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On-Demand Workshops
Harm Reduction
A Framework for Change, Choice, and Control
$129.00
4
Continuing Education
Credit Hours (CEC)
Harm reduction is an approach to help people explore their relationship with substances and behaviours. It works to reduce and mitigate damage and pain, and offers strategies to increase and promote safety, choice, and control. Harm reduction moves away from traditional understandings of “addiction” as a disease, and responses that are based on assumed morality and abstinence, or fear and punishment. This workshop explores the principles of harm reduction, how it works, and to whom it may apply. Participants will learn practical strategies for working with individuals, families, and communities within a harm reduction framework. This training will also explore how these concepts can be used in policy, procedure, and practice.
Trainer: John Koop Harder, MSW, RSW
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate between traditional approaches to “addictions” and a harm reduction approach
- List qualities and values needed to practice within a harm reduction model
- Describe a relational framework for working with a person’s use of substances and behaviours
- Apply a variety of practical strategies to reduce harm
Some of the Topics Reviewed
- What is Harm Reduction?
- Guiding Principles of Harm Reduction
- The Impact of Our Beliefs and Assumptions
- The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Lens
- An Integrated Approach to Health
- A Relational Approach to Harm Reduction
- Exploring What Needs Are Being Met
- Working with People Where They are At
- Measuring Motivation, Readiness, and Confidence
- Strategies to Reduce Harm
- Planning for Change
- Rethinking Success
- Working with Family and Friends
Target Audience
This is an intermediate level workshop intended for social service and health care professionals, counsellors, social workers, school personnel, and anyone seeking a better understanding of the harm reduction framework.
Trainer: John Koop Harder
MSW, RSW
John has been working as a therapist and trainer for over 20 years. He is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree. John is a contributing author of our Counselling Insights and Counselling in Relationships books. Much of John’s career has centred on working with children, youth, adults, and families dealing with crisis and trauma. While he has a diverse practice, he has particular interest and specialized experience in working with individuals and families impacted by mental health concerns, violence, post-war trauma recovery, gender/sexuality issues, and sexual abuse recovery. John’s work is also informed by his international experiences working with individuals and communities impacted by civil war and ethnic conflicts in Colombia, Albania, and Northern Ireland. John believes people are their own best experts and already have many of the skills, abilities, and competencies that will assist them to address the challenges influencing their lives. John is a warm and engaging facilitator who values interactive learning experiences. Read blogs written by John here.
