Every once in a while I have to take off my individualistic hat and put on my collective hat.  Today’s blog is simply a reminder to people about the importance of the collective.  As individual counsellors, we are often isolated in the work we do.  We do find other, like-minded, people to associate.  We seek out peers for reflective practice.  We collaborate on projects.  When we work in isolation, we tend to forget that there is a bigger picture in the world of counselling.  We forget to remember (or is it that remember to forget) about all the larger collection of counsellors out there that creates the profession.  Without this larger body, individuals would struggle worse than they are now to form their identity as a counsellor.  It is likely that it is because of this larger body that the individual has a choice of their identity at all. It is also likely that due to this body, the community at large sees counselling as a professional body as one that is governed by a regulatory body and managed by a code of ethics; that counsellors are accountable to this governing body (though voluntarily) as well as to the public. 

I guess that the point of my preaching today is to remind people that that collective is coming together in Calgary, Alberta this Spring – May 24-27, 2011 in the form of a conference.  The newly formed Alberta/NWT Chapter will be there looking for ways to build its’ own presence.  The theme is fitting with this discussion;  Reflecting on Self and Practice.  The importance of these conferences is not just the education credits one picks up, but the actual bonding and building of the profession.  Among the social opportunities, there is the intrinsic value of developing a sense of belonging (something we all strive for).  Make sure to find your way to Calgary, Alberta for the conference, and, if it pertains to you… seek out the newly formed Alberta/NWT chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.  Find out what they can do for you… or, more importantly, provide your input in what they will do for you.

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