Part two. This podcast topic is for anyone who is interested in acquiring knowledge or a deeper understanding regarding trauma, mental health addiction, and the possible different therapeutic methods/options that could be used to move forward in wellness, healing, and stability. We speak to how unresolved trauma continues to affect the lives of anyone effected by trauma, but our focus will be on those living homeless or vulnerably housed, with mental health issues and addictions. We bring forward timely an important information regarding the collective trauma the world is experiencing with COVID-19 and world events. Which has had significant impacts for those who struggle with economic burdens, trauma, pain, and adversity. Especially those who are affected by their economic status, extreme poverty, the challenge of living homeless or vulnerably housed and the endless barriers they endure trying to gain access to services such as mental health care and support with addiction. We will discuss the importance of hope, empowerment, strength-based approaches and highlight the various ways people demonstrate resiliency. Our guests on this podcast episode are, Montana Hancock’s -MSW, RSW, BSW and Lisa Shaw. Montana’s career and her academic work started with her interest in working with people with disabilities. For most of her life she has been involved in social justice issues and advocacy work involving marginalized and diverse populations. She is guided by her strong desire to ensure that those who need help should always have access to it. Her identity has been shaped and transformed by so many incredible people that she has met throughout her life and by the radical love and acceptance she has been honored to both receive and to give to those who have trusted her with their darkest moments, most challenging struggles, greatest achievements, and times of joy. She is a graduate of the University of Calgary Social Work program with a Degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapy as well as a Diploma in Disability Studies from Mount Royal University. She has spent many years working in various areas of mental health, primarily with persons with dual diagnoses and complex mental health needs. She has worked alongside people from all walks of life through their healing processes. She currently lives on Vancouver Island BC with a private practice in the Comox Valley and she also work with a non-profit society in Campbell River counselling survivors of trauma and abuse.
Lisa Shaw's career began working with adults with dual diagnosis in the community she has worked in many capacities over the years including running a video dating service for adults with disability, housing tri- morbid individuals experiencing homelessness and coordinating harm reduction housing initiatives for indigenous women experiencing homelessness, She graduated in 2016 from Bow Valley College with a certificate in Community and Disability Studies and is currently attending Yorkville University obtaining her BBA with a major in Project Management. She is also a trained Mental Health First Aid Instructor with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is a person with lived experience in homelessness, addictions and trauma, Lisa believes inherently in having power over your own life journey and healing
-Links:
https//www.camh.ca - Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics CAMH:
·Suggested reading:
The Body keeps The Score- Bessel van der kolk
· Waking the Tiger Healing Trauma- Peter A Levine
· The Journey from Abandonment to Healing-
· It Didn’t Start With You-Mark Wolynn
· Recovery of your Inner Child-Lucia Capacchione
· The Brian That Changes Itself-Norman Doigde
· The Little Book Of Trauma and Healing-Carolyn Yoder
