2025-2026 

October 24, 2025 (12-2pm, EST) 

Speaker: Dr. Philip Jai Johnson

Title: Applying Intersectionality to Clinical Case Formulation, Assessment, and Treatment

Abstract: This workshop explores how intersectionality can be meaningfully integrated into therapeutic practice to promote equity in mental health care. Participants will examine how intersecting systems of oppression, privilege, and marginalization shape client experiences and therapeutic outcomes, and learn strategies to apply intersectionality frameworks sensitively and effectively. Through theory, case studies, and self-reflection, attendees will develop tools to strengthen therapeutic alliances and foster social justice in practice.

Speaker Bio:  Stay tuned

Registration link: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZO2mYGb7TGm4vvb2D2sMeA

February 6, 2026 (12-2pm EST) 

Speaker: Drs. Sean Kidd & Lesley Graff 

Title: Psychologists in Health Care: A candid conversation about career paths in public service

Abstract: In the current climate of a national shortage of clinical psychologists, graduating psychology residents have a wide range of opportunities and many factors to consider when mapping their career. This presentation focuses on the publicly-funded health system, which spans specialized clinics and unique patient populations in hospitals and health centres to generalist practice in primary care, exploring why these environments can be among the most rewarding, stimulating, and impactful career paths available. At the same time, this work is far from simple; it involves navigating diversity, constant change, and significant complexity. Drs. Graff and Kidd will discuss the pros and cons of working as a psychologist in the health system, covering important aspects such as work/life balance, patient workload, job environment, financial considerations, work with equity-deserving populations, innovation/service improvement opportunities as well as career development support. They will draw on national data and insights from psychologists across diverse contexts and will touch briefly on evolving regulatory challenges. In addition to equipping current residents with an inside perspective on clinical practice in this sector, they also have the goal of creating space for meaningful conversation to set you up for success as you navigate the job market in this beginning career phase.   

Speaker Bios:  Sean Kidd is a Clinical Psychologist by training, a Senior Scientist and the Co-Director of the Centre for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. He is a Professor in the University of Toronto Department of Psychiatry. His work has focused on developing and testing interventions for people with severe mental illness and youth experiencing homelessness. He has also worked extensively in the area of health equity and climate change. 

Lesley Graff is Manitoba’s Provincial Medical Specialty Lead for Clinical Health Psychology with the provincial health authority, Shared Health, and is Professor and Head, Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba,.  She is a licensed clinical psychologist based at Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, and works predominantly with adults with gastrointestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.   Her research has focused on psychological processes in inflammatory diseases and interventions to improve outcomes.  She has had the pleasure of training psychology residents and medical students for over 30 years.    

Registration link: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/meeting/register/xgbO0yBwQYeZEJUY75-zUw

 

May 8, 2026 (12-2pm EST) 

Speaker: Dr. Natasha Wawrykow 

Title: Building a Collaborative Healthy Therapeutic Alliance with Indigenous Clients

Abstract:  This training seminar will discuss methods for building a collaborative therapeutic alliance with Indigenous clients. It will discuss elements of Indigenous Interculturalism, Indigenous values, self-reflection on clinician's own cultural identity, and trauma-informed care for collaboration and/or delivery of psychological service to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations in Canada.

Speaker Bio:  Dr. Natasha Wawrykow is a member of the Skuppah Band in the Nlaka'pamux Nation. She is a Registered Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria. She received her Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia in 2020. Dr. Wawrykow strives to pursue collaborative Indigenous community-driven research topics and counselling opportunities that promote reconciliation and prosperity for the Indigenous community. Her research highlights Indigenous ways of healing and fostering self-worth, and contributes to culturally sensitive delivery of clinical service and conducting research. Her teaching focuses on the clinical training of graduate students and promotion of reconciliation between the field of psychology and Indigenous Peoples. Her undergraduate and graduate courses on reconciliation promotion have garnered national recognition and have been given the "Cool Course" distinction by Maclean's Magazine. Her teaching excellence has been recognized through the 2024 UVic REACH Award for Decolonization and Indigenous Anti-Racism. Working with Indigenous Peoples in different hospital, community, and university counselling clinics has affirmed Dr. Wawrykow's use of Narrative Therapy in her clinical practice. While the sharing of knowledge through storytelling has always been part of Indigenous Peoples' tradition, Dr. Wawrykow has learned that using narratives therapeutically aids in understanding how health can be experienced holistically for Indigenous Peoples and promotes strong, culturally appropriate therapeutic alliances. 

Registration link:  https://ucalgary.zoom.us/meeting/register/GEnqh7yERhaFJJ-6GEcHcw  

2024-2025

Drs. Casey Fulford & Vicki Nolan - Supporting Autistic Adults link to slides link to video

Dr. Sandra Byers - Addressing Clients' Sexual Concerns

Dr. Carolyn Houlding - Climate Justice, Ethics and Advocacy in Canadian Psychology

2023-2024 

Dr. Karlee Fellner - Indigenous wisdoms for psychology: decolonizing and (re)storying toward ethical practice with iyiniwak link to slides  link to video

Dr. Rachelle Pullmer -  Changing the Way We Think and Talk About Our Bodies: The Multifaceted Nature of Body Image and Its Role in Eating Disorder Recovery link to slides  link to video

Dr. Judi Malone - Effective Advocacy: Your Role as Clinicians. link to video

2022-2023

Dr. Josephine Tan - Social Justice and Decolonization with First Nations Clients   link to slides    link to video 

Ms. Rebecca Ponting - Overcoming Impostor Syndrome   link to slides

Dr. Michael Vallis - The Role of Behaviour Change Counselling in Chronic Disease Management  link to slides     link to video

2021-2022 

Drs. Sara Hagstrom and Allison Ponce - CCTC Social Responsiveness Toolkit

Dr. David Klonsky - Understanding Suicide to Prevent Suicide  link to slides     link to video

Mr. Ed Sackaney and Dr. David Dantos - Allyship, Reconciliation and the Profession of Psychology   link to video

Dr. Sean Kidd - Program development, evaluation and consultation – A primer

2020-2021

Dr. Ada Sinacore - Human Rights and Social Justice in Psychology

Dr. Anusha Kassan and Dr. Julie Cohen - Anti-Racism  link to slides     link to video

Dr. Karen Cohen - Advocacy    link to slides

Dr. Amanda Maranzan - Ethics in Social Media   link to slides

Dr. Joanne Savoie - Transitioning from Student to Employee   link to slides    link to infographic