A1 Embodied Awareness: An Introduction To A Spiritually Directed Therapy™ Protocol For Recovery From Mass Trauma

A2 - Promoting Professionalism In Clinical Supervision: Embracing Supervisory Identity And Illuminating Competence

A3 - Non-Pathologizing Approach To Counselling

Level Intermediate

Description

The profession of psychotherapy / counselling was built on the medical model, which perpetuates a pathologizing of the client. Although there is a place for the medical model in the care of the client, such as through psychiatry and the treating of mental illness through psychotropic medication, the extension of the medical model principles of diagnosing symptoms and consequent treatment of symptoms, serves to perpetuate harm while limiting mental health. This workshop is designed to equip practitioners who wish to sit with their clients in non-pathologizing ways. In this workshop you will be introduced to systems language from a non-pathologizing perspective that invites the practitioner to focus on non-symptomatic language. You will learn how to take the training you have already acquired, become certified in, and are used to, along with each modality’s interventions and translate them into a non-pathologizing perspective. The instructor will take you through the five main theories of non-pathologizing as well as an in-depth explanation of the ten principles of non-pathology. You will then learn how to translate pathologizing interventions into non-pathologizing approaches.

Presenter

Michael Towers, MA MFC, CCS, CCC, RCC-ACS, RMFT-S, CPC-S

Michael, a psychotherapist in BC’s Okanagan valley, transitioned from a 20-year restaurant career to counselling, driven by community involvement in restorative justice and suicide intervention. He earned his master's in marriage and family counselling in 2011. As a father and grandparent, Michael values family systems, helping clients find hope and connection. Specializing in couples, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and identity issues, he stays current with ongoing training. Passionate about Narrative Therapy, he deconstructs power narratives. Outside work, Michael enjoys nature, writing, and supporting fellow clinicians through supervision and collaboration.

A4 - An Interactive Creative Arts Therapy, Animal Assisted Self-care Experience

Level Introductory

Description

This immersive and interactive session invites you to participate with a certified therapy assist dog and one in training while exploring several different creative arts therapy interventions. The hands-on art activities are centering, calming, self-care tools that you can take out into the world with you. Learn about the five parts of self-care, and why it is ethical and best practice to maintain your well-being. Gain a deeper understanding of how animal assisted, nature-based, and creative arts therapies can be used together to promote resiliency in self and other first responders and with clients. Case studies and examples will also be presented. In the last few years therapists have been on the front lines of a pandemic, and traumatic world event, now more than ever we need to engage in self-care and self-awareness. This session is here to provide you with a place of calm amidst the chaos. Be prepared to go for a walk, engage with art supplies and share space with beautiful big dogs. In order to know how man materials to provide it would be good to have a number of how many people can attend this offering.

Presenter

Nicola Sherwin-Roller, MA CCC RCAT MA CCC RCAT

Originally from England, Nicola now works in private practice in North Central Saskatchewan on Treaty 6 Land, home of the Métis people. She graduated in 1994 from Concordia University with a master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy. She serves on the Steering Committee of FACT SK and the Advocacy Committee with CATA. She pursues creative endeavors through various mediums, gardening, and cooking. Being outdoors with her animals is important to her. As a professional, she believes in living holistically and balancing all the different “hats” she wears.

A5 - ADHD In The Couple: A Neurobiologically Informed Perspective  

Level Intermediate

Description

What is the impact of ADHD in couple dynamics? How can therapy be adapted to optimize efficacy when one or both partners have an ADHD diagnosis? Traditional couple therapy approaches focus on communication patterns without addressing the underlying neurobiological factors that influence behaviour. Without recognizing and adapting to these dynamics, therapy may miss key elements that are crucial to fostering understanding and connection in couples impacted by ADHD. In this interactive workshop, you will explore the neurobiological factors of ADHD, how they impact couple relationship dynamics as well as learn how to adapt therapy. This workshop combines evidence-based research, case studies, ADHD specific obstacles to couple connections and strategies on how to work through them. We will combine lecture format with role plays and discussion to maximize your clinical utility of this knowledge.  

Presenters (biographies to come)

Kyla Johnson 

Aditi Mehra  

Ai Hirabayashi 

A6 - Communities In Crisis: Mental Health Care In The Context Of Natural Disasters

Level Introductory

Description

We are facing unprecedented challenges in the face of climate change and large-scale disasters that impact our communities across Canada. Impacted groups include first nations, municipalities and regional districts, rural dwellers, and first responders. A wide variety of challenges impact these groups, including grief and loss, moral injury, cumulative stress, burnout, and financial harm. This workshop will highlight some of the recent disasters in Western Canada and discuss the types of issues these communities have faced. Various impacts on citizen’s mental health will be identified and approaches to mental health care will be presented. Challenges commonly faced in disaster zones will be discussed. Participants will learn how to work with first responders and community members using accessible interventions such as psychological first aid, peer support, spiritual care, and crisis intervention techniques. Special attention will be given to indigenous-focused approaches and ways of working with elders and other groups vulnerable to poor health outcomes in a disaster.

Presenter

Sara Lapsley lives and works in Victoria BC, on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen speaking peoples. She has been a Canadian Certified Counsellor since 2015. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at Simon Fraser University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Counselling and Human Development in 2009. Her master’s degree in counselling psychology was completed at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Marv Westwood, and her PhD is in Experimental Forensic Psychology from Carleton University.  She also has an Associate Certificate in Trauma and Crisis Intervention from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Her research and clinical work has focused on bipolar disorder, mental health in veteran and forensic populations, and intimate partner violence perpetrated by psychopathic individuals. She has worked as a crisis intervention specialist since 2021 providing support to frontline staff impacted by the overdose public health emergency, and to communities affected by natural disasters in the Province of British Columbia.  

A7 - Implementing The First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework

Level Introductory

Description: 

The First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum (FNMWC) is a foundational framework that deals with mental wellness among First Nations people in Canada and outlines a wellness approach that is grounded in culture. It is based on the idea that we all have a responsibility to support wellness. It provides a continuum of care, attending to wellness through all stages of life.

The FNMWC discusses a range of services that are needed to help promote mental wellness (i.e., education, housing, land and resources, language, heritage, culture, economic development, etc.). It also gives advice on policy and program changes that enhance services and result in improved mental wellness. Communities can use this information to deliver services in culturally safe ways and do what’s needed to develop their programs and services further based on their own priorities.

The FNMWC states that a culturally relevant health system for First Nations communities includes governance, research, workforce development, change and risk management, self-determination, and performance measurement. The continuum is rooted in cultural knowledge and emphasizes First Nations strengths and capacities, building upon the Honouring Our Strengths national framework.

Learn more about how to implement this framework in the work that you do.

Presenters: 

Dr. Brenda Restoule & Dr. Carol Hopkins from First Peoples Wellness Circle

As champions of wholistic wellness, Dr. Restoule and Dr. Hopkins bring decades of experience in fostering healing pathways that empower individuals and communities. Their insights will provide a powerful lens on the importance of culture-based wellness and the integration of Indigenous and Western perspectives in fostering sustainable well-being. The First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC) is an Indigenous-led national not-for-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of First Peoples in Canada by addressing healing, wellness, and mental wellness barriers. 

A8 - Experience Based Connection: Nature And Movement, For Client Wellbeing

Level Intermediate

Description: 

This workshop introduces mental health clinicians to “Free Range Therapy,” a therapeutic approach that brings nature, movement, and experiential learning into the healing process. Designed for psychotherapists, counselling therapists, school counsellors, psychologists, and social workers across diverse settings, this workshop will offer practical techniques to enhance client engagement and connection beyond the traditional therapy room. Participants will learn how to integrate outdoor and movement-based interventions, such as “walk-and-talk” therapy, and explore the unique benefits of experiential methods in addressing a range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Ethical considerations, logistical nuances, and cultural sensitivity will be emphasized, ensuring that clinicians can incorporate these strategies while upholding professional standards. With guided experiential activities and reflective discussions, participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to broaden their therapeutic practice, ultimately fostering stronger, more impactful client relationships across diverse populations and settings. 

Presenters: 

Nicholas Cardone specializes in men’s mental health and adventure-based therapy, addressing how traditional masculinity impacts emotional expression, relationships, and help-seeking. Through his Halifax-based practice, Free Range Therapy, and professional trainings, he helps men break free from outdated norms to live and connect more authentically. Recognizing that traditional therapy settings can deter men from seeking support, Nick integrates nature-based and experiential methods—taking therapy to hiking trails, campfires, and hands-on activities. His approach redefines ‘therapy-as-is,’ making it more engaging and accessible for clients and clinicians alike. 

Caroline Elson is a psychotherapist, clinical consultant and supervisor in Ottawa with over 20 years of experience in a wide range of modalities approached from the Transpersonal Theoretical Model. She offers a wholistic approach to clients, practitioners, students, supervisee and healthcare teams. As no two people or problems are alike, she draws from many different perspectives and modalities to assist in finding creative support, learning, and change.  She loves to incorporate Adventure based therapy, Narrative, Sandy Tray, Somatic Movement and Mindfulness into her approach.