Tuesday, December 11, 2012

History of the Canadian Association of Anger Solutions Practitioners


How CAASP Came into Being:


Since the establishment of BODA reLEAF consulting in 1997, over 200 counsellors, social workers, and private practitioners have received training in Anger Solutions™. The Train the Trainer program was developed in 2004 to meet the need of agencies experiencing high staff turnover, which often resulted in a loss of the program when trained facilitators moved on to new jobs. Since 2004, over 50 Trainers have been certified along with four Master Trainers, several of whom have taken on added responsibility within a growing network of Anger Solutions™ Practitioners.


To meet the growing need for networking, continued education, and accountability within the network of Anger Solutions Practitioners, it was decided in 2006 to create an association for AS professionals. The goal of the association is to facilitate communication and sharing of best practices in AS across the network, and to work together to pool our resources by way of collecting and compiling data on the success of our respective programs. As stated in our mission – we are dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of AS practitioners at all levels, as well as positioning Anger Solutions™ as the single, best choice for anger programming in Canada.


The association, while still in its infancy is developing a structure – another stage of that development comes with the utilization of technology for us to stay connected.  Current technological advances mean that we can communicate more easily than ever before. To date, the association has developed these means of inter-communication:


·         Anger Solutions™ Coaches Corner – a periodical E-Newsletter that is sent electronically to all certified AS Facilitators and Trainers (current and lapsed).


·         Resources, reports, assessment tools, and a library of reading materials conveniently placed online (currently under new development – we will be bringing you a new site with a new look, and more resources. In the meantime, please refer to the blog for news and tools you can use).


·         A directory of current association members in good standing (also found at www.angersolution.com/membership.php)


·         The CAASP Annual Retreat. 2008 was our first year hosting the retreat, which was generously sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association of Sault Ste. Marie, Giant Life Solutions, BODA reLEAF consulting, and Red Chair Branding. At this meeting, the group in attendance worked together to further solidify the structure of the organization, voting in a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Membership Coordinator, and establishing the bylaws of the association.  Due to the economic recession which began at the end of 2008, it was decided to put the annual retreat on hold until the economy recovered. Alas, it is 2012 and the world still appears to be reeling from the impact of the 2008 crisis, although here in Canada, we are experiencing slow but steady recovery. When the retreat resumes, it will take place at the same time each year – the final week of the summer before Labour Day weekend. It was agreed by all in attendance at the 2008 retreat that we will continue to host the retreat at the Kempenfelt Conference Resort in Barrie, Ontario for at least 2 more years.


·         Anger Pros Blog: http://www.angerpros.blogspot.com – a tool for passing on relevant information between newsletter publishings.


·         Tele-classes for continuing education – now f*ree to all members in good standing.


As a member of the CAASP, you can take advantage of these opportunities to share information and be a part of the ongoing development of the Anger Solutions™ Program.


 


Levels of Membership and 2012/13 Membership Fees*

Currently licencing/membership is set at $75.00/year. In 2013, Membership fees will be increased to $95/calendar year.

*Fees are subject to change without notice. Current fees for members in good standing  will be honoured for the duration of their membership year.