Our Training Menu

Truth Telling is the introductory crash course training on men’s developmental trauma, with a particular research lens on childhood sexual trauma. It offers a primer on the theories and conceptual approaches to working with male survivors – a necessary precursor to those who want to therapeutically engage with this population.

The day starts with an introduction to a male-centred approach to psychotherapy – an orientation that speaks directly to men’s subjective experiences. The training then explores male psychology as well as understanding of how this “coding” intersects with the lives of men facing trauma. An overview of current research on both male sexual abuse and assault follows. After an analysis of how trauma commences, we examine the post-traumatic response of how it bleeds into men’s lives. The day finishes with a conceptual lens to the recovery process, with video testimonies serving as expressions of healing.

Truth Telling is a prerequisite for participants who wish to engage in further training concerning intervention strategies with this population.

Click to download the Truth Telling Curriculum

“5++ for presenters. Exceeded expectations! Will be attending another training. So very glad I signed up for all the sessions. This was very much more than I expected and I will do more research (books, etc.) on my own. Thanks!” – Training participant

Re-Visioning Men’s Anger, Rage & Violence is based on trauma-informed research examining the links between male childhood abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV). While many practitioners are aware that most men who are prone to rage and partner violence have a significant history of childhood abuse, few intervention programs are derived from this research and application.

This training focuses on the clinical implications of adopting a trauma-oriented understanding of IPV. We will fearlessly challenge the dominant discourse of “power and control” model of understanding through comprehensive picture of the inner world of men who are assaultive. Using a trauma lens, this training arguably offers a more nuanced, more respectful and more promising approach to clinical interventions with this population, whether through individual or group intervention.

Click to download the Re-Visioning Men’s Anger, Rage & Violence Curriculum

“I found the mix of lectures and experiential teaching very appropriate. Facilitators were well informed and very capable to get their information across in a clear fashion. Enjoyed it and intend to use information at my work.” – Training participant

Working It Through combines conceptual training on male sexual trauma with specific intervention skills and strategies to empower frontline workers to  intervene purposely with men who have experienced trauma. This combination of trauma theory and practice – with an emphasis on cognitive, psychodynamic and experiential approaches – addresses many of the practical and clinical concerns of front-line helping professionals. Using a variety of learning modalities, this training delivers a steady-paced, participatory and  focused opportunity for in-depth learning.

The first day begins by exploring both personal and cultural values associated with masculinity, male psychology and the therapeutic process.  In particular, the intersection between men’s gender coding with their reality of facing their wounds is explored: Why are men reluctant to seek help?  Men’s trauma is then charted via current research on sexual abuse and sexual assault as foundations of understanding. The notion of trauma is further explored conceptually as well as through experiential portrayal, video testimonials and small-group learning.. The day finishes  with a trauma-informed meditation – another skill to stay strong in this line of work.

The second day emphasizes a variety of  clinical strategies working with male survivors, which are demonstrated though lecture, role plays, dramatic presentations, experiential opportunities and group discussion. Psychodynamic and experiential skills are taught that are both road-tested for trauma recovery and are “male-friendly” in their design. Again, there is opportunity for deeper reflection in both small and large group discussions, finishing with a grounding meditation before the day  concludes.

The third day tackles some of the most challenging aspects of men’s work:  addressing anger, rage and violence, as well as understanding compulsive and problematic aspects of men’s sexual behaviour. Understanding and addressing shame is the day’s theme – seeing it as the “master emotion” when it comes to effective and respectful engagement. The day balances insight, conceptualization and meaningful approaches to engaging on these issues.  The training finishes with strengths-based exercises for the participants, along with multi-faceted reflections of men’s healing. We say goodbye after the final meditation experience.

Overall, Working It Thorough lends itself to groups that are committed to deeper learning, as well as those with varied academic and professional backgrounds and particularly to those who recognize the challenges of trauma-skills development in light of their own adverse childhood experiences. Learning occurs in both small and large group activities, offering reflection around personal strengths and professional challenges. Lastly, there is sufficient ‘flex” to address the unique aspects of each learning group. In sum, Working It Through offers the best of trauma-intervention training combined with reflection for personal and professional growth.

Click to download the Working it Through curriculum

“Prior to this conference, I had limited desire to work with more male clientele. Now with more valuable techniques, I feel better equipped and assured of my abilities. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and techniques.” – Training participant

This day delivers what many mental-health professionals, sexual-trauma services and frontline workers request most: a step-by-step training on the process of intake, assessment and the curriculum basics for first-stage engagement with male survivors. This training is applicable to both individual psychotherapy as well as dedicated group programming.

Adhering to the tri-phasic model of trauma recovery and derived from the evidence-based Men & Healing program of working with male survivors, participants in Core Curriculum will be guided through the process of providing services to men. From receiving the client’s first call, to conducting an assessment, to learning about the foundational psycho-educational curriculum relevant to individual or group practice, this day accomplishes it all.

Much of the learning will be experiential, lending itself to group engagement and facilitation. Participants will also receive a paper copy of the “Men & Healing Participant Guidebook” as part of this training. Non-profit organizations who are represented in this training day are eligible to lease this curriculum for a modest price

Click to download the Core Curriculum curriculum

“Rick did a fabulous job, great presenter, super knowledgeable.” – Training participant

Many theorists discuss why group work is a preferred model of intervention with trauma survivors: it lessens the isolation faced in individual therapy, allows one’s testimony to be witnessed, and creates a supportive learning atmosphere that can benefit all participants. However, practitioners often do not have the skill set to carry out group practice.

This training teaches both group process as well as group intervention skills to allow for dynamic yet safe engagement with clients. Utilizing techniques from “Opening Circle” to group experiential exercises, A Finger Cannot Pick Up a Stone will help counsellors expand their services to groups – regardless of the service provided.

Click to download the A Finger Cannot Pick Up a Stone curriculum

“Powerful material, delivered eloquently. Rick kept his audience engaged and interested throughout. Glad I was given the opportunity. Thank you.” – Training participant

“The two facilitators were fantastic, very knowledgeable and fun. I had a great two days. Thank you.” – Training participant

Tending the Wounds emphasizes a variety of clinical strategies working with male survivors, focusing particularly on psychodynamic and experiential approaches. This therapeutic heavy-lifting is applicable to both individual and group engagement. Starting with the framework of ego state theory, a variety of intra-psychic conceptions and interventions will be considered. A balance of both trauma-focused and strengths-focused strategies will be presented.

Lecture, role plays, dramatic presentations, experiential opportunities and group discussion are all utilized throughout the day to ensure thorough engagement with the participants. The content of Tending the Wounds is thoroughly road-tested for trauma recovery and are “male-friendly” in their design. Again, there is opportunity for deeper reflection in both small and large group discussions, finishing with a grounding meditation before the day concludes.

From Conceptualization to Engagement (FCTE) is our best two-day engagement strategy for healthcare professionals who are working in the field and have encountered trauma related issues in their practices. It combines the right balance between conceptual issues that impact men, the relevant research relating to men’s developmental trauma (with a particular lens on childhood sexual trauma), all with the focus on clinical engagement in individual as well as group intervention.

The first day starts with an introduction to a male-centred approach to psychotherapy – an
orientation that speaks directly to men’s subjective experiences. The training then explores male psychology as well as understanding of how this “coding” intersects with the lives of men facing trauma. An overview of current research on both male sexual abuse and assault follows. After an analysis of how trauma commences, we examine the post-traumatic response of how it bleeds into men’s lives. The day finishes with case-study examinations of male survivors, a conceptual lens to the recovery process, with video testimonies serving as expressions of healing.

The focus on Day 2 emphasizes a variety of clinical strategies working with male survivors,
focusing particularly on psychodynamic and experiential approaches. Starting with an introductory framework of ego state theory, a variety of intra-psychic conceptions and clinical interventions will be considered utilizing this approach. A particular focus will include working with anger, rage and violence using a trauma-based framework. Applications of this therapeutic heavy-lifting will be made applicable to both individual and group engagement. Recognition of the role of strengths focused strategies will also be presented before FCTE is over.

Lecture, role plays, dramatic presentations, experiential opportunities and group discussion are all utilized throughout both days to ensure thorough engagement with the participants. The content of FCTE is thoroughly road-tested for trauma recovery and are “male-friendly” in their design.

Click to download the From Conceptualization to Engagement Curriculum