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Diana Coholic

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Professor, School of Social Work., Laurentian University

I obtained my Ph.D. at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia (2002), and my M.S.W. degree at the University of Toronto (1991). I am a practicing clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. At Laurentian University, I am a core member of the research centre ECHO - Evaluating Children's Health Outcomes, and the SSHRC Leader (3-year term).

My research investigates the effectiveness of arts-based mindfulness group work for the improvement of resilience and self-concept particularly in marginalized children and youth. The 12-week arts-based mindfulness group program we have developed is called Holistic Arts-Based Program (HAP). Currently, we are studying HAP with youth aged 11-17 years old who are experiencing challenges with schooling. HAP helps youth improve their mood and self-esteem, and develop better coping skills and relationships through the enjoyable experience of creative group work. A session-by-session outline of HAP can be found in my recent book: Facilitating Mindfulness - A Guide for Human Service Professionals.

Experience

  • 2001–present
    Professor , Laurentian University

Education

  • 2002 
    University of New South Wales , Ph.D. (social work)
  • 1991 
    University of Toronto, MSW
  • 1989 
    University of Guelph, BA (psychology)

Publications

  • 2019
    Coholic, D., Dano, K., Sindori, S., & Eys, M. (Feb 4, 2019). Group work in mindfulness-based interventions with youth: A scoping review [Special issue]. Social Work with Groups. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2019.1571764,
  • 2019
    Coholic, D., Schinke, R., Oghene, O., Dano, K., Jago, M., McAlister, H., & Grynspan, P. (Feb 12, 2019). Arts-based interventions for youth with mental health challenges. Journal of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017319828864,
  • 2019
    Coholic, D. (2019). Facilitating Mindfulness: A Guide for Human Service Professionals. Whitby, ON: Northrose Educational Resources. ,
  • 2018
    Coholic, D., Eys, M., McAlister, H., Sugeng, S., & Smith, D. (2018). A Mixed Method Pilot Study Exploring the Benefits of an Arts-Based Mindfulness Group Intervention with Adults Experiencing Anxiety and Depression. Social Work in Mental Health, 16 (5), 556-572. doi: 10.1080/15332985.2018.1449774,
  • 2016
    Coholic, D., & Eys, M. (2016). Benefits of an arts-based mindfulness group intervention for vulnerable children. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 33 (1), 1-13. doi:10.1007/s10560-015-0431-3. ,

Grants and Contracts

  • 2016
    Investigating the Benefits and Effectiveness of an Arts-Based Mindfulness Group Program for Vulnerable Youth Experiencing Challenges with Schooling
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada