Topic(s): 
National Social Work Month
NLCSW
Professional Practice
Trauma
Webinar event date: 
Mar 20, 2024 11:30 am EDT
Webinar link

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Webinar Presenters: 
Paula Delahunty BSW, RSW

Paula Delahunty is the Addictions Coordinator (Urban) Mental Health and Addiction Services, Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion with NL Health Services.  Paula is a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is currently registered within the profession. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Criminology Certificate from Memorial University and a Diploma in Clinical Counselling for Addictions. Paula has worked in the field of Addictions both directly and indirectly for approximately 25 years. Over her career in the field, she has worked with individuals, groups, families and couples and communities impacted by substance use harms and other behavioral adaptations. As part of her role as Addictions Coordinator, she has worked with individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and co-facilitated the FASD Family and Caregiver Support group for more than a decade, as well as chaired the Regional FASD committee for 12 years.

Description

The first few years of life are full of many important developmental milestones in terms of brain pathways, attachment, coping mechanisms and in general learning how to relate to others and to stress. Those who experience trauma in their early years often develop survival mechanisms that are less than helpful in adulthood. Childhood experiences are powerful determinants of who we become as adults. This virtual session will focus on the connection between Addiction and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). It will provide education on how to implement an ACES informed framework practice in health care. The session will provide an introduction to understanding the dynamics of which addiction has with individuals who have experienced adverse childhood events and trauma and how both are interconnected.  

Topics include:

  • Understanding the link between ACES, addiction and trauma
  • Understanding what Trauma Informed Care is
  • Recognize addiction and connection to trauma
  • How to support the individuals we work with in a safe and healthy framework