Provincial Conference, Friday, October 28, 2022

Filling the Counsellor's Toolbox:  Counselling Strategies for Monday

Registration is now closed - Conference is full

(No refunds after October 14^th)

Location:

Citadel High, Halifax

Click on the map to access directions

NSSCA Social

Thursday, October 27th from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (or later)
Location:  Atlantica Hotel Halifax, 1980 Robie Street

Agenda

Registration Information

As per NSTU Operational Procedure 14 E. IV.: receipts of payment and attendance will not be distributed until the conference has concluded.

Conference Co-Chairs

 Andrew Gosney, Amy Barry, Christine Comeau, Stephanie Wallace, Victoria Scott, Darlene Kyte

Contact Information

Andrew Gosney  -  nsscaconference@nstu.ca

Keynote - Dr. Jill Chorney, PhD, RPsych
Motivational Interviewing

Dr. Jill MacLaren Chorney is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and a Clinical Psychologist and Advance Practice Leader with the Mental Health and Addictions Program at the IWK. Dr. Chorney’s current work is in the areas of shared decision-making, patient-provider interactions, and implementation science. Her work in interdisciplinary in nature and she routinely collaborates with clinicians, patients and families, and health systems administrators. Her work has an emphasis on research that is directly informed by, and contributes to, clinical practice and health system decision-making. Dr. Chorney’s current work is informed by her previous roles as an Associate Professor of Anesthesia and a Clinical Psychologist with the Complex Pain Team. She remains active in the fields of perioperative care and pain research. Dr. Chorney has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, United States National Institutes of Health, Nova Scotia Research Foundation/Research Nova Scotia, Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the IWK Health Centre. Dr. Chorney is the current lead for the BALANCE program (Building ALiances for Autism Needs in Clinical Encounters), an intervention designed to improve the healthcare experiences of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and their healthcare providers.

Presenters, Bios and Workshop Descriptions

Full Day Sessions (10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

FD1:  CTRI: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (Spatz Theatre - cohort max 50)
Description to follow
Jessica Heidebrecht, MSW, RSW
Jessica is a Clinical Social Worker who specializes in DBT and trauma-focused therapies, and provides support for various concerns such as personality disorders, substance or gambling misuse, trauma, anxiety, and depression. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University, a Master of Social Work degree (Healthcare) from University of Waterloo, and a Master of Divinity degree (Counseling). Jessica has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, crisis, corrections, homeless shelters, a DBT clinic, an operational stress injury clinic for veterans and RCMP, and most recently, she started her own private practice. She is passionate about evidence-based practice, while also recognizing that flexibility is needed to provide strength-based and client-centred approaches, particularly to individuals with cultural variabilities.
Jessica believes professional development is a lifelong journey and that it is a privilege to both educate and be educated by others.

FD2:  Hilary Sirman, Centre for Suicide Prevention (Cohort 25 max) - Looking Forward: Preventing Suicide in Youth
(NOTE:  This session will run until 3:30 p.m.)
Description to follow
Hilary Sirman, B.A.(Hons.)/B.Ed, MPA
Hilary Sirman is the Development Director and a certified Looking Forward and Small Talk Trainer at the Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP), based in Calgary, Alberta. She holds Bachelor of Education and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees from Queen’s University, as well as Marketing and Human Resources certificates from Queen’s Smith School of Business.
Hilary joined CSP in 2013 and has over 20 years’ experience across a variety of corporate and nonprofit sectors including Health, Government, Education, Airline, Mining and Pharmaceuticals.
As an educator, parent, and lead of CSP’s "Training Teachers to Respond to Risk" project, Hilary combines her professional and personal passions for education, youth, and mental health all in one.
The Looking Forward workshop discusses strategies to strengthen protective factors of youth and focuses on providing participants who work with youth the knowledge to respond to suicide risk. In this session, Hilary will also provide an overview of all teacher-related suicide prevention resources that CSP produces for educators across Canada.

Concurrent Sessions Group A (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon)

A1:  Strategies to Help Kids Manage
Marie's workshop will focus on a variety of strategies she uses with middle school students around managing stressors in life, including worry, anger, frustration, feeling overwhelmed and time management.  Part of the presentations will also focus on kids and grief and she will share a children's book she wrote with her two sons around managing grief associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Marie Kennedy is a middle school counsellor at Saint Andrew Junior School in Antigonish.  Prior to completing her M.Ed in Counselling at Acadia, Marie was a high school English teacher in beautiful Sherbrooke for 15 years.   Marie is entering her 28th year as an educator.
Marie enjoys her work as a School counsellor and employs many methods and strategies to reach her middle schoolers - including CBT and solution focussed counselling.  Marie also enjoys providing lunch time groups and leadership opportunities for her students.  She is proud of the SAJS Welcome Committee who won a Lieutenant Governors Respectful Citizenship Award last year.
Marie is married and has two sons who both attend NSCC.  Her therapy is her dogs and Lochaber Lake where she lives.

A2:  Awaken vibration sound therapy (15 max) 
Sound Meditation:  During this restorative meditation class you lay in a comfortable position on your yoga mat as the sounds and vibrations of Himalayan Singing Bowls wash over your body and carry you into a state of deep relaxation. This class is for everyone.
What to bring:

• Yoga mats will be provided but you can also bring your own if you prefer.
• 2 pillows (one for under your head and knees to support your lower back)
• a blanket
• an eye cover (even a facecloth will do)

Terra Brockett received her certification in Sound Healing with Himalayan Singing bowls in 2015 from Suren Shrestha at Atma Buti Sound and Vibrational School. She offers a mix of services, classes and retreats focused on rest and supporting the mind and body at Awaken Vibrational Sound Therapy. In her work you will find a safe and supportive, non-judgmental space where you can simply be.

A3:  Non-gender conforming support strategies
We as school counsellors, teachers and administrators are mandated to create a “safe space” for all students. To create context, I will share with you ‘lived’ perspectives as to what “this looks like” in some of our schools; the perspective of transgender youth, that of parents of transgender youth as well as transgender/non-binary colleagues who I have had the opportunity to work with.
During this session, we will explore how we are tasked with creating this environment within our school using the HRCE Document, Family Acceptance Project and “real life stories” shared with me by our youth and parents within our schools. My goal is to build awareness through interaction and to provide relevant “take aways” that we can immediately apply to our school environments including but not limited to; “do’s/dont’s”, legal/moral obligations, and “must haves’ within our schools!
Roseita Corbett is a Registered Counselling Therapist who’s 25 year career has included working with Halifax Regional Centre for Education as an Elementary Teacher and for the last 9 years, as a School Counsellor. She has established a successful private practice and is passionate in her work with the LGBQT+ community; specifically transgender youth and adults. To this end, Roseita has completed training offered by the Trans Health Team at the IWK and participates in a monthly conference peer supervision group. She also offers and cohosts (with a member of PFLAG and a Trans Health Social Worker) a free monthly parent group for parents/guardians of trans youth.
Roseita holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling obtained from Acadia University (2013) and a Bachelors of Education through Memorial University of Newfoundland (1994). She actively subscribes to multiple professional development opportunities to support transgender youth and adults and is qualified to complete hormone readiness assessments for clients who are diagnosed with ‘gender dysphoria”. As an educator/counsellor, Roseita, works diligently to promote awareness at the elementary school level of the importance of creating a “gender neutral” environment; one that acknowledges and challenges harmful gender stereotypes.
A huge part of Roseita’s private practice (and more frequently on the school front) is educating, supporting and helping staff, students and families of transgender individuals, implement appropriate supports to create a safe inclusive school environment.

A4:  Strategies for Trauma-Impacted Students: Prevention and Regulation
The term "Trauma-Informed" is becoming a more commonly used term in educational settings, but what does it mean to be "trauma-informed" for today's educators? This session will include a brief review of a contemporary conceptualization of trauma, and how it relates to today's classrooms and schools. While there are many components of trauma-informed schools, Dr. Leslie will aim to provide counselors with preventative strategies for supporting students, as well as regulating strategies for students experiencing a stress response.
Laura Leslie has been a public school teacher in the HRCE for over 15 years and is now practicing as a School Counselor. She is also a part-time instructor in the School of Education at Acadia University and holds a PhD in Educational Studies. Dr. Leslie’s areas of research are in trauma-informed pedagogy, crisis response and grief, and social justice education. She lives in Timberlea, Nova Scotia with her husband and two children.  

A5:  Care for the Caregiver: Rustproofing for All Seasons
School Counsellors work in a highly demanding job that is often emotionally charged.  Sometimes, our work has effects on our inner experience.  While being able to care for others is a gift, it can often leave us feeling drained, exhausted, and worn out.  Sometimes we can begin to experience a change in our interactions with our world, ourselves and our families.  Compassion fatigue, compassion stress, vicarious traumatization, and codependency are very real and sometimes common side effects of our work.  In this talk, Jeff will acknowledge the emotional challenge of caring for others.  He will offer you an opportunity to evolve your caring mindset to include practical strategies in setting boundaries and caring for yourself.  He will offer a renewed understanding of the caregiving relationship which includes care for the caregiver. 
Jeff MacDonald is a Registered Counselling Therapist and School Counsellor who has been counselling for twelve years.  He is currently the Consultant, School Counselling for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education.  Through this work, Jeff supports HRCE School Cousellors in their professional practice and supports broadening the understanding of the role of School Counsellor within our system.  Jeff also works in private practice where he supports adults and children.  He works as a therapeutic counsellor with the Department of Community Services where he has developed an interest in working with people who are neuro diverse and who are experiencing family reunification.  Jeff is a former Chair of the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and currently supervises several Registered Counselling Therapist Candidates.  Jeff is the proud father of three children and is happily married to a School Counsellor.

A6:  Jennifer Banks, EMDR tapping

Jennifer has had extensive training in EMDR and EFT. Jennifer will be presenting on how to incorporate “tapping”, a form of bilateral stimulation/EMDR, into our day to day work with our students. Jennifer has had extensive training in EMDR and EFT. She will be presenting on how to incorporate “tapping”, a form of bilateral stimulation/EMDR, into our day to day work with our students. You will walk away with a set of tools you can use right away and will gain an understanding of how bilateral stimulation can calm the nervous system. As well, tapping can be an incredible tool to encourage positive cognition about one’s self. Join Jennifer in learning how to use this well researched modality within your practice! You will also have some fun doing this!

Presenter:  Jennifer Banks
Jennifer holds an MEd in Counselling, MEd in Administration & Policy with a focus in Inclusive Education, a BA in Education, a BFA in Music, and a diploma in Registered Practical Nursing.  She has had many years of experience working in various helping professions including nursing, teaching, and now, as a Counselling Therapist/Psychotherapist. Jennifer is a School Counsellor with the HRCE and was a teacher for 15 years in Ontario. Jennifer owns her own group practice (SMB Counselling) where there are 8 Therapists working collectively. She is also a mother, wife, and creator of the non-profit ARROW Counselling Association which offers subsidies to those that need mental health support but have a financial barrier. 

A7:   Culturally Responsive School Mental Health
(NOTE:  This is the same presentation given at the September HRCE Counsellor PD)
From this presentation, you will develop an understanding of Racialized Trauma and multigenerational trauma and its direct impact on our ANS learners and learners of African Descent. You will learn how School Counsellors can help address and support students who are or were subjected to Racialized Trauma. You will explore possible barriers that students who are ANS or of African Descent experience when seeking support. You will use this understanding to better support our learners and develop tangible ideas that School Counsellors can use to build relationships through Comprehensive School Counselling Support.
Presenter: Danita Williams: Danita has been with HRCE since 2009 in the role of classroom teacher and now as a School Counsellor at Woodlawn High School. She completed her Master's In Education through the first ever Afrocentric Cohort at Acadia University sponsored by the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute. In the evenings, Danita is an Impact of Race and Culture Assessor with the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute and the Forensic and Treatment Unit. Danita is also a Canadian Certified Counsellor and has a small Private Practice - servicing communities across HRM. Danita is a wife and mom of a blended family of 5 ranging from 26 - 5 years of age.

A8:   Eating Disorder Care in the School Setting: Support Students with Food & Body Image Concerns
Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen a shadow pandemic of eating disorders emerge that has put immense stress on families, individuals and our healthcare system. Change Creates Change (CCC) works to support hundreds of families across Canada in recovery from eating disorder, an often life threatening mental illness. CCC values community connection and believes that sharing the load of recovery across support persons can protect against recovery and caregiver burnout. With students back in person at school, school counsellors can play a vital role in support an individual working towards recovery. Andrea will provide an overview of eating disorder diagnoses, signs and symptoms, how to get students the right help, and how to support students while at school. 
Presenter: Andrea Paul, RD, PDt. Team Dietitian and Nova Scotia Case Coordinator
Andrea graduated from Acadia University’s Nutrition and Dietetics program and completed her internship with Nova Scotia Health Authority. She has spent the last 8 years working in Maine, USA where she gained a variety of dietetic experiences, and in 2019 joined a weight-inclusive nutrition private practice where she was able to build counseling skills and support those struggling with their relationship with food and body. She returned to Nova Scotia with her family in early 2021 and is thrilled to have joined the CCC team. She provides nutrition counseling with empathy and understanding, aiming to foster autonomy and self compassion for each of her clients and their families. 

Concurrent Sessions Group B (1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

B1:  Strategies to Help Kids Manage
See description above

B2:  Awaken vibration sound therapy (15 max)
See description above

B3:  Non-gender conforming support strategies
See description above

B4:  Strategies for Trauma-Impacted Students: Prevention and Regulation
See description above

B5:  Care for the Caregiver: Rustproofing for All Seasons
See description above

B6:  Jennifer Banks, EMDR tapping
See description above

B7:  Nurturing Black Students
(NOTE:  This session will only run for 1 hour from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
As per the Inclusive Education Policy: “Every student deserves to belong (affirmed, validated, and nurtured), be safe, and feel welcomed in all aspects of their daily experiences.” As School Counsellors, how do you reduce/eliminate the opportunity gap faced by ANS/Black students in your school(s)? How do you ensure that ANS/Black students are doing well and how do you know? The Nurturing Black Students session will provide key information, strategies, and actions YOU can use to elevate historically marginalized learners to excellence.
Presenters: African Canadian Services Branch (EECD), Melissa Downey, Student Services Consultant, Darcelle Adams Frank, Curriculum Consultant (Jr. & Sr. High), Karen Dumay, Acting Director  

B8:   Eating Disorder Care in the School Setting: Support Students with Food & Body Image Concerns
See description above

Registration is now closed - Conference is full

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