Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 22/02) - Workshops are common in the Deh Cho, and many are taking place during National Addictions Awareness Week.

In Fort Providence, school and community counsellor Margaret Thom said workshops can be useful or a disappointment depending on the circumstances.

One factor is a participant's frame of mind, she said.

"I think the mentality (should be) 'I'm really going to try to get something out of this ... I'm really going in with an open mind and an open heart,' " Thom said.

"Know what your expectations are, know what you want. Sometimes it doesn't happen and we learn from that."

Of course, if the workshop's facilitator isn't interesting or charismatic, the exercise will likely be a flop, she added.

"If it's a lecture type, forget it. Your audience will fall asleep," she said.

"You have to somehow get your audience into what you're presenting."

It's best to have facilitators who come highly recommended by someone you trust, she suggested. Some facilitators are "sellers" as opposed to "encouragers," she warned.

"Sometimes the sincerity has to be questioned," said Thom.

Stephanie de Pelham, a social worker in Fort Simpson, said workshops can hold some benefit but they are not a panacea.

"What a workshop should do is heighten awareness," de Pelham said. "However, it doesn't necessarily help solve the problem. You need regular, ongoing (treatment)."