professionals on a regular basis.
This evidence-informed training will use Critical Race Theory, as well as trauma informed modalities such as Schema Therapy. The training will focus on positive racial identity, while helping to develop effective coping skills, increase self-advocacy, and provide strategies to improve the well-being of Black professionals, creating a path from survival to healing.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the history, foundation, and function of Anti-Black racism in Canadian society.
- Identify Schemas and trauma lenses as related to race and various intersections.
- Understand and improve maladaptive coping styles/schema modes (survival) and replace them with effective coping strategies.
- Recognize, understand and be aware of the symptoms of racial trauma.
- Practice self-advocacy, self-care and reconnect with positive racial identity.
Who Should Attend
This training is only for individuals from the Black Diaspora. This may include those that work in the field of mental health, social service, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
Course Dates & Format
March 5 & 6, 2025
1:00pm – 4:00pm ET
This is a 6-hour training. This course consists of two 3-hour interactive virtual sessions using Zoom.
Instructors:
Leslie-Ann R. Smith B.A., R.S.W. OCSWSSW, Psychotherapist
Leslie-Ann is the Co-Founder + Clinical Director of Kahle Therapy & Consulting Services, a 3B (Black Owned, Black Focused & Black Serving) mental health and consulting agency addressing the impact of systemic injustice on Black + marginalized people. Leslie-Ann attended the University of Windsor (Psychology & Law) & York University (Social Work & Anti-Racist Research & Practice) and her professional experience spans numerous sectors including mental health, child welfare, education, youth justice, policy, and community engagement. She is a Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW) & Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience. Leslie-Ann is a first generation Canadian-Jamaican, and former Miss West Indies International, and is deeply connected to the Black & Caribbean community. She is an Anti-Black racism activist and change maker. Leslie-Ann has developed and facilitated numerous groups for both adolescents and adults, written blogs, appeared on podcasts, sat on various Anti-Black racism and diversity committees. Leslie-Ann has worked to develop institutional change within the mental health system and is a strong proponent of acting with agency as a means of improving the world, and oneself. Leslie-Ann loves to travel, create (painting, writing, interior design and photography) and, in her most important role, she is the mother of a teenage daughter.
Sacha Edey R.P., C.Y.W
Sacha is a first generation Bajan-Canadian and the Co-Founder + Administrative Director of Service Navigation & Training of Kahle Therapy & Consulting Services. A Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) with over 15 years of experience, her expertise spans a variety of sectors including mental health, community engagement, policy, social services, youth justice, data management, and service navigation. Her aim is to help empower individuals to understand how their experiences, culture, and social background intersect to develop their identity. Sacha has a passion addressing social justice/systemic issues, and has developed workshops + treatment programs for youth involved with the justice system. She has appeared on numerous podcasts, and worked to create institutional change within the mental health system. Her lived experience has propelled her dream to strengthen the community through the provision of culturally competent services and ensuring a safe space for Black people and professionals to discuss how systemic discrimination and inter-generational trauma uniquely impacts Black mental health.
Training Fee
Member Fee: $195.00 + $25.35 (HST) = $220.35
Non-Member Fee: $235.00 + $30.55 (HST)= $265.55
Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.
Continuing Education Information
Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate.
In-Service
This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs.
