CCPPP National Training Seminar Series
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 Bio: 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
