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Profile
Dr. Laura Armstrong is an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, and researcher in the School of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality at Saint Paul University. She also holds Diplomate Clinician certification in Logotherapy from the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. She has developed a national SSHRC-funded mental health promotion program for school children called D.R.E.A.M. (Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes, & Meaning): https://soundofthemuse.com/magic-mirror/. This program has been developed for school children in general and adapted for gifted and bright children to address the unique emotional, sensory, imaginational, and social challenges they sometimes face, which can act as barriers to academic success and well-being. Our Child Meaning and Resilience Laboratory studies the Second Wave Positive Psychology theoretical framework for this program, called R.E.A.L.: Rational-Emotive, Attachment, Logotherapy. In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Armstrong delivers invited public presentations on child and family mental health, and she works clinically with children, youth, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Armstrong works clinically with children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults.
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IPA 3124 - Family and Spirituality
This course combines theory-based with applied research to focuses on the family and spirituality. A historical overview provides the circumstances that gave rise to the modern nuclear family, and the different ways social arrangements are made. The course will review on family transitions that occur across the life-span: intimacy, marriage and commitment, child- bearing and child-rearing, adoption, sibling relationships, divorce, re-constituted families, child launching in the middle-years, and aging families. Lastly, the course will focuses on sociological family matters such as class and poverty issues, raising children with disabilities, family violence and sexual abuse, relationships between parents and children and among various social contexts (nursery, school, workplace). Family counselling. The place and role of spirituality within families will be examined.
Prerequisites: IPA1121 and IPA1122.
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IPA 4122 - Psychopathology: Causes and Impact on Human Relationships and Spirituality
Currents of thought in psychopathology. Mental issues in the field of human relationships and spirituality. Variables, human and spiritual, that promote and / or maintain various mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, somatoform disorders and other problems relevant to the field of human relationships and spirituality.
Prerequisites: 24 IPA credits.
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IPA 5131 - Methodology of Empirical Research
This course helps the students to develop skills for the critical evaluation of empirical research in the human sciences and the application of these skills in graduate research projects and theses. Qualitative and quantitative methods of gathering and validating scientific evidence in observation, case, evaluation, correlational and experimental studies. The formation of problems, structured questions, causal and non-causal hypotheses; operational definitions; dependent, extraneous and randomized variables; the selection of samples. Research ethics will be examined.
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IPA 6108 - Psychopathology and Treatment
Concepts such as normality and abnormality, and the inter-relationship of perceptual, cognitive and affective dimensions are discussed. Motivational, social, behavioural and inter-personal components of human functioning and reviewed. This course presents the mental disorders, distinguishing the neurotic and psychotic disorders. The neuroses, transient reactions to stress, psychological factors in physical illnesses, personality disorders and affective disorders are treated in depth. Each class of disorders is viewed from the point of view of its etiology, diagnostic indicators, assessment, research and treatment. An explanation of the factors that foster an individual’s invulnerability to stress, trauma, and genetic predispositions is presented. The interplay of stressors, interpersonal and intrapersonal resources, life history and community is emphasized in the etiology and course of the disorders and normal functioning. Disordered functioning is seen as a person’s attempt to come to terms with the demands of living.
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IPA 6120 - Theories of Individual Counselling and Psychotherapy
This course provides a brief overview of the history of counselling theory and its orientations and trends. It attends to the nature of theory building and its interconnection to practice and research. It presents, critically in depth, representative theories from the current major orientations (e.g., experiential, cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioural) with a focus on the integration of understanding, assessment and treatment in the counselling process. In the presentation of theories, attention is given to the integration of theory, research and practice. Each theory is discussed with reference to its practical application, effectiveness and limitations. The manner in which one or more of these theories has been applied to pastoral counselling practice and in the development of pastoral counselling models, and in the development of a person’s spiritual and religious life is covered.
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IPA 6135 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 1 of 2)
Introduction tobasic trans-theoretical skills, client needs assessment (intake interview), charting, confidentiality and informed consent, and safe and effective use of self. Other topics covered include definitions of counseling and psychotherapy, roles of the psychotherapist, client motivation, phases of psychotherapy, empathy, eye contact, proxemics, paralanguage, silence, listening for verbal and non-verbal messages, closed, open-ended questions, summarizing, paraphrasing, emotional reflections, effectiveness of psychotherapy, problem formulation, goals/objectives, suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention as well as managing boundaries. Includes 6 hours of theoretical and practical learning, applied clinical exercises, as well as 1 to 2 hours of clinical practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.
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IPA 6136 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 2 of 2)
Consolidation of basic counselling and psychotherapy skills and development of advanced skills. Other topics covered include conceptualization and treatment planning, confrontation, interpretation self-openness and self-commitment, immediacy, resistance, and termination of psychotherapy. In addition, the student learns to welcome, assess, and work with a person presenting with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Humanistic, cognitive-behavioural and existential approaches are emphasized. Other themes: existential and spiritual issues, safe and effective use of self, transference and countertransference, compassion fatigue, multicultural competence, microaggressions.
Includes 6 hours of theoretical and practical learning, applied clinical exercises, as well as 1 to 2 hours of clinical practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.
Prerequisite: IPA6135.
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IPA 8106 - Doctoral Seminar
Guest lecturers will select readings and lead seminars related to relevant research topics such as proposal writing, conceptual frameworks, ethics, methods and procedures, and statistical analysis. Students must write an annotated bibliography and prepare a plan for their comprehensive exam. In addition, they must write a paper and do an oral presentation designed to facilitate their work around the thesis proposal. Evaluation by the seminar coordinator.
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IPA 6312 - Couples, Family Development and Growth
Introduction to the psychology of individuals, couple and family development and growth and provided knowledge of personality development over the life span. This course will review attachment over the life span, the stages of development from childhood to adulthood, and corresponding changes in family roles, as well as advanced therapeutic interventions.
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IPA 8105 - Research Methods and Design Problems in Counselling and Spirituality
The focus of this course is the critical analysis and discussion of the challenges that counsellors face in choosing and applying qualitative and quantitative methods to spirituality. In-depth study of design pitfalls that arise from the complexity and unpredictability of working with human subjects given the multi-cultural complexity of pluralistic societies. Potential topics include sampling issues, measurement issues, and special analytic techniques.
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IPA 5162 - Counselling and Spirituality: Selected Topics II
Study of a particular area in counselling and Spirituality.
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa (2013) - dissertation nominated for Governor General's Gold Medal
Honours Baccalaureate of Arts in Psychology, University of Ottawa (2004) - Governor General's medal recipient; Chancellor's scholar
Member of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
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Child Meaning and Resilience Laboratory
Our laboratory studies a Second Wave Positive Psychology approach called Rational-Emotive Attachment Logotherapy (REAL). We have a SSHRC-funded school-based mental health promotion program for children grounded in this approach: https://soundofthemuse.com/magic-mirror/
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SSHRC Insight Development Grant
$64000
2018-2020
Papers in refereed Journals:
- Parrot, J., Armstrong, L.L., Watt, E., Fabes, R., & Timlin, R. (2021). Building resilience during COVID-19: Recommendations for adapting the DREAM program – live edition to an online-live hybrid model for in-person and virtual classrooms. Frontiers in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Online first. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647420
- Armstrong, L.L., Watt, E., St. John, E., & Desson, S. (2020). The Interactive Symptoms Assessment: I.S.A. – Development and Validation Using a Knowledge Translation-Integrated Model. Current Psychology, Online first. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00801-5
- Armstrong, L.L., Watt, E., St. John, E., & Desson, S. (2019). The Child Identity and Purpose Questionnaire – Interactive: Development and Validation of the Revised, Video-Based Version. The Humanistic Psychologist, Online first, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hum0000147
- Armstrong, L.L., Desson, S., St. John, E., & Watt, E. (2018). The D.R.E.A.M. Program: Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes, & Meaning (Gifted Edition) – A Second Wave Positive Psychology Approach. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, Online first. Doi: 10.1080/09515070.2018.1559798
- Armstrong, L.L., Desson, S., St. John, E., & Watt, E. (2018). The D.R.E.A.M. Program: Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes, & Meaning (Gifted Edition) – A Second Wave Positive Psychology Approach. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2018.1559798
- Armstrong, L.L. (2018). The D.R.E.A.M. Program: Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes, & Meaning -- Program Development & Evaluation through a Knowledge Translation-Integrated Approach. Spirituality & Counselling, special edition (Positive Psychology), 36, 93-120. DOI: 2143/CS.36.1.0000000
- Sigg, C., & Armstrong, L.L. (2018). Swallowing the ‘Givens’ of Existence: How Second Wave Positive Psychology Can Contribute to Psychotherapy for Eating Disorder Treatment, 36, 145-168. Spirituality & Counselling, special edition (Positive Psychology). DOI: 10.2143/CS.36.1.0000000
- Yagi, I., & Armstrong, L.L. (2018). Meaning-Based Interventions for Addressing End-of-Life Coping. Spirituality & Counselling, special edition (Positive Psychology), 36.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2016). The Child Identity & Purpose (Ch.I.P.) Questionnaire: Pilot assessment and development. The International Forum for Logotherapy, 39, 78-88.
- Armstrong, L.L.(2016). R.E.A.L. Therapy: Rational-Emotive Attachment-based Logotherapy for Families. The Family Journal. DOI: 10.1177/1066480716628626
- Armstrong, L.L. & Young, K.(2015). Mind the Gap: Person-Centred Delivery of Mental Health Information to Post-Secondary Students. Psychosocial Intervention 10.1016/j.psi.2015.05.002. 24(2): 83-87.
- Armstrong, L.L. & Manion, I.G.(2015). Predictors of Rural & Urban Youth Suicidal Ideation by Gender: A Case for Targeted Prevention. Vulnerable Children & Youth Studies. doi:10.1080/17450128.2015.1046535. Published online.
- Armstrong L.L. & Manion, I.G. (2015). Meaningful Youth Engagement as a Protective Factor for Youth Suicidal Ideation. Journal of Research on Adolescence DOI: 10.1111/jora.12098. 25: 20-27.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2012). Initial development and validation of the Checklist of Risk Behaviours for Youth (CORBY). Psychology, Health & Medicine, 17, 116-124.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2009). A utilization-focused approach to evaluating a youth friendly mental health program: The Youth Net/Réseau Ado story. Vulnerable Children & Youth Studies, 4, 361-369.
- Armstrong, L.L. & Manion, I.G. (2006). Suicidal ideation in young males living in rural communities: Living distance from school as a risk factor, youth engagement as a protective factor. Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 1, 102-113.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2006). Barriers to intimate sexuality: Concerns and meaning-based therapy approaches. The Humanistic Psychologist, 34, 281-298.
Books Authored
- Armstrong, L.L. (2021). How to Have Fun While Promoting Mental Health Virtually: Games & Activities for Online Psychotherapy & Classrooms. KDP Publishers, Ottawa.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2020). The Worry Wind. Illustrated by Marieke Douma. KDP Publishers, Ottawa.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2020). Vent de l’inquietude. Illustrated by Marieke Douma. KDP Publishers, Ottawa.
Books Edited
- Mothers, Addiction and Recovery. Peterson, W., Armstrong, L.L., & Foulkes, M. (2018), Demeter Press, Canada
- Existential Elements of the Family. Conflicts, Ethics & Spirituality Series. Armstrong, L.L. (2018), Peeters Publishers, Belgium
Book Chapters
- Armstrong, L.L. (in press). The Unique Social, Emotional, & Behavioural Needs of Gifted Children & Arts-Based Therapy Strategies to Address these Needs. Rovers, M. Creative Art Therapies.
- Bellehumeur, C., Armstrong, L.L., & Bilodeau, C. (in press). Gilbert Durand’s model of the imaginary and Second Wave Positive Psychology proposed as theoretical frameworks for enhancing arts-based psychotherapy for traumatized clients. Rovers, M. Creative Art Therapies.
- Bellehumeur, C., Armstrong, L.L., & Kam, C. (in press). The Archetypal Test with nine elements (AT.9) as a projective tool in the context of art psychotherapies with alexithymic clients. Rovers, M. Creative Art Therapies.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2018). R.E.A.L. Tools for Everyday Parenting: A Rational-Emotive Attachment-based Logotherapy Approach. Armstrong, L.L. Existential Elements of the Family. Peeters, Belgium.
- Armstrong, L.L., Elward, J., & Elward, C. (2018). Finding meaning: Fertility issues, miscarriage, and early infant loss. Armstrong, L.L. Existential Elements of the Family. Peeters, Belgium.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2018). Introduction to Existential Elements of the Family. Armstrong, L.L. Existential Elements of the Family. Peeters, Belgium.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2018). Conclusion to Existential Elements of the Family. Armstrong, L.L. Existential Elements of the Family. Peeters, Belgium.
- Watt, E., & Armstrong, L.L. (2018). Finding Meaning in Waiting: Challenges & Growth for Families on Psychotherapy Waiting Lists. Armstrong, L.L. Existential Elements of the Family. Peeters, Belgium.
- Armstrong, L.L. (2018). R.E.A.L. Education to Prevent Smartphone Addiction – A Rational-Emotive, Attachment Logotherapy Approach for Expectant Mothers. Mothers, Addiction and Recovery. Peterson, W., Armstrong, L.L., & Foulkes, M. (Eds.). Demeter Press, Canada.
- Peterson, W., Armstrong, L.L., & Foulkes, M. (2018). Introduction, Mothering with Addiction and Finding Meaning. Mothers, Addiction and Recovery: Finding Meaning through the Journey. Demeter Press, Canada.
- Peterson, W., Armstrong, L.L., & Foulkes, M. (2018). Conclusion, Mothering with Addiction and Finding Meaning. Mothers, Addiction and Recovery: Finding Meaning through the Journey. Demeter Press, Canada.
- Sigg, C., & Armstrong, L.L. (2018). Confronting the Addictive Nature of Eating Disorder Behaviours: How Mothers Can Provide Meaningful Support to Daughters with Eating Disorders through a Meaning-Centered Framework. Mothers, Addiction & Recovery: Finding Meaning in the Journey. Demeter Press, Canada.
- Armstrong, L.L. (accepted). Building the D.R.E.A.M.: Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes and Meaning, a Mental Health Promotion Approach. Bellehumeur, C. & Malette, J. (Eds.) Positive Psychology and Spirituality: Healing through Pleasure. Peeters, Belgium.
- Sigg, C., & Armstrong, L.L. (accepted). Swallowing the 'Givens' of Existence: How Second Wave Positive Psychology Can Contribute to Psychotherapy for Eating Disorder Treatment. Bellehumeur, C. & Malette, J. (Eds.) Positive Psychology and Spirituality: Healing through Pleasure. Peeters, Belgium.
- Yagi, I., & Armstrong, L.L. (accepted). Meaning-Based Interventions for Addressing End-of-Life Coping. Bellehumeur, C. & Malette, J. (Eds.) Positive Psychology and Spirituality: Healing through Pleasure. Peeters, Belgium.