.
Emotional Health Practitioner Certificate Program and
Micro-Credential
Study a science-backed practical approach.
Find your fit with a range of streams available.
From personal development to practicing professionals, there is something for everyone.
Quick links
Build a foundation of knowledge in Neural Network Therapy®, a highly effective treatment for emotional health concerns
Learn to engage clients in a "doing approach"
Maximize your investment by monetizing lessons and your new skills in a quickly developing teaching and counselling landscape
Upgrade your interpersonal skills including assertiveness training, conflict resolution and creative problem-solving
Address areas of treatment such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, couples work, grief, parenting and more
Develop skills that last long after the counselling experience has ended because you can’t unlearn the science of well-being
Acquire practical resources to be used in your own teaching of this therapeutic model
In this program, you will:
Sample Self-Study Lesson
Therapy needs an upgrade. Neural Network Therapy® is a science-based approach to evolve the field of emotional health care. If you're looking to develop a private practice, increase your skills in an existing career or for personal growth and development, this program offers something for everyone.
Embrace Your Learning Style
3 options in course delivery
Self-Study
Asynchronous - Start anytime and complete within 11 weeks, at your own pace. Become eligible for additional streams!
Practice Builder
Synchronous - Support in starting your own practice. 11 live online classes.
Prerequisite: Self-Study
Live Online
Synchronous - September or January start with 11 live online classes.
Prerequisite: Self-Study
“I appreciate the way the course is set up with the flipped classroom, allowing us as much time as we need each week to learn and review the material and then the opportunity to ask any outstanding questions and get various perspectives and interpretations of the lessons. I also find the breaks timely, giving us an opportunity to dig into the lessons a bit more and to prepare for assignments.”
-Leah F, Synchronous Graduate
.
Program Registration
.
Start today!
Start today!
Self-Study
.
Are you looking to develop skills and build resources for personal growth, parent and family support, or career development? This stream is resource-packed.
$1597.00
Trent University Micro-credential
Start anytime, study anywhere
Open to everyone, no prerequisites
Complete within 11 weeks at your own pace
12 hours including assignments
Extensions available (subject to fees)
Ongoing access to video lessons and assignments
One-hour video conference with instructor
Ongoing email support
Digital textbook
OSAP Eligible
(Confirm OSAP eligibility here)
Now accepting students for September 2025
Now accepting students for September 2025
Practice Builder
.
Are you looking to establish or enhance a private practice? This stream provides support in marketing, session delivery and client engagement.
$2388.00
Trent University Micro-credential +
CFHC Registration Number
11 live 1hr online classes + assignments
Cohorts for live classes start in Jan | May | Sept
Designed for working professionals, classes are Wednesday evenings ET
Focus on private practice development
Private marketing session
Clinical Supervision
Prerequisite: Self-Study
Digital textbook
Small class sizes, limited spots available
Runs September through April
Runs September through April
Synchronous - Live Online
.
Choose from 3 streams based on your expertise level and goals.
Personal Growth |
Career Development
Are you looking to support your own emotional health or explore a career in the field of emotional health care? This stream will help you develop skills in a live synchronous group with weekly online classes.
$2888.00
Trent University Micro-credential +
CFHC Registration Number
11 live online 1.5 hour classes
September or January Start Times
Designed for working professionals, classes are Wednesday evenings ET
Flipped classroom format
Clinical Supervision
Prerequisite: Self-Study
Printed textbook
Small class sizes, limited spots available
Practicing Professionals
Are you actively in a helping profession such as social work, psychotherapy, education, policing, human resources, nursing and the like? Level-up your emotional health skills with weekly online classes.
$2888.00
Trent University Micro-credential +
CFHC Registration Number
11 live online 1.5 hour classes
September or January Start Times
Designed for working professionals, classes are Wednesday evenings ET
Flipped classroom format
Clinical Supervision
Prerequisite: Self-Study
Printed textbook
Lessons geared towards actively practicing professionals
Small class sizes, limited spots available
Paid Internship
Do you have a governing body in a related field? Learn to apply Neural Network Therapy® in this paid internship as an Emotional Health Practitioner. Very limited spots available. Interview required.
.
$3888.00
Trent University Micro-credential +
CFHC Registration Number
11 live online 1.5 hour classes + private professional development session
September or January Start Times
Designed for working professionals, classes Wednesday evenings ET
Flipped classroom format
Clinical Supervision
Prerequisite: Self-Study
Printed textbook
Paid Internship at CHFC
Interview Required
Small class sizes, limited spots available
.
Stream Breakdown
.
A Professor’s Perspective
Dr. Taryn E. Grieder, M.Ed., Ph.D.
PhD, Medical Science, Neuroscience and Addiction
“Neural Network Therapy® (NNT®) focuses on neuroplasticity, or changing the brain, to modify patterns of brain activity that lead to negative experiences. NNT® helps clients understand their brain function while developing mindfulness and behavioural skills, which helps them rewire brain patterns that lead to negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours.”
Dr. Taryn Grieder is a Psychology Professor at Trent University, currently teaching Abnormal Psychology: Neuroscience Perspectives and Behaviour Modification. She also has Theories of Psychopathology, Psychotherapy and Health Psychology at the Mississauga Academy of Medicine, and Abnormal Psychology and Psychology of Addictions at TMU on her roster of courses. She is currently working on a number of community-based research projects, one of which involves investigating the effectiveness of NNT® and psychedelic assisted therapy in the treatment of trauma and addictions. Canadian Family Health Counselling has also teamed up with Dr. Grieder as a community partner on a research study looking at the impact of daily gratitude journaling on mental health and well-being.
If you complete the Self-Study stream, you are eligible to take Dr. Grieder’s upcoming course exploring the Neurobiology of the Helping Profession + Neuroscience of Addiction.
Dr. Grieder’s Upcoming Course:
EHP Program Background
The Emotional Health Practitioner Program began in 1997, teaching practical exercises about the brain and interpersonal skill-building. Our live online class version of the program was in such demand that we developed both self-study and hybrid versions, allowing students to access Neural Network Therapy® (NNT®) in their own learning style.
NNT® was developed largely in response to advancements in neuroscience.
As science evolves, so do we.
Our program is designed for use in private practice, personal development, group settings or in classrooms of all varieties. We simply know more about the brain than ever before and these lessons provide a structured way in which to deliver skilled services in emotional health care.
Course Curriculum
.
Welcome to the course!
Welcome from Kim Sargent, Clinical Director
Core Lesson 1: Playdough Brain
Gain an understanding of neuroplasticity.
Core Lesson 2: Volcano
Discover the signs and symptoms of emotional overload.
Core Lesson 3: Rolodex
Explore the storage of our emotions, past and present.
Core Lesson 4: Energy of Emotion
Connect emotions to the very cells of our body.
Core Lesson 5: Crocodile
Learn about intensity and the reptilian brain.
Core Lesson 6: Telephone Poles
Understand brain development and why old habits die hard.
Core Lesson 7: Etch A Sketch
Set the stage for change by maximizing creativity.
Core Lesson 8: Double Vision
Understand emotional alignment as a currency for health and vitality.
Core Lesson 9: Assertiveness Training
Explore passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles.
Core Lesson 10: Pre and Post Manifestation
Explore how emotion acts as a tuning fork in our reality.
Plus, Over 25 Additional Lessons
Footsteps and Frustrations
Ego Grid
The Grieving Shrine
Memory Moving Box
Porta Meta
Trauma Treatment
Family Faces
Relationships 101
Playful Parenting
Mother Duck Parenting
Love-In Parenting
Wild Cards
Great Do-Nothing Day
Ice Cream Sundae
Not Fit For Human Company
Pity Party
Sleep Hygiene
The Balance
Introduction
Portable Pharmacy
Climbing Expedition
Flooding Feel-Goods
The Pillow Family
Ghosts of Relationships Past
Introvert Extrovert
Your Mental Diet
Bubble Me
Plant It Forward
Meet Your Instructors
.
Aurrora De Monte
Aurrora resides in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough) with her family. She completed her BA is Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, MSc of Child and Youth Care Studies (CYCS) from the University of Strathclyde and is pursuing a PhD in Social Work and Social Policy from the University of Strathclyde.
Aurrora has taught at Fleming College for over 10 years and also teaches part time within the MSc of CYCS at Strathclyde. Aurrora has practiced in a variety of settings supporting young people and families and continues to do so through private practice and consultation. Aurrora enjoys spending time with her children, being outdoors, gardening, hiking and reading.
Jackie Orsetto
Jackie has completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Sociology, as well as a Masters in Social Work.
Jackie is passionate about health and well-being. She is a certified yoga teacher, yoga nidra teacher, Reiki master and holistic nutritionist. She loves using a holistic lens to help people on their wellness journey.
Sarah Anich Mansfield
Sarah Anich Mansfield is an Emotional Health Practitioner and Ontario Certified Teacher. She holds a BA (Honours) from Laurentian University, a B.Ed from Nipissing University, and a Montessori teaching certification. Additionally, she has qualifications in special education, learning disabilities, and behaviour.
Sarah's diverse background spans from supporting toddlers to adults, including preschool, elementary, high school, and college settings. She is particularly passionate about helping young adults in post-secondary environments understand themselves and achieve their goals, as well as supporting parents in navigating the challenges of raising children, especially those with learning differences. Sarah has a particular interest in executive functions, neurodiversity, and ADHD.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog and three cats, and attending live music and theatre performances.
Kristy Suckling
Kristy is specialized in stress management and mental health challenges. She is additionally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Dialectal Behaviour Therapy in her 20+ year career as a mental health nurse and educator.
Kristy is a certified reflexologist and diabetic nurse. She understands the impact of living with chronic illness and can provide ways in which to cope with the stressors of long-term disease.
Kristy has spent many years striving to live an emotionally and physically healthy lifestyle. She owns and operates Yellow Brick Pottery Studio and is kind of a big deal in her craft. Kristy practices martial arts and has her 2nd degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate, in addition to a passion for paddleboarding, hiking and the great outdoors.
Emotional Health
Practitioner Program
Build skills to enrich your mental health tool kit. Learn the science of well-being.
Hear From Kristy
Kristy Suckling is both a Registered Practical Nurse and an Emotional Health Practitioner who travels the world and is currently living in Australia.
Hear what Kristy has to say about how this Trent Micro-credential impacted her career.
Program Testimonials
.
The EHP program provided me with valuable insight into how our brain works, especially in relation to our emotions, as well as exercises to use in session that bring these concepts home to clients. I regularly use the material I learned in the EHP program and find it applicable to a variety of client issues. I was also lucky enough to participate in practicum concurrent with my EHP studies. This was my first time counselling and I was provided with compassionate support while I grew my confidence in this field.
-Cathy Hooper, Emotional Health Practitioner graduate 2020,
Masters in Counselling Psychology (final practicum) CRPO
The concepts are presented in a simple and elegant way, but are underlied by complexity and key scientific principles - a perfect marriage.
-Kathryn Matheson, MA Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, Holistic Nutritionist
The Emotional Health Practitioner Program is an excellent way for new graduates to gain a better understanding of the brain and neuroplasticity. The program provides practical information and activities paired with peer learning and supervision to help gain an understanding of how change happens. This program has not only assisted me in making healthier habits in my personal life, but my clients too. I highly recommend this program!
-Heather Vance, Emotional Health Practitioner Graduate 2017,
BA Social Work (in progress) Addictions and Mental Health Worker
Personally, and professionally, I have greatly benefited from the EHP program. The focus on education and using one’s strengths, along with doable, motivating, and even fun activities, lightens many heavy, complex, and real-life struggles that we face. Aurrora has incredible energy, passion and humour that ignites the inner child to get curious and active. The content and instruction offer a reconnection with self, others, and a reminder to trust in one’s inner guide. The visuals, hands-on practical exercises, along with the use of common understandable language is a valuable investment for self.
This amazing experience has provided me with a tool kit for life and a reminder that I am enough as a human-“being” instead of a human-“doer”.
- Emotional Health Practitioner graduate 2022,
Masters in Counselling Psychology (in progress) CRPO (in progress)
The Emotional Heath Practitioner Program has been the perfect adjunct to my current education and work experience that propelled me into the field of counselling.
Not only have I been able to learn skills practical for my own emotional well-being, I now have transferable skills and knowledge to help others with their own emotional health journey.
The learning environment has been comfortable and supportive in helping me feel confident with the material. I highly recommend the EHP program to anyone looking into counselling as a career.
-Kristy Suckling, Emotional Health Practitioner graduate 2022, RPN
The Emotional Health Practitioner program is unique because it focuses on brain health and the impact that has on our emotional well-being. The content is delivered energetically, using humour and imagery and lots of hands-on exercises. Kim and her team display such passion for the topic! The techniques I learned through the EHP program have helped me to guide my clients to self-discovery and awareness, learning to make healthy choices based on understanding the connection between their brain, their physical health and their emotional health. It has been the most rewarding professional development education I have ever encountered.
-Krissie Vanderburg, Emotional Health Practitioner graduate 2004, RPN
Ready to choose?
Select your stream below.
Still unsure about which stream is right for you?
Start with the asynchronous stream and have the opportunity to upgrade to the Practice Builder stream later, while still earning the Trent micro-credential. Feel free to discuss upgrade options with CFHC by emailing grow@canadianfamilyhealth.ca or calling (705) 740-8360.
.
As a graduate of the Self-Study stream, you are eligible for additional Micro-credentials such as:
Dr. Taryn Grieder’s,
Neurobiology of the Helping Profession + Neuroscience of Addiction
How does health counselling change the brain? This 11-week course explores the neurobiological basis of common psychological disorders, with a focus on addictions, and examines how health counselling can reshape brain function.
Students will gain an understanding of key brain structures, neurotransmitters, and neural circuits involved in depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and the various types of addictions. This course integrates cutting-edge neuroscience research, brain imaging studies, and real-world clinical applications to show how health counselling influences neuroplasticity, cognition, and emotional regulation.
This course bridges neuroscience and clinical practice, offering a deeper appreciation of how health counselling can literally rewire the brain.
