Trauma-Informed SLP:
Healing Words, Empowering Voices
As speech language pathologists, we’re skilled at helping people improve their communication and swallowing, but delivering trauma-informed care can feel daunting at times. Practicing self-care while creating a safer space can feel overwhelming. We worry about recognizing signs of trauma, triggering clients, recognizing and balancing clinical goals with emotional needs. You are not alone and together we can build skills to support ourselves and our clients!​
This workshop will equip you with the skills to begin integrating trauma-informed care into your practice with more confidence, enhancing your wellness, your effectiveness and your clients' outcomes.
What You'll Gain
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Resources to foster resilience and avoid burnout…put on your own oxygen mask first!
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Confidence in applying the 7 pillars of trauma-informed care to your practice
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Understanding of potential sources of trauma
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Skills to recognize trauma signs and avoid re-traumatization
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Tools to create a safer, more compassionate environment
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Recovery skills to repair therapeutic ruptures
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Confidence in setting boundaries while staying within scope of practice
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Strategies to balance clinical goals with clients' emotional needs
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Improved interdisciplinary collaboration and documentation practices
Who Should Attend
Whether you're just starting out or have been in the field for years, this workshop is for you. We’ll dive into the principles of trauma-informed care, offering you practical tools to better support you and your clients, no matter the clinical setting.
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Join us to learn, connect, and grow—enhancing your skills while gaining insights from fellow SLPs. Together, we’ll foster a supportive community and build stronger practices, one step at a time.
Meet Your Guide:
Gwen Merrick
Gwen Merrick, Reg. CASLPO, RP, brings a unique blend of expertise as both a speech language pathologist and registered psychotherapist. Her career began in speech language pathology, focusing on brain injury rehabilitation, acute care, and voice and swallowing disorders. Fascinated by the intricate relationship between voice and emotions, Gwen trained as a psychotherapist.
Gwen has a thriving private practice in Toronto offering both psychotherapy and voice therapy services. Her approach is deeply client-centered, creating safer, supportive spaces for healing, self-expression, and exploration of human experiences.
With her unique blend of voice therapy expertise and psychotherapy, Gwen is proud to be a leader in trauma informed speech language pathology. She has a gift for meeting clients where they are, fostering an environment of trust and growth. Her engaging teaching style makes complex concepts accessible, empowering fellow SLPs to transform their practice and profoundly impact their clients' lives.
Join Gwen as she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, equipping you to enhance trauma-informed care in your practice.
What We'll Cover
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Understanding trauma: sources, signs and impact.
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Client perspectives: Understanding and addressing client fears and concerns
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Creating safety: How to build a trauma-sensitive environment and team
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Effective communication: Building trust and avoiding triggers
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Balancing act: Addressing clinical goals while honoring emotional needs
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Empowerment in action: Collaborative techniques that respect client autonomy
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Interdisciplinary approach: Coordinating care for comprehensive support
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Trauma-informed documentation: Respectful, accurate, and client-centered
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Self-care and resilience: Preventing burnout and maintaining empathy
Ready to Transform Your Practice and Your Clients' Lives?
​Every client deserves to feel safe, heard, and empowered. This workshop will help you overcome any hesitations you have about delivering trauma informed care and deepen your tool kit so you can provide truly transformative care. Join us and become the confident, skilled trauma-informed SLP you are meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the workshop?
The workshop consists of three key components: presentation of core concepts, reflective practice on your own clinical sessions, and group discussions. This format ensures a balance of learning, self-reflection, and peer interaction.
Are there any prerequisites for attending the workshop?
No specific prerequisites are required. We welcome both new and seasoned clinicians. The diversity in life and clinical experiences creates a rich learning environment where everyone can contribute and learn from each other
What types of resources will be provided during the workshop?
Participants will receive a comprehensive trauma-informed toolkit, serving as a blueprint for implementing practices in your own clinical setting. Additionally, you'll have access to a recording of the workshop for 30 days post-event, allowing for review and reinforcement of key concepts.
Will there be opportunities for networking or collaboration with other attendees?
Absolutely! During the workshop, you'll engage in group discussions and collaborative exercises. After the workshop, networking and collaboration will continue through a dedicated LinkedIn group, fostering ongoing support and idea-sharing among participants.
How will the workshop address the specific challenges faced by different types of SLPs?
Trauma-informed care principles are universally applicable across various settings and specialties within speech-language pathology. Whether you work with children, adults, or specific disorders, understanding trauma's impact can enhance your therapeutic approach and improve client engagement and progress
What are the expected outcomes or benefits of attending the workshop?
By the end of the workshop, you'll have:
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A deep understanding of trauma-informed care principles
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Practical strategies to implement in your daily practice
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Enhanced skills for creating safe, empowering environments for clients
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Tools for better collaboration with colleagues and other healthcare professionals
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Increased confidence in addressing trauma-related issues in speech therapy
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A network of peers committed to trauma-informed care
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These benefits will directly enhance your clients' therapy outcomes by creating a more supportive, understanding, and effective therapeutic environment. This approach can lead to improved client engagement, trust, and overall progress in their communication and swallowing goals.
Continuing education credits
Response: While we don't offer CEUs for this workshop, all participants can use their registration as evidence of participation to acknowledge your dedication to professional development and your commitment to enhancing your practice through trauma-informed care principles.
Follow-up support
Your learning journey doesn't end with the workshop. In addition to the 30-day access to the workshop recording, we're excited to offer the possibility of ongoing support. If there's sufficient interest, we'll provide monthly group sessions with Gwen, offering a unique opportunity for continued learning, case discussions, and problem-solving. This extended support ensures you have the resources and guidance to effectively implement and refine your trauma-informed approach over time.
Your Wellness Matters
Self Care
We understand the potential emotional impact of engaging with trauma-related content. Your well-being is a priority, and self-care is woven throughout the workshop. Participants are welcome to engage as much or as little as they feel comfortable. We've designed the workshop to be a supportive environment. Remember, taking care of yourself is an essential part of providing effective care to others.
Online means more comfort
Holding this session means you can join from the comfort of your home and take a break from the camera whenever you need to. Perhaps indulge in your favourite self-care tea as you learn with supportive colleagues.
Handling sensitive topics
We approach sensitive topics with the utmost care and respect. The workshop is designed to create a safe, supportive space for all participants. We provide guidelines for respectful discussions and emphasize the importance of creating a trauma-sensitive environment for both clients and clinicians.