Registered Psychologist & Associate Professor

Department: Counselling Services

Email: vhutchings@grenfell.mun.ca

Phone: 709 637-6234

Fax: 709 639-4123

 

Credentials

BA (Hons), Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, MUN

MA, University of Regina

PhD, University of Regina

R. Psych.  NL Psychology Board # 533

 

Profile

Originally from Corner Brook, NL (and a graduate of Grenfell) I moved away to complete my graduate studies in clinical psychology. My theoretical orientation is predominantly cognitive behavioural, meaning I look at how thoughts and behaviours affect feelings. Prior to coming to Grenfell, I worked at Dalhousie’s Counselling and Psychological Services Centre in Halifax gaining experience in the assessment and treatment of a variety of challenges that university students face (including anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, and interpersonal/relationship issues, to name a few). However, I also have experience in the public health care setting and am knowledgeable about supporting persons with a variety of acute and chronic health conditions (including persistent pain, organ failure, obesity, MSK injuries and neurological conditions, including dementia) as well as their family members. Although the majority of my time is spent working with students one-on-one, I also offer workshops, psychoeducational groups and guest lecture. I also support staff in Accessibility Centre & Education Support (ACES) reviewing documentation for students requesting accommodations.

I am cross appointed to the Psychology Program at Grenfell Campus and the Discipline of Family Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University. I am Associate Editor of the Journal of Rural Mental Health. I served as chair of the section on Rural and Northern Psychology for the Canadian Psychological Association from 2021-2026.

 

Research interests and expertise

Ethical psychological practice in rural, northern, and remote Canada; dementia and aging; suicide in seniors

 

Current research projects and grants

Hutchings, VMM, Pritchard, TR, & Barker, C. (2025). Wellness in Practice: Enhancing Psychologist Wellbeing through Virtual Rounds in Newfoundland and Labrador. SSHRC Individual Partnership Engage Grant. Principal Investigator, $25,000.

Swift-Gallant, A. and Memorial’s CIHR-IGH 2026 Summer Institute Team. (2025). Benchside Breakthroughs to Community Champions: Innovation and Implementation of Sex and Gender+ Science. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Gender and Health 2026 Summer Institute. Co-Applicant. $110,000.