Counselling Insights

Vicki returns to the topic of AI and counselling with Holly Jamieson. They explore the grey area between excitement and caution when considering using AI in clinical work. Holly offers grounded, thoughtful questions to find an approach that fits with her values and allows change as learning continues. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

To celebrate the podcast's 50th episode, Vicki revisits four of her favourite conversations from the show's first four years. Galya Chatterton (episode 6) shares a moving example of slowing down in session, helping a client uncover the belief that she is a burden and offering her a felt experience of being cared for instead. Tom Walker (episode 21) describes how his background as a street fighter and professional boxer shapes his practice of high-intensity self-care, using movement and his body's own signals to release stored trauma. Patricia Haberman (episode 35) reflects on carrying both a toolbox and a bundle, blending Western counselling training with Indigenous teachings, and shares the moment a training participant helped her find the words for that journey. And Angella Murdoch (episode 28) returns as her therapeutic clown alter ego, Mabel, sharing tender, client-led moments from her work in palliative care, including a wordless five-minute mirroring dance with a man who spoke no English. For more…

This month, Vicki sits down with Melanie Bazin and Heather Woodward to explore the new CTRI workshop, Reconciliation in the Workplace – Meaningful Actions for Teams. Melanie and Heather share about the ongoing process and historical impact of colonization as well as tangible steps for reconciliation. They share examples of memorable moments of important connection and change that they have already experienced with diverse participants in the first offerings of this exciting new training. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and MaryClaire Decker explore the significant link between menstrual cycles and emotional and mental health. MaryClaire describes using curiosity and mindfulness to support awareness and greater self-understanding, offering suggestions for intentionally planning counselling strategies to coincide with where a person is at in their cycle for greater growth and effectiveness. For more info on this topic, check out this free webinar and MaryClaire's training on empowering clients to reclaim their cycling bodies. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

In this episode, Vicki gets into the details about AI and counselling with Candice Alder. They explore ways AI can be a positive resource and unpack some common missteps counsellors may take without AI literacy. Candice outlines some practical steps every counsellor should take to ensure their AI use is ethical and effective. This is part one of two conversations with Candice, and you can find the guidelines Candice has written here. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Wilma Schroeder discuss a new CTRI workshop, De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations for Health Care Workers. They review de-escalation as primarily verbal intervention aimed at calming escalation before it becomes physical, and note violence in health care has increased dramatically since the pandemic. Wilma outlines challenges specific to health care, including patients arriving with already elevated stress baselines (especially in emergency rooms), family distress, system and environmental “enablers”, and cognitive impairment factors such as dementia, ICU psychosis, or substance effects. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Once again, Vicki and Joddie sit down to explore a topic together. This time it’s the familiar concept of the wounded healer. They explore some variations of this idea, from Carl Jung’s archetype to psychological links to vicarious trauma, and consider whether this is a strength or a hurdle to counsellor development. They also discuss an Indigenous authors’ view of interconnection with healing of the land and the reciprocal role of healing in a helping role. Inviting listeners to muse about their own connections to this topic, Vicki and Joddie find common ground in embracing the strengths from acknowledging and honouring our own wounds. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

For something a little different, Vicki and Joddie put their heads together to explore a topic new to each of them: place attachment. They unpack the links with relationship attachment, building a sense of belonging, and identity formation. They each share strategies they found helpful that listeners can use for strengthening their overall wellness. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Hayley explore the magical world of Community and Social Circus. Hayley describes the unique opportunities that “circusing” provides for growing confidence, connection, and strength – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through stories of her own transformation alongside her peers, Hayley offers a creative peek into many parallels with counselling. These include increasing safety to increase risk-taking, exploring meaningful consent, and the power of mentorship. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Jolene and Vicki walk in a circle together, in their conversation about decolonizing ourselves and our helping work. Jolene unpacks colonization and decolonization so that listeners can see their own participation. Through ideas and stories, Jolene invites us all – whether Indigenous, non-Indigenous, [settler guest]https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/cpi/index.php/cpi/article/view/29452) – to strengthen our capacity to listen with reciprocity and humility. Learn more about our newest workshop: Decolonizing Your Helping Practice – Weaving Indigenous and Western Healing Approaches For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Jaicee returns for a second conversation about the exciting development of the Giwiidosendamin (we walk together) Certificate Program. Vicki learns about a heart-centred approach to training that starts with relationship to self, the land, and others, before getting into the hard topics of addiction, suicide, and grief. Together, they explore what collectivist training can be like. You can find more info on the development of decolonized training and the Giwiidosendamin Certificate Program here. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

In this special crossover episode, Vicki Enns joins the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast to explore what leaders can learn from the world of mental health and counselling. Together with co-hosts Eric Stutzman and Wendy Loewen, the conversation covers how therapeutic principles—like empathy, boundaries, and curiosity—can transform leadership and workplace culture. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Kathleen unpack what it means to consider autism through a trauma-informed lens. Kathleen shares specific examples of attuning to a person and really experiencing their language and way of expression. She shares key strategies for a relational approach that values the power of slowing down and building connection. She also highlights how this work can push us all to become the best version of ourselves. Everyone is invited to the free book launch on November 27, noon-1PM CT! For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Sheri Coburn delve into the newly revised De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations workshop from CTRI. This cornerstone training features a four-step de-escalation process designed to equip participants with empowering tools to support others during episodes of escalated anger. Sheri highlights the importance of a trauma-informed approach within this process, emphasizing how it builds confidence and success for helpers. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Krystel return for part 2 of their conversation on building multicultural skills into any counseling approach. In part 1, they explored cultural humility and intersectionality. Now in part 2, they continue with culturally relevant assessment and intervention, creating inclusive language, addressing systemic inequities, and cross-cultural training. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki sits down with Janelle Jackiw to explore anger and the new CTRI workshop providing tools for counsellors. They unpack the power of anger as a natural and righteous emotion that can also leave big impacts. Janelle describes the importance of learning the story behind anger and the cyclical patterns that can leave people feeling out of control. She also provides several immediate and long-term strategies that can help people take back control and develop the tools they need to repair relationships. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki explores Patricia’s lifelong journey of self-discovery, highlighting how Patricia integrated the heart-centred wisdom and healing from her Indigenous ancestors into her own path. Patricia discusses balancing this with Western Eurocentric academic approaches to mental health, creating her unique method of “carrying a toolbox and a bundle” to support others. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Kim McCabe explore Kim’s passion project, Rites for Girls, which is changing the world one girl at a time by supporting the rite of passage into puberty with safety and connection. Kim shares stories of girls becoming true to themselves through ongoing groups and deepened connection with the adult women around them. She describes her passion for inspiring women and supporting parents to be the best version of themselves, and extends an invitation to get involved in mentoring the next generation For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki sits down with Dr. Lorre Laws to explore her passionate pursuit of understanding what really can help restore and heal nurses and other healers from the unresolved trauma from their work. They unpack how these unhealed “bits of wisdom” can guide healers to develop their own Innate Care Plan, as described fully in her new book. Dr. Lorre also gives examples of micro-practices as short as 10 seconds that can be woven into any day at any time. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki sits down with Manitoba Blue Cross Manager, Leader, and Therapist Jodie Voth to explore blending clinical and leadership skills to foster organizational wellness. They discuss common signs of burnout and key steps for avoiding the deep end of the “burnout pond.” Jodie describes her favourite strategies for both individuals and teams to build resilience and sustainable wellness. And she shares her joy at building accessible steps for community access to systemic relational counselling. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and HARC Research Manager Lisa Striegler explore how creative and expressive arts provide metaphor and connection in counselling. Lisa describes the process of running a drumming group in her small town setting. Her and Vicki also discuss the framework of combining talk therapy with rhythmic music to explore topics such as boundaries and forgiveness. And she teaches Vicki a regulation activity with a demonstration and lesson using just their hands and a drum. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Jaicee explore the evolution of the Giwiidabindimin Certificate Program at CTRI. In the context of a two eyed seeing approach, Jaicee describes her journey to become part of this program and the deepening development of her own two-eyed seeing. Drawing on her heart space and Indigenous lens alongside Western Eurocentric mental health models, Jaicee shares her passion and hopes for this growing way of learning and healing together. She describes the new Giwiidosendamin Certificate Program coming in 2025, and how everyone can grow their curiosity, cultural competency, and two-eyed seeing. More info on Jaicee can be found here. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki shares space with Tanya Dawn McDougall from St. Theresa Point Ansininew Nation, who shares her deepening understanding of the legacy of trauma and resilience in the children she supports in her community as a mental health advocate. Tanya discusses teachings and three key areas she considers that leave her hopeful about the possibilities of engaging with trauma as a teacher and catalyst to intergenerational resilience. She also describes the foundation of building the muscles of relationship from the perspective of a First Nation practitioner. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki dives into the unique world of therapeutic clowning with Angola Murdoch. As an aerialist, circus performer, and theatre director of Lookup Theatre, Angola describes her passion for creativity, movement, and serving people through therapeutic clowning. Together they explore the unique client-led process that unfolds in a hospice setting, where “Mabel” the clown connects, sings, and explores emotions with clients who are dying. Angola shares the wisdom of deep listening that we can all learn from a clown. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Clinical Psychologist Krystel Salandanan explore a multicultural approach to mental health counselling. Together they explore ways to build a strong multicultural foundation into any counsellor’s practice, emphasizing the ethical importance of making this an everyday and ongoing part of learning. And they discuss concrete strategies linked to cultural humility and intersectionality that will get you started. Stay tuned for part two of their conversation. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Therapist Emily Bushell explore borderline personality traits – both the experience of living with them, and what it’s like to be a support. Emily describes foundational strategies for getting started on building stability for those with borderline traits, and offers her two favourite strategies for helpers to stay grounded and steady in this work. Through a healing story and a reframe of the drama triangle, Emily describes the power of shifting the dynamic from victim and rescuer to an empowered and compassionate coach. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki sits down with CTRI Owner and Managing Director Nathan Gerbrandt to explore his evolving understanding of creating Trauma-Informed spaces and practices. They discuss moving beyond awareness in order to co-create safety with individuals and organizations. Nathan shares practical suggestions for seeing strengths and success as part of trauma awareness. And he highlights the influence of this model on upcoming CTRI trainings. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki sits down with CTRI Clinical Director Joddie Walker to get an inside look at how first responders can be impacted by traumatic injury. Joddie describes common themes as well as unique impacts for first responders, such as moral injury and sanctuary trauma. She explains the importance of creating a safe space to unpack the stigma around needing help and the key step of broadening the story to include adverse childhood experiences. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and former corporate leader and author Carolyn Swora discuss what it means to become a trauma-informed leader and how to apply this awareness to workplace interactions. Carolyn describes keys skills toward self-awareness, including understanding the three centres of intelligence, and the seven guarded archetypes of how we protect against vulnerability. She gives clear examples of using the three steps of her model to evolve, as described in her book, Evolve: The Path to Trauma-Informed Leadership. Follow Carolyn on LinkedIn and Instagram! For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and John explore the art of therapeutic letter writing as part of facilitating connection, charting progress, and supporting the client’s strengths. John shares examples of successes as well as missteps that have helped him learn the best ways to introduce this concept to people. He also provides tips and strategies for counsellors to make a habit of using letters to support counselling work – from before you meet the client to creating lasting impact after you end.

Vicki and Tom Walker dig into the connection between adverse childhood experiences and long-term patterns of holding stress. Tom shares his lifelong journey of understanding the impact of his own early life experiences of violence and substance abuse in his family, and his own deeply compassionate approach to supporting other first responders and helpers. Vicki and Tom explore what high intensity self-care can look like for any helper – an approach that can move us into releasing trauma and absorbed stress toward greater freedom and compassion. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Marwa Fadol share stories and excerpts from their upcoming book, Self-Care Transformed. They discuss their hope to bring new life to the concepts of self-care, wellness, and resilience. Going deeper into greater self-awareness, courage to acknowledge systemic stressors, and feel the deeper feelings, they share excerpts from their new book, along with personal experiences that have shaped their own journeys. Everyone is invited to the free book launch on November 27, noon-1PM CT! For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Melanie Bazin explore land-based wellness practices – a wholistic approach to healing and self-awareness. Melanie describes how to prepare ourselves as helpers to engage in these practices authentically and she gives examples of sessions such as work with youth she does at L'il Steps Wellness Farm. And they discuss how connecting with the land opens a reciprocal relationship of care and responsibility between ourselves and nature. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Kristen Klassen discuss Seriously Therapeutic Play – using LEGO® bricks to build metaphorical models. They explore how this process helps us to think and listen differently, and provides unique communication and problem-solving opportunities. Kristen gives examples of simple strategies any counsellor can use with a few toys to bring this process into the therapy room or a group conversation. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Rebecca Bloom explore vicarious trauma and why it's gotten more intense for helpers since the pandemic. Rebecca delves into her book, Vicarious Trauma Illustrated, to provide a process for curiosity, reflection, awareness, and discovery about our own experiences of vicarious trauma. She also reminds us that our way out of stress and overwhelm is to dance and play with each other. Note: Due to an equipment failure, Vicki's audio was negatively impacted. Our apologies for the inconvenience! For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Shelly Qualtieri discuss the process of de-escalating potentially violent situations and how we need to start by learning to de-escalate ourselves. Shelly explains how anger is a secondary emotion – the bodyguard to sadness and the protector to fear. They explore practical steps that can make a difference to calm both ourselves and others. Not only can we interrupt an escalation, but Shelly embodies a perspective that sees hope in these very situations toward possible deeper connection and healing. Note: Due to an equipment failure, Vicki's audio was negatively impacted. Our apologies for the inconvenience! For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com and for further learning on this subject try our new De-Escalating Potentially Violent Situations™ E-Course

Vicki and Michelle Gibson unpack the Internal Family Systems counselling model. Michelle describes how parts make up the internal systems of who we are, and how developing Self-energy is the foundation of healing. She also talks about her journey of learning many different counselling models to find her own personal approach to counselling.

Vicki and Jennifer Slay explore the research on adverse childhood experiences and discuss the power of greater awareness of one’s past life story to understand today’s behaviours and choices. Jennifer explains how what is happening in a child’s environment can create toxic stress that has ongoing impact on their developing brain and relationships. She also shares her resource to Slay Your Inner Critic as an example of moving toward more freedom and choice. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Family Therapist Wilma Schroeder discuss the growing area of dementia care. They explore a perspective shift from valuing others for their cognitive abilities, to valuing the whole person and relationship. Wilma shares many practical tips for enriching the life of someone living with symptoms of dementia, such as using colour and music, as well as key steps for family members and carers to attend to their own wellness. Wilma shares her hope for a future with dementia-friendly communities. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com and for further reading on dementia care read Wilma's blog.

Vicki and David Jung explore the experience of burnout in a counselling role and how we often only notice it once it has already arrived. They unpack David’s three key strategies to help notice signs of burnout sooner, and he describes learning how to say no and when to end toxic relationships. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and Kelly Smith discuss the growing interest and research around psychedelic-assisted counselling. Kelly describes what a typical process is like for a client at Field Trip Health where she works, and notes important considerations for when this is a safe and beneficial choice for someone. Kelly suggests ways any counsellor can increase their knowledge and support clients who might be curious about psychedelics. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki and International Association of Journal Writing Director Lynda Monk discuss the power of journaling both in a personal reflective practice and as a counselling resource. Lynda describes helpful structured steps for therapeutic journaling, as well as a range of ways to start journaling for burnout prevention and overall wellness. She also shares several helpful resources for people to get started, as well as an opportunity to access a free gift. Find her book, Life Source Writing, here. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki explores the use of photovoice as a counselling technique with Briar Shulz, who describes five accessible ways to use photos and images in the counselling process. They unpack the importance of being cautious with this counselling technique because of the powerful ways images can facilitate a deepening of insight and expression. Briar also shares training suggestions for photovoice and her current passion for crafts. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki has a conversation with Krystel Salandanan, PsyD. They explore what a multicultural view of depression may look like and consider the example of “smiling depression.” Vicki and Krystel also discuss the role of the DSM and how it needs to be always evolving to be relevant. And Krystel offers guidelines for any counsellor to increase their capacity for a multicultural approach to understanding mental health. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki interviews elder, Louise McKay. They explore blending Western clinical counselling approaches with traditional Indigenous practices. Louise describes learning to listen differently, allowing oneself to be led by Spirit, embodying gifts we may not even know we have. And Louise offers suggestions for any counsellor to become more inclusive of an Indigenous worldview, embodying reconciliation. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Vicki interviews counsellor and trainer, Galya Chatterton. Together they explore the powerful impact of experiential work, and the importance of using presence to deepen therapy work while spending more time in positive experiences. Galya also gives helpful illustrations of slowing down to support unconscious emotions and beliefs to come into awareness, and we learn how skydiving helped shape her counselling approach. For more free resources visit the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute

Vicki interviews Noela Crowe-Salazar – trainer, counsellor, author, and Kookum. They explore Noela’s life long learning for balancing Western mental health concepts alongside Indigenous teachings and views. Noela gives practical suggestions for decolonizing thinking and approaches in counselling. And together they reflect on the importance of conversation and relationship.

Vicki interviews counsellor, author, and trainer, Dr. Reece Malone. They discuss how sexual health contributes to overall mental health and how it links to one’s broader identity. Reece encourages all counsellors to consider the intersection between culture and sexuality, and to maintain an attitude of curiosity about life by continuing to ask, “Why?”

Vicki interviews counsellor and trainer, John Koop Harder. They explore how to get good questions flowing in counselling, and the central role values play in shaping counselling practices. John describes his shift in perspective to see the relationship with problems as the real problem in people’s lives. And he connects the dots among his grandparents’ influence, his role as a father, and the importance of creating space for men to explore masculinity in counselling.

Vicki explores play therapy and supporting children with Tanya Hoover, a Registered Social Worker and Certified Play Therapist. They talk about the importance of being real in the counselling room, and the need for counsellors to connect with their own vulnerability. Tanya discusses her passion for attachment and emotional connection as foundations for supporting both children and the adults in their lives. Also explored is Tanya’s new children’s book, The Helping Rock, along with the supplemental guidebook.