Dr Heather Fulton talks about how to help people experiencing paranoia, psychosis or other mental health issues that make it difficult for them to trust service providers - as well as providing a psychological background for conspiracy and paranoia in the context of COVID-19 - why it's happening now and what can we do to ensure that our clients are getting the help they need and communicate in way that is effective and compassionate when it comes to following social distancing and other health precautions. We know the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting mental health across society. One observed impact reported by HSABC webinar attendees (as well as noted in various media reports) has been the notable rise of conspiracy theories and paranoia- and that these beliefs are negatively impacting care. This webinar will review these topics as well as offer practical suggestions for how to manage these complex and difficult situations.

Agenda:
Defining and understanding paranoia and conspiracy theories
What are they? Why do they occur? How might they make sense?
How can paranoia and beliefs in certain conspiracies impact care during COVID-19?
What can we do to help people when paranoia and conspiracy-related beliefs are negatively impacting the clients we serve?

Instructor: Dr Heather Fulton

Dr. Heather Fulton is a Registered Psychologist currently working as a supervisor of Psychiatry Resident Psychotherapy Training at Royal Columbian Hospital.  She previously worked at the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction as well as maintains a private practice.  She has been studying, researching and working in the area of concurrent disorders, particularly with vulnerably housed individuals, for over 15 years.  She is also a past volunteer of the Calgary Drop-in and Rehab Centre- a large facility in downtown Calgary that offers various levels of housing support, meals, essential health services as well as employment training.

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