St. Stephen's College Department of Psychotherapy & Spirituality

05/21/2026

We're now welcoming proposals for the 2026 CATA-ACAT conference until June 14, 2026!

The conference will feature two distinct styles of engagement designed to bridge the in-between of thought and action:

🌿 Theoretical Presentations (45 mins): Focused on a deep theoretical understanding of process.
🌿 Experiential Facilitation (90 min): A hybrid of theory and practice, focused on making meaning with an experiential creation process.

All proposals are peer reviewed by committee using an ethical, rigorous, and affirmative approach. Applicants will receive a response about the status of their proposals in mid-August.

Submit your proposal here: https://canadianarttherapy.org/call-for-proposals

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Nous accueillerons les propositions de sessions jusqu'au 14 juin 2026!

La conférence proposera deux styles d'engagement distincts, conçus pour faire le pont entre la réflexion et l'action:

🌿 Présentations théoriques (45 min) Axées sur une compréhension théorique approfondie d'un processus.

🌿 Animation expérientielle (90 min) Un mélange de théorie et de pratique, centré sur la construction du sens à travers un processus de création expérientielle.

Toutes les propositions sont évaluées par un comité de pairs selon une approche éthique, rigoureuse et affirmative. Les candidats recevront une réponse concernant le statut de leur proposition à la mi-août.

Soumettez votre proposition ici: https://canadianarttherapy.org/call-for-proposals

05/21/2026

Each year CATA awards grants and bursaries to members who have contributed to the profession of art therapy through literature and research.

The purpose of the yearly awards is to continue to encourage members to contribute to filling gaps in research, art therapy promotion, education and to share unique information about the profession to other disciplines. Additionally, as CATA grows we are seeking to improve awareness of anti-oppressive practice in art therapy in Canada and to build relationships with other disciplines within Canada.

The grant and bursary program is intentionally broad in its scope, to encourage research about new and unique approaches to the profession of art therapy.

2025 Applications are now open, and will be accepted until August 31st, 2025.

To learn more or apply, visit https://buff.ly/PRJYpBW

05/21/2026

The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) is actively supporting Counselling Therapists as Alberta moves toward regulation and remains a trusted partner throughout this process.

Member benefits include:
▪️ Free access to all professional development webinars maintaining their readiness for regulation
▪️ Certificates of Attendance included (valued at $800—more than the cost of membership)

Don’t miss our upcoming sessions—free for members or $125 - $175 per session for non-members.
Explore events and register here: acta-alberta.ca/upcoming-events

Not yet a member? Join ACTA today to demonstrate your readiness for regulation and access meaningful professional development: acta-alberta.ca/intermediate-route

05/12/2026

Join us for a free public lecture, Drawing Connections: Comics in Art Therapy Practice, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 12:00 - 1:30pm (MDT), presented by Rakshanda Khan.

This lecture explores how comics can invite clients into a transitional 'magic circle' of play, narration, and healing. Drawing from the chapter, Rakshanda discusses how comics support a phenomenological encounter with self, helping clients navigate complex themes such as identity and trauma in both individual and group settings.

The session includes hands-on comic art experientials, inviting participants to engage directly with sequential storytelling as a therapeutic tool. No prior drawing experience is required.

Please register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjuVxWMmce60kDIlx4FBLbqWGeLbco6rObZnY4cVNLA-MKnQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102814857757738584499

05/11/2026

What does it actually look like to practice under a regulator?

In this session, we’ll explore what regulation means in practice—how it supports accountability, public protection, and fairness for both clients and practitioners.

Led by Deborah Adams, CEO and Registrar of the CRPO, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at how regulatory colleges function, how they differ from professional associations, and how complaint processes work in practice.

A chance to feel more informed and prepared as Alberta moves toward regulation in the counselling and psychotherapy field.

Demystifying Regulation: What it Means to Practice in a Regulated Profession
Deborah Adams, CEO & Registrar, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
June 12 | 12:00 - 1:30 pm.

Register today!
acta-alberta.ca/upcoming-events

Attendees will be provided with a Continuing Education Certificate of Attendance. Professional Development is FREE to ACTA members (members were emailed the free registration code) and is $125 for non-members.

Not yet a member as a Counselling Therapist? Join ACTA today to demonstrate your readiness for regulation and gain access to valuable professional development opportunities: 🔗 acta-alberta.ca/intermediate-route

05/08/2026

May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month 💛

Borderline Personality Disorder affects emotions, relationships, and self-image, and it is often misunderstood. Many of the challenges associated with BPD are adaptive responses to early trauma or disruptions in attachment, rather than a reflection of a person’s character or worth.

This month is a reminder to approach BPD with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based counselling.

Counselling Therapists (CTs) are highly trained clinicians who provide professional, accountable, and ethical clinical interventions — helping individuals navigate their emotional world, build healthier relationships, and connect with their strengths.

Through intentional, evidence-based therapeutic engagement, growth and resilience are possible, and everyone’s story matters. 💙

Raising awareness isn’t just about education — it’s about reducing stigma and creating safe, equitable spaces where people can access high-quality, professional mental health counselling.

Together, we can listen, learn, and advocate for understanding and support for those living with BPD. 💛

05/06/2026

Interested in learning more about our Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality programs?

Join us for an online Graduate Program Information Session on June 16th, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm MDT.

The session is free, registration is required. https://www.ualberta.ca/en/st-stephens/community/graduate-program-info-sessions.html

05/01/2026

04/30/2026

What does it actually look like to practise under a regulator?

In this session, we’ll explore what regulation means in practice—how it supports accountability, public protection, and fairness for both clients and practitioners.

Led by Deborah Adams, CEO and Registrar of the CRPO, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at how regulatory colleges function, how they differ from professional associations, and how complaint processes work in practice.

A chance to feel more informed and prepared as Alberta moves toward regulation in the counselling and psychotherapy field.

Demystifying Regulation: What it Means to Practice in a Regulated Profession
Deborah Adams, CEO & Registrar, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
June 12 | 12:00 - 1:30 pm.

Register today!
acta-alberta.ca/upcoming-events

Attendees will be provided with a Continuing Education Certificate of Attendance. Professional Development is FREE to ACTA members (members were emailed the free registration code) and is $125 for non-members.

Not yet a member as a Counselling Therapist? Join ACTA today to demonstrate your readiness for regulation and gain access to valuable professional development opportunities: 🔗 acta-alberta.ca/intermediate-route

04/16/2026

📘 Code of Ethics | Code de déontologie — CCPA/ACCP (2020)

The CCPA Code of Ethics is a living document that sets the standard for ethical professional conduct for counsellors and therapists across Canada. The 2020 edition includes expanded sections on working with Indigenous clients and communities, technology in practice, diversity and inclusion, and clinical supervision — approved by the CCPA Board of Directors in March 2020.
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Available in both English (ISBN: 978-0-9952097-4-9) and French (ISBN: 978-0-9952097-6-3).
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Le Code de déontologie de l'ACCP est un document évolutif qui définit les normes de conduite professionnelle des conseillers et thérapeutes au Canada. L'édition 2020 comprend de nouvelles sections sur les peuples autochtones, l'utilisation des technologies, la diversité et la supervision clinique. Disponible en anglais et en français.
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Order your copy through the CCPA Member Portal at members.ccpa-accp.ca. Not yet a member? Register for a free Complimentary Membership at ccpa-accp.ca/applyformembership.