Caregiver education series: Building motivation and preparing your loved one for change

We’re excited to announce a new education series for the summer and fall. These free virtual workshops build on the principles of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and offer practical tools to help you support your loved one’s mental health. 

This workshop draws upon EFFT and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. Participants will gain skills and practical knowledge on the change process: how to build motivation, deal with resistance, and develop strategies to support loved ones through each stage of change.

Facilitators

Rob Nettleton, MSW RSW, is a social worker and psychotherapist in The Royal’s Mood and Anxiety Program. In addition to his clinical role, Rob coordinates MSW student placements and develops and facilitates emotion coaching workshops for caregivers and parents. Outside of his work at The Royal, Rob maintains his small (but mighty!) private psychotherapy practice. He enjoys curling, writing non-fiction, and (whenever possible) playing video games. He can be reached at Robert.Nettleton@TheRoyal.ca.

Amanda Rocca, MSW RSW, is a social worker and psychotherapist in The Royal’s Youth Psychiatry Program. Through the youth outpatient program, she provides therapy for challenges such as chronic mood dysregulation and suicidal ideation. Amanda is passionate about helping families improve communication using emotion coaching strategies. Beyond her work at The Royal, she collaborates with Carleton University, local social work organizations, and Australian mental health academics to advance mental health social work education. 

Other sessions in this series

• August 21 (Noon–1:30 p.m.) – Emotion coaching anger: how to respond effectively
• October 2 (Noon–1:30 p.m.) – Intro to behaviour coaching: cultivating change-focused behaviours
• October 27 (Noon–1:30 p.m.) – From silence to connection: an emotion coaching approach
• November 4 (6–7:30 p.m.) – Supporting anxious teens: how to skillfully address avoidance
• November 27 (Noon–1:30 p.m.) – Mental health and the sensory environment

We recommend reviewing these resources to prepare for these workshops: From conflict to connection (article) and Mental Health Foundations caregiver resources.

Date and time

Thursday, July 31, 2025
Noon–1:30 p.m.

Registration

Click here to register. For more information, please contact Leticia Hardowar.