Murray Oppertshauser:

Education/Certification:

• M.A.
• Registered Marriage and Family Therapist
• Clinical Member, AAMFT
• Approved Supervisor, AAMFT
• Post Graduate study at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (MFT)
• M.A. (Counselling) from Liberty University
• B.A. University of Waterloo

Supervised Training Experiences:

• Supervision Training at Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre (Kitchener)
• Residency (1 year) at Family Counselling and Support Services (Guelph)
• Contracted individual and group supervision with John Henderson, Interfaith
• Advanced Practicum at Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre (Kitchener)
• Practicum at Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre (Kitchener)

Professional Experiences:

• Marriage & Family Therapist, Contract Therapist, EAP Provider
  • Private Practice, 1988-1992 and 1996 to present (currently 3-5 days per week)
  
  
• Various roles at Family Counselling and Support Services, Guelph
  • Clinical Manager (full time) April, 1993 - March, 1996
  • Program Coordinator (full time) January - March 1993
  • Employee Assistance Plan Coordinator (part time) 1991-1993
  • Contract Therapist (part time) 1990-1992
  • Marriage and Family Therapy Resident (full time) 1989-1990
  
  
• Clinical supervision, 1999 to present (now part of private practice)
  • Individual/Dyadic with primarily Christian MFT's in private practice
  • Group Supervision (Interfaith when receiving training)
  
  
• Clinical and administrative systems consulting/training (periodic contracts)
  • Region of Durham Family Services, Oct. 2001 to present, as needed
  • Hospitals in Mount Forest and Palmerston, during 1999 part-time
  • Various Counselling Centres, Canada and USA, 1995 to present, as needed
  
  

• It is essential to create an environment in which the person feels safe enough to risk new awareness, behaviour and relationships in order to facilitate change. The following are the conditions in which therapy or supervision can be conducted to facilitate change.
• The person experiences respect and consideration including that she/he will be believed, will be trusted, will not experience control unless necessary and only to the extent that is necessary to ensure his/her safety (e.g. disclosure if suicidal);
  • will not be judged;
  • will not be manipulated (imposed interventions) but will be informed at all times regarding the process of therapy;
  • will be supported and helped by someone who has adequately prepared for this relationship;
  • will have confidences kept;
  • will experience openness from the helper without the intrusiveness of a relationship outside of the therapeutic relationship (i.e. not a dual relationship but a temporary helping relationship);
  • will be seen in a discrete and safe setting;
  • will maintain clarity through continuing dialogue about the boundaries of the relationship often defined by a “contract”;
  • will be empowered by the helper’s deference (sometimes with negotiation) to lessen the effect of the power difference in the relationship and ensure control of his/her own choices and ownership of responsibility for the outcomes.
• Since each person is experiencing her/his own kind of challenge or crisis, it is essential that her/his view of the circumstances be useful (accurate, informed) and that sufficient supports are in place outside the helping relationship. This includes, where possible, family, friends, colleagues, mentors, community services and caring communities (e.g. faith communities, support groups, social groups, etc.) The lack of such relationships in which to experience support and nurture will slow the process of change.
• Since each person is entitled to do her/his work in his/her own way, it is essential that the helper be able to adapt to the person’s style without losing effectiveness. Suggesting alternatives from a variety of perspectives allows more options to be considered. Safety is maintained by openly expressing concerns about the person’s work when warranted because the helper believes the person is placing themselves or another at risk. Over time this respectful intervention will become trusted and increase the potential for benefit.
• Therapy is “healing” in its broadest sense. The violation and harm that has given rise to the need for healing will in all cases require grieving to resolve. Facilitating this grief is typically a part of therapy.
• Contracts for services such as problem solving (solution-focused work), communication, preventative psycho-education and supervision do not always involve therapy in the same sense. There may be less of a requirement for safety and more opportunity to challenge the person’s beliefs, values and behaviour to achieve greater clarity and promote desired change when consistent with client-centred goals.