Our Signature Compassion Training
For All Professionals (including CPS’s)
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Practice Compassion…even when it is hard Series (see below)
Series of training/workshops that build on the development of a more compassionate life. Sessions are done in 2-hour training or 4-hour workshops. These training courses are rooted in non-violent communication and are interactive. Workshops allow for more interaction, exercises and practice. Session One can be done as a stand-alone training/workshop. Sessions can be combined into a 4-hour training course or an 8-hour workshop.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Practice Compassion……even when it is hard: The Parallel Universe of Needs and Feelings
SESSION ONE of Practice Compassion series
For All Professionals (including CPS’s)
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
As human beings we are born with the innate ability to connect with and feel compassion for others. This is especially true when individuals are people that care for us and give us comfort. However, when individuals cause discomfort or suffering, we tend to come from a place of judgement and are unable or unwilling to find and practice compassion towards them. In these situations, compassion does not come naturally and must be learned, developed and practiced. This interactive training will introduce the philosophy of non-violent (Compassionate) communication and “needs awareness” as a basis for opening ourselves up to finding compassion for ourselves and others; especially those who cause us varying degrees of suffering or distress. This training builds the groundwork to create a more compassionate existence. Participants will leave with exercises to practice recognizing needs, feelings and judgements.
Objectives:
As a result of this workshop participants will:
1. Understand the role of needs and feelings in the development of connection with, and compassion for, others.
2. Have a deeper ability to open themselves up to connection and compassion towards others.
3. Understand and apply translating judgements into needs.
4. Develop a state of compassionate understanding for themselves and others.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Practice Compassion……even when it is hard: Creating Your Life of Compassion
SESSION TWO of Practice Compassion series
For All Professionals (including CPS’s)
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
This training takes Compassion beyond a state of awareness to action. Why it is so hard to practice “needs awareness” will be discussed and skills for communicating in a compassionate way will be introduced and practiced. There will be a brief review of the role of “needs and feelings” in developing empathy and compassion for self and others. We will begin to learn and refine the skills to move to action in a more connected and constructive way.
Objectives
As a result of this training participants will:
1. Learn skills to move compassion practice beyond awareness to action.
2. Understand the use of requests when communicating from a place of empathy/compassion to increase connection.
3. Understand how the wisdom in judgements can lead to increased self-empathy and empathy toward
others.
4. Understand the power of sharing appreciation to make our lives more wonderful.
5. Consider bringing empathy into their lives by developing an “empathy buddy” relationship.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Practice Compassion...even when it is hard
90 minute workshop For All Community Members
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
As human beings we are born with the innate ability to connect with and feel compassion for others. This is especially true when individuals are people that care for us and give us comfort. However, when individuals cause discomfort or suffering, we tend to come from a place of judgement and are unable or unwilling to find and practice compassion towards them. This presentation will offer a framework for developing a practice of compassion…. even when it’s hard! Let’s build a more compassionate community together!
“Love and Compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive” Dalai Lama
Goal: Inform Community members on a model of opening themselves up to connection and compassion leading to the development of more compassionate communities at all levels (community at Large, work, personal relationships/families).
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Practicing our values - Ethical Decision Making for Peer Supporters
Peer Speciaist /Supporter Specific
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Identifying personal ethics and boundaries is the starting place for advancing to professional ethics and boundaries. This highly interactive workshop will focus on exploring our own personal core values, beliefs, morals, ethics, and boundaries and how they interface with those of the Peer Support Profession. We will learn to use critical thinking, personal and professional ethics, boundaries and a variety of tools to guide us in making ethical decisions as we practice our values as peer supporters. This workshop will include a group discussion where participants will work as a peer consultation group to discuss scenarios. This workshop meets the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist ethics and boundaries continuing education requirement. A certificate of completion will be provided.
Objectives:
As a result of this training participants will:
1. Have identified their own core values.
2. Understand the role of their own values when making ethical decisions.
3. Understand the considerations and apply them to the process of making professional ethical decisions.
4. Have the experience of engaging in peer consultation around ethical dilemmas.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Wellness for Planning for Life
For anyone with mental health, substance use and/or any chronic health challenges
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW.CPS
This 8-session, 2 hour per session, workshop is designed for individuals living with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder or any chronic health issue and focuses on developing a plan for overall wellness. Incorporating the work of Mary Ellen Copeland (WRAP), Dr. Peggy Swarbrick (8 dimensions of wellness), Dr. Kelley McGonigal (Stanford University), and Dr. Kristen Neff (self-compassion), this workshop offers participants the opportunity to create their own unique wellness plan through a deliberate process of becoming aware of their current state of wellness and making choices to build and strengthen new habits. Participants will monitor how they are feeling, help themselves to feel better, get well and stay well, regain recovery when things are difficult and improve the quality of their lives. The workshop is highly interactive and uses discussion, exercises, videos, activities, and practice to create a positive learning experience. Each session will begin with a mindfulness practice and end with a practice of gratitude. Participants are encouraged to be creative when formalizing their plans (notebook, posterboard, scrapbook, PowerPoint or other).
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
It Takes a Village: Lessons Learned on the Recovery adaptable for various audiences
Presented by: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Sharing her own mental health lived experience Luann will highlight the importance of hope, compassion, connection, community (village), and privilege on the recovery journey. She will share lessons learned and offer suggestions on more effective approaches in supporting individuals on their “many pathways” to living in recovery.
Objectives
As a result of this session:
1. Participants will develop insight into an individual’s personal experience and path to recovery in the mental healthcare system.
2. Participants will understand the opportunity they have to make a positive contribution to an individual’s recovery.
3. Participants will have new insights into how hope, compassion, connection/community, privilege can contribute to recovery both positively and negatively.
4. Participants will develop ideas on how to incorporate community participation more effectively into recovery plans.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
Meet Master trainer, Luann Simpson
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS: Luann is a Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker, and a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist. She holds certificates in Life Coaching, Motivational Speaking, Family Mediation and Non-profit Leadership. Luann is co-owner of Compassionate Peer Support and Training, LLC after 25 years of employment with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Racine County. She has received multiple awards for her work as a mental health advocate and has served on many statewide and local committees and task forces. Luann has been an Instructor at the University of Wisconsin- Parkside in the Department of Sociology and is a local and statewide speaker and trainer. She has conducted trainings for professionals, individuals living with mental illness their family members and caregivers. Luann’s personal experience in the mental health system has led to her active involvement in the peer recovery movement in Wisconsin for over 25 years. Living in recovery she shares her recovery story to inspire hope, support others and improve services and quality of life for all whose lives are affected by mental illness. Luann received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in the UW-system and lives in Racine, Wisconsin with her Yorkie, Finn. She enjoys traveling to the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania and Broadway musicals.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS
What people are saying about Master trainer, Luann Simpson
"Luann is a highly effective and dedicated instructor. She demonstrates strong subject knowledge and presents material clearly and thoughtfully. Her professional and supportive approach creates a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions. Luann consistently shows a genuine commitment to student success, and her guidance greatly enhances the overall learning experience. I would confidently recommend her as an instructor."
Christie L, training participant
"Luann delivered two exceptional training sessions on Practicing Compassion for our agency. She is relatable, engaging, and creates a welcoming environment for learning. By using relatable scenarios, she encourages meaningful feedback and discussion. Her depth of expertise and experience brings a unique quality to her presentations. I highly recommend Luann for any organization seeking impactful and practical training."
Amy Hart, LCSW, Behavioral Health Division Manager, Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services.
Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS