To meet the needs of our profession and community we need to diversify the voices and perspectives of those in our field. Irrespective of what we do in psychology, this requires a conscious and continued effort to elevate voices that have been marginalized and to sustain the experience of belonging across the career lifespan. Mentorship is essential. In the field of psychology most of us work with students and early career colleagues. Many of us define ourselves as mentors, but few of us are specifically trained in mentorship, and are being intentional about this role. Mentorship is its own competency which is distinct from supervisor, leader, or consultant. In psychology, it is crucial that we critically evaluate current mentorship practices and examine the ways in which existing paradigms fail to support marginalized members of our profession. For example, as a collective body and as individuals, how and to whom are we providing access to mentorship opportunities? Speaking from different perspectives, we will open the discussion about different ways we can be intentional in mentorship from an understanding of intersectionality and positionality.
Alejandra Botia, University of British Columbia, Student Representative on the CPA Board of Directors
Farena S. Pinnock. PhD., C.Psych, Clinical & Neuropsychologist
Komal T. Shaikh, Ph.D., C.Psych., Baycrest Hospital, Neuropsychology & Cognitive Health
Kerri Ritchie, PhD., CPsych. The Ottawa Hospital, President, CPA
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