I joined the Psychology Department at Athabasca University as an Academic Coordinator in June 2002.
Prior to Athabasca University, I was a Professor at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario for 21 years, where I taught in the Developmental Services Worker program for 13 years, was seconded as a Curriculum Consultant for 3 years, and taught in the Applied Arts and General Studies department for 5 years. I had the privilege of writing / co-writing 2 reports, which became benchmarks for technological change, and developed the first on-line course at the college.
Research interests
Counselling
Cultural psychology
Decision-making / critical thinking skills
Educational credentials
Certificate, Microcomputer Applications in Education, Oakland University
M. Ed., Applied Psychology (with specialization counselling and adult education), OISE/University of Toronto
B.A., Psychology, University of Windsor
Professional affiliations
British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA)
Brandes, B. (Ed.). (2016). Introduction to counselling (2nd Custom edition). Toronto, ON: Athabasca University/Pearson Education Canada. Textbook for PSYC 388 Introduction to Counselling (C7), Athabasca University. Adapted from S. T. Gladding & K. G. Alderson. (2012). Counselling: A comprehensive profession.
Dimirsky, M., & Brandes, B. (2016, Revised). The importance of an understanding of culture to successful counselling. Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University: Authors.
Dimirsky, M., & Brandes, B. (2011). Guidance, counselling, and psychotherapy tutorial. Developed for PSYC 388 Introduction to Counselling. This interactive tutorial examines the similarities and differences between psychotherapy, counselling, and guidance.
Brandes, B. (2010). Psychology APA style (6th Edition) tutorial.
Brandes, R. (Chair), et al. (2001). A proposal for a 2-year applied arts diploma program in knowledge management studies. R&D Committee, Applied Arts and General Studies. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Authors.
Brandes, R., & Field, T. (1998). Communicating via the web: A student resource for E-MAIL and NET SURFING. A student and faculty resource [web site and print manual] for increasing e-mail and Internet skills. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Authors.
Brandes, R. (Chair), Rorai, D., Bissonnette, C., Foster, J., Nikita, P., Peltier, D., & La Douceur, J. (1995). Report on learning technologies to facilitate teaching and learning. Steering Committee on Learning Technology. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Authors.
Brandes, R. (Chair), Bissonnette, C., Nikita, P., Rorai, D., Peltier, D., & Allen, J. (1995). Report on learning technologies: Appendix I: Faculty responses to technological survey. Steering Committee on Learning Technology. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Authors.
Brandes, R. (Chair), & Rorai, D. (1995). Report on learning technologies: Appendix II: Manager responses to technological survey. Steering Committee on Learning Technology. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Authors.
Brandes, R. (1994). Education technology and partnerships: Imagine the possibilities. Discussion Paper. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Author.
Brandes, R., Martens, P., & Field, T. (1992). The effects of increased class size on health, learning and behaviour. Addendum to initiatives of the Thames Campus Faculty, Stability Task Force. Windsor, ON: St. Clair College: Author.