The Human Side of Mental Health Practice: A Symposium Exploring Ethics, Presence, and Professional Identity
This year’s Symposium invites you into real conversations about what it means to show up in your work—as both a clinician and a human—in a rapidly changing world. From ethics and digital presence to financial sustainability and emotional boundaries, the day is designed to support your practice with insight, reflection, and practical tools.
Snapshot of the Day
We’ll begin with a keynote panel exploring the balance between professional expectations and human realities, with voices from both therapy and ethics/law. From there, the day will flow through thought-provoking presentations and skills-based sessions, including:
- The Financially Thriving Therapist: With Liane Wood, psychotherapist and CEO of Build Your Private Practice Inc. Learn how to price your services with confidence, diversify your income, and avoid financial burnout—whether you’re in private practice or a salaried role.
- College Updates & Reflections: With representatives from CRPO, CPBAO, and Insights on professional standards, practitioner well-being, and what’s evolving in the regulatory landscape.
- Stop Using the Kleenex: How Words in Psychoeducational Assessments Matter:
With Sherri Parkins and Kevin Reinhardt. An energizing session on the real-world impact of diagnostic language, and how assessment reports shape access and outcomes. - Finding Your Flow with the Gift of Play: An interactive presentation on the professional and personal well-being of clinicians with Kimberley Mullin.
- The Therapist and the Human Connection: With Kate Twigger and Kristen Drozda.
Explore burnout, boundaries, and the emotional toll of holding space—while staying connected, clear, and compassionate.
Date: September 18, 2025
Hybrid: In-Person & Virtual
Location: OBA Conference Centre, 20 Toronto St., Toronto
Speakers & Sessions
Keynote Panel
Showing Up Whole: A Conversation on Boundaries, Ethics & Being Human
This year’s keynote panel sets the tone with a powerful conversation on balancing the human and professional sides of mental health work. Join legal expert Lisa Hamilton, alongside therapists Christina Crowe, Juli Fyfe, and Liana Palmerio-McIvor, for a candid dialogue on navigating ethics, presence, and professional identity.
Lisa Hamilton
Partner, Bell Temple
Lisa Hamilton was called to the bar in Ontario in 1991 and is a partner at the law firm of Bell Temple LLP, a Toronto litigation firm that is recognized as one of the top 10 insurance defence boutiques in Canada.
The focus of Lisa’s practice for over 30 years has been the defence of regulated health professionals, including College complaints, complaints to the Privacy Commission, applications to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, malpractice suits and related appeals.
Juli Fyfe
BSc, MACP, RP
Juli Fyfe is a Registered Psychotherapist and clinic owner at Healing Well Psychotherapy and ADHD Coaching, based in Muskoka, Ontario. She also serves as Vice President of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), where she advocates for compassionate, person-centered care. Juli believes that supporting the human side of mental health begins with caring for oneself; her passions—travelling, skiing, hiking, golf, and water sports—are essential to maintaining her own mental wellness. As a therapist, she emphasizes that practitioners matter too, and models the importance of balance, self-care, and connection in her work and life.
Christina Crowe
RP, ITP, OVCS
Christina Crowe is a Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Therapist, Ontario Validated Clinical Supervisor, and founder of Dig a Little Deeper (DaLD), an Ontario-based group practice. Since founding DaLD in 2015, she has led its growth into a dynamic organization delivering psychotherapy, counselling, and integrated Nurse Practitioner-led mental health assessment and treatment services.
Christina provides clinical supervision to licensed professionals and graduate interns, focusing on evidence-based and identity-affirming practice, professional identity development, and systems-level competence. In 2021, Christina launched one of Ontario’s first private diagnostic clinics led by Nurse Practitioners, addressing critical service gaps in mental health assessment and treatment access. She is committed to developing the next generation of clinicians through applied supervision and practice-based learning.
Christina’s academic contributions include peer-reviewed publications, professional articles, and knowledge mobilization through conference presentations and podcasting. Christina serves on the Certification Committee for the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP) and the Advocacy & Awareness committee for Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA). Christina’s work is grounded in trauma-informed, relational, and systems-informed care. When not working, Christina can be found enjoying the company of her family, horses or watching the latest crime or suspense thriller on Netflix.
Liana Palmerio-McIvor
MA, RP, OVCS
Liana Palmerio-McIvor is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice. She has been deeply involved in advocacy and leadership roles within the mental health field, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to advancing the profession and supporting her colleagues.
Liana recently completed her two-year term as President of the OAMHP and now serves as Past President, continuing her active involvement in advocacy and policy development. Over more than five years on the OAMHP Board (and its predecessor organization, OACCPP), Liana has held numerous key roles, including Chair of Certification, Treasurer, and Chair of Public Policy.
As Chair of Certification, she implemented critical policies and procedures to streamline the certification of association members, particularly during the establishment of the CRPO. She was instrumental in developing the Validated Supervisor Program, a cornerstone of the association’s efforts to enhance professional standards.
In addition to her contributions to OAMHP, Liana has served on the boards of several charitable organizations. For over 22 years, she has held roles such as President and Treasurer with a local chapter of an international women’s advocacy organization, representing the group as a delegate at international conventions.
Liana also volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross as a Safety and Wellbeing Responder and a member of the Emergency Response Team, providing mental health support during crises and emergencies.
Session 2
The Financially Thriving Therapist: How to Build Wealth and Avoid Burnout
- Understand the key financial principles for a successful private practice
- Identify & overcome money mindset barriers that hold them back
- Set sustainable fees and communicate pricing with confidence
- Create a diversified income strategy to avoid financial burnout & Learn essential financial habits for cash flow, taxes & business planning
While this workshop is primarily designed for those in private practice, independent contractors and employed practitioners will also benefit. The content is tailored specifically to financial strategies for therapists, covering key principles applicable across different work arrangements, including pricing, income management, and financial planning.
This interactive session will include lecture and concept teaching as well as case studies.
Participating in this session will provide attendees with financial knowledge & skills, handouts & resources.
Liane Wood
CEO, Build Your Private Practice Inc.
Liane Wood is a former insurance executive turned psychotherapist and private practice strategist. Now the CEO of Build Your Private Practice Inc., she helps Canadian therapists grow profitable, sustainable practices without burnout—using practical strategies rooted in both business expertise and clinical experience.
College Presentations
Meet with Representatives from Your Regulatory College at OAMHP’s Symposium
OAMHP is pleased to announce that representatives from three Ontario regulatory colleges will again be coming to speak with OAMHP members and Symposium attendees. The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO), the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) will present a topic of interest in a 1-hour presentation and Q&A.
These talks will give you the chance to connect with the college and ask questions that will help you better understand the role of the college and how it can support you in your work.
Speakers:
- CRPO: Deborah Adams Registrar and CEO
- CPBAO
- OCSWSSW: Sue Botelho, MSW, RSW Professional Practice Associate
Learning Objectives:
- Understand Standards of Practice: Gain an overview of the current Standards and their connection to the Code of Ethics.
- Application in Professional Contexts: Learn how to apply the Standards for self-reflection, peer consultation, clinical supervision, and meeting CRPO registration requirements.
- Pending Updates and Future Directions: Explore upcoming updates to the Standards, including societal changes and progress in technology, equity, and inclusion.
Breakout Session 1
Stop Using the Kleenex: How Words in Psychoeducational Assessments Matter
Using words like "Kleenex" versus "tissue" may not have a huge impact in everyday life but the words used in psychoeducational assessments can have significant effects. We will explore the interconnection of assessment results and the application of broad recommendations that effectively meet specific diagnosis without being “brand” specific. We will also delve into the myriad of tools clients are currently using in education, work environments and daily life.
Sherri Parkins
Sherri does not like to disclose how many years she has been working in Accessibility and Education! She has a M.A. in Assistive Technology (Education), a certificate in ASL interpretation and she has additional educational certification in AAC. She has presented both nationally and internationally at multiple conferences on assistive technology, learning strategies, UDL, science of learning and disability. She is continuously involved in training of professors, teachers and the general public on issues related to UDL, assistive technology and learning strategies. She enjoys the challenge of finding unique solutions that incorporate strategies and AT to support students with disabilities. Recently retired she loves trying to keep up with her grandchildren and volunteering in her community. [Sherri is retiring at the end of June.]
Kevin Reinhardt
MA. C.Psych., Psychologist
Kevin Reinhardt MA.C.Psych., Psychologist I have trained and worked in assessment of, teaching to and about, and supportive counselling of individuals and families who experience disabilities and mental health issues since 1974. My experience included: The Federal Public Service, Metro Toronto Community Living (adults), Kinark Child and Family Services, Seneca Polytechnic, Georgian College and Cambium College. I have been a Deckhand, Counsellor, Supervisor of Educational Services, Professor, Program Coordinator, Coordinator of LS and AT, and psychoeducational/psychovocational Assessor. Most recently I am a private practice Psychologist (Director of Clinical Services at PsychologyService.ca) focusing on assessment and diagnosis of higher functioning older teens and adults, dealing with issues related to Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability, Executive Function/ADHD and accompanying psycho-social/psychiatric issues. During my 27 years in post-secondary, the most fun I had was working with the amazing Sherri Parkins in postsecondary Disability Services and presenting to audiences around the world regarding issues with adults and disability/mental health, education and workplace issues. During this time the world discovered LD, ADHD, ASD and Accommodation/Universal access/design. I was happy to be along for that ride. We hope in this session we can help shine a light on the as Sherri puts it, "kleenx" issue. Accommodation technology changes very fast and words count when we as assessors are attempting to turn diagnosis into real world supports.
Breakout Session 2
Finding your flow with the Gift of Play: An interactive presentation on the professional and personal well-being of clinicians
Presenter: Kimberley Mullin
**Description Coming Soon**
Session 3
The therapist and human connection: Exploring compassion fatigue, burnout, and how to hold emotional and professional boundaries
This workshop explores the nuances of the therapist and human connection through psychoeducation, a review of literature and research, group discussion, and the introduction of skills and techniques for practitioners. It will cover:
- How to have emotional boundaries and authentic connection with clients
- How to be genuine and empathetic while holding professional boundaries and challenges with self-disclosure
- Compassion fatigue and burnout and the emotional toll of holding space for clients while managing personal and professional challenges
After attending this workshop, participants will be able to feel more confident in:
- Setting emotional and professional boundaries
- Using self-disclosure with clients
- Identifying compassion fatigue and burnout in self and others
- Creating a plan for self-care
Kate Twigger & Kristen Drozda
Kate Twigger, RP, PhD
Kate Twigger is a Registered Psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, researcher, and clinical consultant with a PhD in Family Relations and Human Development. She brings a relational and attachment-focused lens to her work, with experience spanning clinical practice, professional training, clinical consultation, and applied research. As a supervisor, Kate takes a collaborative approach and supports therapists in developing ethical practices rooted in self-awareness and strong professional boundaries. Her work is grounded in compassion and curiosity, with a focus on helping clients and professionals navigate their journey's of self-exploration and growth.
Kristen Drozda, RP CCC
Kristen Drozda is a Registered Psychotherapist, CCC, Clinical Director & Supervisor, and educator with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through complex emotional landscapes. As a specialist in maternal mental health, childhood trauma, and parenting, Kristen also brings her expertise to the classroom as a professor in a Child and Youth Care program. Through her clinical leadership and teaching, she supports fellow helping professionals in navigating the balance between human connection and professional responsibility. Kristen’s work emphasizes the importance of compassionate boundaries, self-awareness, and sustainable practice in the face of burnout and emotional fatigue.
Registration Fees
| In-Person | Virtual | |
| OAMHP Member | $100+HST | $75+HST |
| OAMHP Certified Members | $90+HST | $65+HST |
| OAMHP Student Members | $50+HST | $35+HST |
| Non Members | $135+HST | $100+HST |
| Non Member Students | $65+HST | $50+HST |
Location & Accommodations
Date: September 18, 2025 (Symposium 8:00am-4:00pm)
Location: 20 Toronto Street, 2nd Floor Toronto (OBA Conference Centre)
Please note that the Annual General Meeting and a President’s reception will follow the symposium. This event is scheduled to end at around 7:30pm.
Need a place to stay for the Symposium?
We’ve arranged a preferred rate for attendees at One King West Hotel & Residence, just steps from the Symposium venue in downtown Toronto. Availability is limited, so we recommend reserving early!
Book your room here
OAMHP Courtesy Block – September 2025
Booking Code: 250915ONTA