This February, the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) announced they are to enter into a formal partnership agreement.

The letter from Britta Regan West and Michael Radano, Board President and Chief Executive Officer of the BCACC, states: "This partnership is a significant development for our association, mutually benefits BCACC and CCPA members, and will better inform the regulation of clinical counselling in BC.

Our partnership will involve a collaborative approach to developing initiatives that steer us toward preparation for the regulation of clinical counselling in BC. BCACC and CCPA will work together to engage with stakeholders and advocate for the profession at both a provincial and national level. CCPA carries a strong national reputation and much experience in regulated provinces and through this partnership, BCACC will benefit from increased visibility and credibility. Our combined membership brings a stronger voice for the profession—an important factor when governments are considering regulation."

---

To read more about regulation in British Columbia, visit the CCPA website.

In the upcoming edition of BC Counsellor Magazine, we are honoured to feature research from Hope Studies Central at the University of Alberta. 

Watch Dr. Denise Larsen's introduction to Hope Studies Central on Youtube.

There is also a free, online webinar called "Finding Hope in Bad Times and Good."

We invite you to join our BCSCA Members Only Facebook Group to take part in casual and professional conversations and learn about & share upcoming professional development opportunities. Search: BCSCA Members Only on facebook. 

---

We are excited to once again partner with two organizations offering high-quality professional development to our members. During the 2022-2023 school year, BCSCA members can receive discounts on webinars, workshops and live trainings with Jack Hirose & Associates and Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI).

Jack Hirose 
20% off all live and on-demand webinars. Use code: BCSCA20
10% off in-person 1-day trainings. Use code: BCSCA1DAY 
10% off in-person 2-day trainings BCSCA2DAY
Website:  http://www.jackhirose.com/

Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI)
15% off All webinars and public trainings. Use code: BCSCA15
Website: https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/

The First Nations Education Steering Committee has two comprehensive lists of resources to help educators make decisions about which resources are appropriate for using with students. Using Authentic First Peoples voice is one part of addressing colonial legacies and ensuring that First Peoples’ cultures and perspectives are portrayed accurately and authentically. Resources for K-9 and Resources for 10-12 and Adult Learning.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has partnered with the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation to create a mental health training program specifically for athletes and coaches called The Working Mind Sports. Visit the MHCC website to learn more.

Anxiety Canada has a free, online anxiety management course called My Anxiety Plan:

"My Anxiety Plan (MAP) is an anxiety management program based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based psychological treatment. MAPs for Children and Teens, Adults, and Educators are easy to navigate and helpful for those with mild to moderate anxiety."

There are programs for Children and Teens and for Adults.

Each program is made of easy-to-manage lessons of 5-20 minutes each.

Kelty Mental Health at BC Children's Hospital has a variety of resources to support school counsellors in BC.

The new "Rolling with ADHD" resource for teachers was developed to provide ideas and strategies to help students with ADHD to thrive in the classroom. 

School counsellors who want to learn more about mental health promotion can also consult with the professionals at Kelty by e-mailing them at schoolmentalhealth@cw.bc.ca

There is also a 2-Page "Mental Health Supports & Resources" PDF that has a variety of webinars, podcasts, and other resources to help you support the mental health and well-being of your school community. Click below to learn more.

Do you enjoy writing and have an idea or perspective you might be willing to share with colleagues around BC and beyond? Is there a technique you rely on that could help others in their work as mental health professionals? Consider writing an article for BC Counsellor!

In 2023, the theme is "Hope & Change."  The deadline for submissions for the Fall/Winter issue is July 31st, 2023. Some suggested article topics include "therapeutic change in school-based counselling," "stories of school communities changing," and "positive social change in school counselling," and many other ideas.

We are always looking for ideas and contributors, including Youth Voice authors (i.e. students who are open to sharing their experiences with or perspectives on mental health); these authors are also typically round and recommended by school counsellors. Please email publications chair, William Nicholls-Allison (willnichollsallison@gmail.com), or see the attached author guidelines for more information.