Dr. John Weekes
- Ph.D. & M.S. in Clinical Psychology & Quantitative Experimental Psychology (1993), M.A. & B.A. in Experimental Psychology (1985)
Dr. John Weekes completed his B.A. and M.A. at Carleton University before pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Ohio University, followed by a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, also at Ohio University. He is currently an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University and a part-time Professor in the School of Health Studies at Algonquin College.
“Approach a professor who’s inspiring you in your courses – either before, during or after class or get out of your comfort zone and send them an email or stop by their office. Talk to them about your evolving interests and passions. Profs are always on the look out for intrinsically-motivated students who have found their passion.”
Brief description of what I do!
I am a forensic psychologist specializing in substance use health. I have enjoyed a long and diverse career specializing in both clinical and experimental psychology. I worked for the Correctional Service of Canada in a variety of roles for 30 years, then went on to a number of leadership roles with the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (Director of Research and Academics), Homewood Research Institute (Executive Director), and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (Director of Knowledge Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships). I’ve also maintained an active consultant role providing expertise to various international agencies and governments in Canada, the UK, Scandinavia and US, to name a few.
For over 32 years I’ve been an active Adjunct Research Professor in Carleton’s Psychology Department. During that time, I’ve taught and continue to teach courses in psychology as well as to continue to train and mentor future mental health specialists and human service providers. To date, I’ve trained over 80 Carleton psychology students to successfully obtain their B.A., M.A. or Ph.D. degrees and to have provided feedback, suggestions, advice and support to thousands more of Carleton’s amazing students. My students are scattered all over the globe as researchers and helpers to others with mental health and substance use health challenges.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
My biggest and most fundamental inspirations and sources of satisfaction has been in the training and mentoring of aspiring Carleton students as well as to bring my own training and experience to bear to support just one other person to have a better life and achieve wellness and well-being.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
I am a massive supporter of Carleton University and come from a proud Carleton U family. My dad attended Carleton College in the 1950’s and obtained a B.A. in History before going on to graduate work elsewhere. He was one of the University’s first Alumni Association Presidents. My mom (UofT) took the first picture of the future home of Carleton U – a sign surrounded by construction equipment and people sporting 1950’s fashions. Our son Alex completed his Honours Degree in Math at Carleton before moving on for graduate work at UofT. He is now an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Sherbrooke.
Carleton’s psychology program launched my career in a very fundamental way. During the fall of my third year (1981) I requested a meeting with Professor Nick Spanos with whom I was taking a course. I nervously asked him to supervise my honours thesis. Without hesitation his answer was clear, “Sure, John, sure” and that was it. I immediately joined his lab and was influenced by the mentorship that Nick provided as well as immersed in the large lab with the many other undergraduate and graduate students. That quick meeting in Nick’s office in the fall of 1981 set me on a pathway that I am still on all these years later. Literally. In all of the courses I teach at Carleton, I emphasize to all students the importance of connecting with faculty and I cite my own experience as a prime example of this pivotal relationship.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
Simply put: Humanism, understanding, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard for others. Working in the criminal justice system in Canada and internationally, this fundamental frame is key to assisting others to make positive changes in their lives.
Are there specific Psychology courses, professors, or experiences that stood out during your time at Carleton?
Yup – Professor Nick Spanos. My first mentor.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
Bringing my 14 years of university training (Carleton and Ohio) and my amassed professional experience to bear to help someone else have a better life.