MASTERCLASSES

Through our masterclasses, The Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute provides families and educators helpful tools, tips, and strategies to reduce the stigma of mental health and to promote mental wellness.

Our webinar program includes free masterclasses featured below. To sign-up for our upcoming masterclass events, click here

Upcoming event

Dr. Todd Cunningham is a clinical and school psychologist, Assistant Professor (teaching stream) at the University of Toronto and provides psychological services through his private practice. 

A sought-after public speaker and consultant, Dr. Cunningham has shared his expertise with parents, students, educators, school boards, and other professionals across Canada.

In addition to hundreds of workshops, Dr. Cunningham has guest lectured at universities, given keynote addresses, presented at educational and research conferences, and appeared on CBC several times. 

Join us as we dive into strategies to recognize, support, and foster resilience in students facing mental health challenges. By understanding the underlying systems of behaviour and stress, we can create environments that promote both emotional and academic growth.

Watch our Past Events Below

Mastering the Game: Navigating Gaming Trends and Healthy Play with Karen Hladly and Tracy Tsui

In this masterclass, Karen Hlady, a member of the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board, and Tracy Tsui, a registered clinical counsellor, explore the world of gaming, including the latest trends and online platforms. They will also discuss the reasons why people play games, the neurobiology behind gaming, and the benefits and risks of gaming. Additionally, they will provide resources and strategies for healthy play.

In this masterclass, Dr. Patricia Papernow will teach strategies for creating a successful stepfamily. Stepfamilies have the potential to be happy and thriving, just like any other type of family. Nevertheless, creating a strong stepfamily requires a different approach than forming a first-time family. Fortunately, evidence-based tools and strategies have been developed over the last four decades through extensive research and clinical experience. With these resources, you can effectively handle discipline, assist children in transitioning smoothly, establish a strong couple relationship, form a stepparent role, create a new family culture, and manage relationships with ex-spouses. By adopting research-based practical tips and effective strategies, you can collectively build a successful and fulfilling stepfamily.

Play Video about Parenting Resilient Children with Dr Brad Reedy

Dr. Reedy presents a formula for increasing resiliency in our children. Using attachment theory, we learn how a parent’s self-awareness and psychological work increase their ability to provide children with a secure base and Self-image. This base is the foundation for the development of a healthy Self. Dr. Reedy says parents must change the goal from raising “good” and “successful” children to raising healthy Selves. Dr. Reedy outlines how parents’ exploration of their own childhood and traumas can impact future generations. Topics include parental anxiety, definitions of Self for parents and children, and how common myths in parenting need to be reconsidered.

Play Video about The Power of Showing Up with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Dr. Bryson demonstrates that when a caregiver cares for a child predictably (not perfectly), that child will enjoy the best outcomes, even in the face of significant adversity. To help our kids succeed and feel at home in the world, our children need to feel what Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegal call “the Four S’s”.

Play Video about Transforming the ‘Living Legacy’ of Trauma with Dr. Janina Fisher

Participants will learn how to assess and make sense of trauma-based symptoms, such as dysregulated autonomic arousal, overwhelming emotions, and sensations, intrusive images, numbing, and disconnection. They will discover how to use psychoeducation to help clients manage these overwhelming symptoms and change their relationship to the traumatic events. In addition, participants are taught how to integrate neurobiologically–informed treatment techniques into psychotherapy which help resolve the traumatic past and finally put it to rest.

Play Video about Mindfulness, MWe & Our Interconnected Reality with Dr. Dan Siegel

Dr. Dan Siegel focuses on mindfulness, MWe, and our interconnected reality. Who you are is both an internal (Me) and an interconnected (We) self that shapes your identity and sense of belonging. But how can you be both within the body and between the body and in relationship to people and the planet? In this masterclass, Dr. Dan Siegal will explores how you can combine an inner “Me” and an inter “We” to become a whole integrated self – a MWe!

Dr. Brad Reedy discusses healthy ways to raise our youth.

Dr. Reedy is the Co-founder and Clinical Director for Evoke Therapy Programs. He is the author of The Audacity To Be You and The Journey of the Heroic Parent.

Julie provides clarity on the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. This discussion dispels some of  the myths that surround this crime and provides parents, caregivers and those supporting young people a fact-based understanding of the issue, while exploring strategies to identify risk, plan for interventions and seek community and family-based solutions.

Author and educator Tom Hierck, shares how to confidently and meaningfully support young people who have been impacted by trauma.

Play Video about Rewriting the Parent-Child Script with Krissy Pozatek

In this talk, Krissy Pozatek WSW, will be discussing these enmeshed patterns in the parent-child relationship and how parents can re-write the parent-child script. When a teen is struggling, the parent-child relationship is frequently also stuck in negative patterns and dynamics. A teen may act out through power-struggles, negotiations, manipulation, drama and games in the home, defiance or simply shutting down. Underlying these patterns is typically enmeshment in the parent-child relationship.