Brice Balmer

Photo of Brice Balmer

Assistant Professor Martin Luther University College Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy Waterloo, Ontario bbalmer@luther.wlu.ca Office: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3927

Media Relations

Aonghus Kealy
Communications and Media Relations Officer
akealy@wlu.ca
(548) 889-4855

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Media Relations

Aonghus Kealy
Communications and Media Relations Officer
akealy@wlu.ca
(548) 889-4855

Lori Chalmers Morrison
Director: Integrated Communications
lchalmersmorrison@wlu.ca
(548) 889-4857

Vaness Barrasa
Director: Communications & Issues Management
vbarrasa@wlu.ca
(548) 889-3812

Brantford Campus:

Beth Gurney
Interim Senior Executive Officer
bgurney@wlu.ca
(548) 889-4199

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Bio/Research

Before retiring from my full-time faculty position in June 2019, I taught in the Master of Arts in Theology program, in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. I taught courses in multifaith; addictions; practicum for students in counselling; theodicy; group work; and community development...

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Bio/Research

Before retiring from my full-time faculty position in June 2019, I taught in the Master of Arts in Theology program, in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. I taught courses in multifaith; addictions; practicum for students in counselling; theodicy; group work; and community development. I hold a DMin in spirituality and addiction from University of St. Michael’s College; an MA in regional planning and resource development from the University of Waterloo; and an MDiv from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. I am an ordained Mennonite minister and have worked in chaplaincy for many years, especially with people who are marginalized, in Denver, Colorado, and in Kitchener, Ontario. I was a co-pastor at First Mennonite Church, in Kitchener, for 17 years.

My latest research and community work focused on multifaith collaboration in Waterloo Region as well as interfaith activities and organizations in Canada and United Kingdom.

After a significant career in chaplaincy and community ministry among marginalized urban people, I continue to reflect on my experiences and write about lessons learned as faith traditions, governments, non-profits, and community groups work toward equity, justice and peace. Of particular interest to me is social welfare and housing, especially the effects of long-term homelessness on mental health, addiction and recovery.

I have worked extensively in the field of addictions treatment and have taught courses in addiction, shame and counselling. I continue to study and write about spirituality in the area of addictions and recovery.

Research / Areas of Expertise
Poverty in Ontario.
Addiction, including integrated drug strategies, spirituality, shame, harm reduction, homelessness and trauma.
Interfaith dialogue.
Faith communities in Waterloo Region.


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