| Presidential Message |
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Message from the President...Chris Papastamos Greetings, Firstly let me say that I am greatful and it has been my pleasure to belong to the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors. Being part of this association has afforded me the opportunity to be part of a field that I completely enjoy working in, while maintaining and integrating distinct values and beliefs I may otherwise not be able to do so in other associations. As a certified member I have also enjoyed, appreciated, and valued the networking and collaboration that takes place with like minded clinicians. I also appreciate the work that PACCC has done in the past to promote its members, seeking ways to have it's members recognized as highly trained, professional clinicians within the mental health community. I am also thankful that PACCC also seeks to achieve and maintain the highest possible level of integrity, proficiency, and professionalism for its members. In light of this I am looking forward to assisting in any possible way I can within the role as President. As many of you are aware, there is a shift that has been taking place on a legislative level, provincially, in B.C. and Ontario. New legislation in Ontario has the exciting potential of opening new opportunities for PACCC members to become recognized and regulated mental health professionals. On behalf if it's members, PACCC has sought to be very active and influential in this process by being a member with the Ontario Coalition of Mental Health Professionals. While there is much work that still needs to be done, and many more questions to be considered, this is an incredible, and as another Coalition member stated, “historical” time for mental health professionals. With many agendas ahead, a key focus will continue to be, seeking to have PACCC members recognized within their respective Provincial Health Acts, and the promotion of PACCC and its members to the mental health community. To this end, we covet your prayers and involvement. It is a beautiful thing to be His servants and agents of change. Each endeavor initiated by our association is to that end. In Him, Chris Papastamos, M.A. President Eph. 2:10; 3:14-21 |