Ross A. Laird

The Developing Human: Integrative Approaches to Health and Wellness.

Cutting-edge research in the human and social services is leading to a fusion of best practices for health, wellness, and healing. Nurses are learning to teach Yoga to patients; educators and childhood development professionals are applying principles from neurology and biochemistry; counsellors are working with clients to develop health plans for nutrition and exercise. These multidisciplinary developments are the direct result of new research that encourages and supports the integration of many practices. From the foundational principles of early childhood development, to the health and mentorship requirements of adolescents, to the complex and challenging needs of adults, the best practices are increasingly those which embody a holistic and collaborative approach to wellness.

This presentation will explore adolescent addictions, the cultures of technology, and the many ways in which addictions impact childhood development, family life, and education. Technology has already become an essential feature of the landscape of childhood and adolescence (gaming, blogging, social networking, cell phone bullying, etc.). Over the next few years, technology use will become the central means by which adolescents manage the challenges of their development. Issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, and addiction are increasingly finding niches in the online worlds. Moreover, within a decade technology will become the central means of enacting most addictions. Substance use among adolescents will become less common than gaming habits. Educators must be able to respond to this groundswell of change with new skills and strategies. This presentation provides a summary of those skills and strategies, with emphasis on mentorship, prevention, and treatment.

This presentation will explore the emerging cultures of technology and their impact on childhood development and education. Technology has already become an essential feature of the landscape of childhood and adolescence (gaming, blogging, social networking, cell phone bullying, etc.). Over the next few years, technology use will become the central means by which adolescents manage the challenges of their development. Issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, and addiction are increasingly finding niches in the online worlds. Moreover, within a decade technology will become the central means of enacting most addictions. Substance use among adolescents will become less common than gaming habits. Educators must be able to respond to this groundswell of change with new skills and strategies. This presentation provides a summary of those skills and strategies, with emphasis on prevention and treatment.

(This event is open to employees of School District 35 only. If you would like to arrange a similar event, please contact Ross.)

Many of my students, at Kwantlen and elsewhere, are searching for careers without cubicles. These students are interested in careers in the arts, in expressive arts therapies, in culture and multiculturalism, in media and publishing, and in many other interdisciplinary areas. The difficulty for many students is that they are completing programs which are limited to specific fields and disciplines, and such specificity does not reflect their intended career paths. They want interesting and diverse careers, not jobs hidebound by traditional roles and practices. This information session, held at Kwantlen's Surrey campus on November 24th (7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Room G1205A), will offer students a glimpse of various interdisciplinary career paths and options. For students earlier in their academic development, the session will offer ideas about courses and overall direction. For those nearing completion, the session will offer perspectives about employment and career advancement.

This session is open to the public, not just to Kwantlen students. If you are interested in attending, please use the signup link below (site membership and login are required for this option). Or, simply show up. There is no fee.

Most career professionals spend more time with their colleagues than with their own families. Work relationships are profoundly important. Building trust and collaboration, dealing with conflicts, developing healthy and effective working relationships: such skills are foundational to the modern workplace. And these skills do not involve technical ability or knowledge but rather interpersonal resources that allow people to enhance their relationships with one another. The best employees, leaders, managers and supervisors are those with the finest psychological skills.

And yet, most people have limited knowledge and training in the psychological area, particularly with regard to mental health and addictions, two of the most common (and related) challenges that occur in almost every workplace. This training session will offer participants an introduction to the core skills required to identify and respond appropriately to issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, substance use, and other typical situations in which psychology plays a primary role. This will be a practical workshop, with emphasis on approaches that can be applied quickly and effectively.

Location: Whistler, BC
 http://www.bcbc.com/

Although this is a private event, the resource material for the presentation is attached (as pdf) to this post. Please feel to download, distribute, and use.

I am happy to be the inaugural speaker at Vancouver Community College's Voices from the Community series. My presentation, called "The Developing Human:: Integrative Approaches to Health and Wellness," will be on November 20 at 7pm. Here's the marketing blurb:

Cutting-edge research in the human and social services is leading to a fusion of best practices for health, wellness, and healing. Nurses are learning to teach Yoga to patients; educators and childhood development professionals are applying principles from neurology and biochemistry; counsellors are working with clients to develop health plans for nutrition and exercise. These multidisciplinary developments are the direct result of new research that encourages and supports the integration of many practices. From the foundational principles of early childhood development, to the health and mentorship requirements of adolescents, to the complex and challenging needs of adults, the best practices are increasingly those which embody a holistic and collaborative approach to wellness.

In his workshop The Developing Human: Integrative Approaches to Health and Wellness, best-selling author Ross A. Laird will present emerging ideas and strategies to assist children, adolescents and adults through the complex themes and stages that contribute to overall health and wellness. Building on innovative research in the fields of childhood development, health, fitness, psychology, neuroscience, and other fields, Dr. Laird will provide a framework for understanding and working with various challenges and milestones throughout the lifespan: addictions, trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioural concerns, educational hurdles, and more. Each of these topics will be presented in the context of emerging best practices within a multidisciplinary environment of professional practice. This workshop will be of interest to professionals in the fields of health, social services, education, childhood development, and other related fields. It will also be of interest to those working on program development within these fields and within the rapidly-changing landscape of integrative and interdisciplinary human and social services.

For further information, and to register, please visit VCC.

Or, call 604.443.8484 to register over the phone.

The cost is $35.

Workshop Name: Voices from the Community
CNSK 1152.
CRN 30483.

http://rotaryrun.org

CRN 30414 (volunteer option), CRN 30450 (dual option) and CRN 30449 (worksite option)