Presenter: Christine C. Forner, BSW, MSW, SP
Presenter Bio: Christine has over thirty years’ experience working with individuals with Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Dissociation, Developmental Trauma, and Dissociative Disorders. She has specialized training in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Psychotherapeutic Meditation techniques, and Neurofeedback. She began her career on a crisis line for teens and subsequently on the front lines working at local sexual assault centers, long-term therapeutic settings, and shelters for domestic violence survivors. Since 2011, Christine has worked in private practice, specializing in complex trauma and dissociative disorders. Christine teaches locally and at an international level on dissociation, complex trauma, and the intersection of dissociation and mindfulness. She was the President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, served on the board of the ISSTD since 2010, and was the ISSTD treasurer from 2011-2017.

Christine is the author of Dissociation, Mindfulness, and Creative Meditations: Trauma-informed practices to facilitate growth (Routledge, 2017). As well as avidly working with those who have been hurt the most, Christine has dedicated her professional life to educating others on the logic, normality, and commonality of dissociation. The summation of her work is to educate practitioners about the vital importance of their presence, patience, and care with those who have been through the most severe and brutal injuries so that they receive treatment with dignity and compassion. The four qualities of presence, patience, dignity, and compassion applied to every aspect of the therapeutic process can result in profound inner healing; something every human deserves to experience.

Presenter: Lisa M. Damgaard, MEd. (CP), CCC, CSAT, CMAT, SP, CST*
Presenter Bio: Marie Damgaard is Certified Canadian Counsellor who has worked in the area of sexuality and trauma for over fifteen years. Her research work began during her undergraduate degree, in the areas of aging and sexuality, and sexual experiences for men and women with parphillic and ‘non-normative’ sexual patterns. She works with the continuum of sexuality, from the shadow side (including compulsive sexual behaviour and the effect on their partners), to sex therapy and the rainbow end of the spectrum, with more nuanced behaviours through mutual negotiation and consent. Along with working alongside these populations, she has taught as a sessional instructor for the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and Red Crow College in the areas of Mental Health, Addictions Counselling and Psychology.