Australia's First Nations-led Employee Assistance Program
Watch us on YouTube Call 1300 241 133
BilaEmpower, Strong Spirits and Community
EAP Member Portal Clinician Login Book a session
Training and workshops

Learning that is culturally safe, trauma-informed and First Nations-led

Facilitated by Allied Health professionals with lived experience, our programs draw on First Nations knowledge alongside contemporary therapeutic approaches, for workplaces, communities and young people.

Enquire about training
Two BilaEmpower facilitators smiling in a workshop room set with a circle of chairs and native flower arrangements, with the workshop title on the screen behind them.
Our facilitators preparing the room for a workshop. To protect privacy and confidentiality, we never feature clients or participants in our photos.
WorkplacesHalf day

Understanding Trauma and Strengthening Workplace Wellbeing

A half-day workshop that helps staff teams recognise trauma responses, hold difficult conversations safely, know their role and referral pathways, and care for themselves and each other.

Who it is for
Staff teams, First Nations and non-Indigenous, including remote and dispersed teams
Format
Half day, in person, with yarning circles, pairs and small-group scenarios
What participants explore
  • Trauma responses at work (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) as survival responses, not character flaws
  • Curiosity, not assumption: we notice and we ask, we never diagnose
  • Historical, intergenerational, collective and individual layers of experience, and the strengths of social and emotional wellbeing
  • Notice, listen, respond, refer: language for opening, staying with and closing a conversation
  • Role boundaries, risk awareness and asking directly about suicide
  • Vicarious trauma, cumulative stress and collective care
Participants practise with scenario cards and take home a referral card of support contacts.
Created by Warida Wholistic Wellness and Warru Counselling and Consultancy. Provided to BilaEmpower under a non-exclusive licence.
The Line of Choice: a river winding through Country between hills, with the words Our choices today shape brighter tomorrows, and Take a pause. Breathe. Check in. Where am I right now? I can choose again.
Leaders90 minutes to 2 hours

Culturally Integrated Above and Below the Line

A practical leadership reflection grounded in relationship, responsibility and choice. The line is a moment of awareness, not a judgement.

Who it is for
Executives, leaders, leadership programs and teams
Format
90 minute or 2 hour interactive session, including a physical Line of Choice activity
What participants explore
  • The Line of Choice: above (grounded, accountable, connected) and below (reactive, defensive, disconnected)
  • A culturally integrated leadership lens: self, relationship, context, blind spots and influence
  • Five practices: Listen, Own, Stay curious, Connect, Act
  • Recognising below the line responses under pressure
  • Practising the shift: Notice, Pause, Choose, Connect, Impact
  • A personal leadership commitment to take back to the workplace
Created by Warida Wholistic Wellness. Provided to BilaEmpower under a non-exclusive licence.
Aerial view of a small group gathered at the base of a large old gum tree in open green parkland, surrounded by trees.
Community2 or 3 days

Learning Through the Ancient University

Developing First Nations therapeutic skills (community counselling) through the concept of the Ancient University, building culturally appropriate counselling approaches grounded in trauma-informed care.

Who it is for
Community members, Elders, organisational staff and professionals in allied health and community settings
Format
2 days for groups with trauma-informed knowledge, or 3 days with an added day of trauma theory; up to 25 participants in a circle set-up
Learning outcomes
  • A foundational understanding of First Nations therapeutic skills through the Ancient University
  • Differences between Western and First Nations worldviews and perspectives on wellbeing
  • Culturally safe communication with First Nations clients
  • Indigenous healing practices, including yarning circles and bringing Country into therapeutic work
  • Cultural protocols and boundaries when working with Elders and community leaders
  • Ethical considerations for best practice in community counselling
Created by Warida Wholistic Wellness and Warru Counselling and Consultancy. Provided to BilaEmpower under a non-exclusive licence.
Young people5 sessions

Young Learners’ Wellbeing Immersive Experience

A holistic, culturally safe program nurturing the emotional, physical and cultural wellbeing of young learners, equipping them with life skills and a deeper connection to self, others and culture.

Who it is for
Middle to senior school students and their educators
Format
5 sessions of 2 hours; up to 20 participants; circle set-up with tables for small groups
Learning outcomes
  • Developing trust within themselves and with others
  • Deepening connection with peers, family and community
  • Moving for wellbeing: fun movement for mental and physical health
  • Embracing stories and cultural expression
  • Strengthening resilience and self-compassion
Created by Warida Wholistic Wellness and Warru Counselling and Consultancy. Provided to BilaEmpower under a non-exclusive licence.

Key workshop themes

Cultural connectionConnection with Country, community and culture as a foundation for healing.
Trauma-informed careUnderstanding intergenerational trauma and providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support.
First Nations worldviewsHow Western and First Nations worldviews shape approaches to wellbeing and practice.
Indigenous healing practicesYarning circles, storytelling and cultural practices within the therapeutic process.
Our training partners

Programs created by First Nations practitioners

Our training programs were created by Warida Wholistic Wellness and Warru Counselling and Consultancy, and are delivered by BilaEmpower under non-exclusive licences.

BilaEmpower logo
BilaEmpowerFirst Nations-led charity delivering culturally integrated services for social and emotional wellbeing.
Warida Wholistic Wellness logo
Warida Wholistic WellnessFirst Nations social enterprise on Kaurna Country, led by Bianca Stawiarski, integrating First Nations knowledges with Allied Health practice.
Warru Counselling and Consultancy logo
Warru Counselling and ConsultancyLed by Tod Stokes, offering culturally safe, trauma-informed counselling that honours First Nations traditions.

Bring a program to your team or community

Tell us about your group and goals and we will tailor the right program. Training can be added to an EAP agreement.

Email info@bilaempower.org 1300 241 133