Publications

Telepsychology: Managing the Challenges

Published:   •  1 minute read

A half-day, hybrid panel discussion and Q&A

Dalhousie University, McCain Bldg., Room 2130, Halifax (or by Zoom)

Friday, May 31 – 9 am to 1:00 pm

Fee: $150 for APNS members; $25 for students.

Contact admin@apns.ca to register now. Watch for the brochure coming soon.

The Panel Discussion is followed by the APNS Annual General Meeting and Award Ceremony; participants are invited to stay for lunch.

Panel: Dr. Marcie Balch, Dr. Elizabeth Church, Dr Natalie Stratton, Carlye Smith-Burke; Moderated by Dr. Robin McGee, Chair NSBEP

Summary

The number of psychologists using telepsychology have increased dramatically in the past five years. The benefits are well know, but what about the challenges? These may not be as obvious, but can cause problems if overlooked. This panel discussion will feature psychologists from various practice areas discussing their experiences with telepsychology, and addressing questions from participants. Some of the topics we hope to address will include ethical concerns, privacy and security, and the whether it is, or is not, appropriate for carious issues or clients.

Panel Discussion: Educating psychologists about government plans to increase access to mental health services

Published:   •  4 minute read

Where are we going and how do we get there? A half-day, virtual panel discussion with those who have been there.

Friday, May 10th, 1 to 4 pm by Zoom

All psychologists are welcome, but there are only 100 spaces available. E-mail apns@apns.ca now and register to receive your Zoom link.

Why are we holding this forum?

The Nova Scotia government has declared its intention to make mental-health care universally available through private services. Government’s role in the private sector of mental-health services may have significant, unforeseen consequences for providers, for public-sector professionals, and for the public. Psychologists have to be prepared for the potential impacts of government’s decisions and anticipate the challenges and opportunities. We seek to understand more about the mechanisms of this change so that we can better navigate our way forward. What do we psychologists need to know in order to play a proactive role in ensuring the wellbeing of the profession and those we serve?

Panel members

David M Clark, CBE is Emeritus Professor of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University. He is well-known for his pioneering work on the understanding and psychological treatment of anxiety disorders. Since 2005 he has also focused on how to disseminate effective psychological treatments within the NHS and international healthcare systems. He is an architect of the English Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, and continues to advise NHS England. He has received Distinguished Scientist / Lifetime Achievement Awards from the British, Canadian and American Psychological Associations. The latter described his work as “pure genius with a real-world application.”

David Peachey is a Principal of Health Intelligence Inc., a Halifax-based healthcare consulting firm with clients in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to establishing the consulting firm in 1995, he was the Director of Professional Affairs at the Ontario Medical Association for ten years. His clinical experience spanned 40 years, including comprehensive family medicine, emergency medicine, and urgent care. Consulting work has focused on physician compensation and funding models, provider workforce and clinical services planning, fee schedule modernization, clinical governance, compensation database development and analysis, physician accountability, and measurement of clinical performance. In addition to successfully completing provincial workforce and clinical services plans, he has presented workshops on physician compensation models and performance measures, consulted on the reforming of medical services, and advised governments on delivery and funding models for medical care. He has been the lead consultant on number of projects analyzing physician compensation models and trends, drafting revisions to fee schedules and preambles, and conducting inter-provincial fee and benefit schedule comparisons, and clinical scenario analyses. Clients have included federal, provincial, and territorial governments, professional associations and societies, and the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Pierre L.-J. Ritchie is Professor Emeritus in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He has extensive leadership experience in the governance and management of national and international organizations as well as in health policy. In North America, Dr. Ritchie served as CEO of the Canadian Psychological Association and as Executive Director of the Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists as well as a member of the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association. He was twice President of the Ontario Psychological Association and has collaborated with many provincial associations on advocacy for the profession, health care and health policy as well as on regulatory matters. Internationally, Dr. Ritchie served as the Main Representative (Psychology) to the World Health Organization (1997-2016). He was closely involved in the revision of the classification of mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders for the Eleventh Revision of WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). He is Co-Editor of the just published A Psychological Approach to Diagnosis: Using the ICD-11 as a Framework. He was Secretary-General of the International Union of Psychological Science (1996-2012). At the International Council for Science, he instrumental in the establishment of the multidisciplinary Urban Health and Well-being Programme for which he was a member and chair of its Science Committee.

Moderator, Ron Sherrard attended the University of King’s College in Halifax and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours). He worked for CBC Radio as a reporter and producer in Halifax for 12 years. Then worked in Nova Scotia politics and government for 15 years in communications and outreach, including four years as government/caucus liaison helping individuals and community groups work with government to better communicate their needs and achieve their goals.

Looking For A Psychologist within Law Enforcement Settings

Published:   •  4 minute read

POSITION: Staff Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Calian Health Services
LOCATION: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Join Calian in Shaping the Future of Psychological Services: At Calian, we take pride in being one of Canada’s largest providers of pre-employment psychological services for federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies and departments. Trusted by clients nationwide, we conduct assessments ranging from selection services to suitability to carry a firearm and return to work. Our comprehensive psychological services extend across both public and private sectors, ensuring that our clients’ teams are equipped with the right individuals for high-risk scenarios. Calian is thrilled to announce the expansion of our operations in the Greater Toronto Area. We are actively seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our team.

Your Impact in Law Enforcement Settings: We are looking for a psychologist with a genuine interest in the complexities of human behavior within law enforcement settings. If you’re drawn to the challenges of assessing candidates for high-stakes roles and are eager to contribute to public safety, this opportunity is for you. Our ideal candidate values collaboration, possesses a strong understanding of psychological principles and is committed to ensuring the well-being and readiness of individuals entering and working in law enforcement and related fields.

Benefits Package, Work-Life Balance & Growth Opportunities:

  • Full-time role, 40 hours per week commitment.
  • Flexible scheduling options available, including weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
  • Hybrid working environment with opportunities for remote work.
  • Competitive base salary range with a generous allotment of paid vacation days.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including group medical and dental coverage.
  • Access to professional development fund for attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions.

Staff Psychologist Duties and Contributions

  • Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments tailored for law enforcement and policing roles, to determine psychological suitability for employment in high-risk occupations.
  • Utilize a variety of assessment tools including the MMPI-3, 16PF, and other psychometric measures to evaluate personality traits, psychopathology, and psychological readiness.
  • Review pre-interview questionnaires and administer structured stress interviews and clinical interviews to further assess psychological readiness and suitability for careers involving law enforcement.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Clinical Psychologist to lead consultations on challenging cases, providing guidance on additional testing and interviews required for making final determinations on psychological suitability.
  • Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports outlining psychological suitability for prospective employers, ensuring clarity and adherence to professional standards.
  • Provide feedback to candidates on individual assessment results as requested, offering insight and guidance based on psychological evaluations.
  • Conduct psychological assessments following the removal of duty firearms, addressing concerns such as substance abuse, recovery, and sobriety management.
  • Perform psychological assessments for re-arming, utilizing tools such as the MAST, DAST, and DSM-V, and conducting clinical interviews to ensure readiness to resume full duties.
  • Assess psychological readiness for resuming or continuing full duties following involvement in critical incidents, providing support and guidance as needed.
  • Conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews of assessment reports, ensuring adherence to accuracy and established standards specific to law enforcement and policing requirements.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of assessment programs for law enforcement and policing roles, including the design and refinement of assessment protocols based on research and industry best practices in this field.

Qualifications

  • Doctoral-level degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Psychology is preferred.
  • Candidates with a Master’s Degree in Psychology will be considered, provided they have relevant experience and expertise in conducting psychological assessments, particularly in law enforcement or related fields.
  • Licensed for autonomous practice with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
  • A minimum of 2 years of recent experience working for public entities (federal, provincial, or municipal).
  • Must have completed 50 assessments for psychological readiness of candidates for high-risk employment requiring the issuance of duty defensive equipment in the last 10 years.
  • Must obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance at the Reliability level.
  • Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset.

Interested in Learning More: Contact Amy Robillard, our Talent Acquisition Team Lead at Calian Health Services, via email at amy.robillard@calian.com.

Full-day, in-person workshop: Your Professional Will – A Facilitated Workshop

Published:   •  2 minute read

Friday, April 12, 2024 – 9 am to 4:00 pm.
Mount Saint Vincent University, Rosaria Building, Don MacNeil Room #401,
Presented by Kim O’Connor, R.Psych., with Special Guest, Tanya L. Butler, Touchstone Legal.

Workshop Overview:

Although we may not like to think about it, life circumstances can happen to any of us at any time which can impact our ability to act to ensure the best interests of our clients. 

The purpose of a professional will for a psychologist is to ensure that their clients receive appropriate care and support even if the psychologist is unable to continue their practice due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, disability, or death. At the basic level, it is a document that gives instructions to a designated individual regarding your psychology practice as well as the authority to act on your behalf in the event of your death or incapacitation. The goal of this workshop is to provide information and examples about professional wills for psychologists on how to devise the plan and create such a document.  Bring your laptop – this is a facilitated workshop designed to have participants start to create a draft document that day!

Download the brochure for more information and to register.

Call for Nominations: APNS Honours, Awards and Bursaries

Published:   •  4 minute read

The APNS Nomination & Elections Committee encourages you to submit nominations for the following awards. To submit please download and complete the appropriate form and email to: apns@apns.ca The deadline for all nominations is April 1, 2024.

AWARD DESCRIPTION

  • APNS Fellow – This designation honours those members who have made significant and enduring contributions to APNS and have helped shape the Association and have contributed to the development of psychology in Nova Scotia.
  • Dr. J.A. Charles Hayes Lifetime Contribution Award honours Dr Charles Hayes, a respected Psychologist whose career may be said to be a model of lifetime commitment. This award recognizes depth and engagement of long-term service and recognizes those who have spent a significant part of their professional lifetime supporting APNS, its member psychologists, and the profession of psychology at the provincial, national and international level.
  • APNS Outstanding Early Career Psychologist (ECP) Award highlights the challenges of being an ECP, those in the first 10 years of their  psychology career, after graduation from a professional post-graduate psychology program. The recipient is an APNS member who has actively participated in APNS at the committee or Executive level, has used the services of APNS to advance their career in psychology, and who plans to continue a career in psychology in NS.
  • APNS Excellence in Psychology Award focuses on excellence in the profession of Psychology. The recipient of this award is an APNS member who is in mid-career (~11 to 30 years) who has demonstrated excellence in their professional activities or in their volunteer activities while acting as a Psychologist. The award may be given for work relating to: 1) area of practice (health, forensic, neuropsychology, addictions, assessment); 2) work setting (school, hospital, private practice, teaching, research); 3) population (child, teen, geriatric, couple, diverse groups, first responders, marginalized populations); 4) treatment area (PTSD, pain, grief, workplace, etc.); and 5) peer-related (supervision, mentoring, peer support, consultation, collaboration).
  • APNS Outstanding Psychology Student Award highlights the challenges of preparing for a career in psychology at the Masters or Doctoral level. The recipient is an APNS student member who has not previously won this award, has participated in APNS at the committee or Executive level, has actively used the services of APNS and who hopes to pursue a career in psychology in Nova Scotia.
  • APNS Community Service Award for Psychologists recognizes the contributions of psychologists who do outstanding volunteer service in the community beyond their role as a psychologist. It acknowledges and raises awareness of the important contributions that psychologists make to the greater community. These contributions may include on-going volunteer work or commitment to a specific community or cause, e.g., fostering inclusion, promoting sensitivity and understanding of marginalized populations, poverty and health promotion initiatives.
  • APNS Community Service Award in Mental Health recognizes the contributions of non-psychologists who have made valuable contributions to the community in a health and wellness setting or through other activities that touch and benefit the greater community by raising awareness or advocating for mental health or wellness issues. Recipients are individuals who work on their own or as part of an organization, or organizations for their programs or initiatives.
  • APNS Diversity in Psychology Bursary – This $1,000 Bursary assists Psychology students who identify as being from a diverse population and are in pursuit of post-secondary education in Psychology with a long-term goal of having a more diverse profession. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applications on three factors — financial need, community involvement and career goals. Although all are important, financial need is considered the primary factor, followed by community involvement and career goals.

APNS strives to foster a sense of community among all who identify with psychology by supporting inclusion, equality and celebrating diversity. We welcome nominees who indicate that they identify as Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and other racially visible persons, persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities and genders in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.

Submitted on behalf of the APNS Nominations & Elections Committee.

Call for Executive Committee Nominations

Published:   •  2 minute read

This year the APNS Nominations and Elections Committee is asking the membership for nominations for the following positions on the APNS Executive: 

PRESIDENT-ELECT

MEMBER-AT-LARGE – HUMAN RESOURCES

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

TREASURER

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Download and complete the Executive Nomination Form. Submit the form to apns@apns.ca. Deadline for nominations is Monday, April 1, 2024.

The person elected to the President-elect position will serve for a three-year term, as President-elect, President and Past-president. The other positions are for a two-year term. Only registered psychologists may be nominated for the President-elect position, however registered and candidate psychologists are eligible for all other positions, and graduate students for the Student Rep. If more than one person is nominated for the same position, APNS is required to hold an election. If you know anyone who would be a good addition to the Executive please consider nominating them.

APNS strives to foster a sense of community among all who identify with psychology by supporting inclusion, equality and celebrating diversity. We welcome nominees who indicate that they identify as Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and other racially visible persons, persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities and genders in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.

Submitted on behalf of the APNS Nominations & Elections Committee.

Statement of Accountability and Responsibility to Indigenous Peoples

Published:   •  1 minute read

The Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP), of which APNS is a member, has made a Statement of Accountability and Responsibility to Indigenous Peoples. APNS has supported this statement that acknowledges that psychologists must be accountable for the profession’s marginalization of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

To promote this accountability, CPAP’s Board of Directors moved to formally endorse the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Statement of Accountability in the CPA Task Force’s report entitled, “Psychology’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report.”

To read more, please see Psychology’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report by clicking on the link below.

https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Task_Forces/TRC%20Task%20Force%20Report_FINAL.pdf

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report and other related reports may be downloaded here:

https://nctr.ca/records/reports/#trc-reports

APNS Annual General Meeting, Award Ceremonies and Retirement Reception

Published:   •  1 minute read

Please join us for the Annual General Meeting in  person on Friday, May 31st 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

At Dalhousie University, McCain Bldg., Room 2132, 6135 University Ave, Halifax

In addition to the annual business meeting we will be awarding the annual APNS awards. Immediately following the AGM we will have a retirement reception of Executive Director Susan Marsh, which you are invited to join.

To attend the AGM and/or the Reception please RSVP to admin@apns.ca

This year our in-person AGM is combined with a half day panel discussion on:

Telepsychology: Managing the Challenges, A half-day, hybrid panel discussion and Q&A.

For more information on that see https://apns.ca/publications/news/telepsychology-managing-the-challenges/

BMS Insurance – Tailored Insurance Solutions for APNS Members

Published:   •  1 minute read

CPA/CPAP’s insurance program, in partnership with BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS), is tailored to meet the needs of psychology practitioners. APNS members have access to comprehensive insurance coverage that meets the unique practice risk needs of psychological practitioners, including:

• Professional liability Insurance (PLI) and Commercial General Liability (CGL)
• Business Professional Liability Insurance
• Business Commercial General Liability
• Contents/Crime/Business Interruption coverage
• Business Package Insurance
• Cyber Security & Privacy Liability
• Employment Practices Liability
• Legal Services Package
• Personal Legal Solutions
• Business Legal Solutions
• 24 Hour Accident Coverage
• And more

Why the CPA/CPAP Program is Right for You

To learn more about the insurance products available to APNS members or to purchase coverage, please visit www.psychology.bmsgroup.com, or contact a BMS broker at 1-855-318-6038 or by email at psy.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

For more information about your Insurance Broker, BMS, and Insurance Regulatory Principles of Conduct, please click here.

Restore and Rejuvenate Mind, Body, and Spirit With Our Upcoming Breathe Mindfulness Events:

Published:   •  5 minute read

REGISTER @ https://breathemindfulness.ca/events/

Should you have difficulty registering online, contact admin@breathemindfulness.com

Let’s Sleep! Sleep Better to Live Better 2-Hour Workshop

Given the importance of sleep for your well-being, this workshop is available: 

May 13, 2024 6:00PM-8:00PM: In-Person Dartmouth, NS
May 14, 2024 6:00PM-8:00PM: Live Online (with 30 Days Recorded On Demand Access)
May 15, 2024 6:00PM-8:00PM: In-Person Wolfville, NS 

Facilitated by: Jacqueline Milner, Clinical Psychologist and Certified Mindfulness Teacher

Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to rejuvenated mornings!

Join our transformative two-hour workshop designed to help you unlock the secrets to better sleep. Led by psychologist and wellness expert, Jacqueline Milner, you will learn practical strategies and techniques to overcome insomnia, reduce stress, and achieve restorative sleep. Getting enough good quality sleep is essential for overall well-being. Sleep affects both our mental and physical health. It is the foundation on which we have the energy to engage in other healthy thoughts and behaviours and show up fully in our lives. Good sleep promotes productivity, efficiency, mental clarity, and overall contentment. Getting too little makes us vulnerable to experiencing more stress, illness, and poor mental health. Improve your sleep, reserve your spot today!

Fee: $45 (HST included)

Half-Day Silent Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
Wolfville Location

Saturday, May 25 9:30AM – 1:30PM

Facilitated by: Jacqueline Milner, Clinical Psychologist and Certified Mindfulness Teacher

A 4-hour silent retreat to restore and rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
Come experience the restorative and rejuvenating benefits of a silent meditation retreat in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. This half-day silent retreat is intended to deepen one’s practice of mindfulness as well as offer an introduction to a silent retreat experience and mindfulness practices.

What to expect
Led by Jacqueline Milner, an experienced and accredited mindfulness teacher, participants will be invited to engage in a variety of mindfulness-based practices, both movement and still, in the context of approximately 4 uninterrupted hours of silence. A nutrition break will be scheduled around mid-way of the retreat where light refreshments will be offered (vegan and gluten free options will be available). There will be an opportunity to reflect upon and share your experience with the facilitator and fellow participants at the end if desired.

Is this for me?
This half-day, accessible silent retreat is open to anyone who is curious about mindfulness and/or a silent retreat experience or who has an ongoing practice and would like to bask in a more immersive experience with others.
Although no previous meditation experience is required, please be aware that during this retreat, there will be extended periods of silence, and practices will be longer in duration to facilitate immersion and deepening of one’s experience.

Fee: $65 (HST included)

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) 2-Day Therapeutic Retreat
Includes a half-day silent retreat.

Wolfville Location

June 22 – 23, 2024 9:30AM – 5:00PM

Facilitated by: Jacqueline Milner, Clinical Psychologist and Certified Mindfulness Teacher

Come rest and experience the benefits of cultivating a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself in the beautiful town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

This 2-day intensive is an adaptation of the Mindful Self-Compassion Short Course which originates from the empirically supported 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion program. This intensive is designed to begin cultivating the skills of self-compassion and offers an opportunity to learn about and experience mindfulness while spending quiet, restful time with yourself. Research shows that self-compassion significantly enhances emotional well-being, lessens anxiety and depression, boosts resilience and happiness, leads to more satisfying relationships and can even help maintain healthy lifestyles such as nutritious eating and physical activity.

What to expect
Participants will meet as a group over the course of 2-days. The activities of the MSC intensive will include short talks, experiential exercises, meditation, mindful movement, group discussions and home practices. There will be a silent retreat during the morning session of the second day.

Course Themes Include:

  1. Practicing self-compassion / Self-compassion and mindfulness practices for daily life and moments of stress.
  2. Discovering your compassionate voice / An exercise focused on motivation with compassion.
  3. Self-compassion and resilience / A practice for working with difficult emotions.
  4. Addressing burnout / A practice for compassion with equanimity.
  5. Living deeply / Journaling to reconnect with your values.

Is this for me?
This group is open to anyone who is time-limited and still would like an opportunity to experience the transformational skills of self-compassion within an immersive, retreat experience. This intensive retreat is also for health professionals who wish to begin integrating the core skills and principles of mindfulness into their work and/or are in much need of an opportunity to simply care for themselves.
Please keep in mind that this 2-day program is a more “intense” and immersive experience than an MSC program that is offered over several weeks. Because self-compassion has the paradoxical effect of both soothing our emotional distress as well as opening us to the pain that we may have been unconsciously holding inside, difficult emotions may surface during the program, including past traumas. Hence, the intensive format can potentially be more emotionally challenging in which to learn MSC, so we urge careful consideration before enrolling.
Although therapeutic, our group programs are not a substitute for individual mental health therapy.
MSC teachers are committed to helping participants feel safe and supported during the course. However, participants agree at the outset that they will take primary responsibility for their emotional well-being. If you are unsure, please contact Breathe Mindfulness Centre for further discussion of the best fit for your circumstances.
Meditation experience is not required.

Fee: $350 (HST and Materials included)
*Most private health insurance covers the cost of this program. Please contact your insurance provider to determine whether therapeutic group sessions (in-person or online) offered by a Registered Psychologist are covered.

Lifemark Looking for Virtual Psychologist

Published:   •  4 minute read

POSITION: Psychologist (Part-time and Full Time)
ORGANIZATION: Lifemark Health Group, Provincial Mental Health Programs & Services
LOCATION: Fully Remote with Home Clinic at Greenwood Physiotherapy pt Health

Lifemark Health Group is always looking for talented Psychologists and other healthcare professionals to continue our goal of promoting movement to a better life. Whether it’s a role at one of our clinics across the country, a hybrid or fully remote role or in our corporate office, you can join a passionate team working to improve the health and well-being of Canadians.

Salaried and fee-for-service options (part-time and full-time) English and French services are offered. Proficiency in French is a strong asset.

Are you a passionate psychologist looking to belong to a supportive, collaborative community to implement our bold vision to optimize the benefit of mental health services to diverse audiences from prevention to intervention? If so, join Lifemark Health Group and grow with us as we build provincial teams in support of our national mental health strategy.

Read more “Lifemark Looking for Virtual Psychologist”

Fenwick Psychology & Wellness Associates Inc.

Published:   •  2 minute read

POSITION: Psychologist Part-time (with potential for Full-time)
ORGANIZATION: Fenwick Psychology & Wellness Associates Inc.
LOCATION: Halifax

Fenwick Psychology and Wellness Associates is growing and we are hoping to welcome a psychologist with an interest in working with adults to our practice. Our clinic has been offering services in the Halifax Region for over 20 years, and we have a wide variety of well-established referral sources. At Fenwick, we endeavour to make our clients and staff feel welcome and comfortable so that we can provide the excellent service that our clients deserve.

Read more “Fenwick Psychology & Wellness Associates Inc.”

Dr. Daniel Chorney & Associates Psychological Services

Published:   •  2 minute read

POSITION: 2 Psychologists – Part-time and Full-time
ORGANIZATION: Dr. Daniel Chorney & Associates Psychological Services
LOCATION: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality, evidence-based psychological services to children and adults in Halifax. We provide a collaborative and supportive work environment for psychologists so that they can focus on providing effective care to clients.

Read more “Dr. Daniel Chorney & Associates Psychological Services”

Two-Day, In-person Workshop: Psychological First Aid

Published:   •  2 minute read

ORGANIZATION: Red Cross Psychological First Aid
DATE & TIME: May 25 & 26, 2024 beginning at 9:00am to 4:00pm
LOCATION: St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Bloomfield 426

Facilitated by Marcelle Coppillie, Certified Red Cross Psychological First Aid Trainer, https://primaryresourcetraining.com/

Coordinated by Natasha Brubaker, Rector, Anglican Parish of Three Harbours and Ivan Drouin, R. Psychologist, St. Francis Xavier University

In a world where extreme weather events are increasing, we recognize that in addition to tangible physical support (i.e., community comfort centers, food, charging stations and so on), people need access to essential psychological and spiritual support in times of crisis and disaster. Such events are by their very nature traumatic and affect everyone. However, mental, and spiritual care are often overlooked, particularly on the social level, both in the moment itself and afterwards.

“Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides emotional and practical support to individuals, families, or communities who are having difficulty coping. It is about establishing a connection with people in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner to bring calm and comfort. It also helps to reduce stigma associated with mental health crises and can reduce negative health outcomes through general public and community-building strategies on self-care and promoting conversations about wellness” (Canadian Red Cross).”

We are inviting local emergency management staff, first responders, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, clergy, and other leaders and members of our communities to take part in an upcoming Red Cross Psychological First Aid training session. For health professionals, it is a unique opportunity to be trained and serve our community. A more advanced Red Cross Psychological First Aid Trainer program, for which this first workshop is prerequisite, will be offered in the fall of 2024.

This workshop is free of charge and is funded through a generous grant from the “Hurricane Fiona Relief and Resiliency Fund” program of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund of the Anglican Church of Canada and administered through the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia & PEI.

To register: rector3harbours@gmail.com

Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCBNS)

Published:   •  5 minute read

POSITION: Part-Time Contracted Psychology Consultant(s) Request for Proposal (RFP)#: WCB2024-009
ORGANIZATION: WCBNS
LOCATION: Nova Scotia

The WCBNS is seeking psychologists (2) with expertise in clinical psychology to serve as a Psychology Consultant. As a Psychology Consultant, psychologists support WCB Case Workers to find solutions to complex rehabilitation problems associated with return to work, based on an innovative thinking and an evidence-based research approach.

Psychology Consultants will provide guidance and direction on the assessment and treatment of psychological injuries as well as return to work (RTW) management. Further, they will play a key role in advising and coaching WCB Case Management staff on health care matters, monitoring treatment progress, support for RTW planning, offering opinions on the necessity of medical aid supports, conducting research and educating the WCB Case Management staff on relevant topics. As key members of integrated WCB teams, Psychology Consultants operate collaboratively and liaise with health services professionals in the community to educate, collaborate and promote safe and timely return to work. In addition, the WCB’s Psychology Consultants must be comfortable interpreting a variety of clinical information on a client file together with the body of medical evidence to inform clear opinions and make recommendations to case workers in plain language.

The successful proponent is expected to begin work as soon as possible. Fees are paid at an hourly rate of $221.82/hour. Psychologists who respond to this RFP must possess/demonstrate the following requirements:

Mandatory Requirements:
• Possess current registration, licensure and be in good standing with the Association of Psychologist of Nova Scotia, possess a Ph.D. in Psychology or Masters in Psychology (proof of good standing required as requested by the WCB);
• Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of: anxiety and mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD/Trauma using evidence-based approaches. (scored 30pts)
• Training and experience in providing evidence-based therapies for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders such as prolonged exposure, Cognitive processing therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Behavioural Activation and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. (scored, 30pts)
• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles and practices and familiarity with community resources. (scored, 10 pts)
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment (required).
• Available to work 10-15 hours per week on-site or remotely at the WCB’s Halifax or Sydney office locations on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Prior Consultant experience for an insurance company and/or WCBNS or other provincial WCB organizations. (scored, 10 pts)
• Experience working with Windows based operating systems and Microsoft Productivity Suites (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook etc.) and proficiency in typing to perform the work at WCBNS. Briefly explain how you meet this requirement (scored, 20 pts); and
• Have his/her own personal computer, High Speed internet connection; and a current subscription to an anti-virus software program (for remote access to the WCBNS network) to access the WCBNS virtual private network computer system and work on-line in accordance with the WCBNS remote working requirements.

Consultants will need to enter a contract for services for work to be done on a part-time basis of up to 10-15 hours/week (or more based on operational need in the sole discretion of the WCBNS). All work is to be performed inside Canada, onsite at the WCBNS offices (Halifax/Sydney), or remotely (i.e. work from home).

The Consultants are expected to begin work on May 23,2024; however, training may be required and will be paid for at the same rate as hourly fees. Fees are paid at an hourly rate of $221.82/hour as of the posting of this RFP.

Psychologists interested in being considered for these contracted position(s) must submit their proposal in writing clearly outlining how they meet each of the mandatory requirements listed above and are requested to also attach their Curriculum Vitae as well as any other documentation requested above. Applicants will have these requirements scored and the top 4 scores will proceed to an interview if all the requirements are met.

The WCBNS reserves the right to request references at any time, and this information will be considered in the acceptance process.

Proposals must be submitted by email. The subject line of the email must be “Part Time Contracted Psychology Consultant Proposal WCB2024-009”. The deadline for submission for this RFP is May 6, 2024 at 4pm AST.

The WCBNS is not bound to accept any proposal of those submitted. Successful proponents must enter the WCB’s standard written contract for this service to be able to become a Psychological Consultant

Please submit your proposal via email (Letter and CV):
Sharon Ann Gillis
Health Services Portfolio Manager, Health Services
Email: sharonann.gillis@wcb.ns.ca

General inquiries regarding this posting may be directed in writing to:
Sharon Ann Gillis
Health Service Portfolio Manager
Email: sharonann.gillis@wcb.ns.ca

DISCLAIMER: The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia cannot ensure the confidentiality and security or error-free receipt of electronically submitted Bids or Bid components, and cannot guarantee that the Internet connections will be available at all times up to the closing time for Bid submission. A Bidder submitting an Electronic Bid via email does so at its own risk and, upon submission of a Bid in this manner, indemnifies and hold harmless the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia from any and all claims for damages or loss arising in any manner based upon, occasioned by or in any way attributable to a bidder’s submission sent via email.

Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc.

Published:   •  2 minute read

POSITION: Part- or Full-time Psychologists
ORGANIZATION: Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc.
LOCATION: Halifax, NS

Seeking collaborative, developmentally-focused, enthusiastic psychologists for our growing multidisciplinary private practice.

The Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc. (aka Affinity Group or ASD Group) is a newly created multidisciplinary private practice in Halifax where families can access a range of assessment and intervention services in the context of a single office. Current ASD Group team members include highly skilled and passionate professionals – including psychology, behaviour therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and learning coaching.

Our goal is to provide an evidence-based, continuum of care to our clients – supporting the development of the cognitive, behavioural, physical, emotional, and social selves.

Read more “Affinity Specialized Developmental Group Inc.”