Working Alongside Youth Struggling with Problematic Substance Misuse
OBJECTIVE
Explore how to work with youth struggling with problematic substance use using an intersectional, anti-oppressive lens
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Examining basic definitions in relation to working with youth in the ‘addictions’ field
- Exploring the ethics in engaging in working with youth
- Addressing power and professionalized knowledge in the counselling relationship
- Identifying harm reduction practices
- Reviewing how to work with youth in different stages
- Understanding how to incorporate family work
- Practicing how to work with youth individually and in group work
GENERAL OUTLINE
| Day 1 | Introductions Definitions Addressing power in the counselling relationship Ageism and professionalized knowledge Consent and Ethics |
| Day 2 | Discourse on brain research Harm Reduction practices Understanding the different stages of the work Learning how to work at different stages Practice strategies and skills with each other |
| Day 3 | Family work Tools and tips in engaging in family work Using an Intersectional approach to youth work Practice with case studies ‘Co-morbidity’ and other struggles that show up with problematic substance use |
| Day 4 | Introduction to group work Using an intersectional approach Discourse on articles pertaining to specific youth groups Practice with each other |
Bhupie Dulay is a settler who works on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Qayqayt, and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations. Bhupie’s ancestors are from India and she is a cis-het, non-disabled, brown woman.
Bhupie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She has been working alongside youth for over a decade. Young people’s lived experiences, strengths, and wisdom informs this workshop—in particular her work with Peak House, a live-in treatment program for youth struggling with substance misuse.
Currently Bhupie works as a therapist and supervisor. Most of the folks she works alongside are navigating and resisting multiple systems of oppression such as racism, cis-heteronormativity, monogamism, ableism, classism, sizeism, ageism, etc. In her therapeutic and supervision practice she works from a social justice and collaborative framework.
Alongside her counselling practice, Bhupie provides workshops, trainings, and consultations to organisations, teams, and boards. She is also an instructor and adjunct faculty at Vancouver Community College, Adler University, and City University.