Authors/Editors

Gina Ko, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. I reside in Calgary, Treaty 7 territory. I have a private practice and work with individuals, couples, and families using culturally responsive, socially just, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive positionalities. I identify as a Chinese Canadian and came to Canada as a refugee from Vietnam at the age of two years old. I am the producer and host of a podcast, Against the Tides Racism, https://www.againstracismpodcast.com/. I interview diverse racialized guests. The podcast aims to generate awareness, foster community, and create transformation by coming together to lean into the inspiring work of anti-racism. Each episode ends with calls to action. I was an educator for several post-secondary institutions in Bachelor of Education and Master of Education programs (University of Calgary) and Master of Counselling programs (Athabasca University; City University, Calgary). I received the 2022 Psychologists’ Association of Alberta Excellence in Teaching Psychology Award. https://www.ko-psychology.com/about

Sandra Collins, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am now semi-retired and position myself as pyschologist (AB), consultant, writer, curriculum designer, and artist. I was a professor of counselling psychology for 25 years. I focused my research, writing, and teaching, over the length of my career, on multicultural counselling and social justice. I have also specialized in counsellor education, including online and blended delivery and open learning resource development. I write from the perspective of a lesbian, cisgender, middle-class woman with an invisible disability, who inhabits a privileged social locations. I am also positioned by my European heritage and consequent colonial relationship to Indigenous peoples, and my atheist worldview. I have a deep passion for cultural diversity in all its forms. I remain curious about the many ways in which human beings express their uniqueness, their sense of community, and their shared humanity, which makes the aspiration of culturally responsive and socially just practices so challenging and yet so important. https://www.drsandracollins.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SandraCollinsDr

Yevgen Yasynskyy, MEd, MSc, BCom

Pronouns: he/him

My work passion is instructional design and use of technology in education. I have worked in different roles related to online course and program delivery for over 20 years. My goal is to make online learning more interesting, engaging, and motivating, while aligning it with curriculum outcomes and assessment strategies. In my spare time I enjoy discovering new places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures while camping or travelling. Being involved in this project pushed my boundaries and beliefs and helped me grow personally and professionally. https://www.educatech.ca/

Professional Editor

L. Chris Fox, PhD

Pronouns: she/her

I have been a social justice activist in queer, feminist, and union movements. I also worked as an engineering assistant in Vancouver for 20 years while finishing my B.A. and M.A. at Simon Fraser University, before taking my Ph.D. in English at the University of Victoria. My research focused on intersectional queer women’s postmodern Canadian novels. I have taught academic writing and literature at the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser U., and Royal Roads U. My business, Fox Edits (lchrisfox@shaw.ca), specializes in editing academic work for publication. My own writing has appeared in activist alternative periodicals, peer-reviewed scholarly journals, and literary magazines. I acknowledge my white, cisgender, and european privilege, and I thank the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, on whose traditional and unceded territories I live, in Victoria, with my partner (now wife) of 41 years, author Arleen Paré; our children and grandchildren live in Vancouver. HÍSW̱ḴE.

Co-Authors

We deeply grateful to the many colleagues who have contributed experiential learning activities, commentaries, and applied practice examples on different topics to enhance the diversity of voices in this ebook and to bring to life a wide range of client experiences and counselling practices. Our co-authors have enhanced significantly the quality of this ebook, broadened its cultural relevance and responsivity, and strengthened substantively its breadth and depth. We provide direct links to each person’s contributions below.

Josie C. Auger, PhD

Pronouns: she/her

I have been at Athabasca University since 2018. I am an Associate Professor in Indigenous Studies in Nukskahtowin and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. I am from Treaty 8 and a nehiyaw iskwew* who served as an elected official for Bigstone Cree Nation (2014-2018). After reading Sarah Deer (2015) I thought to myself, if we cannot self-determine our sexual experiences, how can we self-determine our lives? To answer this research question, I recruited five Indigenous women who had already been on a healing journey and they referred other Indigenous women. I worked with eleven Indigenous women. Together the group discussed the invasion of sexual boundaries. The topic allowed me to explore self-determination and sovereignty. The research followed cultural protocols and involved ceremony to support the nehiyaw iskwewak. *Nehiyaw iskwewak is a nehiyawewin (Cree language) term to describe four dimensional female beings; the four dimensions are the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Nehiyaw iskwew is the singular form. Thoughts on cultural safety with the intention to inform

Ana Azevedo, PhD, MBA

Pronouns: she/her

I am an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business at Athabasca University, where I teach MBA courses in Visionary and Entrepreneurial Thinking and New Venture Development. Previously, I worked at the University of Texas at El Paso, Florida A&M University, and the University of Applied Sciences FH Joanneum. Since 2003 I have been investigating how to promote skills development and work readiness in students, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. During 2016–2017 I developed and tested a new training program in cultural intelligence (CQ) that can be used to accelerate the development of intercultural competence as well as key future skills. Since 2015 I am also a Certified Cultural Intelligence Facilitator. My current research interests include management education, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurship. I am passionate about promoting skills development, cultural intelligence, and entrepreneurial thinking among working professionals. Cultural intelligence & adaptability Enhancing cultural intelligence

Janelle Baker, PhD

Pronouns: she/her

I am of Métis ancestry and an Assistant Professor in Anthropology at Athabasca University. My research is on sakâwiyiniwak (Northern Bush Cree) experiences with wild food contamination in Treaty No. 8 territory, which is an area of extreme extraction of bitumen and forests. In this context, I collaborate with Bigstone Cree Nation environmental monitors using community-based methods and ethnoecology to test moose and water samples, while partnering with microbiologists who use a metagenomics approach to study the composition of microbiomes to map the source of potential harmful contaminants. I am also co-PI with Métis anthropologist Zoe Todd on a project that is restor(y)ing land use governance and bull trout population health in a contested area of the Rocky Mountain foothills in Alberta, Canada. I am the North American Representative on the Board of Directors for the International Society of Ethnobiology and a Co-Editor of Ethnobiology Letters, a diamond open-access online peer-reviewed journal. I am the winner of the 2019 Canadian Association for Graduate Studies – ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences category. Ecological grief

Leah Beech, MSc, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a Registered Psychologist in Calgary, Alberta. I received my M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary where I completed my master’s thesis research on couples’ small stories about resolving conflicts. I belong to a group private practice in Calgary where I work with individual adults and couples. Engaging judiciously and purposefully in self-disclosure

White Northern Lights Woman, Elaine Berwald 

Pronouns: she/her

My name is White Northern Lights Woman, Elaine Berwald. I have been studying Indigenous Teachings for over 25 years as I reclaim my Indigenous heritage. My past training and employment include work in medical office management and human resources, which have helped to shape my current passions and work as an Indigenous Cultural Liaison, Knowledge Keeper, Grandmother/Elder, and Indigenous child welfare consultant. It has allowed me to incorporate and use two-eyed seeing in my continued work as an advocate, public speaker, and facilitator on several important topics regarding Indigenous culture. My teachings maintain and place focus on a global Indigenous perspective. My maternal line is Restigouche Northern New Brunswick, and my paternal line is Selkirk Establishment. I make my home in Niagara. Identity Indigeneity

Jason Brown, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: he/his

Jason Brown is a psychologist and professor of counselling in the Faculty of Education at Western University. Jason has a small private practice. He is the author of Anti-Oppressive Counseling and Psychotherapy (2019) and Community Development in Canada (3rd ed., forthcoming). Wounded healers: A body map approach

Ivana Djuraskovic, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a registered psychologist in Alberta Health Services in Calgary, Alberta. I have extensive training and experience counselling refugees and immigrants, and individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and other clinical issues. I work with diverse populations, and I supervise masters and doctoral practicum students. I have published in peer-reviewed journals and books. I have presented my research at both national and international conferences, and I received the Canadian Psychological Association Dissertation Award for my doctoral dissertation. My research interests include acculturation, cultural identity reconstruction, refugee counselling, refugee women’s issues, and cross-cultural transitions. Currently, I am a permanent adjunct faculty at City University of Seattle (Calgary Campus), and a sessional instructor at Athabasca University, Yorkville University, and St. Mary’s University College. In my free time, I read, spend time with my husband and son, ski, and ride a motorcycle. I enjoy nature, new places, and “growing” my home library. Unconditional positive regard and nonjudgement: Choosing language that builds connection Self-disclosure as a foundation for building mutual cultural empathy Drawing on cultural metaphors in the co-construction of meaning Embracing collectivism by welcoming others into the healing space

Anita Girvan, PhD

Pronouns: she/her/they/their

I am a settler of Afro-Caribbean diaspora in Syilx Okanagan land and assistant professor of cultural studies and environmental justice at UBC, Okanagan. My research and teaching lie at the crossroads of environmental humanities, political ecology, and cultural politics. My book, Carbon Footprints as Cultural-Ecological Metaphors (2018 Routledge) traces the crucial ways that metaphors mediate more than-human relations, and I am broadly interested in stories and cultural productions as key sites of contestation and reclamation in addressing pressing socio-ecological matters, like (de)colonization and climate change. I have published in the Journal of Canadian Studies, the Journal of Political Ecology, Feminist Studies, Social Justice Studies, and Rhizomes, and I am informed and inspired by coalitional and collaborative approaches to world-building, including through music and other cultural productions. Metaphors matter Metaphors as tools for shared meaning-making Becoming a metaphor miner Metaphors as a foundation for reflective practice Metaphors of time and space Envisioning change without the use of verbal metaphors

Brandin Glos

Pronouns: he/him

I am a PhD student in Adult Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, Canada.  In addition to cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, and brief psychodynamic therapy, I have received training as an integrative psychotherapist.  During my clinical training, I have had the opportunity to work with Syrian refugee clients with the assistance of a language interpreter. My research focuses on the MeToo Movement and cultural discourses surrounding sexual violence. Therapeutic use of language interpreters

Lisa Gunderson, PhD, RCC

Pronouns: she/her

I am the founder of One Love Consulting and an award-winning educator and equity consultant for educational, businesses and organizational institutions. I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Southern California, am a registered clinical counsellor, and for the past 25 years I have focused on identity and equity issues for racialized and minoritized populations in the US and Canada. Under OLC, I provide peer consultations for current counselors working with IBPoC clients, counselling and internship supervision services to LÁU, WELNEW Elementary Tribal School and W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School. I also provide mental wellness workshops to various IBPoC organizations and hold IBPoC identified and white identified mental wellness spaces.  Previously, I served as associate program director and intern supervisor and taught cultural and diversity psychology and psychopathology/psychopharmacology for the City University in Canada, Master of Counselling program for the Victoria Campus. Prior to immigrating to Canada in 2011, I was a tenured professor of psychology and a licensed California psychologist. I am first generation African American of Jamaican ancestry and grew up primarily throughout the US and Jamaica. I live in Victoria with my family and enjoy reading, travelling, baking, and watching movies. To learn more http://www.oneloveconsulting.com You can’t be Switzerland Becoming an anti-racist counsellor Addressing white fragility

Michael Anthony Hart, PhD, MSW

Pronouns: he/him

I am a proud citizen of Fisher River Cree Nation in central Turtle Island. In 2018 I moved to the University of Calgary to be the inaugural Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement and a professor in the Faculty of Social Work. From 2012 to 2018 I held a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Social Work through the University of Manitoba. I led the development of the Master of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledges program at the University of Manitoba and was the first Director of the program. My research focuses on Indigenist helping perspectives, theories, and practices. I hold a BSW, MSW, and PhD in Social Work from the University of Manitoba, as well as a BA in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Racism is a verb

Mateo Huezo, MC, RPsych

Pronouns: they/them/he/him/

I am a psychologist, activist, researcher, writer, and teacher. I am actively involved across various projects focused on queer, trans, and ethnoracial group mental health, research, education, and advocacy. I believe in shifting the narratives about nondominant cultural experiences from one of disprivilege to one that centres minority voice as a source of strength, identity, and resilience. Check out the e-book I created for the trans community, based on my master’s research: The trans community says . . . Working with faith and spirituality in 2SLGBTQIA+ care Mindfulness: Connecting with the Ancestors

Nada Hussein

Pronouns: she/her

I am an Egyptian and a psychology undergraduate student at the University of Windsor, Canada. My research interest is in the area of multicultural counselling. I am an active member of Dr. Kuo’s Multicultural Clinical and Counselling Research Group (MCCRG), and I am assisting with several research projects in this research lab, including the “International Cultural Stress Coping” project and “Cultural Immersion as a Multicultural Training Intervention.” I aspire to become a professor of Psychology in the future, and I wish to focus on the application of therapy for, and study of, acculturation among Middle Easterners in Canada. Therapeutic use of language interpreters

Melissa Jay, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a Nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, a registered psychologist, and an assistant professor at Athabasca University. I celebrate all Indigenous Peoples who care for Turtle Island. I am grateful to live, work, and play on the sacred lands now called Canmore with my spouse and rescue-therapy dog, where I am co-owner of Canmore Counselling & Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School. Preparing ourselves to connect with clients Being from a place of wholeness (with Amy Rubin) Creating safer spaces: A trauma-informed lens The power of presence in counselling (with Amy Rubin) Ways of being: Integrating mind–body–spirit–heart Self-care in session

Ben Kuo, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: he/him

I am a professor of adult clinical psychology in the MA-PhD program at the University of Windsor, Canada, and the Director of Clinical Training of the program. I received my master’s degree from the University of Toronto-OISE and my Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. My works in research, teaching and services have received recognition through several awards from the University of Windsor: the Outstanding Research Award: Establish Research/Scholar Category (2017-Research), the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science’s Dr. Kathleen E. McCrone Teaching Award in (2017-Teaching), and the Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award (2019-Service/Leadership). More recently I received the following awards from the Canadian Psychological Association: the John C. Service Member of the Year Award (2021-Volunteer/Service) and the Public and Community Services, Human Rights and Social Justice in Psychology Award (2023-Service/Leadership). I publish research in the areas of multicultural counselling and training and cross-cultural psychology, examining the intersection between culture, psychology, and mental health. Clinically, I am a registered psychologist in Ontario and my clinical experience extends to clients of diverse backgrounds, including immigrants, refugees, and international students. I regularly teach and supervise clinical psychology graduate students in multicultural counselling and psychotherapy courses and practica. With my expertise, I have taught, lectured, and undertaken distinguished visiting professorships in Taiwan, China, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, US, UK, and Canada. I am also an active communicator and speaker at various conferences and events for public, community, health, and religious organizations and audiences. Therapeutic use of language interpreters

Heather Macdonald, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a registered/chartered psychologist in Alberta and Ontario. I have been working with at-risk children and teens for the last 20 years. I opened my own private practice 12 years ago and, more recently, completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I bring an understanding of child and adolescent development, supervisory and management experience, teaching/training facilitation experience, and a wealth of knowledge in connecting with children and teenagers about their educational and socioemotional needs. My own personal journey with a learning disability gives me an inside view of what children experience in their day-to-day academic journeys. Using my own journey to find an optimal learning and healing environment, I discovered the importance of secure attachment, of having an environment where the brain is allowed to change and grow, and of families, communities, and governments working together. I am now working with first responders, armed forces, and drug court. http://www.trioptimallearningmodel.com The role of spirituality in counselling: Part I The role of spirituality in counselling: Part II

Mariam Mahdi, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am an Iraqi Canadian. I began my primary education in Iraq and completed my primary and secondary education in Dubai before enrolling at the University of Windsor, Canada. I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Windsor and will soon graduate with a B.A. (Honours) in Psychology, with a thesis. My thesis project focused on psychological help-seeking among culturally diverse university students from the perspectives of acculturation, enculturation, and stigma. I aspire to become a clinical psychologist who supports clients with post-traumatic stress disorder and specializes in multicultural psychology. Therapeutic use of language interpreters

Stephanie Nardone

Pronouns: she/her

I am a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Windsor. My research focuses on emotion change processes, including the role of emotion in psychotherapy. In 2016 and 2017, I received the University of Windsor Board of Governors medal for outstanding academic achievement. My goal is to pursue a career combining psychotherapy process research with clinical practice. Therapeutic use of language interpreters

Simon Nuttgens, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: He/him

I am an associate dean with Yorkville University’s Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. My areas of scholarly interest include counselling ethics, postmodern approaches to counselling, and evidence-based practice. I served two years as chair of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethics Complaints Committee and served on the revision committee for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. I have written and presented extensively in the area of professional ethics. I provide counselling, supervision, and consultation services for a nonprofit multiservice agency in Penticton, BC. A learning story: Getting it right! Externalizing conversations A primer on routine outcome monitoring

Allison Reeves, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a Registered Psychologist in Toronto and an assistant professor in Psychology at the University of Guelph and the University of Guelph-Humber. My research looks at the impacts of complex trauma in Indigenous communities as well as cultural resurgence and healing. My current areas of interest are anti-oppressive psychologies and ethnocultural empathy training to reduce racial bias. Culturally safe practice

Amy Rubin, MA, RCT-C

Pronouns: they/them

I am a white, settler, queer/nonbinary, Jewish person living in L’Sitkuk/Mi’kma’ki (also known as Bear River, Nova Scotia). I work in private practice as a registered counselling therapist, and I am also a visual artist and performer. Being from a place of wholeness (with Melissa Jay) Developing rapport and trust with clients mandated to engage in counselling Creating space for joy The power of presence in counselling (with Melissa Jay) Finding common ground in the face of client prejudice

Monica Sesma, PhD, RSW, RMFT

Pronouns: she/ella her/su

I am a social constructionist-oriented social worker, family therapist, educator, supervisor, and researcher, who lives in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) and Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, Canada. I am and assistant professor and the academic coordinator of the Couple and Family Therapy Program at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. I am the research coordinator of the Calgary Family Therapy Centre and a board member of the Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. My current clinical and research interest focuses on relational and systemic work with underserved communities. My research focuses on mental health and well-being, children and their families, immigrants, refugees, and newcomers’ issues, and gender-based violence. Honouring first language

Lisa Thompson, MC, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a Registered Psychologist, holding a Master of Counselling in Art Therapy from Athabasca University. I completed my training at Eastside Family Centre and the Calgary Family Therapy Centre. I share a private practice in Calgary, AB, where we support children, youth, couples, and families: aspenpsychologygroup.com. Rapport building through nonverbals and body language with children: An art therapy focus Validating: To confirm, authenticate, bear out, corroborate, substantiate (with Gina Ko)

Jon Woodend, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: he/him

I am an assistant professor in counselling psychology at the University of Victoria. I am a registered psychologist in Alberta. My research program focuses on working with newcomers, including international students and their accompanying partners, and with immigrant workers to understand their international career transitions. In my counselling practice, I have worked in secondary and post-secondary settings with diverse populations, including international students, for academic, career, and personal concerns. Considerations for counselling international students

Gina Wong, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a psychologist and professor who lives and works on Treaty 6 Territory. I am a BIPOC academic leadership consultant who strives to be an anti-racism educator and an alchemist of community change. I founded the Asian Gold Ribbon campaign, a non-profit organization in 2021. I also specialize in perinatal mental health and am vice-president of the Postpartum Support International Canada. I have edited/authored four books including Infanticide and Filicide: Foundations in Maternal Mental Health Forensics (Wong & Parnham, 2021) published by the American Psychiatric Association. I am a Registered Circle of Security Program Level II Facilitator and a consultant with the Perinatal Training Centre, Education & Training in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health: https://perinataltrainingcentre.com.au/team/dr-gina-wong/. I maintain a clinical practice and particularly enjoy supervising provisional psychologists and providing consultation regarding reproductive mental health/parenting and racial trauma. In 2022, I received the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Leadership Award and the Psychologist of the Year Award (Psychologist Association of Alberta) for my work in racial justice and perinatal mental health. Safety and trust: Creating a holding space for clients Reflection functioning and secure attachment Narrative coherence: Building a foundation for empathy

Dr. Sophie Yohani, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: she/her

I am a registered psychologist and associate professor of Counselling Psychology in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. I have training in global mental health, elementary education, and experience in community psychology, program development, and community-based research. I maintain an interest in multicultural issues in counselling psychology, international psychology, childhood and adult trauma, the psychosocial adaptation of immigrants and refugees, hope/resiliency, and community-based participatory approaches. My current research focuses on the mental health and psychosocial adaptation of African and Middle Eastern refugees influenced by pre- and post-migration experiences and program/policy implications in education, healthcare, and community settings. I also engage in interdisciplinary research with colleagues in Canada, focusing on the wellbeing of African/Black communities. As a healthcare practitioner, researcher, and advocate, my work over the last 20 years has ranged from providing individual psychotherapy and assessments in traditional clinical settings (in private practice, schools, community agencies, and hospitals) to mental health promotion, research, and training within community settings. I previously served as the director of the Counselling Centre in the Division of Clinical Services (Faculty of Education) at the University of Alberta. I have worked to bring attention to underrepresented groups’ mental health through spearheading programs, training, and collaborating with others at the provincial and national levels. I have supervised and mentored psychologists in Canada, and my birth country, Tanzania, where I regularly serve as a visiting professor. Cultural inquiry Part I Cultural inquiry Part II

Michael Yudcovitch, MA, RPsych

Pronouns: he/him

I am a registered psychologist and independent filmmaker, I am bi-racial (Black and White), of Polish-Jamaican ancestry, and I was born in Calgary, Alberta. My journey as a counsellor began in 2001, and my journey as a filmmaker began in 2011. I co-own a psychology practice, with my spouse and rescue-therapy dog, where I channel my passions for counselling and storytelling into empowering my clients to be the heroes of their journeys. Theoretical flexibility: Working with feelings Holding space for client feelings and needs

Don Zeman, PhD, RPsych

Pronouns: he/him

I am a registered psychologist in Alberta, where I am a settler on Treaty 6 land. I have been a healthcare professional for over 30 years, first as a chiropractor (11 years), then as a sport mental trainer/sport psychologist, becoming a counsellor and psychologist most recently. Before that I was a professional figure skater and did about 5,000 performances in pair and solo skating in over 50 countries. These experiences contribute to my current social constructionist, queer, and feminist perspectives, which I bring into my teaching and counselling. Currently, I am an instructor with three online Master of Counselling programs and an adjunct associate professor in the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, and I supervise Registered Provisional Psychologists in Alberta. I am intrigued by, and curious about, how we use language, receive it, and take it up in counselling conversations and our lives. Developing SMART goals Refining SMART goals Zoom (videoconferencing) fatigue: What is it and how can we prevent or manage it?

REFERENCES

Deer, S. (2015). The beginning and end of rape: Confronting sexual violence in Native America (3^rd ed.). University of Minnesota Press.