Philosophy of Teaching

I currently teach courses in the Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) program, which is a joint program between Knox College and Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto. MPS students come from various religious and spiritual backgrounds--Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, and many more--and most are seeking certification as therapists. The program provides fine-grained training in these spiritual traditions, as well as training in psychotherapy. Many students go on to work in private practice, or as chaplains, pastoral counsellors, or spiritual care providers, in a variety of contexts.

​

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and with students from so many traditions, the classroom naturally becomes a living laboratory in intercultural and interfaith dialogue. As students interact with the scientific theories of psychology, they are always curious and skeptical about how these theories fit within their own cultural-religious contexts and social locations. All of this brings a palpable excitement to class discussion, and a sense that the work we are doing is both important and new. My role is simply to facilitate and observe the insights that inevitably emerge from such a diverse classroom.

Training in psychotherapy also involves a practical component. Significant portions of class time attempt to bring theory to life via case studies, role playing, and debriefing of these exercises. Here the excitement emerges from observing what choices are made in a therapeutic encounter, and what other choices might be available. Confidence builds as students realize that conflict, and "mistakes," in a therapeutic setting, often provide openings for deeper and more authentic relationship.