Next free session: The Power of the Pause

Thursday, November 12 | 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Pacific (1:00 p.m. Eastern) | Free on Zoom. Learn how stress takes over the nervous system and practise one skill to pause before you react.

Register free

Most trauma training gives you information. This gives you practice.

Each free trauma informed skills workshop is one hour, live online. Learn one idea, watch a skill demonstrated, practise it with a clinician guiding you, and leave with one action for the week. Nothing to prepare, no sharing required, cameras optional.

What to expect in each free skills workshop

  • Accessible Education

    Learn about trauma and its effects through clear, practical, and easy-to-understand education.

  • Guided Skills Practice

    Practise useful skills and strategies you can apply in everyday life, work, and relationships.

  • Interactive Learning

    Learn alongside a clinician and our Executive Director in a welcoming live online session with space for participation and questions.

Meet your facilitators

Learn alongside a clinician and our Executive Director

Every Trauma Skills Lab pairs clinical expertise with leadership in community services. Donna guides the skills practice and Bruce co-leads each session, so you leave with tools that are grounded and practical.
Register free for November 12

Donna Hutchinson, MA

Registered Clinical Counsellor and Workshop Facilitator

Donna has more than 30 years of experience in health, wellness, personal development and education. She holds a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and brings expertise in trauma informed counselling, emotional regulation, resilience and personal growth. Drawing on CBT, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness and ACT, she combines psychological insight with practical, accessible tools, and is known for a compassionate, down to earth approach.
Donna Hutchinson, Registered Clinical Counsellor and facilitator of the free trauma informed skills workshop

Bruce Kirk

Executive Director, BC Borstal Association

Bruce co-leads each Trauma Skills Lab. He has a long history in psychosocial services with training in Critical Incident Stress Management, and brings deep experience in service delivery and community engagement. Colleagues know him for his compassion and his dedication to the BC Borstal Association mission.
Bruce Kirk, Executive Director of BC Borstal Association and co-facilitator of the free trauma informed skills workshop

Upcoming Sessions

  • November 26, 2026

  • December 10, 2026

  • January 14, 2027

FAQ

  • Is this a free trauma informed training?

    Yes. The Trauma Skills Labs are free, live online workshops that teach practical trauma informed skills to individuals, groups and workplace teams.

  • Who is the trauma informed skills workshop for?

    Professionals, community groups, offices and workplace teams, including social workers, counsellors, educators, nurses, first responders, managers and front desk staff. No clinical background is needed, and sessions are open across Canada and the United States.

  • Do I have to share my story or turn on my camera?

    No. Participation, cameras and sharing are always your choice. There is nothing to prepare.

  • When are the upcoming sessions?

    Thursdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Pacific (1:00 p.m. Eastern): November 12 and 26 and December 10, 2026, then January 14 and 28, February 11 and 25, and March 11, 2027. Each session stands on its own, so come to one or all. Register separately for each session.

  • How do I register?

    Select Register free on this page, then enter your first name and email on the session page. Your joining link arrives by email right away. This workshop is educational and does not replace professional, medical or crisis support. In a crisis, call or text 988 in Canada or the United States.