Publications

Creating Culturally Safe Space in Clinical Practice and Service Provision: A Primer for Practitioners’ Multicultural Development and Cultural Competence | November 15, 2024

An On-line Workshop by Dr. Ben C. H. Kuo, Ph.D., Certified Psychologist (Ontario), Professor, Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Windsor 

Date: Friday, November 15th, 2024 

Hours: 9:00 am – 5 pm 

Costs: APNS Member – $200 before October 15 | $225 after October 15
APNS Student – $75
Non Member – $225 before October 15 | $250 after October 15

Register Here

Description of the Workshop: 

This workshop will introduce participants to the foundational knowledge and concepts related to culture, diversity, and clinical practice and supervision, as a means of promoting cultural safety in psychological and mental health services. Specifically, the concepts of cultural competence and cultural humility, as the two complementary frameworks for facilitating clinicians’ multicultural development and identity, will be discussed. This workshop approaches cultural training from an experiential, personal-growth and professional-development perspective and a social justice stance. Using mental health counselling and therapy intervention as an example, this workshop will survey and guide participants in reflecting and thinking through critical cultural diversity issues about themselves and others. Practical and evidence-based examples will be used to illustrate the content and to help participants integrate their learning with their personal and professional experiences.     

Learning Objectives of the Workshop: 

Participants in this workshop will be introduced to the following topics, and engage in guided reflection on these subject matters:     

  • Intersection of culture and diversity issues and clinical/health care and supervision training
  • Definition and Illustration of multicultural competence and cultural humility in practice  
  • Issues on clinicians’ intersectionality of identities and implicit biases 
  • Strategies to enhance individual-level and institutional/organizational-level changes to promote racial equity and cultural safety 
  • Paths forward for clinicians’ continued cultural/multicultural learning, education, and development 

Brief Biography of Dr. Ben C. H. Kuo 

Dr. Kuo is a Full Professor and the current Director of Clinical Training for the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-Accredited Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Windsor, and a registered and practicing psychologist in Ontario. His research focuses on the intersection between culture and psychology, particularly in the areas of multicultural counselling and training and cross-cultural psychology. Dr. Kuo is an experienced and active clinical supervisor who teaches and supervises clinical psychology graduate students in multicultural psychotherapy courses and practicum with diverse clients, including refugees and immigrants. As a clinician, Dr. Kuo has worked and treated international students, immigrants, refugees, racial/ethnic minorities, and non-minority individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Dr. Kuo works very closely with various community and health agencies/networks and is involved in policy initiatives, provincially and nationally in Canada. Dr. Kuo has traveled, lectured, provided training, and consulted internationally, as a distinguished visiting professor, in Taiwan, China, Thailand, New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Poland, and the U.K. In 2018 Dr. Kuo served as the guest editor for the special issue of Psynopsis – the official communiqué of the CPA – on “Refugee Mental Health.” This year (2024), Dr. Kuo once again collaborated with Dr. Eleanor Gittens, the current President of the CPA, as co-editors for another special issue of Psynopsis on People, Culture and Psychology: Diverse Voices from the Field.”  

Dr. Kuo is a recipient of many awards across research, teaching, service, and advocacy work; they include the Outstanding Research Award: Establish Research/Scholar Category (2017); the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science’s Dr. Kathleen E. McCrone Teaching Award (2017); and the Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award (2019). Most recently Dr. Kuo’s academic and professional contributions were recognized by the CPA, as the recipient of the John C. Service Member of the Year Award in 2021, and the Public Community Services, Human Rights and Social Justice in Psychology Award in 2023. 

Previously Dr. Kuo delivered a workshop hosted by APNS in Halifax in October 2022.  

WORKING WITH EMOTIONS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

TWO-PART WORKSHOP SERIES BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Due to overwhelming interest and positive reviews from past attendees, we are thrilled to announce the return of our popular workshop series Working with Emotions in Psychotherapy. This series is designed for mental health professionals from various training backgrounds who wish to acquire specialized skills in working with emotions in psychotherapy.

Through these workshops, you will learn evidence-based skills to work with emotional processes in clients struggling with various mental health issues. These skills can be integrated into any psychotherapeutic approach. Each workshop stands alone and registration in both workshops is not required. APNS members receive a 10% discount.  Please contact us for details.

WORKSHOP 1: WORKING WITH EMOTIONS IN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

with Dr. Leslie Greenberg

Date: October 31 – November 1, 2024

Time: 11:00AM – 2:15PM (Eastern Daylight Time)

LIVE VIA ZOOM

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions affecting individuals worldwide. Participants will learn how to conceptualize and work with the emotional processes involved in the development and maintenance of: self-critical/shame-based depression; loneliness/abandonment-based depression; social anxiety; generalized anxiety disorder; and secondary symptomatic anxiety.  

WORKSHOP 2: ASSESS, REGULATE, ACTIVATE, AND TRANSFORM EMOTIONS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

with Dr. Leslie Greenberg & Dr. Serine Warwar

Date: December 6-7, 2024

Time: 11:00AM – 2:15PM (Eastern Standard Time)

LIVE VIA ZOOM

Emotions play a fundamental role in the development and maintenance of mental health issues. This workshop will help participants increase their skills in assessing emotions (primary/secondary, adaptive/maladaptive, productive/unproductive) and learn interventions to regulate, activate, and transform unproductive emotional states. 

REGISTER NOW

Coastal Psychology Inc.

POSITION: Full-time or Part-time Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Psychology Inc.
LOCATION: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Coastal Psychology, a leading private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is seeking a dedicated Psychologist to join our dynamic team on a full- or part-time basis. As a well-established high-demand mental health provider, Coastal Psychology is committed to delivering the highest-quality psychological services to our diverse clientele.

The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited program
  • Registered, Candidate Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology
  • Proficiency in evidence-based assessment and treatment
Read more “Coastal Psychology Inc.”

Job Opportunities at Sunnyside Psychological Services

POSITION: Registered or Candidate Registered Psychologist
ORGANIZATION: Sunnyside Psychological Services
LOCATION: Bedford, Nova Scotia

We are seeking a Psychologist to join our growing practice. Over the past 5 years we have strived to create a professional, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for our clients and clinicians, alike. At Sunnyside Psychological Services clinicians have the autonomy to set their schedule to suit the needs of themselves and their clients. As a clinician in our practice you may provide individualized services to clients, but have the added benefit of being part of a collaborative team of experienced clinicians. We offer a comfortable and inviting workspace with a reception area, fully furnished offices, and a separate exit for a private client departure. Virtual treatment is also optional.

Read more “Job Opportunities at Sunnyside Psychological Services”

Dr C. K. Perrier & Associates

POSITION: Psychologist Positions and office space
ORGANIZATION: Dr. C.K. Perrier & Associates
LOCATION: Bedford, Nova Scotia

We are currently recruiting psychologists to join our team as part-time or full-time associates, working out of offices in Bedford. We offer comfortable, accessible, and welcoming office space with free parking. We offer complete administrative support and use encrypted and secure web-based practice management software for managing client scheduling and clinical records. As an associate with our team, you will be compensated at a rate well above industry standards. Work-life balance is prioritized and associates have flexibility in creating their own schedule and limiting or expanding therapy hours, as well as choosing to provide treatment in-person or via telehealth.

If you are interested in joining our team as an associate, please submit a cover letter with CV to info@PerrierWellness.ca

Alternatively, if you are interested in renting office space rather than joining a practice, we have a welcoming environment with multiple rooms available to rent on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis, including a large group room. Rates are very reasonable and negotiable.

Dr. Daniel Chorney & Associates Psychological Services

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 moreDr. Daniel Chorney & Associates Psychological Services”

Fenwick Psychology & Wellness Associates Inc.

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.”

Office Space Available: Part Time or Full Time in Halifax

Office space is available in our lovely Hydrostone-area building, in Halifax’s vibrant north end.

  • Professional, modern, attractively furnished offices
  • Building includes 4 offices, reception area, full kitchen, and boardroom that would suit groups
  • Air conditioned
  • Security system
  • Parking available
  • Includes heat, hot water, electricity
  • 30 second walk to Starbucks, restaurants, shops, public transit
Office Space Available
The mental health practitioners in the building, and their clients, absolutely love the space!

For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Andrea at rbac@bellaliant.com or call/text 902 478-8172.

Project & Program Manager, Veteran Homelessness Project

POSITION: Psychologists – Masters or Doctoral
ORGANIZATION: 
Landing Strong
LOCATION: 
Windsor & Falmouth, Nova Scotia

Job Advertisement – Project & Program Manager, Veteran Homelessness Project
This position is based onsite, located in our Windsor and Falmouth, Nova Scotia offices.
4-year contract with the possibility of renewal.
Salary (based on a 40-hour work week) is commensurate with experience and level of education.

Job description:
Working under the leadership of the Executive Director, this position will be involved in the development of innovative programs designed to support veterans, first responders and their families impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder and operational stress injuries. This project focusses on the challenges facing veterans who are at risk for homelessness. There will also be opportunities for collaboration and involvement in Military Sexual Misconduct Project, which is also being run by our organization. We are looking for a person who feels compelled to do this work. If you are committed to bettering the lives of people who have served our communities and country as police officers, members of the Armed Forces, paramedics, fire fighters and other similar professions, then we are interested in speaking to you.
Our Mission: Landing Strong helps those who are suffering find their place within their families and community and, just as importantly, reclaim their identity. Individuals are supported in a safe and inviting community. Support for families is also a key component of our vision. Our team is multi-disciplinary, creative, thoughtful and fun, and we want someone who is interested in being a leader within this evolving organization. To us, leadership is collaborative, respectful, and requires excellent listening skills. You will be working and need to comfortable within a therapeutic, client-centred environment. You will work closely with not only the Executive Director, but also with the Manager of Corporate Services as part of the leadership team, all of whom are accountable to a volunteer board of directors.
You also need to have solid skills in:

Conducting a need assessment
Clinical care of complex cases
Curriculum/program development
Partnership development and administration
Public speaking and group facilitation
Granting writing and reporting
Managing the requirements of large grants within a non-profit organization
Background experience and graduate level training in psychology, social work or a related field are essential. Clinical training and subject matter knowledge and expertise are strongly preferred. Experience in conducting literature reviews, needs assessments and program development are desired. This is a creative position that will involve thinking outside of the box in order to understand, develop and help deliver engaging and effective programs designed to address the needs of veterans and first responders at risk due to the nature of their work, particularly those at risk for homelessness and survivors of military sexual trauma.

This is a phenomenal opportunity for someone who wishes to grow their experience in the
development of proactive services designed to assist members of our population who are
particularly vulnerable or at risk.
Interested applicants please submit resume and cover letter no later than July 18th at 5pm ADT
to Deborah Eaton deaton@landingstrong.com

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Research Veterans Homelessness: conducting literature reviews and gathering ideas for treatment/prevention/support
Literature Review and preparation of summary report regarding Veterans Homelessness and prevention of homelessness: risk factors, challenges, needs and programs.
Develop structure/plan for needs assessment
Reaching out to organizations, creating partnerships, and sharing information regarding needs and programming.
Conduct needs assessment, write summary report with recommendations for programming initiatives and direction.
Oversee and manage the clinical care of clients coming through the program
Work with clinical staff to develop programs to address needs.
Oversee staff and consultants associated with the project.
The possibility of hiring consultants to assist in program developments for areas where we do not have specific expertise.
Develop a plan for program outcome evaluation, keeping in mind that Landing Strong already uses standardized questionnaires pre and post programs. Overseeing outcome assessment measures and post-program evaluation.
Use findings to refine programs.
Recruit participants for programs.
Possibility of co-facilitating some of the programs when appropriate along with mental health practitioner.
Writing yearly summary report for funding agencies.
Presenting project and outcomes at conferences.
Develop recommendations for Public Policy and Advocacy with various levels of government.
Grant writing.
Collaborate with the members of the MST project. There is potential for leadership within this project depending on the applicant’s background and experience.

Benefits include:
4 weeks paid vacation, 9 statutory holidays, 5 sick days, 2 personal days per year.
Group health benefits provided on a shared basis.

Position to start:
We expect interviews to begin during the week of July 22nd, 2024, with the successful candidate starting the week of August 19th, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.
This position is based out of our offices in Falmouth and Windsor, Nova Scotia. The successful candidate must have a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector report upon hiring and is responsible for any fees incurred.
We thank all who apply but will be reaching out to only those candidates being interviewed.

Empowerment Health Services seeks Psychologists

POSITION: Psychologists – Masters or Doctoral
ORGANIZATION: 
Empowerment Health Services
LOCATION:
Truro, Nova Scotia

Dr. Tara Power and Empowerment Health Services seeks psychologists interested in expanding their skills to include neuropsychological and comprehensive psychological assessments within a legal context. 

We are a private practice firm in Truro, Nova Scotia specializing in independent medical evaluations (IME) in the Atlantic Provinces and Ontario. These assessments are offered both virtually and in person. We seek a dedicated and skilled psychologist to join our team as part of our ongoing growth.

At Empowerment Health, you will be able to provide comprehensive psychological and/or neuropsychological assessments and learn about the intersection of law and psychology. We have established relationships with a multitude of IME agencies and can provide the right candidate with the opportunity to learn and grow within our practice. This position would be perfect for a psychologist looking to gain experience in neuropsychological and psychological assessment, medical evaluations and the processes of expert witness testimony.

Duties:

  • Design assessment protocols appropriate for each case.
  • Conduct assessments through various treatment modalities, including interviewing, behavioural, observation, self-report inventories and psychologist-administered test batteries. 
  • Conduct personal history interviews with examinees.
  • Review academic and medical records.
  • Administer and score neuropsychological and psychological tests (intelligence, academic achievement, cognition, personality) to adults.
  • Provide a comprehensive oral and/or written assessment of client functioning that may include specific information on the following areas: intellectual, neuropsychological, and psychological (including psychopathology). 
  • Provide treatment recommendations based on your knowledge of evidence-based research.
  • Produce and maintain confidential client clinical records under established standards and procedures.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of patients being investigated and encourage optimal performance by providing appropriate physical and psychological support.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Master’s or Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from an accredited institution.
  • Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a psychologist in Nova Scotia.
  • Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team. 
  • Excellent English language skills (spoken and written)

Qualifications that may be assets:

  • Experience conducting psychological and/or neuropsychological assessments in a clinical setting.
  • Strong diagnostic skills and ability to formulate treatment plans based on assessment results.
  • Strong clinical skills and knowledge of evidence-based practices for treating various mental health disorders.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of treatment and behaviour management modalities, psychological and neuropsychological testing and interpretation. 
  • Ability to prepare comprehensive written assessments. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation.
  • Prior experience.

Benefits:

  • Highly competitive compensation.
  • Administrative and testing support personnel.
  • Practice management software to assist with scheduling, electronic record keeping and billing.
  • Up-to-date testing materials and training.
  • Potential for travel and opportunities for professional development and consultation.
  • Supportive work environment with a collaborative team culture.
  • Supervision in the areas of Clinical Psychology (adult) and Neuropsychology (adults and seniors) for a variety of client populations
  • Ability to offer assessments virtually and in person. 

If interested, please forward your CV or resume to: Office@empowermenthealth.ca or mail to: 1 Commercial Street, 3rd Floor, Truro, NS, B2N3H8

Increase in Recommended Rate for Psychological Services

Please be advised that effective October 1, 2024 the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) has set the recommended fee for psychological services provided by Psychologists registered with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology at $225 per hour.

The official letter from the APNS President in regard to this increase is available here.

This fee increase is based on a review of other psychology association rates across Canada, and those currently being charged by psychologists across the province. APNS also reviewed and compared Psychologists rates to rates of other mental health professionals in Nova Scotia. The rate is reviewed annually and was last revised in 2021.