VENUES | SCHEDULE | SPEAKERS | REGISTRATION | FUN RUN | SPONSORS EXHIBITORS MOVIE SCREENING
LIEUX PROGRAMME CONFÉRENCIERS INSCRIPTIONS FUN RUN FREE
LIEUX PROGRAMME CONFÉRENCIERS INSCRIPTIONS FUN RUN FREE
WORKSHOPS
Sunday: Noon to 4 pm
Ethics Education Module
Presenter(s): National Ethics Commission
Theme: Ethics
Description: EEM is required for every Certified CASC/ACSS member as part of their five year Peer Review Process.
Theme: Ethics
Description: EEM is required for every Certified CASC/ACSS member as part of their five year Peer Review Process.
Monday Morning Sessions
MAM01: Mindfulness Meditation for Health Care Professionals in Times of Stress
Presenter: Sajeewa Ranasinghe*
Theme: Mindfulness meditation and daily well-being
Description: This workshop will be presented as a spiritual care activity specifically designed to support staff as they face the day-to-day stresses of the work environment or recover from a specific period of acute stress, such as institutional re-organizing. Mindfulness Meditation can be practiced as a group activity or individually in person or via virtual platform in health care setting to promote well-being. That can be one time event as well as ongoing weekly sessions. Workshop will demonstrate how mindfulness meditation sessions can be coordinated and co-sponsored with Occupational Health Departments, how they can be structured to accommodate various group dynamics or group sizes and how to advertise and facilitate the sessions. Information is based on presenter's experience in a large, inner-city hospital and will be presented in a lecture format, followed by experiential learning activities.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Mindfulness meditation and daily well-being
Description: This workshop will be presented as a spiritual care activity specifically designed to support staff as they face the day-to-day stresses of the work environment or recover from a specific period of acute stress, such as institutional re-organizing. Mindfulness Meditation can be practiced as a group activity or individually in person or via virtual platform in health care setting to promote well-being. That can be one time event as well as ongoing weekly sessions. Workshop will demonstrate how mindfulness meditation sessions can be coordinated and co-sponsored with Occupational Health Departments, how they can be structured to accommodate various group dynamics or group sizes and how to advertise and facilitate the sessions. Information is based on presenter's experience in a large, inner-city hospital and will be presented in a lecture format, followed by experiential learning activities.
Track: Intermediate
MAM02: Updates from the Curriculum Development Working Group (C-DaWG)
Presenters: Pam Driedger*, Brent Watts* & Simon Lasair*
Theme: Sharing the progress on curriculum development
Description: The group will present what they have been working on over the past year. No details are available yet as their work is still emerging.
Track: Advanced
Theme: Sharing the progress on curriculum development
Description: The group will present what they have been working on over the past year. No details are available yet as their work is still emerging.
Track: Advanced
MAM03: "I've never told anyone this..." Meaning Making Beyond Self-Forgiveness at Life's EnD
Presenter: Jessie Stephenson*
Theme: Moral Injury, Trauma, Ritual, Forgiveness, End-of-Life
Description: How do we respond to complex personal revelations made at life’s end? What happens when those revelations involve trauma and moral suffering? Informed by the spiritual care of veterans at end-of-life, this workshop will facilitate discussion regarding support of those revealing earlier moral conflicts during life’s final chapter. Topics such as life-review, moral injury, and self-forgiveness will be explored, framed within the ethics of practice at life’s end. This workshop seeks to wrestle with the significance and limitations of self-forgiveness, seeking meaning and healing within relationship and ritual at end-of-life.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Moral Injury, Trauma, Ritual, Forgiveness, End-of-Life
Description: How do we respond to complex personal revelations made at life’s end? What happens when those revelations involve trauma and moral suffering? Informed by the spiritual care of veterans at end-of-life, this workshop will facilitate discussion regarding support of those revealing earlier moral conflicts during life’s final chapter. Topics such as life-review, moral injury, and self-forgiveness will be explored, framed within the ethics of practice at life’s end. This workshop seeks to wrestle with the significance and limitations of self-forgiveness, seeking meaning and healing within relationship and ritual at end-of-life.
Track: Intermediate
MAM04: Enhancing Your Skills with a Community of Practice and Palliative and Bereavement Care Advanced Certification
Presenters: Vivian Stang*, Peter Barnes*, Karen Thorne*, Christine Enfield* & Adriana Rengifo*
Theme: •Palliative and Bereavement Care •Interprofessional Collaboration •Community of Practice •Advanced Certification
- Appreciating Spiritual Care expertise including interprofessional collaboration within Palliative and Bereavement Care Health (PBC)Teams.
- Identifying the benefits of CASC/ACSS palliative and bereavement care Community of Practice and how these benefits may be used to enhance the collaborative value of the CoP.
- Emphasizing the CASC/ACSS Spiritual Care Competencies for palliative and bereavement care and reviewing the proposed steps for Advanced Certification in PBC.
Mentoring of palliative and bereavement care champions within the expanding Community of Practice is needed to ensure that Spiritual Care professionals are prepared to be leaders in these areas.
Creating an advanced certification based on the Spiritual Care Competencies in the Canadian Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Competency Framework (2023) and exploring the Palliative Care and Hospice Advanced Certification (PCHAC) of Board-Certified Chaplains in the US to inform the creation of an advanced certification in Canada.
Encouraging interprofessional collaboration to explore the relevance of bereavement care and grief support for those who are most at risk of complicated grief. Interprofessional collaboration will be further highlighted using the example of the success of the Pallium Echo’s Spiritual Care Community of Practice webinars. These are examples of the development of the leadership necessary amongst CASC/ACSS members who are expanding their expertise in PBC.
Track: Advanced
MAM05: Making Space for Meaning in the CPE ClassrooM
Presenter: Dr Margaret Naughton*
Theme: Empowering participants with resources for meaningful service
Description: 'Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, enwrought with golden and silver light' W.B Yeats - in the opening lines of the Anglo-Irish poem 'He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' we get an insight into the heart of a man's dreams. For this person, his hopes are for something that seems elusive, impossible to find or to hold. And yet, as the poem moves onward he articulates that 'But I being poor, have only my dreams' - dreams that keep him hopeful and enthusiastic - grounded in new hope and possibility.
As Spiritual Care professionals, we help people to connect (and reconnect) with the places and spaces that holds their dreams. We assist them to find meaning even within the darkest of moments of contexts. We help them to see anew the beauty of their being. Making space for meaning is one of the key roles of the healthcare chaplain - after all, we help others to find meaning, to re-connect with their hopes and dreams, to reframe the experience of their pain and suffering in a new way.
Within the CPE classroom, making space for meaning is an important component of the work of the CPE Supervisor and Educator. Participants are taught how to connect in with and come to realise their own need for meaning before helping others to do likewise. After all, we cannot have the conversation about meaning with others if we have not firstly had it with ourselves. The CPE classroom is a space that empowers participants with ways and resources to find meaning, to help others find meaning, to explore the very concept of meaning. This presentation will explore how we can empower CPE participants in their quest to find meaning and to share their insights in a kind but non-imposing way.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Empowering participants with resources for meaningful service
Description: 'Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, enwrought with golden and silver light' W.B Yeats - in the opening lines of the Anglo-Irish poem 'He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' we get an insight into the heart of a man's dreams. For this person, his hopes are for something that seems elusive, impossible to find or to hold. And yet, as the poem moves onward he articulates that 'But I being poor, have only my dreams' - dreams that keep him hopeful and enthusiastic - grounded in new hope and possibility.
As Spiritual Care professionals, we help people to connect (and reconnect) with the places and spaces that holds their dreams. We assist them to find meaning even within the darkest of moments of contexts. We help them to see anew the beauty of their being. Making space for meaning is one of the key roles of the healthcare chaplain - after all, we help others to find meaning, to re-connect with their hopes and dreams, to reframe the experience of their pain and suffering in a new way.
Within the CPE classroom, making space for meaning is an important component of the work of the CPE Supervisor and Educator. Participants are taught how to connect in with and come to realise their own need for meaning before helping others to do likewise. After all, we cannot have the conversation about meaning with others if we have not firstly had it with ourselves. The CPE classroom is a space that empowers participants with ways and resources to find meaning, to help others find meaning, to explore the very concept of meaning. This presentation will explore how we can empower CPE participants in their quest to find meaning and to share their insights in a kind but non-imposing way.
Track: Intermediate
MAM06: Art Therapy, Islamic Spirituality, and Mental Health
Presenters: Ala' Al-Thibeh* and Ayse Erenay*
Theme: Meaning Making Through Art and Spirituality
Description: Islamic culture has an immense impact on Muslims all over the world. Muslims are highly influenced by Islam in everyday life, whether it be through ritualistic practices, healing, meaning-making, food, music, and the Arts. Throughout history, Islamic Art plays a role in spiritual practices and places. Islamic Art uses methods through symbolism to relay spiritual and religious meaning to create a connection with self and God.
Art Therapy and Expressive Arts is a powerful tool used by mental health professionals. Throughout the process of Art Therapy clinicians focus on engaging clients in connecting and expressing their inner and outer self to foster healing, meaning-making, growth, and self-development. This presentation will focus on Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, and meaning-making within Islam and Muslim Culture. In this presentation, it will be referred to as Islamic Art Therapy. The presenters will provide a History of Islamic Arts in connection with spirituality, meaning-making, and healing in the mental health context. Topics that will be explored are; Islamic Art History and its origins, symbolism, introduction of the various art forms, expressive arts in Islamic mental health history, and its development today.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Meaning Making Through Art and Spirituality
Description: Islamic culture has an immense impact on Muslims all over the world. Muslims are highly influenced by Islam in everyday life, whether it be through ritualistic practices, healing, meaning-making, food, music, and the Arts. Throughout history, Islamic Art plays a role in spiritual practices and places. Islamic Art uses methods through symbolism to relay spiritual and religious meaning to create a connection with self and God.
Art Therapy and Expressive Arts is a powerful tool used by mental health professionals. Throughout the process of Art Therapy clinicians focus on engaging clients in connecting and expressing their inner and outer self to foster healing, meaning-making, growth, and self-development. This presentation will focus on Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, and meaning-making within Islam and Muslim Culture. In this presentation, it will be referred to as Islamic Art Therapy. The presenters will provide a History of Islamic Arts in connection with spirituality, meaning-making, and healing in the mental health context. Topics that will be explored are; Islamic Art History and its origins, symbolism, introduction of the various art forms, expressive arts in Islamic mental health history, and its development today.
Track: Intermediate
Monday Afternoon Sessions
MPM01: Spirituality, Meaning-Making, and Reality: Helping Clients Make Sense of Life and its Events
Presenter: Simon Lasair*
Theme: Theories of spirituality and meaning-making brought into clinical contexts
Description: In popular culture, spirituality can be viewed with suspicion. For many, spirituality is seen as “flaky” or “woo-woo,” without significant engagement with reality as most people experience it. While there can often be some truth to these perceptions, many religious and spiritual traditions understand themselves quite differently. In many cases such traditions understand themselves as disclosing the true nature of reality, even though these visions of reality might or might not align with the secularities that are often dominant in western cultural settings. In this session, Simon Lasair will therefore show how emerging health care and philosophical understandings of spirituality are drawing individuals into greater contact with all that is. However, unlike earlier conceptualizations of spirituality and religion, these emerging understandings are drawing upon secular and scientific thought to ask how individuals can make sense of their lives in contemporary western contexts.
To respond to this question, this session will establish a broadly-based philosophical framework that can assist spiritual care clinicians in their work of helping clients make sense of their lives, even though the clients themselves might come from many diverse backgrounds. Drawing upon the work of physicist, philosopher, and social theorist Karen Barad, Simon will show how making meaning is inextricably bound up with our daily realities. Because meaning-making occurs amidst daily life, Simon will furthermore demonstrate how spirituality and meaning-making are ultimately inseparable. As a result, spiritual care clinicians cannot help but consider how meaning might be made, simply because meaning-making processes are fundamental to everything these clinicians do within their clinical practices.
Track: Advanced
Theme: Theories of spirituality and meaning-making brought into clinical contexts
Description: In popular culture, spirituality can be viewed with suspicion. For many, spirituality is seen as “flaky” or “woo-woo,” without significant engagement with reality as most people experience it. While there can often be some truth to these perceptions, many religious and spiritual traditions understand themselves quite differently. In many cases such traditions understand themselves as disclosing the true nature of reality, even though these visions of reality might or might not align with the secularities that are often dominant in western cultural settings. In this session, Simon Lasair will therefore show how emerging health care and philosophical understandings of spirituality are drawing individuals into greater contact with all that is. However, unlike earlier conceptualizations of spirituality and religion, these emerging understandings are drawing upon secular and scientific thought to ask how individuals can make sense of their lives in contemporary western contexts.
To respond to this question, this session will establish a broadly-based philosophical framework that can assist spiritual care clinicians in their work of helping clients make sense of their lives, even though the clients themselves might come from many diverse backgrounds. Drawing upon the work of physicist, philosopher, and social theorist Karen Barad, Simon will show how making meaning is inextricably bound up with our daily realities. Because meaning-making occurs amidst daily life, Simon will furthermore demonstrate how spirituality and meaning-making are ultimately inseparable. As a result, spiritual care clinicians cannot help but consider how meaning might be made, simply because meaning-making processes are fundamental to everything these clinicians do within their clinical practices.
Track: Advanced
MPMO2: From Creation: Land-Based Healing and Wellness, Documentary Premiere/Art Exhibit
Presenter: Lauren Aldred*
Theme: Making meaning from hardship. Land-based healing and wellness.
Description:
Take time to connect to nature, beginning with an Ekphrastic exhibition of paintings, photography and poetry. Experience a journey of recovery by connecting to Creator through the Land.
Lauren received a HEAL Research Grant to develop a documentary and training module for Canadian medical students. Be the first to view the documentary, followed by a discussion period.
The documentary explores the four aspects of healing: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, and examines the essential nature of relationship to the Land where we live, and how to live on the Land in a good way.
The film challenges notions of those experiencing mental illness and stereotypes of who is an Indigenous person. It explores the importance of non-medical healing interventions, particularly for Indigenous people.
Track: All
Theme: Making meaning from hardship. Land-based healing and wellness.
Description:
Take time to connect to nature, beginning with an Ekphrastic exhibition of paintings, photography and poetry. Experience a journey of recovery by connecting to Creator through the Land.
Lauren received a HEAL Research Grant to develop a documentary and training module for Canadian medical students. Be the first to view the documentary, followed by a discussion period.
The documentary explores the four aspects of healing: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, and examines the essential nature of relationship to the Land where we live, and how to live on the Land in a good way.
The film challenges notions of those experiencing mental illness and stereotypes of who is an Indigenous person. It explores the importance of non-medical healing interventions, particularly for Indigenous people.
Track: All
MPM03: Supporting the Spirit in Long-term Care and Retirement Homes
Presenters: Angela Schmidt*, Jane Kuepfer* & Rabbi Geoffrey Haber*
Theme: Presenting research, resources and a continuing education model for spiritual care in LTC
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Presenting research, resources and a continuing education model for spiritual care in LTC
Track: Intermediate
MPM04: Art, Story & Body Whispers: The 7 I’s Healing Journey
Presenter: Amira Ayad*
Theme: Art Journaling workshop
Description: In this workshop, we will use art journaling and storytelling to explore our personal narratives and listen to our Body Whispers before they turn into screams. The workshop will take you on a 7-step journey exploring ways of finding order in chaos, light in darkness, and meaning in a suffering world, as you are integrating, assessing, and healing all aspects of your life: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
With your art journal, you will embark on an adventure. As you create layers of colors, marks and textures, you will delve into your inner world unraveling layers of stories & meaning.
The 7 I’s Therapeutic Model draws from Narrative Therapy, Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, and Ayurveda -the traditional Indian medicine- generating a holistic 7-step-journey towards health and wellness. The model has been applied in personal as well as community-based programs and art-based workshops and retreats. The case studies research conducted by the author has been published in 2022 in The Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health, and Disability.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Art Journaling workshop
Description: In this workshop, we will use art journaling and storytelling to explore our personal narratives and listen to our Body Whispers before they turn into screams. The workshop will take you on a 7-step journey exploring ways of finding order in chaos, light in darkness, and meaning in a suffering world, as you are integrating, assessing, and healing all aspects of your life: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
With your art journal, you will embark on an adventure. As you create layers of colors, marks and textures, you will delve into your inner world unraveling layers of stories & meaning.
The 7 I’s Therapeutic Model draws from Narrative Therapy, Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, and Ayurveda -the traditional Indian medicine- generating a holistic 7-step-journey towards health and wellness. The model has been applied in personal as well as community-based programs and art-based workshops and retreats. The case studies research conducted by the author has been published in 2022 in The Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health, and Disability.
Track: Intermediate
MPM05: Nishnabe Engagement Tool
Presenter: Lauren Sanders*
Theme: Indigenous Meaning-Making
Description: Though similarities abound from a Eurocentric point of view, understanding entirely different worldviews and spiritualities that have important nuances is a necessity in providing spiritual care to Indigenous patients. Using Siksika/Blackfoot “Actualization” Model, the 7 Grandfather Teachings, Indigenous education philosophies, and my experience as a mental health Spiritual Care Practitioner who is Black, Indigenous, and Christian, I have created an engagement tool, which bridges current assessment tools with pluralistic worldviews, particularly focused on Indigenous Spiritualities. I share this tool with the hopes that Indigenous Spiritualities continue to be included in dialogues about meaning making.
Track: Advanced
Theme: Indigenous Meaning-Making
Description: Though similarities abound from a Eurocentric point of view, understanding entirely different worldviews and spiritualities that have important nuances is a necessity in providing spiritual care to Indigenous patients. Using Siksika/Blackfoot “Actualization” Model, the 7 Grandfather Teachings, Indigenous education philosophies, and my experience as a mental health Spiritual Care Practitioner who is Black, Indigenous, and Christian, I have created an engagement tool, which bridges current assessment tools with pluralistic worldviews, particularly focused on Indigenous Spiritualities. I share this tool with the hopes that Indigenous Spiritualities continue to be included in dialogues about meaning making.
Track: Advanced
MPM06: Introducing the CASC/ACSS Sacred Medicine and Psychedelic Therapies Circle
Presenters: Marc Blainey*, B. Jeffrey Vidt*, Marnie Roper*, Oceanna Hall*, Ruth Dantzer*
Theme: Psychedelics, Sacred Medicine and Spiritual Care, advocacy, education, guiding, and sharing of resources with CASC/ACSS members
Description: While traditional, cultural and spiritual use of certain sacred plant medicines remains illegal in Canada, there is a lifting of taboo and increasing access to “psychedelic” substances in clinical and research, public, non and for-profit settings, for mental health and addictions treatment, and “end of life distress.” Though the dominant models of treatment are psychological, psychiatric and / or medical, growing attention is being paid to the central importance of spiritual experience (including religious, “mystical” and “non-ordinary states of consciousness”), as well as the potential role of Spiritual Care Practitioners in providing support and guidance to clients and professionals alike. CASC/ACSS, and individual members / teams, are being approached for consultation, participation and partnership in the development of practices, protocols, ethics, education and further research.
Given the newness of this area of specialization, and the significant ethical / social justice issues involved, the Board has endorsed the formation of an advisory group, the Sacred Medicine and Psychedelic Therapies Circle. The purpose of this group is to help inform our involvement as an organization and profession in this intersecting field, aligned with our scope, values, and our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The purpose, goals and work to date of this group will be presented and discussed in this workshop.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Psychedelics, Sacred Medicine and Spiritual Care, advocacy, education, guiding, and sharing of resources with CASC/ACSS members
Description: While traditional, cultural and spiritual use of certain sacred plant medicines remains illegal in Canada, there is a lifting of taboo and increasing access to “psychedelic” substances in clinical and research, public, non and for-profit settings, for mental health and addictions treatment, and “end of life distress.” Though the dominant models of treatment are psychological, psychiatric and / or medical, growing attention is being paid to the central importance of spiritual experience (including religious, “mystical” and “non-ordinary states of consciousness”), as well as the potential role of Spiritual Care Practitioners in providing support and guidance to clients and professionals alike. CASC/ACSS, and individual members / teams, are being approached for consultation, participation and partnership in the development of practices, protocols, ethics, education and further research.
Given the newness of this area of specialization, and the significant ethical / social justice issues involved, the Board has endorsed the formation of an advisory group, the Sacred Medicine and Psychedelic Therapies Circle. The purpose of this group is to help inform our involvement as an organization and profession in this intersecting field, aligned with our scope, values, and our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The purpose, goals and work to date of this group will be presented and discussed in this workshop.
Track: Intermediate
Tuesday Morning Sessions
TAM01: Meaning Making and Psychosis
Presenter: Janet McGown Young*
Theme: An exploration of constructs to facilitate therapeutic connection with people experiencing psychosis
Description:
Theme: An exploration of constructs to facilitate therapeutic connection with people experiencing psychosis
Description:
- An introduction to psychosis with description of symptoms and diseases where it is found.
- An examination of the strengths & limitations of people experiencing psychosis
- My personal experience of working with people who were experiencing psychosis for 15 years
- Description of constructs I have used in my practice to bridge understanding with patients including continuum of symptoms, the Deegan Daisy, theology of personhood, stages of care, etc.
- Open discussion about what has helped participants connect with people experiencing psychosis
TAM02: Using the FICA in Long Term Care: a Quality Improvement Project involving CPE Students
Presenters: Heather Vanderstelt*, Karen Weima* & Students*
Theme: spiritual assessment; Long Term Care; developing assessment and research competencies
Description: COVID provided Spiritual Care Practitioners situated within Long Term Care (LTC) a unique opportunity to reflect meaningfully and critically on how they are meeting ministry of LTC standards and resident expectations for spiritual care, often given minimal resources, and providing meaningful, client centred spiritual care. In response to this opportunity for reflection, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, undertook a Quality Improvement Project (QIP) to better understand Resident’s spiritual needs such that the spiritual care team could meaningfully and intentionally move forward to develop post-COVID resident driven/focused/informed programs, services, and 1:1 therapeutic engagement.
The QIP involved training 6 CPE students to engaging the FICA spiritual history tool with 55 residents at a large LTC facility within the St. Joseph’s Health Care system. Student summaries of resident’s responses were captured through a Microsoft Teams Form, and this data was then analyzed drawing on thematic analysis principles. The results of the FICA will be presented and explored. Workshop participants will also have the opportunity of hearing from student(s) involved about their learning and experience, along with supervisory observations.
As a result of this workshop, participant will become familiar with literature related to FICA as a spiritual history tool in LTC; will critically evaluate the FICA as a tool to employ within LTC; will explore spiritual needs of residents as revealed by the FICA QIP; and will explore meaningful integration of QIP in supporting Student’s CPE competency development.
This workshop may be valuable to students seeking to develop competence in research and assessment tools; Supervisor Educators seeking to integrate research competencies into CPE and explore experiential approaches to teaching multiple competencies; practitioners working within LTC; and those interested in spiritual screening/assessment tools and application.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: spiritual assessment; Long Term Care; developing assessment and research competencies
Description: COVID provided Spiritual Care Practitioners situated within Long Term Care (LTC) a unique opportunity to reflect meaningfully and critically on how they are meeting ministry of LTC standards and resident expectations for spiritual care, often given minimal resources, and providing meaningful, client centred spiritual care. In response to this opportunity for reflection, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, undertook a Quality Improvement Project (QIP) to better understand Resident’s spiritual needs such that the spiritual care team could meaningfully and intentionally move forward to develop post-COVID resident driven/focused/informed programs, services, and 1:1 therapeutic engagement.
The QIP involved training 6 CPE students to engaging the FICA spiritual history tool with 55 residents at a large LTC facility within the St. Joseph’s Health Care system. Student summaries of resident’s responses were captured through a Microsoft Teams Form, and this data was then analyzed drawing on thematic analysis principles. The results of the FICA will be presented and explored. Workshop participants will also have the opportunity of hearing from student(s) involved about their learning and experience, along with supervisory observations.
As a result of this workshop, participant will become familiar with literature related to FICA as a spiritual history tool in LTC; will critically evaluate the FICA as a tool to employ within LTC; will explore spiritual needs of residents as revealed by the FICA QIP; and will explore meaningful integration of QIP in supporting Student’s CPE competency development.
This workshop may be valuable to students seeking to develop competence in research and assessment tools; Supervisor Educators seeking to integrate research competencies into CPE and explore experiential approaches to teaching multiple competencies; practitioners working within LTC; and those interested in spiritual screening/assessment tools and application.
Track: Intermediate
TAM03: Making Sense of the Complex Spiritual Care Landscape in Canada
Presenters: Angela Schmidt* & Pamela McCarroll*
Theme: Research on the practices and future of spiritual care and chaplaincy in Canada
Description: What is the state of spiritual care and chaplaincy across all sectors in the Canadian context? What are the anticipated opportunities and challenges for chaplaincy and spiritual care into the future? This session will present published research on the priorities, education and practice of spiritual care and chaplaincy across multiple sectors in Canada identifying areas of convergence and difference shaping opportunities for the future (McCarroll, Schmidt 2019). We will summarize our findings in relation to professional regulation, certification requirements and peer review, scope of practice and future trajectories. Our research shows how chaplains and spiritual care providers are on the cutting edge of the many changes in the spiritual-religious landscape of Canada, tending to the spiritual/religious needs of an increasingly diverse population. It recommends areas for further collaboration across sectors and lays out opportunities for CASC/ACSS initiatives and leadership. As part of phase two of this research, which is ongoing, the presentation will invite participants to interpret and make meaning of the findings in relation to their experiences, to provide feedback and to gather their input as part of building toward a larger project.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Research on the practices and future of spiritual care and chaplaincy in Canada
Description: What is the state of spiritual care and chaplaincy across all sectors in the Canadian context? What are the anticipated opportunities and challenges for chaplaincy and spiritual care into the future? This session will present published research on the priorities, education and practice of spiritual care and chaplaincy across multiple sectors in Canada identifying areas of convergence and difference shaping opportunities for the future (McCarroll, Schmidt 2019). We will summarize our findings in relation to professional regulation, certification requirements and peer review, scope of practice and future trajectories. Our research shows how chaplains and spiritual care providers are on the cutting edge of the many changes in the spiritual-religious landscape of Canada, tending to the spiritual/religious needs of an increasingly diverse population. It recommends areas for further collaboration across sectors and lays out opportunities for CASC/ACSS initiatives and leadership. As part of phase two of this research, which is ongoing, the presentation will invite participants to interpret and make meaning of the findings in relation to their experiences, to provide feedback and to gather their input as part of building toward a larger project.
Track: Intermediate
TAM04: EARLY Exits - Spirituality, Mortality and Meaning in an Age of MAid
Presenter: David Maginley*
Theme: "Navigating the Transformative Power of Mortality: Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions of Medical Assistance in Dying
Description: In an era when medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has become a topic of profound ethical and spiritual significance, it is critical to shed light on the complex interplay between spirituality, the human ego, and the transformative process of dying.
This exploration leads to insights into how the dying process deconstructs ego-identity in reverse order to its formation, as engaged by numerous psychological models, spiritual traditions and the insights of those who accompany the dying. This underscores the paradoxical nature of MAiD, which offers a route for individuals to assert ultimate control over the timing and manner of their own death, even as the very process of dying erodes the ego's existence as a functional dynamic, ending in transcendence as commonly evidenced by nearing-death awareness.
Delve into the multifaceted dimensions of spirituality, mortality, and meaning. Engage with the philosophical and ethical dilemmas posed by MAiD, the impact on individuals' sense of identity, and the broader implications for society. How does MAiD influence the traditional narratives and spiritual perspectives surrounding death and dying? What role does spirituality play in the decisions made by those considering MAiD, and how does it impact their understanding of meaning and transcendence?
Contemplate the delicate balance between individual autonomy, spirituality, and the profound transformation that the dying process offers. Together, we will navigate the intricate web of spirituality, mortality, and meaning in the context of MAiD, examining its impact on both those at the end of life and the society that grapples with the ethical complexities it presents.
Track: Advanced
Theme: "Navigating the Transformative Power of Mortality: Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions of Medical Assistance in Dying
Description: In an era when medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has become a topic of profound ethical and spiritual significance, it is critical to shed light on the complex interplay between spirituality, the human ego, and the transformative process of dying.
This exploration leads to insights into how the dying process deconstructs ego-identity in reverse order to its formation, as engaged by numerous psychological models, spiritual traditions and the insights of those who accompany the dying. This underscores the paradoxical nature of MAiD, which offers a route for individuals to assert ultimate control over the timing and manner of their own death, even as the very process of dying erodes the ego's existence as a functional dynamic, ending in transcendence as commonly evidenced by nearing-death awareness.
Delve into the multifaceted dimensions of spirituality, mortality, and meaning. Engage with the philosophical and ethical dilemmas posed by MAiD, the impact on individuals' sense of identity, and the broader implications for society. How does MAiD influence the traditional narratives and spiritual perspectives surrounding death and dying? What role does spirituality play in the decisions made by those considering MAiD, and how does it impact their understanding of meaning and transcendence?
Contemplate the delicate balance between individual autonomy, spirituality, and the profound transformation that the dying process offers. Together, we will navigate the intricate web of spirituality, mortality, and meaning in the context of MAiD, examining its impact on both those at the end of life and the society that grapples with the ethical complexities it presents.
Track: Advanced
TAM05: Reflecting Together: Finding Meaning Healthcare Team Reflective Practice
Presenter: Dr Daniel Nuzum*
Theme: meaning making as a reflective approach in healthcare
Description: Finding meaning is a natural human phenomenon as we seek to make sense of our experiences. Ministry in healthcare provides wide exposure to experiences that challenge our sense of self –personally, pastorally and professionally. Spiritual Care Practitioners are highly trained in the art and skill of reflective practice and can draw on this to construct (new) meaning in their experiences of care and support as spiritual care experts. In an international study of staff care by Healthcare Chaplains conducted during the COVID19 pandemic (the presenter was a co-author) the data revealed that role of Healthcare Chaplains/ Spiritual Care Practitioners grew in appreciation in many places (although not universally) and chaplains found new meaning in their role and in how they were understood, experienced and utilized by their healthcare systems and colleagues. This has provided new meaning, possibilities and opportunities for Spiritual Care Practitioners to develop and draw on their natural skills of meaning making to offer to staff colleagues in healthcare.
Drawing on theories of meaning making, reflective practice, supervisory practice and teaching and learning scholarship, this workshop will integrate practiced experiences of staff support initiatives in a large acute hospital where spiritual care provided meaningful opportunities for staff reflection and meaning making following experiences of loss, disillusionment, moral distress and challenge for healthcare professionals.
Building on the presented material and data, this interactive workshop seeks to provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on their own potential as Spiritual Care Practitioners to provide ‘reflective meaning opportunities’ in their contexts for healthcare colleagues. It will also provide opportunity for shared learning and envisioning of the role of the Spiritual Care Practitioner as a reflective expert and resource in the healthcare team and institution for the promotion of staff (and self) wellbeing as integrated team professionals.
Theme: meaning making as a reflective approach in healthcare
Description: Finding meaning is a natural human phenomenon as we seek to make sense of our experiences. Ministry in healthcare provides wide exposure to experiences that challenge our sense of self –personally, pastorally and professionally. Spiritual Care Practitioners are highly trained in the art and skill of reflective practice and can draw on this to construct (new) meaning in their experiences of care and support as spiritual care experts. In an international study of staff care by Healthcare Chaplains conducted during the COVID19 pandemic (the presenter was a co-author) the data revealed that role of Healthcare Chaplains/ Spiritual Care Practitioners grew in appreciation in many places (although not universally) and chaplains found new meaning in their role and in how they were understood, experienced and utilized by their healthcare systems and colleagues. This has provided new meaning, possibilities and opportunities for Spiritual Care Practitioners to develop and draw on their natural skills of meaning making to offer to staff colleagues in healthcare.
Drawing on theories of meaning making, reflective practice, supervisory practice and teaching and learning scholarship, this workshop will integrate practiced experiences of staff support initiatives in a large acute hospital where spiritual care provided meaningful opportunities for staff reflection and meaning making following experiences of loss, disillusionment, moral distress and challenge for healthcare professionals.
Building on the presented material and data, this interactive workshop seeks to provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on their own potential as Spiritual Care Practitioners to provide ‘reflective meaning opportunities’ in their contexts for healthcare colleagues. It will also provide opportunity for shared learning and envisioning of the role of the Spiritual Care Practitioner as a reflective expert and resource in the healthcare team and institution for the promotion of staff (and self) wellbeing as integrated team professionals.
TAM06:
Presenter: Lauren Sanders*
Theme: Indigenous Meaning-Making
Description: Though similarities abound from a Eurocentric point of view, understanding entirely different worldviews and spiritualities that have important nuances is a necessity in providing spiritual care to Indigenous patients. Using Siksika/Blackfoot “Actualization” Model, the 7 Grandfather Teachings, Indigenous education philosophies, and my experience as a mental health Spiritual Care Practitioner who is Black, Indigenous, and Christian, I have created an engagement tool, which bridges current assessment tools with pluralistic worldviews, particularly focused on Indigenous Spiritualities. I share this tool with the hopes that Indigenous Spiritualities continue to be included in dialogues about meaning making.
Track: Advanced
Theme: Indigenous Meaning-Making
Description: Though similarities abound from a Eurocentric point of view, understanding entirely different worldviews and spiritualities that have important nuances is a necessity in providing spiritual care to Indigenous patients. Using Siksika/Blackfoot “Actualization” Model, the 7 Grandfather Teachings, Indigenous education philosophies, and my experience as a mental health Spiritual Care Practitioner who is Black, Indigenous, and Christian, I have created an engagement tool, which bridges current assessment tools with pluralistic worldviews, particularly focused on Indigenous Spiritualities. I share this tool with the hopes that Indigenous Spiritualities continue to be included in dialogues about meaning making.
Track: Advanced
Tuesday Afternoon Sessions
TPM01: Expect the Unexpected - A Creative Arts Workshop
Presenters: Michael ManChoi Chow* & Grace Chiu*
Theme: A Creative approach to encourage emotional communication within ourselves and our community - an introduction to Digital Photography and Art Therapy
Description: This workshop is about creatively playing, exploring, reflecting and being present to what unfolds in the moment. It will provide space for healers to engage in self-care, wonder and renewal. Together, we will encourage intuitive expression and draw upon the process of digital photography and art therapy—helping to engage our innate desire to create, express and share our emotional inner landscape. Participants will be encouraged to release their attachment to the final product and adopt a state of curious observation as a path to self-discovery and self-compassion.
Digital Photography - Gain insights into the reflective process behind the award-winning fine art photography of Michael ManChoi Chow (www.ManChoi-Chow-Photographer.com). He will take you on a journey of reflections on meaning making at the intersection of art, self-care, and mindful living. It’s about making space for meaning, immersing oneself in the moment, and capturing our surroundings as it unfolds before our eyes. Includes an experiential and opportunity to put immediately into practice mindful, creative techniques. “The art of photography has taught me a focused way to appreciate what I might have otherwise missed; a way of seeing and being in the world that nurtures my spirit.” —Michael ManChoi Chow
Art Therapy - We will learn how to use art to be in tune to our feelings and reflect outwardly in a visual way. Participants do not need any previous art experience. The only thing required is to bring along your curiosity and introspective nature. We will focus on our imagination and the story of our inner world. Discover art’s healing potential to improve focus, self-awareness, and self-compassion. “I believe using the arts is a natural means of self-expression, self-exploration, and is a tool to give voice to our spirit and our lives.” —Grace Chiu
Track: Advanced
Theme: A Creative approach to encourage emotional communication within ourselves and our community - an introduction to Digital Photography and Art Therapy
Description: This workshop is about creatively playing, exploring, reflecting and being present to what unfolds in the moment. It will provide space for healers to engage in self-care, wonder and renewal. Together, we will encourage intuitive expression and draw upon the process of digital photography and art therapy—helping to engage our innate desire to create, express and share our emotional inner landscape. Participants will be encouraged to release their attachment to the final product and adopt a state of curious observation as a path to self-discovery and self-compassion.
Digital Photography - Gain insights into the reflective process behind the award-winning fine art photography of Michael ManChoi Chow (www.ManChoi-Chow-Photographer.com). He will take you on a journey of reflections on meaning making at the intersection of art, self-care, and mindful living. It’s about making space for meaning, immersing oneself in the moment, and capturing our surroundings as it unfolds before our eyes. Includes an experiential and opportunity to put immediately into practice mindful, creative techniques. “The art of photography has taught me a focused way to appreciate what I might have otherwise missed; a way of seeing and being in the world that nurtures my spirit.” —Michael ManChoi Chow
Art Therapy - We will learn how to use art to be in tune to our feelings and reflect outwardly in a visual way. Participants do not need any previous art experience. The only thing required is to bring along your curiosity and introspective nature. We will focus on our imagination and the story of our inner world. Discover art’s healing potential to improve focus, self-awareness, and self-compassion. “I believe using the arts is a natural means of self-expression, self-exploration, and is a tool to give voice to our spirit and our lives.” —Grace Chiu
Track: Advanced
TPM02: Fractured Meaning: Holding Supportive Space for Religious and Spiritual Trauma Survivors
Presenter: Erin Poole*
Theme: Providing trauma-informed and focused care to survivors
Description: Religious and spiritual trauma wounds the very heart of meaning, contributing to overwhelming fear, shame, grief and loss for survivors, and making it difficult for us to find hope and support in the places that we once called home. What has been lost can be difficult to quantify, as much because of the trauma itself, as because of the nature of religion and spirituality. Through an exploration of the literature on religious/ spiritual trauma and the words of survivors across faiths, spiritual practices, and social locations, this interactive workshop will delve into how we as Psychospiritual Therapists and Spiritual Care Practitioners can hold trauma-informed and focused space in the presence of fractured meaning and trust.
As a religious trauma survivor themselves and a psychotherapist working with survivors, Erin brings a unique lens to this form of trauma that can significantly impact our relationships with our clients and patients. The goal is to provide clinicians with greater insight and a basic approach for serving a population that is often reticent to engage with religion and spirituality and their representatives. While survivors often have a complicated relationship with hope, we need titrated exposure to it in order to integrate our trauma and create new significance in our lives.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Providing trauma-informed and focused care to survivors
Description: Religious and spiritual trauma wounds the very heart of meaning, contributing to overwhelming fear, shame, grief and loss for survivors, and making it difficult for us to find hope and support in the places that we once called home. What has been lost can be difficult to quantify, as much because of the trauma itself, as because of the nature of religion and spirituality. Through an exploration of the literature on religious/ spiritual trauma and the words of survivors across faiths, spiritual practices, and social locations, this interactive workshop will delve into how we as Psychospiritual Therapists and Spiritual Care Practitioners can hold trauma-informed and focused space in the presence of fractured meaning and trust.
As a religious trauma survivor themselves and a psychotherapist working with survivors, Erin brings a unique lens to this form of trauma that can significantly impact our relationships with our clients and patients. The goal is to provide clinicians with greater insight and a basic approach for serving a population that is often reticent to engage with religion and spirituality and their representatives. While survivors often have a complicated relationship with hope, we need titrated exposure to it in order to integrate our trauma and create new significance in our lives.
Track: Intermediate
TPM03: Spiritual Care Professionals as Unit Based Interdisciplinary Team Members: Supporting Wellness and Meaning for Clients and Staff via Active Presencing
Presenters: Dr. Clark Patrick Heard, Rev'd Stephen Yeo* & Jared Scott*
Theme: Supporting Meaning Making in Clinical Practice; Innovation in Clinical Practice/Staffing Models
Description: This presentation considers the outcomes associated with innovation in Spiritual Care Professional (SCP) staffing models. In a departure from the typical on-call or consultative framework often employed in the profession, spiritual care students on 12-week placements supervised by a (CPE) Supervisor Educator were individually assigned to specific care units at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care in St. Thomas, Ontario. These included two Forensic Treatment Units and two Forensic Rehabilitation Units. The students took on roles as full-time staff members on interdisciplinary healthcare teams for the duration of their placements. Practically, this approach supported a marked departure from the current paradigm where one full-time SCP is assigned to the 89-bed facility.
In evaluating the impact of this unique and innovative staffing model two co-occurring studies were undertaken to account the perceptions of patients (n=8) and staff (n=8). Qualitative method consistent with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed and this included the application of trustworthiness concepts in data analysis. The two co-occurring studies identified that enhanced access to spiritual care was highly valued by both patients and staff. Indeed, both groups indicated a desire for more spirituality focused participation.
Thematically, among the most compelling factors identified within both studies was that enhanced and immediate access to SCP on the teams supported more time for meaningful connection. In the studies, this was referenced as an incarnational approach to care consistent with what the nursing literature defines as active presencing. Patients also voiced that such access enabled them to feel more engaged, heard and accepted. Among the staff, it was noted that having SCP on the unit as team members supported a unique clinical perspective and narration of care. Finally, it was noted that the SCP brought information that otherwise would have remained otherwise unknown to the teams.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Supporting Meaning Making in Clinical Practice; Innovation in Clinical Practice/Staffing Models
Description: This presentation considers the outcomes associated with innovation in Spiritual Care Professional (SCP) staffing models. In a departure from the typical on-call or consultative framework often employed in the profession, spiritual care students on 12-week placements supervised by a (CPE) Supervisor Educator were individually assigned to specific care units at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care in St. Thomas, Ontario. These included two Forensic Treatment Units and two Forensic Rehabilitation Units. The students took on roles as full-time staff members on interdisciplinary healthcare teams for the duration of their placements. Practically, this approach supported a marked departure from the current paradigm where one full-time SCP is assigned to the 89-bed facility.
In evaluating the impact of this unique and innovative staffing model two co-occurring studies were undertaken to account the perceptions of patients (n=8) and staff (n=8). Qualitative method consistent with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed and this included the application of trustworthiness concepts in data analysis. The two co-occurring studies identified that enhanced access to spiritual care was highly valued by both patients and staff. Indeed, both groups indicated a desire for more spirituality focused participation.
Thematically, among the most compelling factors identified within both studies was that enhanced and immediate access to SCP on the teams supported more time for meaningful connection. In the studies, this was referenced as an incarnational approach to care consistent with what the nursing literature defines as active presencing. Patients also voiced that such access enabled them to feel more engaged, heard and accepted. Among the staff, it was noted that having SCP on the unit as team members supported a unique clinical perspective and narration of care. Finally, it was noted that the SCP brought information that otherwise would have remained otherwise unknown to the teams.
Track: Intermediate
TPM04: All Parts Are Welcome---Really!
Presenter: Tracey Hand-Breckenridge*
Theme: Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy
Description: Have you ever said or heard something like, “part of me feels x, but another part of me feels y”? Curious, isn’t it, that this is such a universal experience? Internal Family Systems, IFS, is a wonderful lens through which to explore this phenomenon.
Managers, exiles and firefighters are distinct, yet often undiscovered parts of our internal systems all, each with a specific task that has arisen in response to particular events in our pasts. The often kaleidoscopic combination of these myriad parts makes us who we are, sometimes by obscuring important aspects which define how and why we live and react in certain ways, and sometimes by providing incredible clarity. This clinically proven psychotherapeutic modality effectively helps us to learn about our many individual parts and how to relate to them so that we can ultimately access the “Self”, Source, or Wisdom and begin to discover and explore our own meaning and find peace.
IFS can be lifelong work, but even in short term or bedside therapy, enough knowledge can be attained to begin creating a significant positive difference in a person’s life. In longer term therapy, greater alignment with Self and profound meaning making are possible. This approach is effective with both adults and children. The concepts behind IFS are rooted in spirituality and religion, giving particular relevance to our training in, and daily practice of, psychospiritual and spiritual care. Richard C. Schwartz, PhD is the creator of Internal Family Systems.
Track: Beginner
Theme: Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy
Description: Have you ever said or heard something like, “part of me feels x, but another part of me feels y”? Curious, isn’t it, that this is such a universal experience? Internal Family Systems, IFS, is a wonderful lens through which to explore this phenomenon.
Managers, exiles and firefighters are distinct, yet often undiscovered parts of our internal systems all, each with a specific task that has arisen in response to particular events in our pasts. The often kaleidoscopic combination of these myriad parts makes us who we are, sometimes by obscuring important aspects which define how and why we live and react in certain ways, and sometimes by providing incredible clarity. This clinically proven psychotherapeutic modality effectively helps us to learn about our many individual parts and how to relate to them so that we can ultimately access the “Self”, Source, or Wisdom and begin to discover and explore our own meaning and find peace.
IFS can be lifelong work, but even in short term or bedside therapy, enough knowledge can be attained to begin creating a significant positive difference in a person’s life. In longer term therapy, greater alignment with Self and profound meaning making are possible. This approach is effective with both adults and children. The concepts behind IFS are rooted in spirituality and religion, giving particular relevance to our training in, and daily practice of, psychospiritual and spiritual care. Richard C. Schwartz, PhD is the creator of Internal Family Systems.
Track: Beginner
TPM05: What Modalities Do Spiritual Care Practitioners Use When Offering Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy?
Presenters: Angela Schmidt*, Duke Oliogu*, Ema Rado*, Thomas St. James O'Connor* & Adebola Ajagunna (Debola)*
Theme: Presenting Preliminary Research from a Qualitative Study in Ontario
Description: The majority of Spiritual Care Practitioners in Ontario who work in institutional spiritual care use some form of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy when they engage in the act of psychotherapy. Two key research questions were asked by a group of hospital spiritual care providers. First, what psychotherapeutic modalities are being used under the SIP banner and second, when are spiritual care providers using SIP (under what conditions)? The entire research team (Angela, Duke, Tom and others) will present the preliminary findings of a qualitative research study done in Ontario in 2023-2024. The workshop participants will also engage in small group discussion of their own practice and a large group activity to playfully tease out practice.
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy is a broad term for a group of therapies that attend to the spiritual dimension of people and listen to the meaning making side of the conversation or experience. The SIP therapist builds a relationship of trust, assesses for the spiritual and emotional, intervenes or treats appropriate to the need, all with the spiritual dimension of the person at the centre. The current research follows up on an article exploring the definition of SIP and how SIP has been included on the core list of modalities of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
There is minimal peer reviewed literature on the practice of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy outside of the context of offering therapy through an agency or private practice. Vanderstelt's article (2016) on psychotherapy and hospital based Spiritual Care Practitioners demonstrated that SCP's do engage in psychotherapy. The current research builds upon Vanderstelt's groundbreaking research by asking what kind of therapeutic modalities are used, when and in what context. Research participants are SPE students completing a CRPO recognized program integrating spirituality with psychotherapy. Sample ranges from 1st Basic to 2nd advanced.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Presenting Preliminary Research from a Qualitative Study in Ontario
Description: The majority of Spiritual Care Practitioners in Ontario who work in institutional spiritual care use some form of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy when they engage in the act of psychotherapy. Two key research questions were asked by a group of hospital spiritual care providers. First, what psychotherapeutic modalities are being used under the SIP banner and second, when are spiritual care providers using SIP (under what conditions)? The entire research team (Angela, Duke, Tom and others) will present the preliminary findings of a qualitative research study done in Ontario in 2023-2024. The workshop participants will also engage in small group discussion of their own practice and a large group activity to playfully tease out practice.
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy is a broad term for a group of therapies that attend to the spiritual dimension of people and listen to the meaning making side of the conversation or experience. The SIP therapist builds a relationship of trust, assesses for the spiritual and emotional, intervenes or treats appropriate to the need, all with the spiritual dimension of the person at the centre. The current research follows up on an article exploring the definition of SIP and how SIP has been included on the core list of modalities of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
There is minimal peer reviewed literature on the practice of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy outside of the context of offering therapy through an agency or private practice. Vanderstelt's article (2016) on psychotherapy and hospital based Spiritual Care Practitioners demonstrated that SCP's do engage in psychotherapy. The current research builds upon Vanderstelt's groundbreaking research by asking what kind of therapeutic modalities are used, when and in what context. Research participants are SPE students completing a CRPO recognized program integrating spirituality with psychotherapy. Sample ranges from 1st Basic to 2nd advanced.
Track: Intermediate
TPM06: Mindful Eating at Springhill Penitentiary: Evaluating Course Impact on Offenders and Enhancing Holistic Wellness Approaches
Presenter: Sirinanda Bandagiriye*
Theme: Mindfulness
Description: The transformative power of mindfulness in reshaping one's relationship with food has been a topic of increasing interest in recent years. This research presenatation, titled "Mindful Eating at Springhill Penitentiary: Evaluating Course Impact on Offenders and Enhancing Holistic Wellness Approaches " delves into the effectiveness of a Mindful Eating course, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact.
Quantitatively, a significant 87% of participants reported a positive shift in their relationship with food post-course completion. Additionally, 76% felt a heightened sense of well-being, with 55% indicating a reduction in overeating instances. Qualitative feedback illuminated the depth of these benefits, with participants highlighting the course's ability to foster self-awareness, presence, and a more balanced approach to food. One participant aptly summarized, "Mindful eating has taught me to be present, not just at the dining table but in all areas of my life. It's been a journey of self-discovery."
The research also underscores the course's modular design, logical progression, and the blend of theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. However, challenges in integrating mindful eating practices were also acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-awareness. In conclusion, the Mindful Eating course has demonstrated significant potential in influencing individuals' perceptions and behaviors surrounding food consumption. Its success, supported by both qualitative and quantitative data, suggests the profound potential of mindfulness in fostering a healthier relationship with food and overall well-being.
Track: Intermediate
Theme: Mindfulness
Description: The transformative power of mindfulness in reshaping one's relationship with food has been a topic of increasing interest in recent years. This research presenatation, titled "Mindful Eating at Springhill Penitentiary: Evaluating Course Impact on Offenders and Enhancing Holistic Wellness Approaches " delves into the effectiveness of a Mindful Eating course, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact.
Quantitatively, a significant 87% of participants reported a positive shift in their relationship with food post-course completion. Additionally, 76% felt a heightened sense of well-being, with 55% indicating a reduction in overeating instances. Qualitative feedback illuminated the depth of these benefits, with participants highlighting the course's ability to foster self-awareness, presence, and a more balanced approach to food. One participant aptly summarized, "Mindful eating has taught me to be present, not just at the dining table but in all areas of my life. It's been a journey of self-discovery."
The research also underscores the course's modular design, logical progression, and the blend of theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. However, challenges in integrating mindful eating practices were also acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-awareness. In conclusion, the Mindful Eating course has demonstrated significant potential in influencing individuals' perceptions and behaviors surrounding food consumption. Its success, supported by both qualitative and quantitative data, suggests the profound potential of mindfulness in fostering a healthier relationship with food and overall well-being.
Track: Intermediate