Education

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 3 Keep learning. Online from Anywhere. Working professionals know that the key to success in today's rapidly-changing workplace is continuous learning. We've responded by developing programs and courses designed to help you keep learning – with the highest quality instruction and flexible delivery methods. Online Programs: Business Analysis NEW Become a business analyst or apply business analysis in your profession with this new online program. Change Management Enroll in the only Change Management credential offered by an academic/ post-secondary institution in Manitoba. Quality Management Learn how to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Graduates are eligible for ASQ certification. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Earn a credential that meets local, national and international needs for teacher development. Program Development for Adult Learners Meet the growing need for adult educators and trainers, and learn how to design and develop effective adult learning programs. E-Learning Letter of Accomplishment Learn to design or deliver online training. Choice of teaching or design stream. Certificate in Management and Administration (CIMA) Take the next step in your management career with an academic credential and a nationally recognized professional designation to add to your resume. Human Resource Management Become a leader in HR with innovative courses that correspond with the HR competency framework – providing eligibility for the CPHR designation. Register now at umextended.ca/online, or call 204 474 8800 today. Follow us on With increasing reports of the dangerous and erratic behaviour of people using methamphetamine, Winnipeggers are reminded of the devastating effects of addiction and mental health issues. That's where Applied Counselling comes in. It's just one of the many programs and courses provided by Extended Education at the University of Manitoba, responding to a real community need. "Addictions and mental health issues are very common," says Kathleen Keating-Toews, research education specialist, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). "There's always been a need there. As an agency, we have to know the latest trends and developments in terms of treatments. We have always seen people for alcohol use. Recently, we've seen an increase in meth use and an increase in intravenous (IV) drug use. We've added mandatory staff training in trauma- informed care. We work with clients with the expectation they have experienced trauma. Trauma, addiction, and mental health issues are often co-occuring." APPLIED LEARNING All Applied Counselling program students take three mandatory courses from AFM: Fundamentals of Addiction, Pharmacology, and Recovery-Oriented Practice. Students include working professionals who may already work in the field, but want to learn more. A number of AFM staff have taken Applied Counselling to complement their degrees with applied learning. "It's incredibly important right now to meet the needs of our community. We have to better equip people who work in this field and provide specialized knowledge in addiction issues. Applied Counselling courses provide a well-balanced education in this area," says Keating-Toews. She notes the stigma around addiction issues and how counselling is moving past the old and typical way of dealing with them, by moralizing. "All professional development makes you a better helper in the end. In our courses, students have excellent motivation and knowledge, and they make excellent connections with each other. We are always excited to get the next crop of students." RESPONSIVE CONTENT Extended Education and the AFM continue to adjust course content to respond to current situations and demands, Keating-Toews says. "We always get good feedback from people. Counselling definitely attracts people who feel a calling to do this work. They are special, empathetic people." Applied Counselling program graduates are making a difference in our communities. For Bonnie Murray, counselling is more about offering support than providing advice. "You're more of a listening ear and sometimes people need to know they are the experts on their own life and things they need to work through," she says. Murray says the program helped her build skills and her comfort level in helping others. "It was very informative, very rewarding both personally and professionally, as far as skills I feel I can apply in my daily life and work. I have been using the skills already, being more helpful and supportive of those I work with," she says. She recommends the program. "Yes. It's well worth it." As a peer support worker for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, Matt MacRae says the key to counselling is not to look down on people but rather to treat them as equals, and to remain positive. "It's about coming down to a level playing field. You're treating them like a human being, not just a number," says MacRae. FINDING A WAY MacRae has lived with Schizophrenia and was in a severe motor vehicle accident, suffering a head injury and paralysis on his left side. Doctors had told him he may never walk again, but he did. "I was told I would never be able to graduate, never be able to have a family or anything like that, and I proved them all wrong," he says. "There's something to be said for the human spirit and believing in yourself, you know, even when everybody else is telling you 'no,' you'll find a way because you are strong." MacRae especially appreciated when one of his instructors asked his opinion and advice. "It's a great community of teachers and students and I've met some friends here, friendships I will cherish my entire life. I learned so much in this program. I use the information that I learned every day," he says. McRae recommends others keep learning. "If I had one choice in my life and I had unlimited money I would just spend my entire life as a student, just learning. Do it. It's one of the greatest things you'll do in your life." Learn more about all of Extended Education's programs and courses to help you keep learning at UMExtended.ca. ❚ U OF M EXTENDED EDUCATION APPLIED COUNSELLING FOR ADDICTION, MENTAL HEALTH Extended Education programs respond to community needs Matt MacRae (left) and Bonnie Murray (right) have both benefitted professionally from the Applied Counselling program offered by Extended Education at the University of Manitoba. Extended Education at the University of Manitoba photos

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