Summer 2015 Newsletter From the Desk of the Associate Dean

We’re pleased to bring the second MACP newsletter to you and excited to share the continued growth and external recognition of our program with you. Our big news in this issue, of course, is the transition of our Dean, Helen Massfeller, to a new position at another university. We’re so sad to see her go but grateful for her leadership in positioning the MACP program as an acknowledged leader in counsellor education. Dr. Massfeller will continue to work on a variety of contracts within the MACP program, so although her role will change we’re delighted to stay connected.

In this newsletter, you’ll also read about:

o new elective courses to be added soon o our ongoing quest for practicum placements o a variety of relevant resources o professional accomplishments of some students and faculty members o new team members o awards and recognition o our Program Advisory Committee (PAC) o our Graduation in o an upcoming networking opportunity on the West Coast

It’s a privilege to be part of the leadership team for the MACP program. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can continue to improve. Warmly,

Dr. Roberta Neault,

Associate Dean,

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University New Electives

Crisis and Trauma Counselling

The Crisis & Trauma Counselling course is designed to provide graduate students in the counselling psychology program with both a theoretical and practical understanding of issues surrounding trauma and a basic introduction into accepted approaches to working with clients who have experienced trauma in their lives. Using current available research literature, this course will introduce students to the definition and types of trauma, acute trauma approaches and interventions, client resourcing and stabilization (ethical considerations), theoretical frameworks, assessments/diagnosis, effective treatments/interventions, prevention and therapist self-care (vicarious trauma).

Human Sexuality

Human sexuality represents a complex intersection of identity and experience. For many counselling students and practitioners, the idea of discussing and exploring sexuality with clients can be challenging on intra and interpersonal levels. This course has been developed to support students in their initial exploration of supporting clients experiencing challenges and/or concerns as they experience self and sexuality in their lived experiences. Topics will include: counsellor identity, values, and beliefs; a culture-infused approach to human sexuality counselling; the spectrum and expression of healthy human sexuality; anatomy and physiology; and sex-positive counselling practice.

Cybercounselling

The research is consistent in validating that therapeutic counselling interventions with clients can be as effective online as they can be face-to-face. Joining the rapidly expanding online counselling world, Yorkville MACP will soon be offering cybercounselling skills and strategies to our students. Students will identify ethical and legal considerations for using online technology in addition to various techniques and strategies for creating a warm, genuine, and therapeutic counselling relationship, using an online format. Moreover, students will identify appropriate clients for using this platform, in addition to establishing clear boundaries for using technology in their clinical practice. Practicum Leads?

We have a large number of students seeking practicum sites, all across and, in a few cases, beyond. If you have any leads, please pass them on. Here are some details from our Field Training Team to help you identify relevant sites.

Practicum site requirements

Practicum sites should be prepared to provide practicum opportunities that will allow students to complete 400 hours of practicum activities (200 direct client contact and 200 hours of indirect client contact) over two trimesters. Students are expected to carry a small case load that would allow them to see an average of 5 clients per week. In general, appropriate practicum settings include any established venue in which mental health counselling services are professionally delivered. Organizations specifically identified as mental health services delivery are acceptable, whether public, private, culturally or religiously affiliated. Other acceptable settings are mental health services delivery systems embedded within a larger context, such as the social work department of a general hospital. Organizations not specifically identified as mental health services delivery systems, but in which mental health issues figure prominently, such as prisons, special schools, and eldercare organizations, may also be judged acceptable by the Director of Field Training.

Supervisor requirements

Supervisors must possess a minimum of a master’s degree and at least one full year of post-graduation counselling experience in one of the counselling professions, and professional licensure or registration appropriate to the positions they hold at the proposed practicum organization. In cases where licensure doesn’t apply, the practitioner’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé would be expected to show relevant experience and membership in appropriate professional societies. In cases where the University is unable to verify academic credentials, the potential supervisor will be asked to submit to the Department of Field Training a copy of his or her academic transcript.

The provision of counselling services constitutes a significant element of the training and practice of a number of different professions. Therefore, supervisors may be counsellors, psychologists, social workers, or other mental health professionals approved by the Director of Field Training. All potential supervisors are asked to provide a CV or résumé to be reviewed and approved by the Director of Field Training.

Any faculty members who may be willing to provide practicum opportunities for YU students, or who know of potential practicum opportunities, should contact Mary Ann van Gaal, Associate Director of Field Training at [email protected]. Resources

Writing Lab – submitted by Dr. Deirdre Pickerell, Writing Lab Coordinator

Yorkville University’s Writing Lab was launched in November 2014 and, to date, has supported 73 students, out of 83 referrals. In two preliminary evaluations of the Lab, 100% of respondents noted it was very important to have this resource. Almost all respondents also felt their writing had improved after working through the various activities.

Early in 2015, the Lab team began posting writing tips in the discussion forum, offering additional support to students and enriching the learning community. To date, over 35 tips have been posted, on such topics as using homophones, understanding comma splices, developing an outline, and using words appropriately (e.g., compliment vs. complement, affect vs. effect, lose vs. loose). Although these tips haven’t generated any discussion, students do report they are helpful.

The Writing Lab uses Moodle, in a similar way to "regular" YU courses. Several units are provided for students to work through independently; they include narrated PowerPoint presentations, recommended resources, and suggested learning activities. A discussion thread is also available where students can post questions and comments; the Writing Lab team subscribes to these discussions so that we know when a question or comment has been posted, ensuring students aren’t waiting too long for responses. Participation in the Lab is completely voluntary; students can choose to attend and participate in as many of the activities as they’d like. The Lab does not offer editing or proofreading services; instead the goal is to help students improve their writing skills.

Webinars for Faculty Dr. Bik DasGupta has coordinated a series of webinars for the faculty; check out the Faculty Lounge for recordings of some of the recent topics. Planned for late Summer and early Fall are webinars on Course Development and Revision (Dr. Ron Richard) and Information Literacy (Librarian, Paul Graham), and a repeat of Dr. Linda Sonna’s From WEIRD to Worldwide: Using Multicultural Counselling Strategies to Enhance Treatment of Mainstream Clients Library

From the Desk of Our Librarian, Paul Graham: A new DSM-5 site has been added to our library. Although we are not providing an online e-book version of the DSM-5, we are adding valuable links to DSM-5 resources. The Psychology section of our library is at: http://campus.yorkvilleu.ca/mod/tab/view.php?id=164985. Once there, click on the DSM-5 tab.

Hellos and Goodbyes Farewell Dr. Helen Massfeller

On June 30th Dr. Helen Massfeller stepped down from her position as Dean, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences to join the Faculty of Education at the University of .

Helen’s contributions to Yorkville University and the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program during the past two years have been substantial, according to Yorkville University’s Vice President Academic, Dr. Ron McDonald. “Dr. Massfeller is an excellent academic and an exceptional leader who will be sorely missed by the University,” McDonald said. “Given the many milestones she has achieved over the past several years on behalf of the MACP program, she leaves behind a proud personal legacy.”

During her time with Yorkville University Massfeller was instrumental in achieving the re-designation of the MACP program for a period of 10 years while having the program remain as a Master of Arts.

Her tireless work over a number of years earned the program recognition by the new College of Registered Psychotherapists of (CRPO) for a period of 5 years. Dean Massfeller created a compelling submission to the CRPO, resulting in Yorkville’s program being one of the first to be recognized as meeting the CRPO’s detailed criteria.

Massfeller oversaw a significant expansion of the MACP faculty complement, the addition of new electives to the MACP program and the development and implementation of an innovative practicum model. Her contributions to the design of the proposed PsyD in Counselling are another legacy she leaves us.

“It’s been a delight to share the deanship of the MACP with Dr. Helen Massfeller over the past year – I appreciated her humour, compassion, and tenacity,” said Dr. Roberta Neault, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences at Yorkville University “We shared a commitment to excellence in MACP programming – and also a commitment to introducing and maintaining a culture of kindness.”

“Although all Yorkville will sorely miss Massfeller, the good news in this circumstance is that we will have a trusted colleague and friend of Yorkville University at another New Brunswick university,” McDonald said. A national search has begun for a new MACP dean, and in the interim, Vice President Academic, Dr. Ron McDonald, is Acting Dean, and Dr. Roberta Neault continues in her role as Associate Dean. New e-learning team

I am pleased to introduce the MACP community to two new members of our eLearning team. As you may have heard, one of our team, Charles Barry, recently left us to pursue other opportunities, and so we managed to not only fill Chuck’s large shoes, but added a second additional member as well.

They are Sarah Dessault and Jody Nabuurs. Sarah comes to us with two undergraduate degrees, one a BA in Kinetics with a minor in Business, and the other a BEd. She is also well versed in public speaking and communication, and has developed courses online, as well as Learning Management Systems, for diverse learning communities, including First Nations communities in Alberta. Jody’s background is in Journalism, and she comes to us with experience with local corporate elearning companies, and brings considerable talents in QA as well as media development.

Sarah will take on our MEd and LLM portfolios, as well as act as assistant to Susan for the Practicum and Pre-Practicum courses. Jody will work with undergraduate courses, running the General Studies and BBIS programs, and act as support for the growing BBA as well as the BID program.

From the Desk of our new MACP Program Advisor . . .

Dear Students and Faculty,

I would like to introduce myself as the new Program Advisor for the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University. I previously occupied the role of an Admissions Advisor for the MACP program before transitioning into this new position in student services. Some students may remember me from when they were applying to the program. I have had the opportunity to study as a student at Yorkville in the Faculty of Business allowing me to become familiar with the online environment. Furthermore, I am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration, and I can relate to the rigorous demands of a graduate level program. I trust that my background and knowledge on the program and University will help ease me into this new role seamlessly and allow me to be a reliable and trustworthy resource for students.

Kindly, Megan Gallant New Field Training Staff

Rosalind Dunphy

Administrative Assistant to the Department of Field Training, has more than 5 years' relevant administrative experience working in western Canada and isolated northern villages; she has now settled back in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She graduated with a specialization in communications & journalism from St. Thomas University with a minor in French at an advanced proficiency level from Laval

Trish Mersereau

Pre-Practicum Coordinator for the MACP program has over 20 years experience within the health care field with 10 years at the Director's level. Her vast experience coordinating and supervising practicums, along with her Masters in Education, brings a strong dimension to the field training team. Trish has a vast knowledge of instruction, curriculum design, research methodology, needs assessment, and action plans. Her board involvement includes the United Way, Fredericton Volunteer Center, Community Action Group on Homelessness, and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Sussex, she has developed her 20 year career in Fredericton, living in New Maryland with her two children.

MACP Highlights MACP student Angela Herd receives business award and conference bursary:

-2015 Surrey Women in Business winners honoured: http://www.surreyleader.com/ business/295361611.html

-Art Therapist, Award-Winner CCPA Conference Bursary Recipient : http://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp- content/uploads/2015/06/ CACNEWSLETTER_Spring2015.pdf (p. 13 – 20) Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings at CCPA Did you know that YU’s MACP program has an impressive team of Advisors, helping to keep the program current and relevant? Chaired by Mike Springer (Trustee, Teacher’s Pension Plan, NB), the committee also includes Dr. Robert Baudoin (Retired UNB Professor), Dr. Mike Boyes (Professor, ), Linda Floyd Sadler (MACP alumnus), Adrian Juric (School Counsellor / Private Practitioner, BC), Dr. Janice Graham-Migel (President, Nova Scotia School Counsellors Association), Lawrence Murphy (Co- Founder, Worldwide TherapyOnline), Dr. Dave Redekopp (President, Life-Role Development Group, AB), Dr. Lloyd Robertson (Registered Psychologist, SK), BJ Skladanowski (Provincial Health Services Authority, BC), Fatima Soares (Retired Executive Director, Employment Solutions for Immigrants – Manitoba START, MB), Rebecca Teebay-Webb (MACP alumnus), and Michel Turcotte (Consultant en counseling de carrière, ON/QC). Drs. Rick Davey (YU President), Ron McDonald (VP Academic), Helen Massfeller (Dean, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences), and Roberta Neault (Associate Dean, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences) are ex-officio members of the committee.

The Program Advisory Committee (PAC) met during the CCPA Conference in May. PAC members were updated on MACP growth and program changes, upcoming new electives, our successful recognition by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, meetings with CCPA, and an overview of new initiatives underway within the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences. The Advisors were engaged in an environmental scan to update program leaders on what they see as significant developments within the counselling field in Canada. Topics included private practice, self-harm/self-injury, career development, and cultural sensitivity. Our next PAC meeting is scheduled for November 2015.

YU Well-Represented at 2015 International Symposium on Career Development and Public Policy In June 2015, 103 delegates representing approximately 30 countries met in Des Moines, Iowa for the 7th International Symposium on Career Development and Public Policy. With a broad focus on building the talent pipeline and providing youth with hope for the future, the symposium brought together career development leaders, researchers, and policy influencers to examine four themes: engaging employers, why ROI matters, the role of emerging technologies, and integrated policies: creating systems that work. Two YU team members were amongst these delegates: Dr. Deirdre Pickerell, Coordinator of the YU Writing Lab and Vice President of Life Strategies Ltd., chaired the Canadian team; Dr. Roberta Neault, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and long-time instructor of the MACP program was on the Asia-Pacific team.

Publications Career counsellors have a key role to play in corporate work as well as in counselling agencies; read more in this article by two members of our MACP team, Drs. Deirdre Pickerell and Roberta Neault: http:// contactpoint.ca/2015/06/career---development---in---organizations---a---lost---or---an---emerging---opportunity/ Connections

Preparing for graduation was a very exciting time at Yorkville University! We had a total of 82 grads attending the ceremony, 54 of whom were from the MACP program. With a total of 1362 graduates we were very excited to celebrate this ceremony with everyone!

Everyone was welcome to tune into the ceremony through our livestream. This stream can still be found at: https://livestream.com/accounts/4433792/events/4134689

You can also take a moment to get to know your valedictorian, Gregg Taylor, here:

http://www.yorkvilleu.ca/slider/meet-gregg-taylor-2015-valedictorian-master-arts-counselling- psychology-program/

We are very proud of all of our students and Gregg is just one example of a unique journey our students take to reach their goals.

It was wonderful to see so many of our YU MACP family at the ceremony!

Kady McDonnell Office of the Registrar Are you on the West Coast? If so, Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Friends are warmly invited to a Summer Reception in the Fraser Valley. Join Associate Dean, Dr. Roberta Neault, Writing Lab Coordinator, Dr. Deirdre Pickerell, and others . . .

Where? 26907 26th Ave. Aldergrove, BC When? Tuesday, July 21 7 – 9 PM

RSVP: [email protected]

If you get lost, phone: 604-856-2386 ☺

Light refreshments provided

Awards and Recognition

Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service as a Practicum Coordinator

Congratulations to MACP Practicum Coordinator, Katherine Grant Nominated by MACP student, Kim Lyon, who wrote, “She has been an amazing support so far, as I am out in Saudi Arabia . . . She has been fantastic in keeping me on track, doing her best with helpful suggestions, and replying promptly to my [many] queries and concerns. She doesn't know it, but she has become something of a mentor for me to keep my eyes on the prize!”

MACP Student Awards Congratulations to Gregg Taylor MACP Valedictorian, Class of 2015

Gregg Taylor is the 2015 Valedictorian of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University. In this Question and Answer with Yorkville University Gregg talks about how he stayed motivated during the program and how obtaining his MACP at 52 years old marks a new era in his career. See more at here: http:// www.yorkvilleu.ca/slider/meet---gregg--- taylor---2015---valedictorian---master--- arts---counselling---psychology---program/ Yorkville University MACP Award of Excellence | Category: Inspirational Growth

Congratulations to Laurie Suitor, 2015 MACP Grad

In her time at Yorkville University, Laurie Suitor came to be known as a unique student - scholarly, articulate, talented, academically speaking, but also demonstrating great personal triumph and growth in spite of, or because of, personal barriers and tragedy. She is a gifted writer, a mother, a business consultant, a passionate advocate for First Nations health and wellness and, as a bonus, a rural New Brunswick resident, whom without this online platform would not have been able to obtain a graduate degree, despite her ample aptitude for advanced scholarly work.

We’d like to honour more of our wonderful faculty, TAs, staff, and students. If you’d like to nominate someone for exceptional performance, please send his/her name and the reason for your nomination to: [email protected].