Training & Events
The Hummingbird Professional Development Network aims to improve mental health services by offering clinician training courses that deepen their knowledge, skills and confidence as empowered healers. Our training programs consider the latest empirical findings from neuroscience, attachment and trauma research as well as the needs of our clinicians, clients and community. Each course is developed in line with our guiding principles that knowledge is furthered by considerately integrating innovation, empirical evidence and clinical wisdom.
This ethos has led us to collaborations with national and international industry leaders in mental health such as Sebern Fisher, Kathy Steele, Pat Ogden, Dr. Louise Newman, Shirley Hicks, and the EMDRA Institute, amongst many others. It has also allowed us to support our community with highly specific courses in Neurofeedback Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Dissociation, Trauma, Parenting and Perinatal Mental Health approaches through both online and face to face modalities.
For more information on our upcoming training courses, sign up today. Or, if you are interested in developing custom training for your organisation, contact The Hummingbird Centre’s training and events team on the form at the bottom of the page.
ADOS-2 Training
3-day workshop from 28th October 2024
Join Clinical Psychologist Nimra Bilgrami for our 3 day supported self-training in the assessment of ASD using the Autism Diagnostic Observation System version 2 (ADOS-2) DVD training package. Places limited.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult ADHD
2 x webinar, 17th & 24th October 2024
Join Psychologist Ari Tuckman, PsyD, to learn how to accurately diagnose ADHD, and treat it effectively, using a more useful conceptual model.
EMDR 2.0 - An Enhanced version of EMDR Therapy
11th & 12th November, 6pm - 8pm AEDT
Join Clinical Psychologists Ad de Jongh, Ph.D. & Suzy Matthijssen, Ph.D, for a two-part webinar series on EMDR 2.0 - a version of EMDR therapy based on the EMDR standard protocol but with some adjustments concerning the implementation of EMDR therapy.
ADHD & Neurodiversity in the Classroom
13th November, 6pm - 7:30pm AEDT
Join Education Specialist Kim Bullock to unlock the potential in your neurodiverse child by learning how to adapt for success. 90 minute workshop at Club Charlestown.
Family Therapy Framework for children with ADHD
2 x webinars, recorded October 2024
Join Psychologist Ari Tuckman, PsyD, to learn how to understand executive function deficits and support agency to prepare young adults for further studies and beyond.
Menopause: The Overlooked (Yet Significant) Life Stage
Recorded: September 2024
Join Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Kirstin Blouse for a 90 minute live webinar to learn about the neuroscience of menopause and the differences in mental health presentation during this transitional life stage.
Mental Health Training for NDIS Support Workers
Customised workplace training.
Our team collaborates closely with yours to identify your organisation's unique training needs. We design programs that address the distinctive challenges faced by those who support individuals with mental health challenges.
Mental Health Training for Admin Staff
The Hummingbird Centre can present an information session to your administrative staff on managing distressed clients and expanding their knowledge in mental health-related matters.
ADOS-2 Toddler Module Revision Webinar
Expressions of interest for July 2024
Diagnosing Autism in toddlers can be a complex and evolving process. Register your interest in a 7 hour interactive webinar to learn how to administer the ADOS-2 Toddler Module.
Navigating Narcissism: Insights for Mental Health Professionals
6-part webinar series
90 days on demand streaming
This series of six one-hour webinars will cover all aspects of working with NPD clients including challenges, strategies, relationships, family dynamics and employment settings.
ADOS-2 Training
February 28th - March 1st, 2024: 3 day Workshop
Join us in completing supported self-training in the assessment of ASD using the Autism Diagnostic Observation System version 2 (ADOS-2) DVD training package with Clinical Psychologist Nimra Bilgrami from the The Hummingbird Centre. Places limited.
Gender Affirmative Practice for Professionals Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse People
2-part webinar series with Catherine Wilson, 60 day recording access is included. Develop your cultural competence in worling with trans and gender diverse people - 7 hours of insight and strategies.
Kathy Steele Webinar Series x 3
Concluded June 2020 - Recordings available for Viewing
15 hours of webinar, designed for mental health professionals working with, or interested in, complex developmental trauma.
Series One: Attachment and Dependency in the Therapeutic Relationship
Series Two: Working with Chronic Shame
Series Three: Working with the Inner Critic
Working with Infant-Parent Emotional Interaction
Recorded 2020 - 2hr webinar $55AUD
An Introduction to Relational Psychotherapy - This session will provide an introduction to the model of interactional attachment based infant-parent psychotherapy and the key focus on observable emotional interaction.
Kathy Steele Webinar Series x 4
Recorded 2022 - 60-day on-demand viewing
14 hours of webinars, designed for mental health professionals working with, or interested in, complex developmental trauma.
Topic One: The Adult Self
Topic Two: The Role of Fantasy
Topic Three: Therapist's Regrets
Topic Four: Embodied Self
Drug & Alcohol Addiction 6-part Series
Recorded October - November 2021 x 6 sessions
We've brought together 6 experts on treating Drug & Alcohol Addiction. This 6-part series presented live during October and November 2021 can be purchased as a set of 6, or individually and is suitable for all health professionals.
Introduction To Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy For Disorders Of Over-Control
Recorded 2022 - 3 hour webinar
Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO DBT) is a treatment for patients who suffer from emotional and behavioural over-control. RO DBT has been researched over the past 25 years for patients with chronic depression or anorexia nervosa. Research results suggest that it is effective in these, and other, hard-to-treat groups such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder.
Part 4: Motivational Interviewing
Recorded 12th November 2021, with Dr Kylie Bailey
Motivational interviewing is an essential and evidence-based tool that all health professionals need to learn so that they can maximise appointment times and improve treatment outcomes. Motivational interviewing is applied in therapy sessions, brief interventions and is effective in short appointment times, busy wards, pharmacy settings and emergency departments. This therapy approach emphasises the importance of listening to the patient and hearing their reasons for change and working through the barriers to achieving their goals.
Things I Wish I Had Been Told as a Trauma Therapist with Kathy Steele
2-part webinar series: Discuss therapeutic mistakes and how to learn from them, and learn about issues that are missed early in the therapy period.
Part 5: Relapse Prevention
Recorded 19th November 2021, with Dr Julian Keats
Addiction is often described as a chronic relapsing and remitting disorder in which patients fluctuate between periods of heavier and more problematic substance use and periods of more controlled substance use, including abstinence for some. The challenges of preventing and/or managing relapse are therefore a core component of the long-term treatment approach needed for substance use disorders.
Part 6: Substance-Induced Psychosis
Recorded 26th November 2021, with Dr Tarun Yadav
This webinar will provide a thorough overview of Substance-Induced Psychosis, including epidemiology; neurobiology, Clinical formulation to differentiate from other disorders and a thorough summary of the latest evidence-based treatment recommendations. This webinar is a must for anyone working with substance addiction and dependence.
Part 1: Substance Use Assessments: Platforms for Change
Recorded 22nd October 2021, with Kynan Cliff
Structural issues such as stigma and a fractured and under-resourced service system limit access to quality, evidence-based and effective care for this vulnerable client population. The assessment process represents an opportunity for clinicians to have curious conversations with clients; explore the function of their substance use; and open up conversations about change.
Kathy Steele Webinars 2021 - 7 Topics - 25 hours of Webinars
Webinar Recordings from 2021 - 60 day access
Seven interesting topics pertaining to the Assessment and Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders in adult clients who have been exposed to developmental trauma. Purchase individual topics or purchase them all for a 20% discount PLUS an extension of the recording viewing time!
Part 2: Pharmacotherapies in Addiction Medicine
29th October 2021, recording included, with Dr Craig Sadler
In the treatment of addiction, medications are used to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, reduce alcohol and other drug cravings, and reduce the likelihood of use or relapse for specific drugs by blocking their effect. The primary goal of medication-assisted treatment is for the patient to achieve fully-sustained remission.
The Role of Fantasy in Complex Trauma and Dissociation with Kathy Steele
5-part webinar series - Discuss the adaptive role of fantasy in trauma recovery and the maladaptivefantasies that prevent progress.
EMDR Strategies for BPD and Dissociative Disorders
9th – 10th May, 2024: 2 day Workshop
Join International expert Dolores Mosquera to discuss differences and similarities in the interventions with EMDR for dissociative and BPD clients. Hosted at the beautiful Noah's On the Beach on the shores of Newcastle's beautiful beaches.
Embedded Suffering, Embodied Self: The Developmental Journey of the Trauma Therapist with Kathy Steele
5-part webinar series: Discover ways to care for ourselves through the practices of reflection, enjoyment and exuberance, activity and stillness, and meaningful connection with others. These can provide restoration and resilience to our own vulnerable embodied self.
Part 3: Overview of Key Evidence-Based & Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Treatment & Practice for Drug and Alcohol Clinical Care
5th November 2021, recording included, with Dr Natasha Perry
This webinar will provide an overview of key evidence based therapeutic treatments and trauma informed practice for drug and alcohol clinical care. The importance of treatment processes fundamental to any drug and alcohol treatment will be described, targeting client engagement, retention in therapy and substance use outcomes.
What Is the Adult Self in Complex Trauma and Dissociation?
2-part webinar series with Kathy Steele. Discuss the rationale for working through the adult self as well as the pros and cons of this approach.
Treatment of Traumatic Memory in Dissociative Disorders (Advanced)
Recorded April/June 2021, 3 sessions, 30 day viewing available
Explore how to organise the work with dissociative parts of the client, what to look for to ensure adequate pacing, how to decide whether the client as a whole or only certain parts of the clients should participate, how to titrate experience and time to pace the work, how to pendulate to the present moment from memory, how to bracket memory work with positive experiences, among other interventions.
Working with Resistance in Complex Trauma and Dissociation
Recorded October 2021 - 4 sessions - 30 day access
In these sessions, chronic resistance will be discussed as a co-creation of therapist and client. We can compassionately understand resistance as inevitable and an essential focus of psychotherapy, and as a phobic avoidance of what is perceived to be intolerable by the client.
Parent-Infant Therapy for Transgenerational Trauma
Psychiatrist Louise Newman presents a 2 hour webinar on Parent-Infant Therapy for Relational Trauma. Transgenerational attachment themes form a crucial part of the assessment of parent-infant psychodynamics. This approach to parent infant intervention focuses on supporting the parent in reflecting on their own early experiences and developing ideas about change and their wishes for a different form of relating with their own infant.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Pat Ogden
This workshop will examine how the body’s patterns forecast the future and look at the role of the body in the treatment of trauma and attachment disturbances. The second part of this workshop will look at the challenges of body therapy in an online format, addressing office set-up, use of props, tips to maintain an emotional connection and special considerations in working with posture and movement in a telehealth format.
Understanding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - FREE WEBINAR
90 minute webinar recording from 6th May 2021
This 90 minute webinar provides an overview of what Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is and who can benefit. Explore the evidence for TMS, Australian clinical experience, and the practicalities for prescribing.
Presented by Dr Ted Cassidy, Chief Medical Officer at TMS Clinics Australia.
EMDR History Taking, Case Conceptualisation and Target Identification - FREE Webinar
15th July, 2020
Psychiatrist Dr Tom Flewitt approaches history taking from an Adaptive Information Processing perspective with regards to exploration of adverse life experiences as a therapeutic intervention in its own right.
Relationships, Behaviour and an Integrated Brain with Tina Payne Bryson, PhD
12th November, 2020
In this 2 hour online training, based on her two New York Times BESTSELLERS, Dr. Bryson presents the latest scientific research—with a special emphasis on neuroplasticity and the changing brain—in a way that’s clear, interesting, and immediately practical. The focus is on better understanding the role of experience and focused attention on the ever-developing brain.
Practical Strategies for Maximising Client Stability and Regulation - FREE Webinar
29th July, 2020
This is the perfect webinar if you’re finding it challenging to keep clients on track and for working with highly dysregulated clients. By introducing these practices in the session there is a greater possibility that clients will embrace and start to use these strategies outside the session as well.
A Practical Integrative Approach to Treating Complex Dissociative Disorders:
A Training Intensive with Kathy Steele, MN, CS
6th - 9th November 2019
This four-day intensive will offer an introduction to working with complex dissociative disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). A practical and easily understandable integration of theory and treatment approaches will provide a solid foundation for offering effective therapy to highly dissociative clients.
Group Consultations with Kathy Steele - 2023
The Hummingbird Centre is pleased to provide small group consultations with Kathy Steele in 2023. This opportunity can be used to discuss complex clients with an international expert in the field of complex trauma and dissociation along with a small group of your peers. Invitation Only.
Introductory Workshop on Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
2-Part Online Webinar, March 2022
Integrating pharmacological, psychological, and archetypal/transpersonal elements, KAP represents a new synthesis (or hybrid model) of psychotherapy. This short introductory course will cover a wide range of topics to help clinicians understand the potential use and efficacy of KAP as well as other psychedelic medicines and will present the current state of the art clinical models for these treatments. Recent promising lines of research in the field will also be briefly covered.
Synergetic Play Therapy with Lisa Dion - 4 Webinars
October 2020
This Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy webinar series takes you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the playroom, how to repattern a child’s nervous system, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom. This course is perfect for clinicians working therapeutically with children and their families.
EMDR Therapy - Institute Basic Training (Weekend Two) with Dr Murphy
November 9th - 11th, 2022 (3 days)
Weekend 2 provides expanded knowledge and application of EMDR therapy with continued practice sessions to solidify protocols with Dr Darra Murphy.
Attachment & Marte Meo with Dr Robyn Dolby
March 2021
When children and families bring their concerns to you, what is the emotional work that needs to be done? It requires a relational approach to enhancing child social and emotional development. Marte Meo is a method which focuses on the importance of connection and communication in the building of relationships and emotional connections.
Exploring Drug and Alcohol Treatment from a Trauma-Informed Approach
Webinar: 30th March 2021, 10am AEDT
Sarah Etter from Odyssey House in Sydney explains the current approach to drug and alcohol addiction treatment, skills to increase your knowledge, understanding and confidence when working with clients presenting with Drug and/or Alcohol concerns.
Assessment of Complex Trauma and Dissociation
Recorded February 2021
Learn how to differentiate symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders.
Treatment Trajectories and Prognosis in Complex Trauma and Dissociation
Recorded March 2021
What informs us of how long and challenging a treatment course might last with clients who have Complex PTSD or Dissociative Disorders?
Recorded in March 2021, this webinar series explores factors that affect prognosis and the length and course of therapy in complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Psychedelic Therapies: Why Innovation in Treatment is Needed Now More than Ever
Recorded 10th June 2021
Presented by Tania de Jong AM, this 90 minute free webinar will discuss the mental health epidemic dictating the urgent need for innovation in treatments. We will examine the evidence for psychedelic-assisted therapy and investigate the potential applications of this novel therapy and the way forwards for Australia.
T.I.P.S - Trauma Informed Practice Seminar
Last run 2020
This two-day workshop will explore the impact of trauma on neurodevelopment in childhood and introduce the Neuro-Sequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). Presented by Clinical Psychologist Gabrielle Duffy.
Gaming and YouTube Addiction - FREE Webinar
Clinical Psychologist Jordan Foster will explore why, for many Australian families, they face an ongoing struggle of getting children and teens off their devices. This session will aim to help parents understand why some young people can find it hard to get off their games, and explore some of the psychological tricks that game developers use to maintain player engagement.
Working with Self Injury and Suicidality in Complex Trauma and Dissociation
Recorded April 2021 - 3 recordings included
For one hour a week over three weeks, we will look at specific interventions will be addressed, including approaches for specific dissociative parts that are active in self-harm dynamics.
Ethics and Boundaries in Complex Trauma & Dissociation
Recorded June 2021 for 4 sessions
Common ethical challenges are discussed, including reporting and confidentiality issues; ongoing abuse and revictimization; ethical issues related to self-harm, suicidality and danger to others; boundary issues; management of the therapeutic relationship and intense countertransference; ethical management of impasses.
Special Babies with Dr Louise Newman:
Perinatal Mental Health after Traumatic Conception
Recorded 5th July 2021
Trauma around conception, pregnancy and birth can be a significant impact on the parent's capacity to acknowledge and accept the reality of the infant and understand their emotional needs. This discussion will outline the variety of situations encountered in clinical practice where the representation of the infant and early attachment can be distorted by the circumstances and conflicts in becoming a parent.
Brainspotting Explained: Free Webinar
12th July 2021, recording available for 30 days
Trauma is held in the brain and the body, so we have to be able to access both for full resolution of the trauma event to occur. Brainspotting does that. Join Dr Roby Abeles and Noula Diamantopoulos to understand the basics of this neuroscience-informed therapy developed by David Grand.
Perinatal Fears, Phobias and Obessions with Dr Louise Newman
Recorded 10th September 2021
This 90 minute webinar with Dr Louise Newman will outline the varied presentations of anxiety disorders in the perinatal period and discuss the situations where there is risk to both mother and fetus/baby. Clinical decision making is discussed and needs to incorporate an understanding of the impact of chronic anxiety on fetal development and birth outcomes and the disruption to emerging attachment.
Transference, Countertransference and Erotic Transference in Complex Trauma and Dissociation
Recorded September 2021 for 4 sessions
We will explore challenging dynamics that pull us to act urgently or to reject the client in some way, and how to recognize and manage these in ourselves, how to recognize enactments from our own histories and how they intersect with the client’s own enactments.
Legal and Therapeutic Considerations when Working with High-Conflict Separated Families
Friday 13th May 2022
Full-day in person training for clinicians who will gain important skills to help work more confidently with high-conflict families that often cause clinicians sleepless nights. Paul will join Sacha and Rose for a Q&A panel discussion to answer all your questions about the legal aspects of working with these families and the impact of this on the therapeutic process.
EMDR Therapy - Institute Basic Training (Weekend One)
May 19th - 21st, 2022 (3 days)
Weekend 1 is a 3-day workshop that provides a working understanding of EMDR therapy model and basic practices to begin working with clients. This training is accredited with the EMDR Institute and is accredited for Part One of the Basic Training.
Bulletproof Ethics and Legal Issues
2-Day workshop 12th & 13th September, 2024
Join Dr Phil Watts to examine ethical and legal issues that clinicians face and gain the knowledge and skills for professional practice in both the private and public sector.
Client Events
Community Guest Speaker
As part of our company value of Contribution, we welcome enquiries from organisers seeking an engaging and knowledgeable Psychologist to speak at your community event. Our experienced psychologists and mental health social workers are available to share valuable insights, expertise, and practical strategies on a variety of mental health and well-being topics.
Gaming and YouTube Addiction - FREE Webinar
Clinical Psychologist Jordan Foster will explore why, for many Australian families, they face an ongoing struggle of getting children and teens off their devices. This session will aim to help parents understand why some young people can find it hard to get off their games, and explore some of the psychological tricks that game developers use to maintain player engagement.
Mental Health Training for Admin Staff
The Hummingbird Centre can present an information session to your administrative staff on managing distressed clients and expanding their knowledge in mental health-related matters.
Mental Health Training for NDIS Support Workers
Customised workplace training.
Our team collaborates closely with yours to identify your organisation's unique training needs. We design programs that address the distinctive challenges faced by those who support individuals with mental health challenges.
Relationships, Behaviour and an Integrated Brain with Tina Payne Bryson, PhD
12th November, 2020 9am - 11am (AEST)
In this 2 hour online training, based on her two New York Times BESTSELLERS, Dr. Bryson presents the latest scientific research—with a special emphasis on neuroplasticity and the changing brain—in a way that’s clear, interesting, and immediately practical. The focus is on better understanding the role of experience and focused attention on the ever-developing brain.
Cool Kids - Kids and Parent Anxiety Education Groups - Term 3, 2022
The Cool Kids program is a 10 session Cognitive Behaviour based therapy group which specifically targets children aged 8 years to 12 years who meet criteria for an Anxiety Disorder or who have high levels of anxious symptoms.
Circle of Security Parenting - Term 1, 2021
An 8 week program for parents and carers on helping your child to develop resilient relationships.
Future Training & Workshop Requests
The Hummingbird Centre can design a Training specific to the needs of your Organisation please complete the training enquiry form below.