Testimonials

Myrna McCallum’s trauma-informed approach is empowering professionals across law, social work, education, counselling, and more to create safer, more compassionate spaces.
Keep reading to see what participants from diverse
fields have to say about her trainings and conferences. 

“This has been by far the most relevant and useful pro D training [LoveBack] I have participated in.
Thanks so much!”
★★★★★

"The [Justice as Trauma] panels were thought-provoking and deeply impactful. I left feeling inspired and equipped to make a difference.”
★★★★★

"Learning from Myrna [Trauma Informed Justice Course] was a masterclass in authenticity, advocacy and self-reflection.”
★★★★★

“I loved, loved, loved this course [LoveBack]. It was so nice to focus on myself rather than how we as Indigenous people can make everyone else more comfortable.”
★★★★★

  • “Thank you to the organizers! I can only imagine the amount of work and energy that you poured into this event. It really was eye-opening for me and inspired me to keep learning about trauma and its effects on our society. I also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed Myrna interviewing Resmaa and panel speakers. She asks the right questions and allows her guests to express themselves freely and uninterrupted.” – Olivia B

    "One of the most impactful moments for me came from the conversation between Myrna McCallum and Resmaa Menakem where they deepened my understanding of how deeply interconnected systemic issues are—ranging from the racist and unjust colonial structures that persist in Canada to the trauma inflicted on racialized communities. I gained a clearer perspective on how these traumas contribute to health disparities, including increased psychological distress and even reduced life expectancy among marginalized populations due to the lasting effects of generational trauma. His words left a lasting impact on me, especially his assertion that “kinship care is the way to liberation.” – Sofia R

    “This was my 2nd year attending the JAT conference, last year left a huge mark on my heart. This year I came to the conference burnt out from work and really contemplating if I should continue working in the field of law. This conference is life changing!!!! To be able to be part of the amazing workshops, to be present to hear the raw stories that the speakers shared. I left the conference emotionally raw, but so inspired on my calling to do this work. I hope that Myrna decides to do this conference again next year, Myrna you are changing lives with this conference. The work you are doing is so amazing. THANK YOU!!!!”     –Daniel T

    “Each speaker had such valuable and unique experience to share. What a unique opportunity to learn from such passionate experts. The speakers were there to share their life experiences and be vulnerable but also shared their curiosity and willingness to go deep and continue to learn from this experience. It's been a few weeks and I am still processing and reflecting on all that I learned.” –Riley M

    “I am still at an early stage in my career, and it's easy to feel discouraged or disillusioned with some of the things going on in the world right now. But I can say that this event was honestly a "faith in humanity reignited" moment for me - not in the sense that I'd ever given up (I wouldn't be working in this field if I had), but it really, really made me feel inspired and happy to see so many older and capable professionals working for the betterment of others. It's really shed a light on the more "human" aspects of this line of work, and I really appreciate being given the opportunity to attend. Thank you.” – Ethan L

    "The final panel discussion was not only enlightening but it will forever stay in my heart. The true vulnerability and trust the speakers had with the audience was raw, honest and powerful and has truly impacted me. Vanessa Peckford healed my heart a bit, if at the very least she game me hope. Robert Wright is an incredible human. Very engaging and I learned a lot. Amanda Morgan's transformation through the conference was beautiful. She began shy and nervous and in her final panel on Tuesday she was a powerful, energized, fearless young woman. It was a highlight. The location was incredible." – Ava T

    Click here to read more about Justice as Trauma 2025

  • “#JAT2024 was the best conference and had the amazing speakers sharing knowledge, experience and resources at the intersection of law, trauma and healing. I would strongly recommend all people in the legal system (lawyers, judges, court staff, students) to participate in #JAT2025. The legal system and the law must care more, do no harm and evolve into a more compassionate practice - this conference is a vehicle for personal, professional and systemic change!”

    “I’ve never felt truly safe with a room full of hundreds of people until now. These humans, legal and health professionals and educators, have self-knowledge, emotional intelligence and compassion. They are openly and courageously healing, in relationship with one another. 300 Humans who connect with each other in a way others might call “oversharing”, who are willing to sing a song together, and support the discussion of difficult topics. Humans who are passionate about transformational change that will protect and support a resilient workforce and those who navigate the legal system. They want to minimize harm, recognize the impact of trauma, and support health recovery. There are no grey or navy suits. The prints, textures, colours and smiles they wear are a representation of their diversity of experience, knowledge, and ideas. This conference has been hard, and there are a lot of activating topics. These are people who give me hope and I am so grateful to have been there amongst them.”

    “There are no words to define my experience. I feel so much hope that we are doing the right things to make the necessary changes. The understanding of trauma in all areas is crucial and the more we learn the more it changes the world views. How can you take anything personal if you are trauma informed, no you open your warms with compassion and love and your pain and trauma embraces theirs. The material and information is very formative also appreciated. Jat2025 is a must! As it is only the beginning. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime, I gained so much more than I expected and my flame is burning bright. I’m inspired to be a part of this change!”

    “So many times during JAT2024 I was texting my colleagues back home "We need to talk about this!" and "You should be here!" This conference brought so many profound and important conversations together and I can't wait to attend the next one (along with more leaders from my organization) to learn more.”

    “Attending Justice as Trauma felt like coming home. I have often felt out of place in the legal profession due to my left-leaning, social justice oriented view. Probably because I've spent my career in private practice. But I definitely felt like I'd found my people at this conference. Thank you so much for daring to dream and making this happen!”

    “This has been such an amazing conference. Telling others about my experience has them asking what this was for and where wanting to go. Hope Myrna thinks about doing this again in the future as it was such an amazing experience and connection”

  • “I really enjoyed the Indigenous space. I was surprised by my response to how code-switching is used in everyday life.“

    “Very validating as I reflect on my years of work and how uncomfortable it has been.” - Participant

    “Myrna seems to operate from intuition and my experience is that she is spot on.” - Participant

    “I felt safe here.” - Participant

    “I loved, loved, loved this course. It was so nice to focus on myself rather than how we as Indigenous people can make everyone else more comfortable.” - Participant

    “I loved the sliding scale for an Indigenous-focused course, this made it accessible.” - Participant

    “Opening up the space with an abundance of information really connected all of us in knowing we are not alone in our workplace experiences as Indigenous people.” - Participant

    “The weekend was transformational. Coming together in the spirit of healing was profound.”- Participant

    Click here to read more about LoveBack

  • “Your story is powerful, your presence is both comforting and dynamic. You hold the room so well, and your passion is infectious. Your vulnerability builds connections and creates safety. your sensitivity to the group dynamic is exceptional, as well. You didn’t just teach, you modeled–beautifully.” - Chris O.

    “I’ve been practicing for 16 years and this was by far the BEST legal event I’ve been to. I loved the created, shared space for collective sharing and the content was valuable beyond words” - Emma T.

    “Thank you for such an interactive learning experience and space. This training I will carry with me, both professionally and personally." - Salina H.

    ““Myrna has a gift of integrating nuance, empathy and accountability and sharing how empathy and accountability of ourselves and our systems is not an “either/or” but an “and.” The storytelling grounded the experience.” — Participant

What Else Are People Saying?

  • “In today's polarized world, Myrna McCallum's 'Introduction to Trauma-Informed Lawyering" maps out how to draw people together. She describes a human-centered approach that creates the types of relationships which bring about sustainable, positive change and reconciliation. Her down=to-earth, wise and uniquely engaging presentation is grounded in good research and pragmatic good sense. Whether you are newly-launched in the legal profession or covered by years of barnacles, her enjoyable and challenging presentation speaks equally to the head, heart and spirit of everyone. Myrna's presentation was like having a good friend visit, sit down with you over coffee and help you sort through some big problems. She knows you and what you've got on your plate. She is authentic, realistic and helps you see things more clearly and in context. Then she gives you solid, practical suggestions and advice about ways you can make things better. She is supportive and empathetic, but she also lets you know you need to makes changes and helps you figure out what those should be. She encourages you and is non-judgmental. You know she's right when she says you can do this and that things will get better once you do. As she heads out the door, you feel grateful she stopped by. As the door closes behind her you pause, breathe, and reflect. Then you get started..."

    — Susan McKay, Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service

  • “Myrna McCallum mesmerized over 150 family lawyers, mediators and arbitrators and parenting coordinators on January 14, 2022 with her keynote on trauma-informed practice. Speaking for an hour without notes or powerpoint, Myrna brought her audience along on a journey of understanding the deep and lasting impact of trauma. In the context of the program, Screening for Power Imbalances and Family Violence in Family Dispute Resolution, her message was empowering and humbling. Speaking from the heart, with knowledge, humility, humour and kindness, Myrna helped the professionals in attendance learn without shame or embarrassment. She left her listeners with a deeper understanding of things they must understand in their daily work and with resources to help them keep learning. Thank you Myrna."

    — Julie Gill, Chair of The Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario

  • "I feel I have a better understanding of some of the ways I can advocate for survivors. I also felt that I was given the permission I needed to identify boundaries that help me to stay grounded and feeling safe. It will change the way I practice law. I will practice humility and humanity. I've learned that I take a transactional approach to lawyering, and I will now take a relational approach. I will structure my interviews differently, I will change the way I cross-examine. I will practice law in a way that assumes trauma - because I have learned that the legal process itself is traumatic. Thank you Myrna (and the Journey Project) for this seminar. I didn't know when I signed up what a profound impact it would have. It has changed me professionally and personally."

    — Anonymous

  • "You have a very good and authentic presentation style, both because of your life and your expertise in the subject. I learned a lot from your presentation, which as a member of the bar for 41 years, I wish I would've done a long time ago. As you indicated had been the case in your experience, greater awareness would have assisted me in some situations throughout my career. It's never too late to learn and improve, however, and I think your presentation will help me do that. You know someone knows their subject when they don't use inaccessible language and jargon that no one else can relate to in and effort to impress everyone. Your language is straightforward and accessible, while at the same time clearly conveying knowledge about a complex subject. I wanted you to know how much I appreciated your presentation."

    — Anonymous

  • "Myrna conducted a review of an incident within our workplace in 2021. She was thorough, caring, honest and fair. Myrna was highly sensitive to the emotions and trauma surrounding the incident and prioritized the psychological and emotional safety of those involved while working to understand the issue and circumstances that led to it. Her report was honest, open and provided a number of observations and recommendations to help us move forward and improve our ability to provide safety in the workplace and in the services we provide in the community."

    — J.

  • "We also want to thank you for the bottom of our hearts for your presentation. Your talk touched many practitioners in our association who have been stuck in a cycle of professional, political and personal trauma and opened up a discussion that should have started decades ago. As you saw from our members' comments, the response to your session was overwhelmingly ecstatic."

    — Anonymous

  • “The Trauma-Informed Lawyering session that Myrna presented to Yukon Legal Aid was wide in its scope and specific and detailed in its teaching. She provided a background on how personal and systemic trauma can affect clients. counsel and everyone else working within the justice system and went on to detail specific tools for dealing with that trauma. It was an intense session but Myrna’s knowledge of the subject and the authentic way in which she delivered it - a product of her lived experience - ensured that it was accessible to everyone. We all left better equipped to help our clients and to help ourselves”

    — Lesley M.

  • "Spotlight story: How One Lawyer is Working to Support Trauma-Informed Practices in the Legal Profession. In her almost fifteen years as a lawyer working with clients from all walks of life, Myrna McCallum has come to realize that there was an important piece missing from her legal education. One key experience came early in her days as a Crown Prosecutor, when she had to prepare for the trial process in a case involving sexual assault. “I had to think, how am I going to do this in a way that does no further harm to this little person who’s already been seriously harmed. And I really had nowhere to look for that information” she said.

    — British Columbia Law Foundation

  • “I just wanted to thank you for your moving keynote speech…attendees clearly thought you were inspirational. The work that we do can be so difficult and ending the conference with your acknowledgment of how the trauma of our clients can trigger our own was powerful.”

    — Kelly D. Jordan - Co-Chair 16th Family Law Summit

  • “Myrna’s Trauma Informed Lawyer training session was one of the best I have taken, on any subject. Even in an online format, Myrna created a comfortable, safe space for the participants , and provided clear explanations and information about how trauma impacts not just clients but also counsel. Myrna gave practical, relatable examples of how to practice in a compassionate and trauma-informed manner.”

    — Kathryn Deo, Managing Partner, Arbutus Law Group

  • “Collaborating with Myrna McCallum to bring her incredible trauma-informed training for legal professionals and service providers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador was one of the highlights of our year. Learning from Myrna was a masterclass in authenticity, advocacy and self-reflection.”

    — Janet Lee - Legal Support Navigator (The Journey Project)

  • “I highly recommend Myrna McCallum as a trainer and facilitator. She lead a session on trauma-informed adjudication for our members and provided a safe, open space for addressing how we can all recognize and acknowledge how trauma impacts the parties who appear before us. She has transformed the way lawyers and decision-makers should be approaching the work we do. She helped us to stop seeing the law and adversarial systems as a zero sum game that risks inflicting further trauma on parties and witnesses. Rather, she has led the way in reminding us of our ethical duties and responsibility to ensure individuals are supported and that we bring accessible, safe and fair processes.”

    — J., Tribunal Member

  • “You are such a phenomenal and inspirational person. I adore your direct, straight-up, true blue style. And you cut through the BS and get right to it. Love that. So I wanted to tell you how much I admire and respect you and then you for sharing your wisdom. As a designer of process (strategic planning, recruiting, etc.), I was blown away with your suggestions for turning around the process - “Where would you like to begin.” - “Where would you feel most comfortable sitting” - “Where would you like me to sit?” Those are profound game changers to a process. Thank you for that. And how the standard processes are so overbearing and so disrespectful to traumatized people. Yes. That hit home. You are making a difference in the world. Not only for your community but also for the whole wide world."

    — Anonymous

Who Myrna Has Worked With