Natural Substances | Natural Matters

We have two great options for you to choose from.  A block of rooms in the student dormitory has been reserved for conference delegates. Also, we have found a great rate for studio rooms close by.

Please follow the instructions for your choice below:

Accommodations at Royal Roads University

If you wish to stay on campus during residency, please apply by visiting the Campus Accommodations website and click ‘Book Now’. Arrival and departure dates can be one day pre/post conference dates. Please enter the room block code BCPSC in order to successfully access the room block. Check-in is at the Guest Services Desk located in the Learning and Innovation Centre (LIC) on the main level.  These dorm rooms are $55 + tax a night, plus a $30 booking fee. Payment will be due at the time of check-in. For more information about accommodations please email Guest Services Desk.

Parking on campus

Park on campus for $8.25 – single day or $16.25 for 3 days.  Parking passes can be purchased at the Campus Reception counter, where you’d check in for accommodations: main floor of the Learning and Innovation Centre.

Accommodations at Solo Suites

If you wish to stay at a nearby condo-style hotel, Solo Suites will be holding six studio rooms for this event. Conference goers can enjoy a corporate rate of $116.10+ tax per night for Sunday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 8.

To book one of these rooms, please phone 250-882-7178 and state that the room is reserved under BCPSCA Conference 2019. Provide your contact and credit card information. The rooms will be held for booking up to April 16. Solo suites is located at 590 Goldstream Avenue in Colwood BC.

Travel from the Solo Suites is a 4 minute drive or get together and share a Victoria Taxi 250-474-4747 to and from Solo Suites, courtesy of PSCA.

www.solosuites.ca/

“Integrating Mindfulness into our Lives and Counselling Practice”

Patricia Galaczy B.A., M.I.R.

Monday, May 6, 2019

10:15am-12:15pm

Working as a counsellor in a post-secondary setting requires a constant balancing of multiple demands and pressures while maintaining a high level of clinical competence and campus initiative leadership. We can experience overwhelm and reactivity which can negatively impact our effectiveness, our relationships and our health. Cultivating a mindfulness practice can improve our cognitive capacity, mental agility and resilience and create meaningful and effective relationships. In this workshop we will learn new tools for strengthening the mind and practical strategies to incorporate into our personal lives and professional roles.

Patricia Galaczy, B.A., M.I.R. is the Director of The Art of Dialogue, Associate Faculty with Royal Roads University and Associate Faculty with the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s Center for Leadership. Patricia has spent 10,000 hours expertly guiding thousands of individuals through Leadership, Management and Mindfulness training and organizational development. She has almost two decades of mindfulness mediation experience and is a fully certified instructor of MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), through the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society, University of Massachusetts Medical School. www.theartofdialogue.com

“Keynote: Update from the B.C. Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions”

Jonny Morris , Senior Director, Policy & Legislation

Monday, May 6, 2019

12:15pm-1:30pm

An honorary member of PSCA, in his past role at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Jonny Morris provided leadership for provincial mental health and substance use advocacy and change initiatives through the Association’s provincial office and the branch network across British Columbia. His work focused on addressing systemic disparities between physical and mental health, campus mental health, the criminal justice system, and systems transformation. From 2008 to 2012, Jonny coordinated Healthy Minds | Healthy Campuses a provincial Community of Practice focused on supporting B.C. post-secondary campuses in their efforts to improve student mental health and reduce harmful substance use.

“Indigenous Teachings and Tools”

Asma-na-hi Antoine (Toquaht, Nuu-chah-nulth), M.Ed.

Monday, May 6, 2019

1:45pm-3:15pm

An overview of cultural teachings and counselling tools that weave traditional knowledge into practice when working with post-secondary students. This will include a brief overview of cultural appropriation, Indigenous history, and resources that will assist your professional development.

As Manger of Indigenous Education and Student Services at Royal Roads University, Asma Antoine focuses on weaving Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the institution for all Royal Roads University faculty and staff to understand and build a welcoming and safe place for Indigenous students to attend during their studies on and off campus. Asma is currently a member of the National Association of Student Personnel and Administrators and the Co-Chair for the Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community. She brings a wealth of experience gained from a wide variety of roles including President of the Moose Hide Campaign, Ending Violence towards Indigenous Women and Children, Program Director with the BC Centre of Excellence for Young Indigenous Leaders, Project Coordinator with the Residential School Resistance Narratives Project of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada/University of Victoria.

“Special Event: All Together Now!”

Monday, May 6, 2019

8:00pm

We are privileged to announce that Marc Jenkins, Victoria’s renowned Director of The Choir, The Chorus and the ever popular YYJ Drop-in Choir “All Together Now” has accepted our invitation to engage us in his lively and uplifting 3 part harmonic arrangement of U2’s Pride [In the Name of Love]. This is going to be an incredibly soulful experience of connection, cooperation and joy. No experience necessary. Song sheets are provided. Marc is a remarkable humanitarian and gifted facilitator. Chris and other counsellors have participated and find this to be a natural therapeutic high!

“Cannabis legalization: An opportunity for post-secondary campuses?”

Dan Reist

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

9:00am-12:15pm

This interactive workshop will engage participants in thinking through the challenges and opportunities created by recent shifts in Canadian cannabis policy. Participants will consider diverse past and present approaches from various jurisdictions and reflect on the best ways to promote well-being in their own unique settings. The workshop will stimulate dialogue on the means for shaping healthy campus cultures related to cannabis including, but not limited to, the effective use of policy and support services.

Dan Reist is an Assistant Director with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria. One of his many interests relates to understanding why humans engage in drug use behaviour and how, in particular, educational institutions and communities can influence this phenomenon. He leads a knowledge mobilization team involved in assessing evidence, developing tools to increase critical health literacy and healthy public policy, supporting implementation, and facilitating collaboration. Dan has been a key thought leader in the Healthy Minds | Healthy Campus initiatives.

Bag Lunch and Nature Walk “The Nature of Mind Wellness”

Paul Alison

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

12:15pm-1:45pm

By utilizing the dynamic and restorative environment of Hatley Park, we can provide a unique setting for dialogue that is difficult to find elsewhere. Through stimulation of the senses, the participants will have an opportunity to express their ‘stories’ while interacting with nature and each of their fellow learners. Themes of the dialogue are centered on the important values of the plant world to human survival and culture. By becoming mindful of our relationship with nature, we can add this important tool to our lives.

Paul Alison is originally from Cornwall, England and is passionate about nurturing people and communities to help them grow and thrive. After graduating from Cannington College, he worked on the design and construction of a large private garden and estate in Wiltshire. When completed, he went to work at Oxford University Botanical Gardens. Paul is said to have the hands of a gardener, the mind of a scientist and the vision of an artist, all firmly rooted in the heart of a naturalist. He enjoys teaching and sharing his passion for the health benefits of landscapes and has lectured extensively in North America, Asia, and Europe. Paul is currently Supervisor of the National Historical Gardens at Royal Roads University.

“Weed Better Reflect”

Dawn Schell MA, CCC, CCDP & Anmol Swaich

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

1:45pm-3:15pm

In the past year we developed a UVic-specific Cannabis Education program for students, staff and faculty. In these sessions we provide participants with information and resources and encourage attendees to be self-reflective and self-aware so they can make informed decisions and choices about their cannabis use. We will share our reflections on the past academic year’s Cannabis education programming and lessons learned.

Anmol Swaich is a third year psychology student who did a coop term researching and developing the UVic Cannabis Education program for students. Anmol was the Director of Campaigns and Community Relations for the UVic Student Society for 2017-2018 and started the Safer Use campaign.

Dawn Schell, MA, CCC, CCDP works at UVic in the Office of Student Life and Counselling Services. She designed and delivers the Student Mental Health Literacy program and the Cannabis Education program.

“Seeking Solution Through Drama”

Mary Harber, M.S.W.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

3:30pm-4:45pm

Participants will be invited to engage in a process using drama to highlight issues for counsellors in the context of their work in post-secondary institutions. The focus will be around substance use and in particular cannabis as a result of recent legalization. There will be an opportunity to utilize real situations and collectively seek solutions, identify possible strategies and supports as a community of practitioners. This session is interactive, often illuminating and fun!

Mary Harber, M.S.W. has been working as a social worker for 30 years in a variety of contexts, all which intersect with mental health issues. In the area of substance use, she has been involved with education, curriculum development, clinical support, trauma, prevention, and community action. Her focus has been to utilize creative methods to facilitate solutions through community and collective participation. She has trained with both the Mandala Centre for Change and Portland College Theatre of the Oppressed programs. She believes in the power of theatre and drama as a means of finding the collective voice and that together we truly are better.

“Counselling with the Earth in Mind: An Introduction to Ecotherapy”

Hilary Leighton, PhD.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

9:00am-12:15pm

Explore the theory and practice of nature-based therapies as we specifically address strategies, ethics and other considerations in applying ecotherapies for post-secondary counsellors. This half day begins with a short overview of the field of applied ecopsychology and of existing ecotherapies, followed by a series of experiential activities as we move out onto lush campus trails, into the forest, and down to the ocean herself, to bring nature into the therapeutic process as a co-facilitator. Low risk, nature-based approaches as ideal expressions of applied ecopsychology will be offered.

A lifelong apprentice to nature and psyche, Dr. Hilary Leighton, PhD is assistant professor at Royal Roads University, an eco-psychotherapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice. She draws upon the wisdom of ecopsychology, depth psychology, systems thinking, mythology, embodied, nature-and arts-based practices, and poetry. Her research and teaching reflect the ethical dilemma, suffering and loss of our relationships with what is wild and contemplates learning as an initiatory journey toward maturation and a more soulful way of belonging to the world. She sees guiding others toward their true natures and genius as a blessing. Dr. Leighton is an assistant professor and program head for the Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication program, and program head for the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Community Development in the School of Environment and Sustainability at RRU.