We’ve published our program which includes introductory, intermediate, and advanced level sessions on topics from animal-assisted therapy to the use of AI in the therapeutic setting – something for everyone at all career stages!
The Conference took place over three days at the Westin Calgary Hotel from May 29th to June 1st, 2025
Keynotes
Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau invites audiences on a deeply personal journey toward self-knowledge, acceptance, and empowerment.
Combining insight from top psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, and thought leaders with her own personal journey, Grégoire Trudeau explores the questions that matter most for our individual and collective growth. She’s on a mission to help people reach their true potential and live fuller and happier lives by enhancing their emotional literacy and learning how to build healthier relationships with themselves, others, and the world around us.
Book Signing
Following the keynote, join Sophie Grégoire Trudeau for a special book signing of Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other . This is an opportunity to connect with her message on a deeper level and take home a signed copy of her inspiring book.
An Introduction to the Indigenous Mental Health Continuum Framework
During their keynote, Dr. Restoule and Dr. Hopkins will introduce you to the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum (FNMWC) . This 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.
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.
The Healing Canvas: Listening to the Body’s Wisdom Through Therapeutic Drawings That Move Beyond Talk Therapy
Join Dr. Dawn McBride, a renowned psychologist, professor, and international speaker, for an engaging keynote that invites participants to reconnect with their inner selves through simple yet impactful guided drawings. No artistic skill is required, as these can be created with eyes closed, using one’s non-dominant hand, or even through air drawings. This highly experiential session will lead attendees in exploring the body’s innate wisdom as a pathway to emotional regulation, insight, and renewal. This closing session offers therapists a refreshing opportunity to consider how creative, somatic, and expressive drawings can enhance client engagement and move beyond traditional talk therapy. Drawing on her extensive expertise in trauma-informed care, clinical supervision, and expressive arts therapies, Dr. McBride will guide participants in discovering the transformative potential of therapeutic drawing practices that incorporate rhythm, pendulation, ancestral imagery, and meaningful affirmations. Prepare for a hands-on experience that nurtures compassion, curiosity, and creativity—therapeutic activities that can be easily integrated into practice.
Our 2025 Sponsors
Exhibitors
Tracy M Heath
Before Goodbye: Your Emotional, Physical and Financial Guide When a Loved One is Diagnosed with a Serious Illness.
“Before Goodbye” by Tracy Heath is a comprehensive guide for those facing a Loved One’s serious illness. The book addresses emotional, physical, and financial aspects of this challenging journey. Focused on coping with the diagnosis, seeking support, self-care, and creating meaningful connections. She also covers financial planning, end-of-life decisions, and preparing for final days while helping guide readers through loss, grief, and rebuilding life. With practical checklists, questions, and resources in the appendix, this book offers a compassionate blend of professional expertise and personal insights. It empowers readers to navigate this difficult terrain with courage and preparedness, serving as an indispensable resource for individuals, families, and professionals confronting the complexities of serious illness.
About Tracy
Tracy M Heath is a compassionate author, speaker and expert in guiding individuals and families through challenging journeys. Having over 30 years in the investment industry with a focus on estate planning and generational wealth transfer, Tracy brings a unique blend of financial expertise and personal insight to her work. As a certified coach practitioner and positive psychology practitioner, Tracy emphasizes a strengths-based approach, helping clients cultivate resilience and find meaning even in the face of adversity. Her multifaceted background allows her to address both the practical aspects and the emotional well-being of those she serves, offering a holistic support system during life’s most challenging times.
Tracy is the author of “Before Goodbye: Your Emotional, Physical and Financial Guide When a Loved One is Diagnosed with a Serious Illness.”
Learn More
Clinicmaster
| As a trusted name in healthcare technology, Clinicmaster is continuously evolving to keep clinics at the forefront of the industry. Our intelligent, AI-powered EMR is built for efficiency, scalability, and seamless practice management, ensuring that healthcare providers stay ahead of the curve.
With advanced AI solutions, predictive analytics, and integrated business tools, Clinicmaster eliminates administrative bottlenecks, optimizes workflows, and helps clinics increase revenue while delivering exceptional patient care. More than just software, we provide professional clinic consulting, equipping clinic owners with the strategies and insights needed to scale and succeed. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing multiple locations, you will never outgrow Clinicmaster—our technology grows with you.
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Layla Care
Layla is a mental health service provider that offers personalized therapy solutions across Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. We connect individuals with licensed therapists tailored to their unique needs and preferences, focusing on providing accessible, high-quality mental health support. Layla offers a variety of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, supervised therapy programs, and psychological assessments. We prioritize a human-first approach, considering factors like language, culture, and life experiences to ensure a strong therapeutic alliance and effective outcomes. Through our easy-to-use online platform, clients are matched with therapists or therapy groups that best suit their needs, with an emphasis on compassionate and comprehensive care.
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Skillsetter
| Skillsetter is a web-based deliberate practice training system to allow learners to practice interpersonal skills anytime, anywhere. Our software removes the barriers to deliberate practice and replaces them with asynchronous remote technology that helps educators to achieve higher impact in behavioral skill development. |
BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS)
| BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS) is a specialist insurance broker, providing market-leading solutions for more than 700,000 professionals and members through 70+ associations across Canada. BMS’s team is comprised of industry experts who provide industry-specific risk management and specialist brokerage services while offering a comprehensive range of insurance products and resources to Canadian associations and their members. |
Jane App
| We know how it feels to search for that one software that just ‘gets’ your clinic’s unique needs. We’ve been there too, and it’s actually how Jane App came to life.
Jane App is a clinic management software and EMR that’s built to help make clinic life easier for you. 💙 When our co-founder, Ali, was running her clinic, she was looking for a software that would be user-friendly for both clients and practitioners, with powerful features and an intuitive design. When she couldn’t find the right fit, our other co-founder, Trevor, offered to build her a solution. Fast forward 10 years and that solution is now Jane App. Today, Jane offers helpful features like easy online booking, flexible scheduling, customizable documentation, a secure payment solution, and more. And the best part is that with Jane, you’re not alone! Support is unlimited, so you can rely on our friendly team to answer any questions that come up at any point in your Jane journey. Head to jane.app/ to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of our support team. |
Yorkville University
| Yorkville University (YU) is Canada’s largest private university – in enrollments and geographically – with campuses in Vancouver, Toronto, and New Brunswick. YU offers graduate, undergraduate and diploma programs that are practitioner-oriented and lead to professional careers that are personally rewarding and contribute to the betterment of society. YU provides challenging academic content delivered by faculty members who are professionally engaged in their fields of knowledge, possess the appropriate credentials and are committed to excellence in teaching. |
Northrose Educational Resources
| Northrose Educational Resources is an independent publisher committed to providing Canadian Counselling faculty with quality, affordable learning tools and resources designed to help their students succeed. |
The Psych Update
| The Psych Update is a Canadian company dedicated to supporting mental health professionals by strengthening their connection to psychological research. Founded with clinicians in mind, our mission is to reduce the burden of staying current with emerging evidence by delivering practical, relevant insights in a streamlined and accessible way. We aim to empower therapists to feel more connected to research, without adding to their workload. |
Cliniscripts
| CliniScripts is a cutting-edge AI-powered clinical documentation platform designed specifically for mental health professionals. Our solution streamlines the note-taking process by generating high-quality, session-ready progress notes through secure and intelligent speech-to-text technology. CliniScripts helps practitioners save time, reduce administrative burden, and enhance accuracy in their clinical documentation. |
Perlinger
Canadian counsellors dedicate themselves to helping others flourish. Perlinger Group Benefits is thrilled to be back at the CCPA National Conference, ready to support you. Explore our Flexible Benefits plan and discover how we can help you thrive, so you can continue your vital work. We look forward to connecting!