Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Facilitator Training Conference
14-Week Anxiety Management Workshop Schedule
GAD and Spirituality
Anxiety in Families Research
Anxiety Research Study for Youth

Facilitator Training Conference (Ottawa)

Since our first Training Conference in 2008, ADAO has continued expansion of its 14-Week Anxiety Management Program in Ottawa. As a result of overwhelming demand, a second Training Conference will be held on April 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2010.

We are offering a two and a half day training conference for new facilitators, combining both a professional development event and the opportunity for paid employment:

Phase I: Two and a half day Training Conference at the RA Centre in Ottawa on April 9th (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm), April 10th (9:00 am to 5:00 pm), and April 11th (9:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Phase II: Facilitators who have completed Phase I will have the opportunity to co-facilitate the ADAO 14-Week Program. During Phase II, facilitators are paid $1000 to co-facilitate the program.

Training Conference Objectives

1. To provide facilitators with a thorough understanding of the ADAO 14-Week Program model and the components of each of the 14 sessions, including the material outlined in the ADAO Facilitator Manual and the ADAO Participant Manual.

2. To assist facilitators in developing an understanding of group dynamics and group processes; improve group facilitation skills; as well as increase competence in group facilitation.

3. To support and provide ongoing feedback to each of the facilitators throughout the two and a half day training and to provide a follow-up process to ensure that facilitators are qualified to provide the program within the 14-week facilitation supports.

What You Are Being Trained To Do:

Co-Facilitate ADAO's 14-Week Anxiety Management Program.
Using ADAO's structured, educational curriculum, provide program participants with the information and tools they need to determine what approach to treatment is best suited to their circumstances as well as to learn to self-manage their symptoms of anxiety.
Facilitate within the ADAO model, which pulls together complementary theories and strategies from four main fields of practice: community models, holistic approaches, wisdom traditions, and psychotherapeutic methods. The intent of our model is to offer tools and information to participants that will impact all aspects of their health and well-being.

The 14-Week Program Curriculum:

The 14-Week Program is offered on a weekly basis over the course of 14 weeks, for 2 ½ hours each session.

Each week, following a check-in activity, facilitators guide participants through a relaxation exercise and then into the exploration of a specific tool or approach to address their anxiety. Each session focuses on information-sharing, with a format appropriate to the material for that week (e.g., group/individual activities, mini-lectures, role play exercises). Each session ends with a grounding exercise as well as a check-out activity. Facilitators are provided with session agendas, background reading material, presentation material, relaxation/grounding exercises, as well as participant handouts for each session. Each session is also supplemented with a gratitude journal exercise, resource-sharing, as well as a developing a sense of community among participants.

During the first session, participants are introduced to anxiety, the different types, and its causes. Subsequent sessions focus on mindfulness; relaxation and related techniques; nutrition and physical exercise; and the process of identifying and distinguishing between thoughts and feelings. Over the course of four weeks, participants are introduced to cognitive-behaviour theory and techniques (e.g., automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, assumptions and core beliefs) as well as working with self-resistance, introducing participants to both the theory behind these ideas as well as the tools used to manage related symptoms of anxiety.

Sessions are also dedicated to providing participants with information and strategies to manage feelings and emotions and two weeks of classes focus on communicating more effectively and community: reaching out and connecting with others. The two final classes focus on developing a sense of purpose and meaning as well as a consolidation and review of the material covered over the course of the 14 weeks.

Facilitator Job Description:

To serve as a co-facilitator of the Anxiety Disorder’s of Ontario (ADAO) 14-Week Anxiety Management Program for adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or an anxiety condition.

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education or a related field.
Experience facilitating or co-facilitating therapeutic or educational groups.
High degree of professionalism, self-motivation, and communication skills.
Knowledge and understanding of anxiety and anxiety conditions.
Thorough understanding of group dynamics and group processes; group facilitation skills; and demonstrated competence in group facilitation.
Excellent understanding and an ability to abide by personal boundaries and ethical guidelines governing group models.
Ability to handle crisis situations.
Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities:

Facilitate 2 and a half hour group sessions on a weekly basis for the duration of 15 weeks (includes a registration evening)
Adhere to the guidelines and program model outlined in the ADAO Facilitator Manual.)
Model appropriate communication and leadership skills.)
Maintain confidentiality and respect the individual needs of group members.)
Limit self-disclosure to information that is of clear benefit to group members.)
Complete all necessary paperwork (e.g., case notes, weekly reports).)
Participate in supervision provided by ADAO.)
Participate in training activities provided by ADAO.)

Opportunities:

Improve group facilitation skills and gain experience co-facilitating educational groups.
Receive supervision at no cost.
Gain additional knowledge regarding issues faced by individuals who experience anxiety.
Improve ADAO programming by providing ideas and feedback to ADAO staff and Board of Directors.

Commitment:

Minimum of one year

Training Conference Fee:

$495.00

Included in the conference fee are:

Two and a half day professional development Workshop
Snacks, refreshments, and lunches over the course of the workshop
14-Week Program Materials
Opportunity to obtain Continuing Education credits

After co-facilitating your first 14-Week Program, you will be reimbursed $100.

Registration Process:

Registration Form, Waiver, and Payment
1. Print and complete the PDF “ADAO Training Conference Registration Form and Waiver”
2. Mail the document along with payment (cheque) to:
ADAO
153 Chapel Street
Ottawa, ON
K1N 1H5

Cover Letter and Resume
1. E-mail a cover letter outlining how qualifications are met and resume to: info@anxietydisordersontario.ca

Applicants who meet the qualifications outlined in the job description will be contacted for a telephone interview.

View Conference Registration Form and Waiver

14-Week Anxiety Management Workshop (Ottawa)

See our "Calendar of Events" for program start dates

GAD and Spirituality (Ottawa)

Stress and Anxiety Clinical Research Unit of the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research is looking for men and women 18 years and older to participate in a study to evaluate two types of psychological interventions for GAD. GAD is characterized by excessive worry that is difficult to control. The anxiety can significantly affect the quality of your life.

If interested please call 613-798-2995, mailbox 5 and leave a message with your name and phone number.

View Research Poster for Study

Anxiety in Families Research (Ottawa)

The University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research is inviting youth, ages 7-18 who have parents with panic disorder, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety to participate in a study that will be the basis of an intervention program for preventing anxiety disorders in youth at risk.

For more information call 613-798-2995, mailbox #4.

View Research Poster for Study

Anxiety Research Study for Youth (Ottawa)

The University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research is inviting youth, ages 12-18, who are suffering from an anxiety disorder to participate in leading-edge research. The study provides each eligible participant with specialized assessment and 4 months of individual weekly sessions of psychological treatment.

For more information call Sarah at 613-722-6521 ext. 6118 or email anxiety@rohcg.on.ca.

View Research Poster for Study