The Western Canadian Mental Health & Education Summit: Trauma, Attachment, High Risk and Self-Harming Behaviours, Neurodiversity and FASD [Edmonton, AB]

Moving Beyond Behaviour Management in Complex Kids: Supporting Resilience and Growth Through a Developmental and Relational Lens

Presented by Deborah MacNamara, Ph.D.

Children’s behaviour is often approached through the lenses of compliance, symptom management, behavioural intervention, or diagnosis. Yet many of the children we struggle most to help are not simply behaving badly — they are alarmed, developmentally stuck, emotionally defended, disconnected, overwhelmed, or adapting to conditions that have interfered with healthy growth.

Without understanding the roots beneath the behaviour, interventions can become reactive, fragmented, or focused only on managing symptoms rather than supporting long-term development and well-being.

This practical and clinically focused full-day presentation offers educators, counsellors, mental health professionals, youth workers, and helping professionals a deeper framework for understanding complex children and youth through a developmental and relational lens.

Explore three foundational developmental domains:

• Attachment and relationship
• Emotional health and emotional defenses
• Maturation and developmental readiness

Together, these domains provide a developmental snapshot that helps reveal whether a child is growing well, adapting under stress, developmentally delayed, emotionally defended, alarmed, or struggling to mature.

This highly applied workshop bridges theory and practice through real-life examples, guided reflection, practical application, and a live case consultation demonstrating how developmental-relational understanding can be translated into meaningful intervention and support planning.

Participants will leave with greater confidence in understanding complex children from the inside out and applying developmental and relational principles to everyday practice.

Supporting Neurodivergent Learners: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Through a Strength-Based Lens

Presented by Denise Nowicki, Ph.D., B.Ed., B.Sc.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that influences how individuals experience, process, and interact with the world around them. While autistic individuals possess strengths, talents, and unique perspectives, they are often misunderstood in educational and counselling settings.

This engaging and practical workshop helps educators and counsellors move beyond stereotypes and develop a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens.

You’ll learn how to:

• Recognize common indicators of ASD
• Understand how autism may present differently across individuals and age groups
• Better understand communication, sensory processing and emotional regulation differences
• Support executive functioning and social understanding
• Promote inclusion, belonging, emotional well-being, and success

Through interactive activities, case studies, simulations, and reflective discussions, attendees will gain tools to better support autistic students and clients while fostering compassionate, meaningful relationships.

Therapeutic Relationship Strategies to Treat Challenging Trauma Clients

Presented by Robert T. Muller, Ph.D., C. Psych.

This practical workshop, led by Dr. Robert T. Muller, builds our understanding of the therapeutic relationship with challenging trauma clients.

As therapists, we try to maintain a strong therapeutic relationship, but this is easier said than done. Drawing on attachment theory and research and using a relational, integrative approach, the workshop follows the ups and downs of the therapy relationship in trauma work.

Key areas of focus:

• Relationship patterns in trauma work
• Therapist-client enactments and relational challenges
• Understanding ruptures in the therapeutic relationship
• Repairing the therapeutic alliance
• Helping clients grow through relational experiences

Theory is complemented by case examples and therapy segments, giving participants opportunities to connect clinical concepts with real-world practice.

Working with Children and Youth who are High-Risk, Marginalized and Engage in Self-Harming Behaviour

Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych.

This intensive workshop is designed for professionals supporting high-risk and marginalized youth. Participants will explore the factors underlying self-harming behaviour and develop a more informed understanding of the complex relationship between trauma, marginalization, emotional regulation, and adolescent well-being.

The training emphasizes evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate and relational approaches to engagement, assessment, emotional regulation, family involvement, professional boundaries, and collaborative support.

Key areas of focus:

• Understanding factors underlying high-risk behaviour
• Building effective and respectful therapeutic relationships with youth
• Supporting emotional and physiological regulation
• Balancing adolescent autonomy with appropriate family involvement
• Adapting evidence-informed approaches for marginalized youth
• Maintaining effective professional boundaries in challenging clinical situations

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Reframing Behaviours to Support Strengths and Promote Success

Presented by Denise Nowicki, Ph.D., B.Ed., B.Sc.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada. Despite its prevalence, FASD often goes unrecognized or misunderstood, leaving professionals wondering why traditional strategies are not working.

This engaging and practical presentation is designed for professionals working with children and youth who want to better understand, identify, and support individuals with FASD.

Move beyond behaviour to understand:

• Brain-based differences that influence learning
• Emotional regulation and executive functioning
• Social interactions and developmental challenges
• Common signs of neurodevelopmental challenges
• How adapting expectations and supports can improve outcomes

This presentation emphasizes a strengths-based, compassionate approach that recognizes the unique abilities, creativity, resilience, and potential of individuals with FASD.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, educational assistant, administrator, counsellor, or support professional, this session will provide valuable insights and tools that can be applied immediately in educational settings.