The National Capacity Building (NCB) Project at the Center for Victims of Torture and the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs is pleased to announce this virtual training, held on June 17, 2025, on “Sustaining Purpose: Leadership and Resilience in Human-Centered Work”. This was a two-part session including the topics of: Staying the Course: Mindful leadership & practical approaches for program sustainability, and Small Acts of Living: Fostering Resilience during Supervision in Times of Transition.
Who Should Attend
Staff of torture rehabilitation programs that are funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and/or are members of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs, as well as Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC) and Support for Trauma-Affected Refugees (STAR) program staff. This session is designed for providers working with survivors of torture populations across disciplines, such as: legal services, social work, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and case management. This workshop, held on June 17, 2025, was hosted by The National Capacity Building Project in partnership with The National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs.
Part 1 Session Title: Staying the Course: Mindful leadership & practical approaches for program sustainability
Description:
In this 60-minute interactive workshop, participants will explore strategies for sustaining organizational mission and momentum in the face of shifting circumstances and low morale. Through guided discussion and collaborative activities, we will examine the causes of morale challenges, identify practical tools for resilience, and develop actionable approaches to maintaining purpose and engagement during times of change.
Learning Objectives:
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate team dynamics and identify strategies to meet individuals where they are in terms of motivation, capacity, and morale.
- Align team support with organizational priorities to ensure mission-driven decision-making.
- Apply practical approaches to enhance employee retention and foster a positive, resilient workplace culture.
Part 2 Session Title: Small Acts of Living: Fostering Resilience during Supervision in Times of Transition
Session Description:
In this 60-minute interactive workshop, Dr. Akinsulure-Smith will revisit the purpose of clinical supervision, including the components and processes that are important for effective supervision when working with displaced communities who have experienced trauma. In recognition that clinical supervision often comes with challenges, we will explore strategies for addressing those stressors created by upheaval when working with this population. This training is designed to engage participants in a thoughtful discussion of compassionate, intentional ways to tap into our own strengths and those of our supervisees when faced with instability.
Learning Objectives:
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Recall the role of clinical supervision when providing competent, trauma informed care to displaced communities.
- Identify steps to promote an effective supervisory relationship and process during times of transition.
- Identify and discuss strategies for fostering a culture of community support and care within organizations that serve survivors of torture and refugee trauma.
Chapters
Part 1: Staying the Course: Mindful leadership & practical approaches for program sustainability, starts at 2 minutes 5 seconds
Part 2: Small Acts of Living: Fostering Resilience during Supervision in Times of Transition, starts at 49 minutes 5 seconds
Resources
- PowerPoint of Presentation
- Block, P. (2018). Community: The Structure of Belonging. Berrett-Koehler Publishing, Inc.
- Burke, W.W. (2015). Organization Change: Theory and Practice (5th ed.). Sage.
- Kantar, B. and Sherman, A. (2017). The Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact without Burnout. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Olson, A.K. and Simerson, B.K. (2015). Leading with Strategic Thinking: Four Ways Effective Leaders Gain Insight, Drive Change, and Get Results. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Volk, Katherine T., Guarino, Kathleen, Grandin, Megan Edson, & Clervil, Rose. What About You? A Workbook for Those Who Work with Others. The National Center on Family Homelessness, 2008.
- Trippany, R. L., Kress, V. E. W., & Wilcoxon, S. A. (2004). Preventing vicarious trauma: What counselors should know when working with trauma survivors. Journal of Counseling & Development, 82(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2004.tb00283.x
Self Care Apps:
- Magnesium
- Calm
- Headspace
- Insight Timer
Have questions after the presentation? Here is the contact information for our presenters: Dr. Ana Grande at agrande@ptvla.org and/or Adeyinka M. Akinsulure-Smith, Ph.D., ABPP at aakinsulure-smith@ccny.cuny.edu
Presenters:
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Ana Grande , Executive Director, Program for Torture Victims
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Adeyinka M. Akinsulure-Smith, PhD, ABPP , Professor in the Department of Psychology at the City College of New York, the City University of New York (CUNY) and at the CUNY Graduate Center