At OPC College, we believe that student groups play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience and fostering a sense of community. These groups provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our programs. By participating in student groups, you can connect with peers who share your interests, collaborate on projects, and make a positive impact on both the college and the broader field of psychotherapy and counselling.

One of our standout student groups is the Committee on Diversity (COD), established in 2019. This committee focuses on enriching the curriculum and student life through inclusion, ensuring that diversity, ethics, and inclusivity are integral to our educational framework. The COD exemplifies how student involvement can drive significant improvements in our programs, reflecting our commitment to fostering a respectful and empathetic learning environment.

We encourage all students to explore and join our student groups to enhance their learning experience, contribute to important initiatives, and build lasting connections within the OPCC community. By getting involved, you’ll have the chance to shape your education and develop skills that are essential for your future career in psychotherapy and counselling.

For more information about our student groups and how you can participate, please Email Us

Ontario Psychotherapy & Counseling Program

OPCC’s Committee on Diversity: Enriching Curriculum and Student Life Through Inclusion

In the field of psychotherapy, diversity, ethics, and inclusivity are essential for effective practice. They illuminate dimensions of identity and lived experience, promoting understanding and respect for differences. Recognizing this, the Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling College (OPCC) established the Committee on Diversity (COD) in 2019. This committee serves as a space where students across all program years gather to research, personally engage with, and critically discuss resources addressing various aspects of diversity and equity as they relate to the practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

 

Key Objectives of the Committee on Diversity

Curriculum Enrichment

  • Resource Identification: The COD assists faculty in identifying resources that enrich the curriculum and promote inclusivity. These resources include academic articles, book chapters, podcasts, and videos.
  • Critical Evaluation: Through self-reflection and group discussion, the committee evaluates the strengths and limitations of each resource and assesses its relevance to psychotherapeutic practice.
  • Recommendation Process: Students collectively vote on whether to recommend the resource for consideration in graduate-level courses. OPCC’s commitment to regularly updating and revising syllabi reflects their focus on diversity, ethics, and inclusion in an ever-changing world.

Promoting Inclusivity

  • Collaborative Meetings: The committee meets quarterly to examine a wide range of materials selected by student representatives. This fosters an atmosphere conducive to open discussions and introspection.
  • Active Participation: The COD’s collaborative nature empowers student members to contribute actively to the curriculum’s evolution, ensuring its responsiveness to the needs of an increasingly diverse client population.

Impact and Achievements

  • Diverse Topics: The COD has reviewed and recommended resources on topics such as working across ethnic and cultural differences, the traumatizing effects of racism and xenophobia, and transgender-affirming psychotherapy.
  • Curriculum Integration: Several recommended resources have been successfully integrated into the program at all academic levels.

Commitment to Equity, Ethics, and Inclusion

  • Advancing Equity: Through its ongoing efforts, the COD illustrates OPCC’s dedication to advancing equity, ethics, and inclusion within the field of psychotherapy.
  • Encouraging Discourse: Incorporating diverse perspectives and resources into the curriculum encourages open discourse and aims to empower students to challenge their assumptions, deepen their understanding of diversity issues, and develop cultural competence essential for effective therapeutic practice.

The OPCC helps prepare students to address the complex needs of diverse clients and cultivates a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity within the profession. As the field continues to evolve, initiatives like the COD serve as vital pillars in advancing the profession towards greater inclusivity and social justice.

For more information about the Committee on Diversity and how you can get involved, please contact us.