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Laura Vander Velden

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Laura Vander Velden, Ph.D. (ABD)

Assistant Professor of Counselling Psychology

Professor Vander Velden is deeply invested in inter-disciplinary study, having a BRE (Christian Ministries Major), an MA in Theological Studies, an MA in Counselling, and a Ph.D (ABD) in Systematic Theology. Her major research projects have focused on pastoral responses to human suffering and the study of theological epistemology—how it is that human beings are formed holistically in faith—with implications for counselling and ministering to individuals and communities who struggle with the profound disorientation of mental illness. Laura is married to Cole, who ensures that she remembers to enjoy life apart from study—spending time hiking with their dog, enjoying the company of friends and family, and looking for animals to adore wherever possible. 

  • Integration of Theology & Psychology
  • Psychopathology
  • Theories of Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Research Methods
  • Practicum 1 & 2
  • Religion & Psychology (DMin)

University of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto

Doctor of Philosophy, Systematic Theology (ABD)

Academic Supervisor: Dr. Joseph Mangina

2019

Providence Theological Seminary

Master of Arts, Counselling

2018

Providence Theological Seminary

Master of Arts, Theological Studies

2009

Peace River Bible Institute (AB)

Bachelor of Religious Education, Christian Ministries Major

2006

Present

  • Providence Theological Seminary, Faculty
  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)

Past

    • 2017-18, Providence Theological Seminary, Sessional Instructor
    • 2016-17, Ambrose Seminary (AB), Sessional Instructor
    • 2016-18, Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, Teaching Assistant
    • 2016, Ambrose University (AB), Teaching Assistant
    • 2014, Providence Theological Seminary, Teaching Assistant
    • 2006-07, Teach Beyond/Black Forest Academy (Kandern, Germany), Missionary/Resident Assistant

Professional Associations

  • Canadian American Theological Association (CATA)

Major Research Projects and Publications:

  • After Barth: Stanley Hauerwas’s Theological Programme as a Case Study in Contemporary Theological Method.Doctoral Dissertation, Wycliffe College/University of Toronto (2018).
  • “Response to ‘Babel of Rationalities: Christian Psychology, Incommensurability, and the Important Role of Empirical Research’ by Paul J. Watson.” Review published in European Movement for Christian Anthropology, Psychology and Psychotherapy (July 2015).
  • "Karl Barth and the Doctrine of Providence". Article published in Didaskalia, vol. 20 (Fall 2009).
  • Book Review of Deconstructing Theodicy by David B. Burrell. Published in Didaskalia, vol. 20 (Fall 2009).
  • “Whence this Evil?” Toward a Christological and Pastorally Minded Doctrine of Providence in Dialogue with Karl Barth.Master’s Thesis, Providence Theological Seminary: Otterburne, Manitoba (2009)

Papers Presented:

  • “How to Be Methodologically Ironic: Locating the Epistemological (Non)Foundation of Stanley Hauerwas’s Theological Discourse within the Context of his ad hoc Ethical Programme.” Presentation at the Canadian American Theological Association’s Circles of Conversation conference, in conjunction with SSHRC Congress  2019. University of  British Columbia: Vancouver, BC (June 2019).
  • “Contemporary Theological Anthropology in Barth, Hauerwas and Smith.” Seminar presentation to the Faculty of Theology, Ambrose University: Calgary, Alberta (February 27, 2017).
  • “Theological Method in Context: Engaging Barth’s Modern Theology of Revelation.” Presented at the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association’s Theologies in Context and Community, in conjunction with the 2016 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. University of Calgary: Calgary, Alberta (May 2016).
  • “Living Between the Origin and the End: Christian Anthropology and Reason for Hope.” Paper presented at the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association’s New Creation conference. Northeastern Seminary: Rochester, New York (October 2013).
  • “Postmodernity, Christianity, and the Call to Embrace: An Exploration into the Dynamics of Identity, Boundaries, and Hospitality.” Paper presented at Canadian Evangelical Theological Association’s New Voices in Theology conference. McMaster Divinity School: Hamilton, Ontario (October 2012).