John Koop Harder, MSW, RSW
John has been working as a therapist and trainer for over 20 years. He is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree. John is a contributing author of our Counselling Insights and Counselling in Relationships books. Much of John’s career has centred on working with children, youth, adults, and families dealing with crisis and trauma. While he has a diverse practice, he has particular interest and specialized experience in working with individuals and families impacted by mental health concerns, violence, post-war trauma recovery, gender/sexuality issues, and sexual abuse recovery. John’s work is also informed by his international experiences working with individuals and communities impacted by civil war and ethnic conflicts in Colombia, Albania, and Northern Ireland. John believes people are their own best experts and already have many of the skills, abilities, and competencies that will assist them to address the challenges influencing their lives. John is a warm and engaging facilitator who values interactive learning experiences.
Read blogs written by John here.
August 2021
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Human beings are built to connect. Our health and resilience are strengthened by interactions with others, which is why it’s natural for us to have a preference for in-person, face-to-face support during times of struggle. However, the realities of COVID-19 and social distancing have forced helpers to adapt how we connect and offer support.
Learn more...
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Many people who experience mental health concerns also live with an addiction. While working with multiple issues at the same time is complicated, recovery from both of these issues is possible with an integrated, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach.
Learn more...
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Harm reduction is an approach to help people explore their relationship with substances and behaviours. It works to reduce and mitigate damage and pain, and offers strategies to increase and promote safety, choice, and control.
Learn more...
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Depression is one of the most commonly experienced mental health concerns. The symptoms can become overwhelming, self-perpetuating, and lead to feelings of helplessness. Helpers may feel unsure of where to begin when supporting those who frequently feel depleted, helpless, and ashamed of their struggles.
September 2021
This is a live webinar using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Many people who experience mental health concerns also live with an addiction. This webinar provides a framework for assisting people to move forward with healthy ways of coping. Participants will explore the experience of living with an addiction and mental health concerns, be provided with an understanding of contributing and protective factors, and learn how to integrate strategies in a way that respects the person and supports their health.
Learn more...
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Every person will experience grief and loss – a profound sense of final separation from something or someone important. Grief is a normal and appropriate reaction to the death of a loved one, the experience of separation/divorce, intergenerational loss, or the loss of opportunity.
October 2021
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
We are all influenced by stories. In some of these stories, we are active players; other stories are thrust upon us. When problems occur (as they inevitably do), “problem stories” have a tendency to overshadow other stories.
Learn more...
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Critical incidents are situations that occur outside of our normal frame of reference and challenge us to understand and cope with what has happened. Critical Incident Group Debriefing (CIGD) is a short-term group intervention process that focuses on an immediate event.
This is a live webinar using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
The very nature of loss creates a sense of disconnection. As a result, connections and supports are key aspects in walking through grief. This webinar is designed to give helpers an increased awareness of the dynamics of grief, and to provide tools and strategies to best support someone who is grieving.
Learn more...November 2021
This is a live virtual event using Zoom, an online meeting platform. Please check system requirements prior to registering.
Many people who experience mental health concerns also live with an addiction. While working with multiple issues at the same time is complicated, recovery from both of these issues is possible with an integrated, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach.
Learn more...