Awards of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's 2013 Annual Conference.

Epidemiologic research shows a growing trend of yoga and meditation practice amongst children and adolescents. Furthermore, the use of yogic practice to treat mental health problems is common. While many are advised to pursue instruction in yoga by a physician or therapist there is little formal training about yoga or meditation for mental health professionals. In order to better understand the potential use of yoga in mental illness, one must understand the principles of yoga and how this fits into our current approaches to defining and treating mental illness. As with many psychotherapeutic modalities, the goal of yoga is to better know oneself; yogic practice offers a RECOGnITIOn AwARDS variety of approaches to greater self-awareness. From a theoretical standpoint, yoga offers a concept of mind and psychological processes, which provides a framework for psychotherapy and interfaces with both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Relating to psychodynamic theory, yoga outlines a process of long-term psychological development, involving attachment and separationindividuation. Yogic theory also includes a structural model of the mind and psychological processes. From a cognitivebehavioral standpoint, yoga emphasizes the interrelationships between one’s emotions, thoughts, bodily sensations and behavior. By calming the mind through yoga, one seeks to reduce distortions and achieve more balanced thinking. Yoga emphasizes the use of both behavioral and cognitive approaches, with a host of tools, including breathing techniques, relaxation, physical postures and meditation. Preliminary research into the use of yoga for the treatment of anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders is promising. Paul Steinhauer Advocacy Award Awarded this year to Dr. Wade Junek, this award is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Paul Steinhauer and is presented to a member of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry who has been an exceptional advocate for children, adolescents and their families at the regional, national, and international level. Dr. Wade Junek is a graduate of medicine, psychiatry and child and adolescent training from Queen’s University at Kingston Ontario. Early work in Canada’s prisons left him a lifelong legacy of the importance of childhood as a foundation for society. Most of his career has been in Nova Scotia as a child and adolescent psychiatrist with community clinics, day treatment services and 12 years as founding Director and Consultant for child and adolescent mental health services in the province of Nova Scotia. He has sought to advance the interests of child mental health within the province through federal, provincial/territorial work, contacts with the Mental Health Commission and any opportunities possible through presentations in Canada and Australia. Given the clearer knowledge currently on how the mental experiences of children profoundly influence all aspects of the physical and mental health of adults and our society, Dr. Junek continues to advocate that the mental health of children be the first priority in health care. Excellence in Education Award The Excellence in Education Award is presented to a psychiatric educator who has made a significant contribution in undergraduate, postgraduate, continuing professional education or public education in child and adolescent mental health. This year’s recipient is Dr. Herb Orlik. Dr. Orlik has been an educational leader in child and adolescent psychiatry in Canada for the past four decades.