The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management Conference 2026
2026-11-26 - 2026-11-27
Get Ready for APSIM 2026!
The APSIM Conference is returning to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador on November 26 and 27, 2026! This two-day in-person event will take place at the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre, bringing together access, privacy, security, and information management professionals for an unparalleled cross-disciplinary experience.
Mark your calendars and save the dates! Registration opens in September 2026, so keep an eye on our website and secure your spot early. You will not want to miss it!
For the latest updates and information about APSIM, please visit the Conference’s official websiteOpens in new window.
What is APSIM?
The Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management (APSIM) Conference is a conference that brings together members of the Newfoundland and Labrador access, privacy, information security, and information management communities to undertake professional development, promote collaboration, and build awareness of the overlap and interplay between these various disciplines. The goal is to facilitate the ability to assist each other in managing, protecting, and securing information.
Who should attend APSIM?
APSIM is intended for individuals working within the public sector, health care community, and others with a professional interest in access, privacy, security, and information management issues. This conference aims to help attendees improve their knowledge on the subject matter, network, and learn about the interconnectivity of the disciplines.
Invitation for Submissions
The Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management (APSIM) Conference Committee is inviting submissions for speaker proposals for the 2026 APSIM Conference, taking place November 26–27, 2026, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management (APSIM) Conference is a two-day, in-person professional development event that brings together professionals from across the access, privacy, security, and information management communities. The conference provides a unique, cross-disciplinary forum to explore emerging issues, share expertise, and build awareness of the overlap and interplay between these fields.
Interested speakers are invited to submit a Speaker Proposal Form for consideration by the APSIM Conference Committee. Submitted proposals will be reviewed, and selected speakers will be invited to present at the conference.
Registration for the conference will open in September 2026.
For more information on the APSIM Conference, please click here.

De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations
2026-12-01 | Online
This workshop is provided in partnership with our partner organization, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI). Workshop details may be sent to you via email from CTRI.

If you work with people, it’s crucial to know how to defuse dangerous situations before they become violent. This workshop will equip you with a trauma-informed approach to de-escalate situations with confidence, interpersonal communication skills, and empathy.
You will explore the dynamics of how our brains manage escalating emotions, identify enablers of violence, and learn regulation skills so you can confidently navigate tense situations. By the end of this training, you will have a clear understanding of how to assess the potential for violence and respond with a diverse set of interpersonal tools and strategies.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Explore the importance of using a trauma-informed approach in the de-escalation process
Identify common trauma responses and your role in escalation
Understand the importance of emotion regulation in successful de-escalation
Implement a practical de-escalation framework
Review and practice de-escalation strategies

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, and small group discussions.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

A Trauma-Informed Approach
Putting Trauma Responses in Context
Emotion Regulation and the Triune Brain
The Impacts of Emotionally Heightened Situations
Co-Regulation
Overview of Violence
Behaviours of Concern and Enablers of Violence
Rating Your Workplace Risk Levels
The De-escalation Process: Awareness, Connection, Problem-Solving, Closing
Promoting Strategies for Whole-Brain Integration
When and How to Disengage
Practice Scenarios
Special Considerations for Unique Situations

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop for anyone who wants to learn trauma-informed interpersonal strategies to de-escalate emotionally heightened situations and prevent violence.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Facilitator: Sheri Coburn
Sheri is a Registered Social Worker in the province of New Brunswick who holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Her broad range of experience includes working in front line and leadership roles in both government and social service organizations. Sheri values workplaces and organizations that are able to identify, build on, and capitalize on their most valuable resource: the people who work there. She believes people should love their job and that the health and wellness of a workplace and their employees is the best determinant for both individual and organizational success. In addition to her work with ACHIEVE, Sheri is also a counsellor in a private practice setting where she provides counselling in the areas of mental health, addiction, and trauma. As a facilitator Sheri uses humour and passion to create an impactful experience for those in attendance. Read blogs written by Sheri here.

Conflict Resolution Skills
2026-12-08 | Online
Location: Online Virtual

and poorly managed conflict can have a negative impact on individuals and groups. People who master essential conflict resolution skills reduce the occurrence of negative conflict, leading to healthier, happier relationships and work environments. Many conflicts would not spiral out of control if people used conflict resolution techniques that are easy to learn and utilize. This workshop explores the various dynamics of conflict, including its sources and how it often escalates in predictable patterns. Participants will learn skills for responding confidently and effectively to conflict.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Understand common roots of conflict and how it escalates so that they can address it at the appropriate level and time
Use practice models for addressing conflict rooted in misunderstandings, disagreements, and different personal styles
Effectively utilize the four-part framework for conducting positive conflict resolution conversations

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.

Some of the Topics Included

How Conflict Escalates
Dealing with Misunderstandings
The Intention Check Tool
Strategies for Dealing with Disagreements
The Interest Check: Moving from Positions to Interest
Conflict Resolution Style Preferences
The Style Check Tool
Key Skills for Conflict Resolution
Trigger Phrases to Avoid
Strategies for Staying Calm in Conflict
The Four-Part Conflict Resolution Process

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Facilitator: Alana Abramson
Alana is an experienced leader and has extensive mediation and group facilitation experience in justice, community and school settings. She holds a PhD in Criminology on the topic of transformational learning. As a former Executive Director for a non-profit organization, Alana’s experience in mentoring and leadership has provided her with a unique skill set that combines academic understanding with practical knowledge. In addition to training with ACHIEVE, she is a full-time faculty member in criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she continues to inspire and be inspired by students and diverse colleagues. Alana believes in collaborative dialogue and life-long learning as a source of personal and social transformation. She is an engaging presenter who is passionate about her work, which allows her to easily facilitate ongoing learning for workshop participants.

Critical Incident Group Debriefing
2026-12-08 - 2026-12-09 | Online
Critical incident group debriefing (CIGD) is a short-term intervention designed to support people after a distressing or unusual event – something that falls outside of everyday experience and challenges our ability to cope.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to facilitate a group debriefing and create a safe space where your participants can share their experiences, feel heard, and access helpful resources. The process helps normalize and validate people’s reactions, which promotes healing and connection.
You’ll also gain the skills to assess when CIGD is the right approach – and when it might not be the best option. With a strong focus on practice and skill-building, this training prepares you to respond effectively and compassionately in the aftermath of critical incidents.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Explain how people respond differently to the same event
Describe a framework for facilitating a group debriefing
Know the benefits and potential problems with group debriefing
Identify when critical incident group debriefing is appropriate
Practice participating in a critical incident debriefing

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, small group discussions.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Definitions and Overview
Applying a Trauma-Informed Lens to the Intervention
Potential Responses After a Critical Incident
Your Role as a Facilitator
Issues of Co-facilitation
Critical Incident Response Considerations
Benefits and Challenges of Group Debriefing
Preparing for a Group Debriefing
CIGD Phases
Considerations for the Process

Target Audience
This is an intermediate level workshop intended for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, counsellors, social workers, managers, human resource professionals, and anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate a group debriefing after a tragic event.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Facilitator: John Koop Harder, MSW, RSW
John has been working as a therapist and trainer for over 20 years. He is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree. John is a contributing author of our Counselling Insights and Counselling in Relationships books. Much of John’s career has centred on working with children, youth, adults, and families dealing with crisis and trauma. While he has a diverse practice, he has particular interest and specialized experience in working with individuals and families impacted by mental health concerns, violence, post-war trauma recovery, gender/sexuality issues, and sexual abuse recovery. John’s work is also informed by his international experiences working with individuals and communities impacted by civil war and ethnic conflicts in Colombia, Albania, and Northern Ireland. John believes people are their own best experts and already have many of the skills, abilities, and competencies that will assist them to address the challenges influencing their lives. John is a warm and engaging facilitator who values interactive learning experiences. Read blogs written by John here.
