In Person: Trauma Informed Communication

January 29, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Vancouver, BC

In Person Training Description:

This interactive workshop strengthens staff capacity to use trauma-informed communication as a foundation for de-escalation, boundary setting, and safety. Participants will explore how trauma shapes tone, body language, trust, and emotional responses, and learn communication techniques that promote calm, clarity, and connection. Through guided practice, they will develop skills in attunement, active listening, validation, co-regulation, and clear, compassionate limit-setting. Realistic scenarios help participants apply these tools in moments of tension or conflict. The workshop also focuses on staff resilience by providing strategies for self-regulation and maintaining healthy interpersonal boundaries through effective communication. By the end, staff will feel more confident navigating challenging conversations, preventing escalation, and building stronger rapport with shelter guests—supporting a consistent, trauma-informed communication culture across the team.

This course is an advanced level offering and will build on foundational knowledge around Trauma Informed Practice and Effective Communication.

We strongly recommend that you come into the course with a fundamental understanding of what Trauma Informed Practice is.

You can access the following trainings to help you in your pre-learning:

LearnHSABC:

Webinar Recordings:

Instructor: Cyril Morris (wəqwaqʷələq)

Instructor Bio:

Born into the x̌əx̌ə teŋəxʷ (sacred lands) of the Leǩʷəŋən Territory—home to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in what is now known as Victoria, B.C.—I was raised in the snepənəq (teachings) of my grandmothers, my mother, and the stories of our people. My name, wəqʷaqʷələq, carries eyʔ steɫŋəxʷ (good medicine) and reminds me daily of my responsibility to walk in balance and service to community.

My journey has included frontline work in policing and social work, restorative justice, outreach in homeless encampments, and guiding visitors through our homelands. As a Reconciliatory Guide with Songhees Tours, I share canoe and cultural walking tours that centre Leǩʷəŋən history, truth-telling, and respectful relationship-building.

Through outreach and community work, I’ve learned that healing often lives in quiet presence, deep listening, and dignity. Grounded in land, family, and lifelong learning, my vision is to create pathways for Indigenous youth and support our people to walk with purpose, cultural pride, and confidence.

Location Information:

#150 – 900 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC

Entrance to 900 Howe Street: The front door is located on Smithe Street between the alleyway and Waves Coffee. There are four steps up to the front door with railing support. For ramp access, enter at the corner of Smithe and Howe and head left (East) toward the front door. The door can be automatically opened using the button on the left of the doorway.

Washrooms: Both washrooms are gender neutral. One has two stalls; the other is an accessible single bathroom with automatic entry and exit.

Parking:

900 HOWE STREET - Lot #9008
This underground parkade is located on Howe Street, off the alley, between Smithe and Nelson Street; across from the Provincial Court.
Entrance/Exit:
off alley between Smithe and Nelson

980 HOWE ST - Lot #9167
This new underground parkade featuring 217 stalls under brand new office tower at 980 Howe Street is clean, bright, security patrolled, with large - regular and small car stalls - motorbike parking - EV stations plus handicap parking.
Entrance/Exit:
off the alley at the rear of the building

Additional Information:

Please confirm any allergies, accessibility, and/or additional support needs during the registration process. If you need any assistance or additional support, please email info@hsa-bc.ca.

Please read the HSABC Community Agreement prior to registering.

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