Strand²

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-5/
“The greatest power in de-escalation lies not in controlling others, but in mastering your own emotions and responses.” -Unknown
Trainer: Myra Strand

Male Sexual Trauma: Behind the Shame
2025-03-11 | Michigan
Russell Strand is going to Pismo Beach, CA!
There he will be delivering a full day of training.

Trauma-Informed Response and Care: More Than Being "Nice" and Asking Open-Ended Questions
2025-03-12 | Washington, Washington
Trauma-Informed Response and Care: More Than Being “Nice” and Asking Open-Ended Questions is a comprehensive training designed specifically for child abuse advocates at a child advocacy center. This workshop goes beyond surface-level kindness and simple questioning, delving into the principles of trauma-informed care that foster genuine safety, trust, and empowerment for children and their caregivers who have experienced abuse.
Participants will explore strategies to recognize trauma responses, create supportive environments, and employ evidence-based approaches that promote healing. The training emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma’s impact on behavior and development, integrating best practices for response and intervention, and ensuring that advocacy efforts are rooted in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and trauma awareness. Ultimately, this program aims to equip advocates with the skills to provide more meaningful, effective support that truly meets the complex needs of trauma survivors.

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-03-20 13:00 - 15:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-6/

Aiming for Safety: Looking for lethality, risk and safety planning
2025-03-27 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Myra Strand will provide training:
Aiming for Safety: Looking for lethality, risk and safety planning
This workshop is designed to provide advocates and allied professionals with an in-depth understanding of trauma-informed and healing-centered safety planning, focusing on harm reduction, risk assessment, and safety planning.

Voices of Survival: Understanding the Criminalization of Domestic Violence
2025-03-28
“This maybe the most important book about domestic violence written in our time. Michelle writes about their experiences with the Criminal Justice system through an outside perspective. Taking a step out and looking in really changes the view. We cannot simply shrug and say “that is the way it is”. We have to change and do better.”
-Myra Strand

Voices of Survival: Understanding the Criminalization of Domestic Violence Survivors
Join us for an impactful day-long training featuring Michelle Horton, author of “Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds.” This event will delve into the harrowing case of her sister, Nikki Addimando, who endured extreme domestic violence and ultimately killed her husband in self-defense.
Michelle will share her personal journey and analyze the myriad ways the criminal justice system failed to apply common sense and logic in Nikki’s case. Attendees will gain insight into the systemic shortcomings that often exacerbate the trauma experienced by survivors.
Following Michelle’s presentation, Russell Strand will approach the case from a human-centric investigations and prosecutions perspective. He will highlight critical moments where a trauma-informed lens could have significantly altered the outcome for Nikki and others like her.
Next, Myra Strand will delve into the topic of poly-victimization, shedding light on its complexities. In addition, she will highlight lethality indicators and harm reduction strategies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the risks victims face. She will then present practical safety planning strategies designed to prevent future tragedies. Her insights will equip responders with essential tools to effectively support and protect victims of domestic violence. Myra will conclude her discussion by addressing the dangers involved in exit planning.
This training is designed to be multidisciplinary, making it essential for all responders, especially child protection and child advocacy workers, who engage with victims of crime.
By understanding the complexities of this case and the broader implications for survivors, participants will enhance their skills in advocacy, intervention, and support, ultimately fostering a more informed and compassionate approach.
We often hear: “this is just the way it is”. The thing is… it does not have to be that way.
Nikki and Michelle are so graciously allowing us to learn from their experiences. That gift is precious because it comes at great personal cost. We have to do better.
Michelle will be available to answer questions, ensuring a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Join us in this vital conversation to better serve those affected by domestic violence and to advocate for systemic change.
Trainers: Michelle Horton, Russell Strand and Myra Strand

Visit Michelles website and Buy a Book!

REGISTER TODAY: CLICK HERE

Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Conference
2025-04-04 | Michigan
Myra Strand is going to Colorado:
Keynote Lecture:
When Lightening does strike the same place twice: Poly Victimization
Break Out One:
Erasing the Possibilities: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
Break Out Two:
Human Centric Interviewing

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-04-07 10:00 - 12:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-7/

A day with Myra Strand
2025-04-17 | Arkansas, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Myra Strand will provide (4) presentations:

The Impacts of Pornography on Sexual Violence
A Deeper Understanding of Ethics in Advocacy
Understanding Consent, Alcohol and Sexual Assault
How Leaders Handle Hard Conversations

Everyday in Every Town: Human Trafficking
2025-04-21 | https://strandsquared.com/event/everyday-in-every-town-human-trafficking/
This training is a part of the NOVA Spring 2025 NVAA Training:
Myra Strand will present a 101 Dynamics Human Trafficking
This is presented twice that day:
10am-noon | 6pm-8pm

Human Trafficking Investigations and Interviews
2025-04-21 | Panama City FL
This human-centric human trafficking interview and investigations training focuses on developing empathetic and ethical approaches to identifying and supporting victims while effectively uncovering traffickers. It emphasizes understanding the psychological and emotional experiences of survivors to foster trust and gather accurate information. The training also equips investigators with specialized techniques for conducting sensitive interviews, recognizing red flags, and navigating complex legal and ethical considerations. Ultimately, it aims to improve the effectiveness of investigations while ensuring the dignity and safety of victims are prioritized throughout the process.
This course features HCI (Human Centric Interviewing).
Trainer: Russell Strand

A day with Russell Strand
2025-04-22 | Florida, Pensacola, Florida
Through three engaging sessions, attendees will deepen their understanding of victim-centered approaches and investigative challenges.
My Journey from Law Enforcement to Victim Advocacy – Lessons Learned Along the Way:
This session shares a personal narrative of transitioning from law enforcement to victim advocacy, highlighting the lessons learned about empathy, trauma-informed care, and the importance of human-centered approaches. Participants will gain perspective on the challenges and rewards of advocacy work, including strategies for building trust and fostering collaboration with survivors. The speaker will discuss how this journey has shaped best practices for supporting victims and improving investigative outcomes.
Investigating Recantations:
This topic addresses the complexities of handling victim recantations during investigations, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying reasons such as fear, trauma, or coercion. Participants will learn techniques for assessing the credibility of recantations, maintaining objectivity, and gathering additional evidence to support the survivor’s account. The session also explores legal considerations and best practices for managing recantations to ensure thorough and fair investigations.
Voluntary Intoxication – It’s Not Consent for Sex:
This segment clarifies the legal and ethical distinctions between voluntary intoxication and consent in sexual assault cases. Attendees will explore how intoxication impairs judgment and the importance of consent being informed and voluntary. The discussion will include strategies for recognizing signs of intoxication, understanding victim dynamics, and ensuring that investigations respect survivors’ rights while upholding justice.

Holistic Health: From fingertips to soul songs
2025-04-24 | Michigan
Holistic Health: From fingertips to soul songs
-To discuss being traumatized at work
-To discuss more than trauma (demoralization, unrealistic expectations, staffing issues, funding issues, competing priorities, loneliness)
-To articulate the difference between self-care vs. self-comfort
-To explore health holistically (body, soul, mind, emotion, relationships, career)
-To draw a link between “being healthy” and being a good responder

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-04-25 13:00 - 15:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-8/

Human Centric Investigations and Interviewing
2025-04-29 - 2025-04-30 | Colorado, Breckenridge, Colorado
Trainer: Russell Strand
This comprehensive training session focuses on human-centric investigations and interviewing techniques that prioritize empathy, trauma-informed approaches, and victim support.
Participants will learn effective methods for conducting human centric interviews, building trust with survivors, and ensuring their dignity is maintained throughout the investigative process. The training also addresses critical topics such as male victimization, exploring the unique challenges and needs faced by male survivors of victimization.
Additionally, the session covers investigating recantations, providing strategies for assessing credibility and managing complex cases where victims may withdraw their statements. Finally, the training emphasizes that voluntary intoxication is not equivalent to consent, highlighting the importance of understanding impairment and respecting survivors’ rights while conducting thorough and ethical investigations.

Rebuilding Trust: Interpersonal Healing Strategies
2025-04-30 | Michigan
Myra will provide training:
Rebuilding Trust: Interpersonal Healing Strategies
This course is designed for survivors, survivor family members, responders, and support providers working to heal relationships affected by violence. The training explores how trauma, power, and agency influence the healing process, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation through self-compassion, co-regulation, and emotional awareness.
Participants will learn practical strategies to rebuild trust and establish safe, respectful connections. The course focuses on fostering emotional resilience, developing effective communication skills, and techniques for setting healthy boundaries that promote safety and respect.
By emphasizing both personal healing and supporting others, the course aims to empower individuals to foster trust, resilience, and healthier relationships in the aftermath of violence.

Self-Regulation: It’s all about the way you walk through life
2025-05-06 | Michigan
Self-Regulation: It’s all about the way you walk through life
-To explore how trauma echoes (triggers) make up the fabric of human relationships
-To define self-regulation
-To complicate emotional intelligence
-To sample various tools of self-regulation
-To draw a link between self-regulation and co-regulation

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-9/

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-05-12 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-12/

MOPS Conference
2025-05-14 | Michigan
Russell Strand is going to Springfield, MO!
He will be providing a full day of training, his presentations:
-Human Centric Interviewing
-My Road from Law Enforcement to Victim Advocacy
-Integrated Primary Prevention – It’s a Brave New World
-Tearing Down the Silos – Building True Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Impact of Porn
2025-05-15 | TBD
Conference for forensic nurses and the multi-disciplinary team members hosted by the University of Southern Indiana.
Myra and Russell Strand will lead a workshop on the relationship between Porn and Victimization.
Toolkit that will be offered to participants: “Critical Media Literacy: Porn”

Crimes Against Women Conference
2025-05-18 - 2025-05-22 | Michigan
→Myra and Russ are part of the Strangulation Preconference
→Myra and Russ will also be teaching Yoga at the Conference ❤️
→Myra and Russ will be delivering a presentation on the relationship between Victimization and Porn
→Myra and Russ will be delivering a presentation on Human Centric Interviewing
→Myra will be delivering a presentation on Poly Victimization
→Russ will be delivering a presentation on Modern Death Investigations
→Russ will be delivering a presentation on Voluntary Intoxication

Everyday in Every town: Human Trafficking
2025-05-21 | Michigan
Myra Strand will provide (2) 2-hour webinars on:
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise globally, driven by the ability to exploit individuals repeatedly for substantial profit. Every day, across communities nationwide, people of all ages face exploitation. Through forced labor and debt bondage, individuals are subjected to unpaid work and coerced into non-consensual sexual acts, effectively amounting to rape.

Embodied Communication Training: Applying Trauma Informed Forensic Interview Modalities to support communication
2025-05-27 08:00 - 17:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/embodied-communication-training-applying-trauma-informed-forensic-interview-modalities-to-support-communication/
Part One: The Body and the Brain: A Few Things to Know About Communication
(2 hours)
Drawing from lessons learned from working with people who have experienced crime victimization, this training will highlight key psychophysiological concepts that play a relevant role in our ability to communicate effectively. This foundational training will include empathy-based communication, self-regulation to co-regulation, how memory is stored and retrieved, implicit bias, projection, neuroception, and Sensory Reception.
Trainer: Myra Strand

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-05-30 13:00 - 15:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-10/

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | https://strandsquared.com/event/conflict-resolution-self-regulation-co-regulation-de-escalation-11/

Organizational Trauma: The Blob in the office
2025-06-03 | Michigan
Organizational Trauma: The Blob in the office
-To expose the power of “group think”
-To look at common symptoms of organizational trauma
-To discuss “how” to begin having difficult conversations
-To explore ways to perpetuate a healthy work environment
-To draw a link between organizational health and quality service delivery

Guam and Saipan
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-23 | Guam, Guam and Saipan
Myra and Russ are off to Guam and Saipan for a series of trainings!
Topics to be announced.

Police Academy Training
2025-06-15 - 2025-06-16 | Texas, Texas
Trainer: Russell Strand
This comprehensive training course is designed to equip law enforcement professionals with advanced skills in human-centric interviewing techniques, tailored for engaging with both victims and suspects. Participants will learn how to create an environment rooted in human connection that fosters trust, encourages disclosure, and minimizes re-traumatization.
The course also delves deeply into understanding offender behaviors, motivations, and psychological profiles, enabling officers more thoughtful investigations.
Through practical exercises, case studies, and evidence-based methodologies, attendees will develop a nuanced approach to interviewing that emphasizes empathy, cultural safety, and critical thinking. By the end of the training, law enforcement personnel will be better prepared to conduct effective, ethical interviews that support justice, victim support, and community safety.

Conflict Resolution: Self Regulation, Co Regulation, De-Escalation
2025-07-02 | Michigan
“The greatest power in de-escalation lies not in controlling others, but in mastering your own emotions and responses.” -Unknown
Trainer: Myra StrandCon
