Illuminate Professional Development features presentations on decolonization, accessibility, volunteerism, youth engagement, and other topics influencing our sector.

Skillfully Responding to Distress with Jennifer Aberman, BC Crisis Centre
This half-day session explores how to skillfully respond and de-escalate emotional distress. It is relevant for front-line performing arts staff and volunteers who interface with patrons in person, online, or on the phone. At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the stress response, polyvagal theory and the nervous system and the way these impact how a person responds to distress
• Outline and apply a crisis intervention model
• Identify tools to facilitate the development of a short-term coping plan
• Apply strategies for boundary setting, emotional regulation, and self-care for the responder

“This was an amazing workshop that gave good tools and ways to respond.”- Vancouver Participant

Register to attend
To attend, register on Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link for the session.

About Jennifer Aberman 
Jennifer has been working with the BC Crisis Center since 2017. She facilitates a variety of workshops, including workshops on suicide intervention skills training and tools for managing stress & burnout. As an enthusiastic, lifelong learner of mindfulness she is grateful to be able to translate her learnings into the workshops as time goes on.