St. Stephen's College Department of Psychotherapy & Spirituality

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

Looking for a creative outlet this semester? Join St. Stephen's College at The Art Hive! 🎨

An Art Hive is a unique, community-centred space where art making is used as a tool for connection. Our facilitator will be on hand to provide support as you develop connections through art. No prior experience is necessary!

Mark your calendars for these sessions:
🔹 Tuesday, September 15 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
🔹 Tuesday, October 20 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
🔹 Tuesday, November 17 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: SUB 2-725
Partners: In partnership with the U of A Student Success and Experience.

Space is available, so be sure to register early! Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit our website to secure your spot. We can't wait to create with you.

Register here:
https://forms.gle/Ar7AFcZ9L41PAepZA

10/15/2026

This Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, Volume 39, Issue 1, was inspired by the 46th annual Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) conference. Aligning with the theme of bridging belonging for collective healing, the conference was co-hosted with the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA) and the WHEAT Institute - Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (WHEAT).

Cocreating Belonging in the Healing Arts: Rivers Converging to Collectively Dream of Health and Peace. Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, 39(1), 2–14.

Haley Toll, PhD, RCAT, CCC, RP, Darci Adam, MA, MEd, WHEAT Director, Terri Roberton, RP, EXAT, OEATA President 2025 & Bonface Njeresa Beti, MA, PhD student.

Read online at https://doi.org/10.1080/26907240.2026.2674442

10/15/2026

International Drama Therapy Week 🎭

Drama invites us to explore stories, emotions, relationships, and different perspectives. It can help us step outside our usual way of seeing things and connect with experiences that can sometimes be difficult to express in words.

These same principles remind us of something important in counselling: there is more than one way to experience, support, and promote mental health and emotional well-being.

For some people, creativity, storytelling, movement, or role exploration can offer meaningful ways to reflect, connect, and make sense of their experiences.

This International Drama Therapy Week, ACTA recognizes the Counselling Therapists who bring creativity, skill, and intention to this work, and the individuals and communities who benefit from opportunities to express, explore, and understand their experiences in new ways.

We celebrate the power of creative expression to foster connection, self-discovery, and greater understanding of ourselves and one another.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

For the upcoming AGM, there are three positions open for voting. In accordance with the revised bylaws, membership may self-nominate (apply) or nominate others for the above positions no later than 45 days before the AGM.

10/08/2026

October is Autism Acceptance Month. 🌿

Autism acceptance means moving beyond awareness toward greater understanding, inclusion, and respect for the diverse ways autistic and neurodivergent people experience and navigate the world.

For many autistic and neurodivergent individuals, finding mental health support that understands their experiences and needs can be an important part of accessing meaningful care. Autism Canada reports that more than 1.8% of Canadian adults are autistic, yet only 16% of Autistic Canadians aged 15 and older report very good or excellent mental health.

Many Counselling Therapists in Alberta have training and experience working with neurodivergent clients. Their expertise is grounded in evidence-informed practice and a commitment to understanding each person’s unique strengths, experiences, needs, and goals.

At the same time, Alberta has more than 4,000 counselling therapists who are ready to contribute their full scope of practice. Without regulation, barriers continue to limit where and how Counselling Therapists can contribute within Alberta’s health system.

At ACTA, we believe meaningful access to mental health care includes recognizing the expertise of qualified professionals and creating systems that allow them to contribute fully.

This Autism Acceptance Month, we recognize the importance of listening, understanding, inclusion, and access to care that meets people where they are.

10/02/2026

October is Women’s History Month. 🌿

This month, we take time to recognize the women who have shaped our families, communities, workplaces, and professions — including the many women whose contributions have helped shape the counselling profession.

Women have played an important role in expanding our understanding of mental health, human development, relationships, trauma, and the therapeutic process. Through research, practice, advocacy, teaching, and leadership, they have challenged assumptions, introduced new perspectives, and helped move the profession forward.

Women’s history is not only found in the names and achievements we read about in history books. It is also reflected in the everyday work of counsellors who listen, support, advocate, teach, and create space for people to better understand themselves and their experiences.

This Women’s History Month, we honour the women who helped build the foundation of counselling, celebrate those contributing to the profession today, and recognize those who will continue to shape its future.

At ACTA, we celebrate the women who have helped build the foundation of our profession and those who continue to shape its future through their work, leadership, and commitment to others.

10/02/2026

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 $900—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/registration-open

10/02/2026

📰 The Latest ACTA Newsletter is Now Available

The Alberta Counselling Therapy Association (ACTA) is pleased to announce that the latest newsletter is now available.

Stay informed on professional updates, upcoming events, and valuable resources for Counselling Therapists across Alberta.

Read the latest ACTA newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/acta-alberta/september_2026

Subscribe to the ACTA newsletter: acta-alberta.ca/newsletter

Learn more about registration: acta-alberta.ca/registration-open