Author Archives: CCPA

Ready, Set, Launch!

Posted by: CC PA on June 19, 2015 10:26 am

To celebrate CCPA’s 50th Anniversary as a National Association, we are proud to announce that we have launched a brand new website! www.ccpa-accp.ca has a fresh new design, a more organized layout, and a sleek sophisticated feel.

All of the same information will still be readily available:

– Are you thinking about becoming a CCPA member?

– Are you interested in applying for our Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation? Download our certification requirements & procedures manual

– Access a list of all of our available forms including (but not limited to):

Proof of Student Status
Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) application
Canadian Certified Counsellor – Supervisor (CCC-S) application
Continuing Education Credits (CEC) application
Awards Nomination
Publication Order

– Want to join a new chapter? View all of our interest based and regional based chapters

– Looking for advertisement options?

– Get the most up-to-date information regarding our Annual Conference

– Learn more about CCPA’s National Board of Directors and National Office staff

– Do you have general questions regarding membership, mention of membership, certification, regulation across Canada, continuing education, accreditation, or ethics? Visit our FAQ section!

– Do you have specific questions for one of our staff? Contact us directly!

We welcome your feedback, so please feel free to leave your comments below.

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

It’s Time to GET LOUD for Mental Health!

Posted by: CC PA on May 5, 2015 9:43 am

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Join Canada’s Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Celebrating Mental Health Week!

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) is proud to celebrate Mental Health Week, taking place from May 4-8, 2015. An initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association, this special week is an annual national event that takes place during the first week of May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.

“Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists are part of the continuum of care in primary health care and make vital contributions to the mental health and well-being of all Canadians,” said CCPA President, Blythe Shepard. “Together, we collaborate with other mental health associations, organizations, and governments to advocate for appropriateness of care – access to the right care, provided by the right provider(s), to the right person, at the right time.”

Read CCPA’s Press Release Issued on May 4th, 2015 here: http://www.ccpa-accp.ca/en/newsevents/newsreleases/details.php?id=130

For more information on Mental Health Week visit, www.mentalhealthweek.ca

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

CCPA Applauds Ontario Government on New CRPO

Posted by: CC PA on April 7, 2015 9:55 am

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The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) congratulates the Ontario Government on the official proclamation made April 1st, 2015 that the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 has come officially into force by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

“Regulation of a profession requires commitment and collaboration amongst the government, the profession and key stakeholders. CCPA is proud to be part of this collaboration and this milestone for the profession”, said Blythe Shepard, CCPA President. “CCPA congratulates the Transitional Council of the College of Registered Psychotherapists on this significant accomplishment. CCPA hopes that the regulation of the profession in Ontario hastens the regulation efforts in other jurisdictions of Canada.”

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

It’s Brain Awareness Week!

Posted by: CC PA on March 16, 2015 2:52 pm

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“In the past twenty years, neuroscience and psychotherapy research has increased our knowledge of how and why people change and the reasons individuals may ‘get stuck’ in negative patterns of behaviour. This new brain awareness allows for innovative ways to understand interpersonal relationships, emotional memories, and strategies for mental health and wellness,” said CCPA President Blythe Shepard. “It simultaneously offers new hope for recovery and stabilization of mental illnesses. The brain can change — it is not fixed. The brain responds to external environmental events and actions undertaken by the individual. This means that counselling and psychotherapy can also build new brain networks as we actively listen to our clients, show empathic understanding, and build upon and recognize clients’ strengths.”

CCPA hosts a public website “Talking Helps” (www.talkingcanhelp.ca), which facilitates open dialogue and provides a place where members of the public can find authoritative information about the benefits of counselling in ameliorating a variety of challenging life situations. This website also provides a directory to Canadian Certified Counsellors by geographic location and specialty. You can also visit www.ccpa-accp.ca, to access this directory and search for a Canadian Certified Counsellor in your region.

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

The Use of Technology in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Efficacy, Efficiency and Ethics

Posted by: CC PA on October 31, 2011 3:54 pm

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“Since the digital revolution has become mainstream, it is difficult to recall being efficient without the various digital tools at our disposal. Now, with the Internet, email, Skype, chat, texting, blogging and live streaming video, we have the ability to be in constant touch and to respond to each other in seconds from around the world. We can capture data in digital form and access it at lightning speed when we need it. Our professional and personal lives have become as close to 24-7-365 as we dare to!

With innovation and technology comes efficiency. One question one might ask is: Is there an appropriate role for technology in counselling and psychotherapy?

With technology and its availability comes a shift in the way people may want to engage in certain types counselling. It’s easy to realize the benefits of technology and how it could be used to improve accessibility and communication. In this vast country of ours, often with great distances between communities, the ability to communicate using the tools of our digital age is indeed an important adjunct to more traditional counselling methods. Not only can services be offered using technology, counsellors and therapists can become more productive as they reduce travel time.

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*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies: Selecting Unique Arts-Based Counselling Options

Posted by: CC PA on October 31, 2011 3:50 pm

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One in every five Canadians will face a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Despite the commonality of mental health and mental illness concerns, many Canadians have never consulted a certified counsellor. They have formed their views about counselling and therapy on what they may have seen in movies or read in fiction. The media tend to portray therapy as a verbal exchange between a counsellor and a client. It is rare that the public is exposed to accurate images of therapy. Typically, the erroneous classical portrayal of a client lying on a couch, with the therapist seated behind scribbling notes is the prevailing image.

Each person moves through the world and interacts with it in different ways and. has developed unique ways of managing emotions in everyday life. Fortunately, today’s field of counselling recognizes this individuality and has broadened its modalities to include a variety of therapeutic approaches to address diverse needs and ways of expressing difficulties.

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*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

Comment bien faire mention de son statut de membre professionnel et de ses titres de compétence

Posted by: CC PA on September 16, 2011 2:13 pm

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Chaque association a ses propres politiques en ce qui concerne la façon de citer les titres de compétence. En tant que membre, il importe que vous preniez connaissance de ces politiques avant de faire quelque mention que ce soit au sujet de votre statut de membre sur vos cartes de visite, votre site Web ou tout autre véhicule promotionnel que vous pourriez utiliser. Vous pourriez en effet contrevenir aux politiques de votre association sans même le savoir.

C’est d’ailleurs le cas que vous pratiquiez ou non au sein d’une profession officiellement réglementée. Il existe de nombreux titres protégés au Canada et il importe de connaître les exigences associées à leur usage. Par exemple, au Québec, le titre de « conseiller d’orientation » est un titre réservé qui ne peut être utilisé que par les personnes inscrites au tableau de l’Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec. Pour sa part, la British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors autorise l’usage du titre « Registered Clinical Counsellor » par les personnes inscrites à cette association.

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*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

How to Properly Make Mention of Professional Membership and Credentials

Posted by: CC PA on September 16, 2011 2:12 pm

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Every association has its own policies regarding how to properly state credentials. It is important as a member that you review these policies before making any statements regarding membership on your business cards, website or any other promotional materials you may have. You could be in breach of your association’s policies without even knowing it.

This is true regardless of whether you practice within a statutory regulated profession or a self-regulated profession. There exist many protected titles in Canada and it’s important to know the requirements of using those titles. For example, in Québec, the title “conseiller d’orientation” is a reserved title and can only be used by those registered with the Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec. Additionally, the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors grants the use of the title “Registered Clinical Counsellor” to those registered with that association.

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*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA