Courses at The Forum
Our current courses are listed in alphabetical order below. The Forum strives to meet the needs of our nonprofit community, so feel free to reach out with suggestions and check back frequently for additions!
Compassion Satisfaction: Preventing Burnout
Our sincere desire to help can be derailed by stress and other factors that lead to burnout. Understanding compassion fatigue and burn out is the first step to creating more satisfaction. Compassion fatigue is an issue for practitioners at all levels. Participants will learn to understand their own risk factors and then create practical strategies to promote well-being and professional satisfaction.
Co-Occurring Disorders: Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Diagnoses
Dr. Kareem Puranda Pllc, LCMHCS, CSI, TF-CBT will inform the audience how to assess and work with patients who present with co-occurring disorders(COD). The training will feature ideal interventions and alternative perspective on how to work with individuals impacted by both mental health and substance use disorders. Explore the common mental health disorders that accompany substance use/abuse disorder. (3.0 CEUs)
CPR / First Aid
This approved course will allow each participant to feel confident to respond with CPR in emergency situations. Basic First Aid practices will also be reviewed to equip staff at all levels to respond to a health emergency. Those who successfully complete the course will be eligible to apply for certification.
Critical Conversations: The Secret to Success!
Let's explore how to have those difficult conversations with co-workers, staff, and others in a way that results in effective communication and understanding. Led by Stephanie Hale, MSOD, Leadership and Development Coach and Trainer, this class provides the essential tools for approaching conversations with confidence and competence so that we all benefit.
De-escalation Techniques for Creating Safety
Conflict and high emotions can be de-escalated in a way that prevents harm and enhances relationships. In this course you will learn to create calm and intervene with confidence as you encounter escalating situations. Practice proven strategies to maintain safety in any environment. Enhance your skill through practice of verbal and non-verbal approaches to difficult situations. (3.0 CEUs)
First Friday Hot Topics
Group Facilitation: Hook, Reel, Why?
The purpose of this participatory training is to explore the process of group facilitation and the important role it plays in the continuum of care and the journey of wellness. The training will inform the audience how to assess, develop, and facilitate groups for residents/clients/patients who are working toward social, environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and financial wellness. The training will feature model interventions and alternative perspectives on how to facilitate groups. (3.0 CEUs)
Mental Health Basics
Mental Health issues affect the behavior and interactions we have with clients. What are the basic diagnoses and how do these show up in the individuals we are seeking to help? How do we recognize and respond to those struggling with mental illness? Together we will identify practical tools for successful interaction and positive outcomes.
Mental Health First Aid
Have you ever wondered how to recognize mental illness or how you can support someone experiencing a mental health crisis? Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, eight-hour course designed to reduce stigma and empower everyday people to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. This class is designed for community members and nonprofit staff and volunteers who may not have a clinical degree but want to know more about the mental health issues that affect the people we serve.
Motivational Interviewing: The Basics
Positive outcomes and helpful conversations result when the philosophy and skills of Motivational Interviewing are practiced. In this course you will review, learn, and engage with the MI skills that lead to high impact conversations. Practice applying these skills to enhance your work with all the people you encounter. (3.0 CEUs)
Motivational Interviewing: Advanced
Working from a recovery model, enhance your skills and create more impactful interventions. Understand and practice complex skills and tools that lead to positive outcomes for clients. This is an intensive and engaging experience in using and applying MI and is taught by a certified Mint practitioner. This class is designed for people who already have Basic MI training. (6.0 CEUs)
Practicing Cultural Humility with Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
Led by UNCC professor Kevin Knight-Edwards, MSW, LCSW, this training will lead to operationalizing cultural humility, creating safety for LGBTQ+ clients, and deeper connection and understanding of the narratives of this population. When cultural humility is learned and applied – outcomes improve! (3.0 CEUs)
Racial Bias and Equity
Racial Bias enters every part of the service delivery system in Charlotte and continues to influence policies and organizations in our community. When practitioners develop an awareness of this history and have a deeper understanding of the impact on those that they serve, more effective service can be offered. Strategies for being a voice for equity will uplift us all.
Substance Use Disorder Basics and Referral Resources
Why do some people end up with the disease of addiction? What does addiction look like and how do we respond? What community resources are available to assist and how do we refer? Explore the range of substances and their effect. Understand available help so that you can better respond to the needs of this population.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma impacts how we relate and how others relate to us. How does trauma show up? What are the hallmarks of Trauma Informed Care? Together we will understand the early research and later findings about trauma that will positively influence your relationships and enhance your work. (3.0 CEUs)