Clinical psychospiritual education

CPE involves a combination of clinical work, classroom and group learning, and individual supervision. The program requirements include:

• two basic units
• two advanced units
• 1,000 work hours following advanced learning
• two written professional papers
• a consultation

Supervisor-educators are qualified to supervise a learning group of at least three students and up to seven students in a single program.

Prerequisites

Students may begin CPE training after completing a qualifying bachelor's-level degree.

Practitioners learning at an advanced level must have completed at least the first year of a qualifying master’s-level degree.

Certified SCPs participate in a peer review process in which they demonstrate personal growth, continuing education and professional development. As certified members of the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care/Association canadienne de soins spirituels, practitioners demonstrate competence in four key domains.

Professional identity

Being rooted in a spiritual, religious or cultural tradition that connects with self, other and the sacred for a holistic and spiritually oriented approach to care and therapy. This provides the foundation to integrate the above with psychotherapeutic modalities as a way of being with and for others during times of crisis, challenge and change.

Knowledge

Integrating psychological and spiritual, religious or cultural frameworks and engaging in evidence-informed professional practice supported by current research.

Professional ethical conduct

Advocating for excellent and equitable care congruent with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. This competency demonstrates accountability to clients; the public; religious, spiritual or cultural communities; employers; and relevant regulatory and professional organizations in all professional relationships.

Professional skills

Engaging in therapeutic relationships with individuals, groups, communities and organizations. Professional SCPs are trained to be attentive to the spiritual and the sacred in each encounter.

1. Contact one of the Alberta intake supervisor-educators with any questions you may have.

   Calgary/Southern Alberta
   Kathy Marshall-Spate
   kathy.marshall-spate@ahs.ca

   Edmonton/Northern Alberta
   Darlene Pranke
   darlene.pranke@covenanthealth.ca

2. Download and complete the application form and compile all the documents listed.

   Submit this material to whichever CPE intake supervisor-educator is closest to you geographically.

   Download a letter of recommendation for CPE.

3. You will be notified that your application has been received.

   Following the application deadline, we will notify applicants whether or not they have been selected for an interview.

4. If you are invited to a screening interview, you will have an opportunity to meet a team of people who teach in the CPE program.

   The interview is a two-way process. You will be discerning whether you want to move forward in CPE, and the team will be discerning your suitability for the next available CPE program.

5. If you are selected to take part in the next available CPE, you will receive a letter of offer from the supervisor-educator.

   You need this letter before you can register at either Ambrose University or St. Stephen’s College.

6. Upon receiving your letter of offer, register for CPE at one of the two designated theological colleges.

   In your letter, you will be instructed to register for SC 715/716: CPE Unit through Ambrose University, Calgary, or for CPE 5889: Course-Based CPE Practicum through St. Stephen’s College, Edmonton.

7. Depending on your location, you will still need to register through either Ambrose University or St. Stephen’s College.

   Academic credits for all CPE program offerings are transferrable to your college, seminary or university.

The cost of a CPE unit is $2,800. This fee is payable with registration. Successful completion of a CPE unit will result in six academic credits at a theological college.

Unit availability is dependent on the number of applications. Program and offering dates are subject to change.

Intensive Spring CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)

May 6-10, 2024 (five-day orientation) to Jul. 19, 2024 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: Jan. 12, 2024

Intensive Fall CPE Unit (Calgary)

Sep. 3-6, 2024 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 15, 2024 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2024

Extended CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)

Sep. 3-6, 2024 (four-day orientation) to Mar. 14, 2025 (two days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2024

Intensive CPE Unit (Edmonton)

Sep. 3-6, 2024 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 15, 2024 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2024

Intensive Spring CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)

May 5-9, 2025 (five-day orientation) to Jul. 18, 2025 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: Jan. 10, 2025

Intensive Fall CPE Unit (Calgary)

Sep. 2-5, 2025 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 14, 2025
Deadline for applications: May 9, 2025

Extended CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)

Sep. 2-5, 2025 (four-day orientation) to Mar. 13, 2026 (two days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 9, 2025

Intensive CPE Unit (Edmonton)

Sep. 2-5, 2025 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 14, 2025 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 9, 2025

Spring Intensive CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)

May 4-8, 2026 (five-day orientation) to Jul. 17, 2026 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: Jan. 9, 2026

CPE Communique - December 2022

CPE Communique - November 2021

CPE Communique - February 2020