It is only May, and Shalem’s counselling service has been busy already this year! We continue to serve an increasing number of clients and supervisees, and we have had a chance to host an exciting conference about Attachment Therapy (see article entitled Attachment Conference Success in this newsletter).

We’ve also had some changes to our clinical team this year. Gord Hope, who had been away on leave, returned to our team at the end of 2013, resuming his role as an experiential psychotherapist at the Hamilton office. The team is excited about his return, appreciating his wisdom and heart in both therapeutic and professional relationships.

Also returning this spring is Chris Lindsay, who has resumed his part time role in the Hamilton office. Chris’ significant experience with families continues to be a rich resource for Shalem’ clients.

Bernadine Togeretz has joined our team in the capacity of an extern as she completes her MSW from University of Waterloo. She brings an enthusiasm for wellness and healthy relationships, and has a dynamic background of Restorative Practice, enriching her clinical work.

Shalem has also experienced an increase in the amount of supervision and training it is providing to other therapists in the community. External supervision is offered to therapists who are pursuing professional development and who need to have a certain number of supervised hours of practice in order to complete their training or to apply for membership in an organization such as the Ontario Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, or the upcoming Ontario College of Psychotherapists. Shalem’s team includes a number of staff qualified to supervise other therapists, including art therapists.

With all of these exciting developments, Shalem’s counselling centers have experienced a lot of richness and growth so far this year, energizing our clinical work.