Embedding truth and reconciliation in the practices of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta

Abstract

Given the little research on the role of health regulators in implementing Indigenous reconciliation, this thesis partnered with the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) to answer the question: How might the senior leaders of ACTA embody and demonstrate truth and reconciliation in their processes, governance, and policy decisions? ACTA will become the College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (CCTA) upon the Alberta Government’s proclamation of the legislation. Employing appreciative inquiry and action research principles, this research involved an open-ended survey of ACTA senior leaders, a benchmark analysis of health regulatory colleges’ implementation of reconciliation, a presentation of findings, and a group method with ACTA senior leaders to develop recommendations for CCTA. This research contributes to the literature on reconciliation in health regulatory colleges and provides stakeholders’ perspectives as health regulators advance systemic changes to achieve coleading with Indigenous peoples and work to eradicate racism and improve health outcomes.