Growing Through Trauma Course with Dr. Laura Walzak
Growing Through Trauma
Think about your favourite or most memorable tale...most good stories have tragedy/loss and a moment where all hope seems lost. But every good story also has courage, resilience, and the ability to prevail in the face of life's inevitable challenges. In the spirit of Aesop's fables, there may not always be a fairytale ending for our lives like we see in Disney movies, but there are valuable lessons to be learned about the human spirit's potential to overcome hardships.
In Growing Through Trauma, our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to move forward with your trauma as part of your story. This 4-week course has an evidence-based focus on:
A) Education (understanding trauma and its effects)
B) Skill-building (practical coping, emotional regulation, resilience tools).
We will explore topics including:
- Diagnostic Criteria for Trauma-related Disorders
- Clinical Treatment Options
- The Neurobiology of Trauma
- Trauma's link to Obesity and Food Addiction.
Participants will also learn applied skills to manage trauma-related distress and have the (optional) opportunity to participate in interactive group discussions. Participants will be able to ask questions to co-facilitators Dr. Walzak and Dr. Lyon, as well as gain access to a series of post-course worksheets and other resources.
What You’ll Receive:
- 4 Live 90 min Zoom sessions
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Post-course worksheets and session resources (incl. key slides)
Course Overview:
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Week 1: Foundations - Understanding Trauma
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Week 2: The Body and Emotions in Trauma Recovery
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Week 3: Rebuilding Safety & Connection
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Week 4: Post-traumatic Growth- Integration, Resilience, and Next Steps
Starts - November 5th, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Cost: $50
*Please note that the clinic will not be providing refunds after the program starts.
Registration deadline: November 3rd, 2026.
About the Facilitator:
Dr. Laura Walzak holds a doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology from Simon Fraser University and is currently obtaining licensure as a registered clinical psychologist in BC. She completed her residency at Vancouver Coastal Health (CPA-accredited) and has experience in a variety of medical psychology settings including pre/post surgical assessment, oncology, concussion and brain injury recovery, and chronic disease management. She now serves as a clinician providing trauma-informed psychological services to veterans and RCMP members at the BC Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic.
Dr. Walzak brings a unique blend of experience to the team through her specialized training in Neuropsychology and background in the assessment and treatment of trauma disorders. She has a deep appreciation for the experiences and resiliency of her clients and feels honoured to work with them on their health journeys. Outside of work Laura enjoys connecting with nature, trying to cook the latest viral recipe, and keeping busy chasing after her two sons.
About the Co-facilitator:
Dr. Michael Lyon is a published researcher in the fields of nutrition, appetite regulation, dietary fibre, and blood sugar regulation. He completed a three year family practice residency in 1988 and has been a National Team Physician. His practice has focused upon sports and fitness medicine, nutrition, lifestyle modification, addictions, mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy and obesity medicine.
Dr. Lyon has spent the majority of his career pioneering and practicing obesity medicine. He was the first physician in BC to become Board Certified in Obesity Medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome both physical and psychological challenges so they can enjoy their healthiest and best quality of life. As the medical director of the Obesity Medicine & Diabetes Institute, he is constantly looking into innovative and evidence-based treatments to better serve his patients. Dr. Lyon is thrilled to be a special guest and co-facilitator in the upcoming Growing Through Trauma course.