Information About Our Adult Educational Workshops
Designed to promote personal well-being in a safe environment. There is no requirement to see a counsellor before taking a workshop. However, a counsellor may recommend a series of workshops based on an assessment of your individual personal situation.
If you are interested in any of our virtual workshops, Please call the office at 613-523-5143 (Office hours are from Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 2:00pm) or email, workshops@serenityrenewal.ca
Fee for Workshops
Serenity Renewal for Families’ fee for a workshop is $140. Receipts will be issued for extended health care or private insurance.
** No one is excluded from services for financial reasons. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Serenity Renewal for Families offers a sliding fee scale from $140 to a minimum payment of $10.
100% subsidies are available.
Acceptance is the Answer—Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Dates: Four Thursdays in a row (April 24, May 1, 8 and 15) from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
The essential element of the healing process. Learn how to develop a healthy perspective of our reality and life circumstances to maintain success on your journey of healing and recovery.
I’m in Recovery, Now What? —In-Person
Facilitator: Sarah Eastman
Date: Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
This workshop is for anyone in recovery from a substance use disorder or a processing disorder (gambling, sex, porn, overeating…)
Whether you’re new to recovery or returning after a relapse/recurrence, it’s common to encounter challenges along the way. Explore the feelings and experiences that can make it difficult to stay on track in your recovery from substance use or compulsive behaviours. Acquire some helpful tools to keep your journey on track!
Unlocking Inner Strength: Cultivating Self-Compassion—In-Person
Facilitator: Dorothy Ogbumah
Date: Saturday, May 10 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Discover how DBT skills can elevate your self-esteem while harnessing the power of self-compassion to build resilience and emotional well-being. Learn to challenge long-held beliefs which interfere with your journey of healing and recovery. Self-compassion isn’t about self-judgment—it’s about empowering yourself with the tools to heal, grow, and create a brighter future.
Emotional Regulation and Others: Virtual
Facilitator: Maimoona Batool
Dates: Four Wednesdays in a row (May 21, 28 and June 4 and 11) from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Has mistrust held you back in relationships? Sometimes our emotions can prevent us from fully connecting with others. Learn how to transform emotional reactions into intuitive responding, better navigate conflict and restore bonds. Explore how to communicate your feelings, set boundaries and create connections that go beyond words. Together, let’s see how embracing our emotions can guide us to a greater sense of belonging.
Couples Communication –In-Person
Facilitators: Liz VandenBygaart
Date: Saturday, June 7 from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Listening and communicating clearly are required for healthy relationships. Communication skills can be learned, practiced and improved. This one-day workshop will provide couples with tools that they can apply to change patterns of communication that are not beneficial to their relationship.
What About Me? I Matter Too! –In-Person
This workshop is for CSOs (Concerned Significant Others)
Facilitators:Leanne McEwen and Michelle Tasker
Date: Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
This one-day workshop has been developed for family members (or other concerned significant others) who have a loved one (or co-parent) who is in active addictions or is in early recovery. This workshop will discuss the importance of “putting on our oxygen masks first”. Participants will learn about family resources and tools of self-care which can lead to a healthier life.
Introduction to Healing and Recovery—In-Person
This is Serenity Renewal for Families’ Anchor Workshop: all family members are encouraged to attend this workshop!
Facilitator: Liz VandenBygaart
Dates: Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 am to 3:30
At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery.
Codependency—In-Person
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, March 29 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships.
Anger and Resentment—In-Person
Facilitator: Sofie Charron
Date: Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
In active addictions, in recovery, or as a family member, resentment is known as the number one offender because we find that we are unable to cope with the painful feelings and turn to escapism and numbing behaviours which fuel the cycle of anger, resentment, relapse and addictions. In our journey of healing and recovery, we must find a way to deal with this cycle in a different way. This workshop brings awareness to the cycle of anger and provides helpful coping strategies. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore the roots of our resentments so we can open ourselves up to a path of healing and letting go.
Emotional Regulation and Self –Virtual
Facilitator: Maimoona Batool
Dates: Four Wednesdays in a row from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Feb. 19, 26 and March 5 and 12
Do your emotions hold you hostage? Learn how to take back control by discovering the YOU beneath it all. Let go of shame and come home to your true self. Discover your emotional needs and learn how to compassionately love yourself beyond conditions. Move forward cultivating the life you want to live, not fearing that which you want to avoid. Together let’s transform surviving into thriving.
I’m Not Comfortable in My Own Body (formerly named Body Image)—In-Person
Facilitators: Michelle Tasker and Dorothy Ogbumah
Date: Saturday, March 8th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Body image issues are a profoundly important element in our stories of healing and recovery from addictions, codependency, and family of origin impacts. Deeply held beliefs about how I look and how I feel about myself can affect my relationship with self and with others. Exploring where the negative beliefs came from, and then learning how to look with compassion at our bodies can help us move towards peace and joy.
I’m in Recovery, Now What? —In-Person
Facilitators: Sarah Eastman
Dates: Saturday, February 15 from 9:30 am to 3:30
Whether you’re new to recovery or returning after a relapse, it’s common to encounter challenges along the way. Explore the feelings and experiences that can make it difficult to stay on track in your recovery from substance use or compulsive behaviours. Acquire some helpful tools to keep your journey on track!
Introduction to Healing and Recovery—In-Person
Facilitator: Liz VandenBygaart
Dates: Saturday, February 1 from 9:30 am to 3:30
At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery.
Family of Origin–In-Person
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, January 25, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Family of Origin experiences have a profound influence on our thinking and beliefs. These shape the choices and feelings we experience in our relationships and in parenting our children. Because it is literally the basis from which you develop, your family of origin has a large impact on you and your life. But what happens when that impact is negative? In this workshop, we will explore how our family of origins has helped shape us and how we can heal to move forward in our journey.
Grief and Loss: Living with the Sorrow of Addiction –Virtual
Facilitator: Wally Clare
Dates: Four Wednesdays in a row from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on January 22, 29 and February 5 and 12
Living with or losing a loved one to addictions will often make our grief more complicated. Last year alone, Canada reported 67,000 substance use-related deaths. Even if our loved ones are still alive, the grief of losing them to their addiction is complex. Societal stigma often prevents us from sharing our grief with others, especially when we may be met with judgement and misunderstanding. Can we do anything about the inner voices of self-judgement and criticism? Join this workshop to share your grief journey in a safe and compassionate space.
Shame and Guilt–In-Person
Facilitator: Natalie Bell
Date: Saturday, January 18, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, in-person
Shame is grounded in an overwhelming feeling of brokenness. We believe ourselves to be defective or unworthy. Guilt is different. It is the feeling that comes when we are aware of having made a mistake or having done something wrong or improper. Feelings of shame and guilt may cause us to believe ourselves unworthy of the serenity that would come from following a journey of recovery and healing. Facing shame and guilt is important for those of us wanting to accept a spiritual path of trust, humility, tolerance, and gratitude.
Healthy Boundaries –Virtual Only
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
What is a boundary? How are they formed, shaped, damaged, or broken? How can we recognize healthy and unhealthy boundaries in ourselves and others? What do our relationship patterns and choices tell us about the health of our own boundaries? How does the setting of new boundaries help in the healing of our broken or empty relationship patterns?
Couples Communication –In-Person Only
Facilitators: Wally Clare and Liz VandenBygaart
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Listening and communicating clearly are required for healthy relationships. Communication skills can be learned, practiced and improved. This one-day workshop will provide couples with tools that they can apply to change patterns of communication that are not beneficial to their relationship.
Introduction to Healing and Recovery –In-Person Only
Facilitator:Jeff Latimer
Date:Saturday, November 30 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Time:9:30 am to 3:30 pm
At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery.
What About Me? I Matter Too! –In-Person Only
Facilitators: Michelle Tasker and Crystal Lord
Dates: Thursday mornings (three weeks in a row): November 7, 14 and 21
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
This three-week workshop has been developed for family members who have an adult family member (or co-parent) who is in active addictions. This workshop will discuss the importance of “putting on our oxygen masks first”. By the end of the three weeks, participants will learn about family resources and tools of self-care which can lead to a healthier life.
Acceptance is the Answer –In-Person Only
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The essential element of the healing process. Learn how to develop a healthy perspective of our reality and life circumstances to maintain success on your journey of healing and recovery.
Anger and Resentment—In-Person Only
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, October 26
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
In active addictions, in recovery, or as a family member, resentment is known as the number one offender because we find that we are unable to cope with the painful feelings and turn to escapism and numbing behaviors which fuel the cycle of anger, resentment, relapse and addictions. In our journey of healing and recovery, we must find a way to deal with this cycle differently. This workshop brings awareness to the cycle of anger and provides helpful coping strategies. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore the roots of our resentments so we can open ourselves up to a path of healing and letting go.
Emotional Regulation and Self – Virtual Only
Facilitator: Maimoona Batool
Dates: Wednesdays (four weeks in a row) October 23, 30 and November 6 and 13
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Do your emotions hold you hostage? Learn how to take back control by discovering the YOU beneath it all. Let go of shame and come home to your true self. Discover your emotional needs and learn how to compassionately love yourself beyond conditions. Move forward cultivating the life you want to live, not fearing that which you want to avoid. Together let’s transform surviving into thriving.
Family of Origin—Hybrid: In-Person or Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Family of Origin experiences have a profound influence on our thinking and beliefs. These shape the choices and feelings we experience in our relationships and in parenting our children. Because it is literally the basis from which you develop, your family of origin has a large impact on you and your life. But what happens when that impact is negative? In this workshop, we will explore how our family of origins has helped shape us and how we can heal to move forward in our journey.
Couples Communication—In-Person only
Facilitators: Wally Clare and Liz VandenBygaart
Date: Saturday, September 21st
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Listening and communicating clearly are required for healthy relationships. Communication skills can be learned, practiced, and improved. This one-day workshop will provide couples with tools that they can apply to change patterns of communication that are not beneficial to their relationship.
This workshop is full. If you would like to join the waitlist, or to be notified when the workshop is offered again, please email workshops@serenityrenewal.ca.
Introduction to Healing and Recovery—In-Person only
Facilitator: Jeff Latimer
Date: Saturday, September 7
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery.
Codependency—Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper-focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships.
Shame and Guilt —Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Facilitator: Natalie Bell
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Shame is grounded in an overwhelming feeling of brokenness. We believe ourselves to be defective or unworthy. Guilt is different. It is the feeling that comes when we are aware of having made a mistake or having done something wrong or improper. Feelings of shame and guilt may cause us to believe ourselves unworthy of the serenity that would come from following a journey of recovery and healing. Facing shame and guilt is important for those of us wanting to accept a spiritual path of trust, humility, tolerance, and gratitude.
Healthy Boundaries: Letting Go of Fear, Anxiety, Resentment and the Despair of Addictions and Codependency—Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What is a boundary? How are they formed, shaped, damaged, or broken? How can we recognize healthy and unhealthy boundaries in ourselves and others? What do our relationship patterns and choices tell us about the health of our own boundaries? How does the setting of new boundaries help in the healing of our broken or empty relationship patterns?
Introduction to Healing and Recovery—In Person ONLY
Facilitator: Jeff Latimer
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
This one-day workshop will explore identifying addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones, what are the twelve steps and why are they important? This workshop will encourage participants to email questions to the facilitator. Finally, the workshop will provide direction for next steps in your journey of healing and recovery.
Anger and Resentment—In Person ONLY
Facilitator:Catherine Pepper
Date:Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time:9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Anger and Resentment are simply defined as “bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly”. Our addiction and codependency literature identifies resentment as the single most dangerous character defect in our journey of healing and recovery. This workshop will provide the opportunity to explore the roots of our resentments, how they get triggered in everyday life and how we are able to let go of the old wounds at the root of our suffering.
Grief and Loss: Living with the Sorrow of Addiction and Codependency—Virtual only
Facilitators:Wally Clare and Maimoona Batool
Date: Wednesdays, May 1 – 22, 2024
Time:6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
There are never simple answers for our individual experiences ofgrief,lossandsorrow. Addictiveandcodependent behaviours in ourselvesandin our loved ones will often make ourgriefmore complicatedandharder to understand. What do we mean when we talk about a healing journey for our sorrow? Is there a way to distinguish betweengrief,sorrow, anddepression? What are the symptoms ofgrief? Can I do anything about the inner voices ofself-judgmentandcriticism? Why is it comforting to share with others who have experienced similargriefandloss?
Acceptance is the Answer—Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time:9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The essential element of the healing process. Learn how to develop a healthy perspective of our reality and life circumstances to maintain success on your journey of healing and recovery.
WOMEN’S Only Workshop: Intimacy and Healthy Relationships—Virtual
Facilitator: Leanne McEwen
Date: Mondays, February 26, 2024, March 4, 2024, and March 11, 2024 (three Mondays in a row)
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What we experienced growing up profoundly shapes our thinking, beliefs, behaviours, and choices for today, including our capacity for intimacy in our relationships with others. Our sexuality is a core dimension of who we are. The failure to fulfill this desire leaves us feeling incomplete, inadequate, and alone. Making healthy relationships and sexual choices is essential for personal growth.
**priority registration will be given to those who have not taken this workshop before.
MEN’S Only Workshop: Intimacy and Healthy Relationships—in Person ONLY
Facilitator: Jeff Latimer
Date: Saturday, March 2nd
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
What we experienced growing up profoundly shapes our thinking, beliefs, behaviours, and choices for today, including our capacity for intimacy in our relationships with others. Our sexuality is a core dimension of who we are. The failure to fulfill this desire leaves us feeling incomplete, inadequate, and alone. Making healthy relationships and sexual choices is essential for personal growth.
Self Esteem and Self Compassion—Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Explore how to accept our own humanness and imperfections with kindness by developing self-compassion. Learn how to shift into a positive mindset with confidence by strengthening self-esteem.
Codependency—Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Facilitator: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships.
Introduction to Healing and Recovery—Virtual
Facilitator: Jeff Latimer
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This one-day workshop will explore identifying addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones, what are the twelve steps and why are they important? This workshop will encourage participants to email questions to the facilitator. Finally, the workshop will provide direction for next steps in your journey of healing and recovery.
Healthy Boundaries: Letting Go of Fear, Anxiety, Resentment and the Despair of Addictions and Codependency—Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Facilitators: Catherine Pepper
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What is a boundary? How are they formed, shaped, damaged, or broken? How can we recognize healthy and unhealthy boundaries in ourselves and others? What do our relationship patterns and choices tell us about the health of our own boundaries? How does the setting of new boundaries help in the healing of our broken or empty relationship patterns?
Codependency—Hybrid: In-person or Virtual
Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Facilitators: Catherine Pepper
Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships.
Introduction to Healing and Recovery—Virtual ONLY
Monday, November 20, 2023 through Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm each day
Facilitator: Jeff Latimer
This four-day workshop will explore identifying addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones, what are the twelve steps and why are they important? This workshop will encourage participants to email questions to the facilitator. Finally, the workshop will provide direction for next steps in your journey of healing and recovery.
Men in Recovery: A Six-Week Program – In-Person Only
Facilitator: Jeff Latimer
Date: Monday, April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6 and 13th
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm
In our journey of healing and recovery, men can face numerous challenges and barriers that may interfere with full healing. Societal pressures can lead us to believe that being a man means we do not need help and that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness or defeat. This six-week program will explore issues unique to men in recovery with a focus on solutions. Within a supportive group environment, we will share and learn from each other’s experiences related to a number of issues including intimacy, anger management, healthy sexuality, stigma and mental health, spirituality, and recovery.
Fee: $300 (sliding fee scale and 100% subsidies are available)
I Matter Too! What About Me?: A Four-Week Program – In-Person Only
Facilitator: Michelle Tasker and Crystal Lord
Date: Saturday, April 27, and May 4, 11 and 18
Time: 9:30 am to 11:00 am
This four-week program has been developed for family members who have an adult family member (or co-parent) who is in active addictions. This program will discuss the importance of “putting on our oxygen masks first”. By the end of the four weeks, participants will learn about family resources and tools of self-care which can lead to a healthier life,
Fee: $140 (sliding fee scale and 100% subsidies are available)
Self Care for Family Members – In-Person Only
Facilitators: Leanne McEwen and Wayne Burke
Dates: Feb 5, 2024, February 12, 2024, February 26, 2024, and March 4, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This four-week program will enable family members who have an adult family member who is in active addictions. The program offers an in-depth view of how addictions/substance use disorder impacts every member of the family. The program will provide an opportunity to look at ourselves with the idea of making personal changes which can lead to a healthier life. It gives us hope for change.
$140 fee (sliding fee scale available)
