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The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Counselling Psychology (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselling Psychology offered by the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology in the Faculty of Education is a research-intensive program that emphasizes challenging and innovative learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature review, critical thinking, and communication to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Keywords: research, psychotherapy, clinical training, assessment, intervention, diversity.

Unique Program Features

  • The program is built on the scientist-practitioner model;
  • The program is currently accredited by the Quebec Order of Psychologists (OPQ) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA);
  • Graduates will be prepared to assume careers in education and community settings, including faculty positions, counselling and psychological positions on the staff of university and college mental health centres, and professional positions in psychological agencies offering preventative mental health services.

University-Level Admission Requirements

  • An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
  • English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Counselling Psychology website

Department Contact

Graduate Program counsellingpsych.education [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Counselling%20Psychology) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

  • Application Steps webpage
  • Submit Your Application webpage
  • Connecting with a supervisor webpage
  • Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

phd counselling psychology canada

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

PhD in Counselling & Clinical Psychology

Field: clinical & counselling psychology.

This program develops your research and theoretical knowledge in counselling and clinical psychology, and provides you with assessment skills, and knowledge in training in a range of professional issues. It also prepares you to apply for registration as a Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).

Designed for practicing professionals, the flexible-time PhD option enables students to continue working while pursuing their studies. Flexible-time students are self-funded. Learn more .

OISE offers a OISE Graduate Funding Package to students in their first four years of a PhD program, excluding the flexible-time PhD.

OISE's Graduate Funding Package covers the cost of tuition, and helps offset other living expenses. Last year, awards averaged around $25,000 per eligible student.

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Counselling Psychology (PhD)

All programs Faculty of Education

Length of program

Mode of delivery, program consists of:.

Admission information

Application deadlines

Scholarships

Program description

The program is designed around rigorous adherence to accreditation standards, and current ethical professional practice. Students are prepared to work with diverse populations and settings as a registered psychologist/professional counsellor, and as a researcher in the field.

The program consists of required courses, including Practicum and Internship, as well as a Comprehensive Examination, a doctoral Thesis, and a doctoral Thesis Oral Defence. The program is designed to be completed in four years. Courses are completed as a cohort on campus.

In this program you will

  • demonstrate critical understanding of counselling theory, research and practice through academically rigorous verbal and written communication
  • establish competence in planning, conducting, evaluating and disseminating counselling psychology research
  • acquire and demonstrate competency in case conceptualization, assessment and interventions required for practice as a registered psychologist or professional counsellor
  • understand and demonstrate ethical and legal standards, ethical reasoning, standards of practice, and professional conduct in counselling psychology
  • show understanding of the role of diversity in all areas of counselling psychology research and practice
  • understand and contribute to research-based scholarship that informs counselling practice

Program Schedule

Other concentrations in the PhD in Education include Formal and Distributive Leadership; and Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum.

Additional information

Additional scholarships.

Refer to the  Faculty of Education  webpage for additional information related to financial assistance and scholarships for the PhD in Education program.

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Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program is designed to educate counselling psychologists as researchers, practitioners, and educators. The focus of the program is on developing doctoral level competence in research, counselling theory and counselling skills. In exceptional circumstances, up to 15 credits of coursework may be waived in recognition of previous coursework. The program involves completion of 51 credits of coursework, theory and specialty comprehensive examinations, a 1600 hour internship and a dissertation meeting Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies requirements. In order for students to meet deadlines for comprehensive examinations and candidacy, the department requires students to be engaged in full time study prior to advancement to candidacy.

Our Doctoral Program follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists; students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists. Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills.

Students will be prepared for careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators in a wide variety of settings including academic, clinical, community, business, private practice, and research. Our graduates hold positions such as staff psychologist, research manager, professor, director, department head, clinical counsellor, vocational rehabilitation consultant, team leader, behavioural consultant, group facilitator, and psychoanalyst.

An indicator of the quality of education is accreditation by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).  Learn more about Counselling Psychology’s accreditation.

Criminal Record Checks

Students admitted to our Master’s and Doctoral programs are required to provide a criminal record clearance prior to taking CNPS 588 – Supervised Clinical Experience in Counselling. The CRC application instruction will be sent out to student later on in the program.

Learn more information about Criminal Record Checks .

Doctoral Student Handbook

Critical information for students, including program requirements, relevant policies, and graduate student information are found in this CNPS Doctoral Handbook

Some handbook information includes:

  • Course Requirements
  • Criminal Record Check
  • Research & Research Supervision
  • Clinical Comprehensive Examination
  • Specialty Comprehensive Examination
  • Fellowships, Financial Assistance, and Travel Funds

Access CNPS Doctoral Handbook

Counselling Psychology Student Association :  https://blogs.ubc.ca/cpsaubc/about/

Canadian Graduate Programs

In order to become certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, you must hold a Master’s degree in counselling or a related professional field and meet the CCPA’s certification criteria .

For your convenience, CCPA has put together a list of Masters-level counselling and counselling-related programs.

Please note that these links are provided as a resource to help you in your search; CCPA does not guarantee certification following the completion of any of these programs and it’s your responsibility to be sure that you meet the requirements for certification. However, please note that graduates from programs accredited by CCPA’s Council on Accreditation of Counsellor Education Programs (CACEP) are eligible to be considered for fast-tracked certification procedures. These lists are not exhaustive. The information is valid as of May 18th, 2017 and may have changed since then.

Masters-Level Programs in Counselling

British columbia, saskatchewan, new brunswick, newfoundland, nova scotia.

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On average, it takes four to five years to complete the PhD program (after the MA) and requires full-time academic year residency until the attainment of candidacy.

At least 12 credits of coursework are required, and the details of required courses vary by research area. In addition to courses, doctoral students are required to complete a comprehensive examination and a dissertation. Students in the Clinical Program are, in addition, required to complete a year-long accredited clinical internship.

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phd counselling psychology canada

School of Graduate Studies

Counselling psychology, program overview.

The Counselling Psychology program is offered by the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), leading to the Master of Education (MEd) and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees.

There are three fields:

  • Counselling and Psychotherapy (MEd, EdD)
  • Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology​ (MEd)
  • Guidance and Counselling (MEd)

In the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy, the MEd program provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop counselling skills appropriate for a variety of work settings. Students are encouraged to develop their courses and practicum learning experiences to suit their own goals. Examples of the types of goals for which suitable programs of study could be developed are adult counselling and psychotherapy, college and university counselling centres, career counselling, geriatrics counselling, multicultural counselling, and community mental health and family life centres. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Counsellor training in the EdD program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in the educational system, the acquisition of effective supervisory and consultative skills, and the development and assessment of student counselling services in addition to the advanced study of counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of educational counselling; as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling to school, college, and related populations. This option will be especially attractive to individuals who have demonstrated a career commitment to the provision of counselling services in an educational and community setting.

In the field of Guidance and Counselling, the MEd program helps meet the need for well-prepared practitioners in the field of guidance and counselling in the schools. Therefore, strong preference for admission to this degree program is given to experienced teachers who are interested in specializing in guidance and counselling in the schools. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Quick Facts

Master of education, program description.

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy , within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for counselling individuals across a variety of work settings. Students are encouraged to tailor their courses and practicum learning experiences to meet their particular learning goals. Examples of the types of goals for which suitable programs of study could be developed include counselling and psychotherapy with adults, college and university students, or older adults: career counselling; counselling with diverse clients; and counselling and psychotherapy in community mental health and family service settings. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

An appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

At least one year of relevant counselling-related experience.

Two letters of reference.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

APD1202H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part I (0.5 FCE).

APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (1.0 FCE). The practicum placement is the supervised training component of this course.

APD1214H Critical Multicultural Practice: Diversity Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE; corequisites: APD1202H and APD1302H).

APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1260H Family Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD1261H Group Work in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1302H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part II (0.5 FCE).

1.5 FCEs in electives. Recommended electives: one of

APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE),

APD1267H Emotion-Focused Therapy (0.5 FCE),

APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood (0.5 FCE),

APD1278H Cognitive Therapy (0.5 FCE).

A comprehensive examination . Upon completion of program course requirements, students must pass a written comprehensive exam of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

Optional additional practicum, counted as one of the electives. Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy ) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course (APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy ). Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W); 10 sessions part-time

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

The field in Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology , within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for the field of mental health and counselling psychology in international contexts. Students will be prepared to work in a variety of global applied settings with a focus on mental health. This degree program is ideally suited to students interested in an international perspective of mental health and counselling. This degree is cohort based and is offered full-time only.

An appropriate bachelor's degree, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

Normally, an interview is required prior to admission.

APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1228H Couples Counselling (0.5 FCE).

APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (0.5 FCE).

APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health (0.5 FCE).

APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context (0.5 FCE).

APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research (0.5 FCE).

APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master's Level (0.5 FCE).

In consultation with the program chair, students will take APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood , APD1291H Addictive Behaviours: Approaches to Assessment and Intervention , or another elective.

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F)

3 years full-time

1) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Medicine (China Medical University)

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Medicine (MMed) in Psychiatry and Mental Health programs.

In Year 1, students complete MMed coursework at CMU in Liaoning Province, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MMed coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at CMU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Students will gain both degrees in three years rather than the four years it would take to acquire the degrees independently.

Master of Education / Master of Medicine Program Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Education Program Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto Email: [email protected]

Master of Medicine Program Department of Medical Psychology and Mental Health, China Medical University Email: [email protected]

Application Process

  • Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Medical Psychology and Mental Health at CMU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

In order to be admitted to the dual degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs. The admission requirements of the GMHCP field within the MEd program are stated below.

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto as well as the specific requirements of the MEd program.

An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a standing in the final year equivalent to at least a U of T B+.

At least one year of relevant counselling experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

Normally, an interview is required prior to admission to the MEd program.

During their U of T registration in the GMHCP field within the MEd program, students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) .

Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MMed courses at CMU.

Students complete the following Year 2 MEd courses at U of T.

Fall session (1.5 FCEs):

APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology .

APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context .

​Winter session (2.0 FCEs):

​ APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy .

APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy .

APD1278H Cognitive Therapy .

APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research .

May-to-June period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

APD1228H Couples Counselling .

July-to-August period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master’s Level .

Fall session (0.5 FCE):

Complete the U of T MEd course APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health . This is a 250-hour placement in an approved field setting and must be arranged prior to admission to this program.

Continue the MMed program requirements at CMU.

Winter and Summer sessions:

Complete the MMed program requirements at CMU.

9 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S/F/W/S)

2) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Science (China Medical University)

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Psychology programs.

In Year 1, students complete MSc coursework at CMU in Liaoning Province, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MSc coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at CMU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Master of Education / Master of Science Program Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Science Program Department of Applied Psychology, China Medical University Email: [email protected]

  • Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Applied Psychology at CMU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

At least one year of relevant experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MSc courses at CMU.

Continue the MSc program requirements at CMU.

Complete the MSc program requirements at CMU.

3) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Applied Psychology (Zhejiang University)

Admissions to this dual degree program have been administratively suspended for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and Zhejiang University (ZJU)'s Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programs.

In Year 1, students complete MAP coursework at ZJU in Hangzhou, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MAP coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at ZJU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Master of Applied Psychology Program Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Zhejiang University Email: [email protected]

  • Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science at ZJU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MAP courses at ZJU.

Continue the MAP program requirements at ZJU.

Complete the MAP program requirements at ZJU.

The field in Guidance and Counselling , within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for the field of guidance and counselling in the schools. Strong preference for admission to this field is given to experienced teachers who are interested in specializing in guidance and counselling in the schools. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

Teacher certification.

APD1262H Educational Psychological Testing for Counselling (0.5 FCE).

APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE).

0.5 FCE in electives.

A comprehensive examination . Upon completion of program course requirements, students will take a comprehensive examination of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

Optional additional practicum . Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy ) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy . Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Doctor of Education

Advanced counsellor training in this degree program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in educational and community settings with expertise in supervisory and consultative skills and advanced counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of counselling and psychotherapy as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school and college personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling in community and educational settings.

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy will be especially attractive to individuals who have demonstrated a career commitment to the provision of counselling-related services in an educational and community setting. This professional doctorate is designed to prepare students to refine and build on professional knowledge and practice to support the development of scholar-practitioners to be leaders in their fields of professional practice.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is only available on a full-time basis.

Applicants must have the following to be admitted to the EdD program:

A bachelor's degree : an appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline from a recognized university, with high academic standing.

A master's degree : an MA or MEd degree in Counselling Psychology or School and/or Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Toronto with a grade of B+ or better, or its equivalent from a recognized university. The applicant must have had successful professional experience and interest to increase and advance their knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy to become leaders in their fields. Applicants who hold an MEd or other non-thesis master's degree must submit evidence of their ability to identify a research question or problem, to design and conduct a research study or project, and to report the findings or results, all in a rigorous manner. This constitutes a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP).

Coursework. Students must take courses related to the development of advanced competence in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health theory and practice and become sophisticated consumers of research in these and related fields. Students must complete a minimum of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including a practicum, internship, and thesis (dissertation in practice) as follows:

APD3115H + Research Proseminar in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD3215H Advanced Psychotherapy Seminar (0.5 FCE).

APD3261H + Clinical Supervision and Consultation Practicum (0.5 FCE).

APD3217Y + Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit): complete a 500-hour practicum before the Final Oral Examination.

APD3270H 0 EdD Internship (0.5 FCE): complete 500 hours of internship, typically after the Final Oral Examination. All internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training.

Three courses, one from each of the following three groupings:

APD3116H Proseminar ll: Practice-Based Research in School and Counselling Psychology

APD3178H Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD3160H Advanced Family Therapy (0.5 FCE)

APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems (0.5 FCE) or one elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE).

In addition, students must take 1.0 FCE in their specific area of focus .

Option 1: Counselling and Psychotherapy for Adults

APD3163H Advanced Multicultural Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE)

One elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE)

Option 2: Counselling and Psychotherapy for Schools and Youth

APD5284Y Assessment and Intervention with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (1.0 FCE).

Optional additional practicum. Students may choose to take an optional continuous practicum (APD3271H 0 Additional PhD Practicum ) in conjunction with the required doctoral practicum course APD3217Y + Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit).

Thesis (dissertation in practice). All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be: a) well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health practice; b) involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice; c) exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and; d) has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

Students are full-time and must maintain continuous, full-time registration and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.

Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

4 years full-time

6 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Counsellor training in this degree program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in educational and community settings with the goal of enhancing their expertise in their professional roles including supervisory and consultative skills and the advanced study of counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of counselling and psychotherapy; as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school and college personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling in community and educational settings.

The field in School Psychology will be especially attractive to practitioners providing direct services to children and youth in the education system (K-12) and will provide school psychology practitioners with core theoretical and practical training needed to develop research-informed leaders in the field of school psychology. The program is structured to provide students with the requirements necessary for registration as a School Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Applicants must demonstrate either undergraduate- or graduate-level competence in each of the five core content areas of psychology: 1) Biological Bases of Behaviour; 2) Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behaviour; 3) Historical and Scientific Foundations of Psychology; 4) Scientific and Professional Ethics (graduate level); and 5) Social Bases of Behaviour, by successful completion of

1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) at the second-, third-, or fourth-year undergraduate level or

0.5 FCE at the graduate level.

If the above requirements are not met, students must take additional courses to ensure they have completed the above requirements by the end of their program.

APD3401H Assessment with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (0.5 FCE).

APD3402H Intervention with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (0.5 FCE).

APD3403H 0 EdD Internship in School Psychology (0.5 FCE): complete 1,600 hours of internship, typically after the Final Oral Examination. All internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training.

APD3116H Proseminar ll: Practice-Based Research in School and Counselling Psychology.

APD3178H Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD3160H Advanced Family Therapy (0.5 FCE).

APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems (0.5 FCE) or one elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE).​

Thesis (dissertation in practice). All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling or school psychology theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or children/youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be: a) well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health or school psychology practice; b) involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice; c) exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and; d) has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

Diana Burchell

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Master of Arts, Master of Education

Application & Tuition

Interested in becoming a counsellor? We designed the Counselling Psychology program to prepare you for a career as a professional counsellor in the community or an educational setting, such as a school or university.

On This Page ↓

Program Overview Program Design & Courses Locations Faculty Future Pathways Student Experiences Information Sessions Contact

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Designed for.

Those wishing to pursue a career as a professional counsellor in community and educational settings.

Become a B.C. K-12 School Counsellor

All school counselors in the B.C. public school system are qualified teachers.  After achieving certification as a teacher and gaining experience in the classroom, the next step is to pursue a Master’s degree in counselling psychology. If you are already a teacher, see the  Admission Requirements  page.

Become a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) or a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

Our graduates successfully seek certification by the  Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association  as Certified Canadian Counsellors or by the  B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors  as a Registered Clinical Counsellors.  More information about certification by these professional associations can be found on their websites.

Program Structure

  • Complete an MEd or an MA (with faculty approval)
  • In-person classes typically held at the Surrey or Burnaby campus
  • Clinic-based courses at the SFU Surrey Counselling Centre
  • Designed for working professionals with classes held in the late afternoon/early evening

Intake Schedule

This program typically accepts applications on an annual basis.

Next Start Terms Fall 2023 (applications closed) Fall 2024

PROGRAM DESIGN & COURSES

Program design.

The Counselling Psychology MA and MEd programs are highly sequenced, with almost all courses offered only once per year.  The program structure and sequence is guided by two key principles:

  • Effective counselling practice is guided by coherent theoretical frameworks, a working knowledge of assessment procedures, and a keen awareness of ethical principles and issues. 
  • Counselling skills and strategies are best learned through a series of structured experiences that allow students to refine their skills while becoming increasingly independent and confident in their clinical skills and judgment.  

Graduates find rewarding careers providing counselling services (individual, group, personal, and career counselling and psycho-educational services) to adults and children in a variety of settings (e.g., public schools, university and college counselling centres, community-organizations). Graduates are eligible to register with the  Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) , and/or the  British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) .

Both our Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Education (MEd) degrees are suitable for students who wish to practice counselling in various professional settings.

Our MA is suited for those who wish to conduct original research (in the form of a thesis) as part of their graduate studies. Students who are interested in pursuing a PhD in Counselling Psychology should consider the MA degree because most doctoral programs include a dissertation and accept applicants who have completed a thesis at the Masters level. In order to support a student's research for their thesis, an additional course in research is required. Students in the MA program may complete their Counselling Practicum in a wide range of professional settings.

Our MEd degree requires the completion of a comprehensive examination covering professional practice and ethics in counselling and a required course on counselling in educational settings. Students in the MEd program may also complete their Counselling Practicum in a wide range of professional settings.

Note: In order to be a school counsellor within the B.C. K-12 system, you must have a B.C. teaching qualification.

Employers typically make no distinction between the MA and the MEd when hiring counsellors.   The MA and the MEd require the same time to complete and require the same amount of work on the part of students. Students in the MA and MEd take similar courses from the same instructors, and classes are often blended with both groups of students.

Key features of MEd and MA programs

Both the MA and the MEd provide the same amount and quality of clinical training.  Students in both programs complete their first supervised counselling experience (the Supervised Clinic courses) together at the   SFU Surrey Counselling Centre (SCC) . 

The  SFU SCC  is the training centre associated with the program.  While at the centre, students provide counselling, under close supervision by program faculty, to a small number of clients (ranging from elementary school aged children through adults, depending on students’ interests and experience). Upon successful completion of the two terms of clinics, students in both versions of the program then complete two terms of counselling practicum. 

During the practicum terms ,  MA and MEd students spend 2-3 days per week at a practicum site (e.g., community counselling agency, public school, college or university counselling centre) and attend a weekly evening seminar together on campus.

Schedule & Courses

You can complete the program in two calendar years and two terms (a minimum of eight terms).

The program begins with courses which help students to develop in-depth understandings of theories of counselling and become familiar with assessment procedures. This is followed by a practical component of Counselling Psychology training ( EDUC 874) in which students learn and practice advanced counselling skills with peers while receiving detailed feedback from program faculty.  Students also usually take a course in ethics, and may take other required or elective courses.

Year 1: Fall

Educ 862-3 individual assessment in counselling.

Assessment procedures used in educational and community counselling settings, including intake assessment, case conceptualization, observational procedures, diagnostic categories, ethics, bias and multicultural and diversity issues. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 870-3 THEORIES OF COUNSELLING

Students examine analytic, phenomenological, existential, behavioral and cognitive approaches to counselling, and the philosophical and personality theories upon which they are based. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Year 1: Spring

Educ 874-5 counselling skills and strategies.

Counselling skills and strategies are analysed, practiced, and critically examined. Counsellor decision-making, counselling effectiveness, and professionalism in counselling are also considered. Prerequisite: EDUC 870.

EDUC 872-3 ETHICS IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY

Issues related to foundational ethical principles and systems, professional and legal standards for counselling psychology, review of ethics codes, ethical decision-making, and other topics including professional boundaries, competence, service across cultures, social justice, consulting and private practice, and ethical guidelines around evaluation, assessment, supervision, and research.

Year 1: Summer

Educ 877-4 contemporary school counselling.

An examination of contemporary approaches to school counselling. Program development, consultation skills, counselling interventions in school counselling are considered.

This is a core course for MEd students.

MA students are encouraged to begin exploring thesis ideas and meeting with their senior supervisor to discuss research ideas as early as possible in the program.

Students usually complete two supervised counselling clinics ( EDUC 799 and EDUC 800 ) at the SFU Surrey Counselling Centre , where they participate in their first supervised clinical experience. While at the Centre, students see a small number of clients under very close supervision. Supervisors are able to watch students conduct counselling sessions, join students in their sessions with clients, and review recordings of students’ counselling sessions. In addition to the Supervised Clinic courses, students also complete other required or elective courses.

Year 2: Fall

Educ 799-3 supervised counselling clinic i.

An initial clinical course where students develop their basic and beginning counselling skills and increase their conceptual understanding of theoretical perspectives of counselling through practice, including counselling processes and case conceptualizations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 870, 874. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 864-5 RESEARCH DESIGNS IN EDUCATION

Designing and interpreting research about education. Introduction to survey techniques, correlational designs, classic experimental and evaluation designs for investigating causal relations, case study methods, interpretive approaches to research. Students with credit for EDUC 814 may not take this course for further credit. Equivalent Courses: EDUC 814. EDUC 864 is sometimes offered in other terms and may be completed in a different term or year if this works with program requirements and the student's schedule.

EDUC 873-3* CAREER COUNSELLING MA/MED STUDENTS COMPLETE ONE OF EDUC 871 OR EDUC 873.

An examination of contemporary approaches to career counselling. * This elective availability may change from year to year.

Year 2: Spring

Educ 800-3 supervised counselling clinic ii.

An advanced clinical courses where students further develop their counselling skills and increase their conceptual understanding of theoretical perspectives of counselling through practice, including counselling processes and case conceptualizations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 799. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 878-5 GROUP COUNSELLING

An examination of contemporary approaches to group counselling. Students with credit for EDUC 720 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: EDUC 874.

Year 2: Summer

Educ 871-3* family counselling ma, med students complete one of educ 871 or educ 873.

Students discuss models of family dynamics and instructional interventions applicable by school personnel in family counselling interactions. Concepts and techniques will be explicated through discussion and simulation. Prerequisite: EDUC 870. * This elective availablility may change from year to year.

MA students: Continued discussions with your thesis supervisor; completion of thesis proposal; ethics approval for thesis research. Data collection usually begins before the end of 2nd year.

In Year 2, MA and MEd students secure practicum placements for the fall & spring of Year 3. Placements begin in January and are completed in June. The first practicum will begin in September, and the second in January the following year.

All MA and MEd students complete their culminating supervised clinical experience: 2 practicum terms (September through April). During the practicums, students are placed in a community-based social service agency, a public school, or a university or college counselling centre where they see clients under the supervision of an on-site supervisor. The on-site supervisor is a fully qualified counsellor who works at the practicum site. Supervision during the practicum is based on supervisors and students reviewing recordings of the students’ counselling sessions and discussing sessions and cases. Students also attend an on-campus seminar (led by a faculty member from the program) with other students in the practicum. The seminar includes group supervision and case consultation. In addition, MEd students are required to register in the comprehensive exam course (EDUC 883) in their final term. Typically students complete all remaining degree requirements (course work, comprehensive examination, thesis examination) during this period.

Year 3: Fall

Educ 801-1.5 counselling practicum i.

Supervised clinical experience for students enrolled in the MEd or MA Counselling Psychology Program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 800. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Year 3: Spring

Educ 802-1.5 counselling practicum ii.

Advanced supervised clinical experience for students enrolled in the MEd or MA Counselling Psychology Program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 801. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 883-5 MED COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

The examination is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Year 3: Summer

Educ 898-10 master's thesis.

The thesis is a research investigation designed to generate and/or examine critically new knowledge in the theory and/or practice of education. The thesis should normally be completed and approved in three terms. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

MEd students prepare for and complete the Comprehensive Examination in the final term.

MA students continue to work on their thesis throughout Year 3. Upon completion of the thesis to the satisfaction of the supervisory committee (8th term or later), MA students proceed to a Thesis Examination .

At SFU, campus life is rich with opportunities to engage with people, ideas and activities that contribute to personal development and a better world.

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Perched atop Burnaby Mountain, Simon Fraser University's original Arthur Erickson-designed campus includes more than three dozen academic buildings and a flourishing sustainable residential community.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Burnaby is located.

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Our Surrey campus is a vibrant community hub in the heart of one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. With easy access to transit, the modern campus is conveniently situated between Metro Vancouver and communities south of the Fraser River.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories, including the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations, on which SFU Surrey is located.

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SFU Surrey Community Counselling Centre

All counselling is provided by Counsellor Trainees in the SFU Master's program in Counselling Psychology under the close supervision of the program’s instructional team.

Learn more about the SFU Surrey Community Counselling Centre

Faculty members are recognized for their work in developing, advancing and enacting knowledge that makes a difference in public education. We follow a rigorous research program to investigate theory and provide innovative leadership in issues of educational pedagogy.

Counselling Psychology Faculty

  • Sharalyn Jordan
  • Masahiro Minami
  • Patricia Nitkin
  • Gillian Diane Smith
  • Krista Socholotiuk

Faculty who also provide senior supervision for MA thesis work in Counselling Psychology:

  • Heesoon Bai
  • Elina Birmingham

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Where can this program take you? The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.

Occupations

Graduates find rewarding careers providing individual, group, personal, and career counselling and psycho-educational counselling services to adults and children in a variety of settings, including:

  • Public schools
  • University and college counselling centres
  • Community-organizations

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Meet some Counselling Psychology MEd/MA students and alumni.

May 11, 2023

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August 31, 2022

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The newly designed Surrey Community Counselling location at SFU's Surrey Campus is enabling the dedicated staff, faculty, and students to reach even more lives through accessible, free, and clinically sound mental health care.

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"My time at the Faculty of Education changed my life, partly by facilitating my recognition of new competencies and interests within myself."

"I chose the Counseling Psychology Program within the Faculty of Education at SFU because of the high quality of instruction and training I would receive."

Cheryl Inkster , 2017 Graduate

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Curious to know more about the program?

Learn more about counselling psychology

View pre-requisites

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

View all information sessions

Previous Information Sessions

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phd counselling psychology canada

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)
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Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

Counselling Psychology (CNPS) offers a Master of Arts Program that is accredited by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.  Our masters CNPS programs allow students to focus on one of the four areas for which we have accreditation.

  • Community and Agency Counselling
  • Counselling in Higher Education
  • School Counselling

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

As someone interested in pursuing a PhD, a large part of what drew me to this program was the revered team of faculty members and their research interests and projects. The Counselling Psychology program at UBC is one of the best in the country and I was certain it would set me up for success as a researcher and as a clinician.

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Halina Deptuck

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

  • Canada or the United States
  • International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is required by all applicants.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)

Criminal record check, citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

  • Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

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This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

  • Bedi, Robinder (Counselling psychology; Investigating counselling and psychotherapy as Western cultural healing practices; Counselling psychology disciplinary and professional issues in Canada; Heterodox issues in counselling psychology that challenge its dominant narratives and sacred ideas; Counselling/psychotherapy/mental health with Punjabi/Sikh individuals; Neglected topics in the Psychology of Men and Masculinity)
  • Borgen, William (Career Counselling, Career/life transitions, Developmental approaches to counselling, Group counselling)
  • Buchanan, Marla (Counsellor Stress, Narrative Inquiry, School Counselling, Traumatic Stress)
  • Cox, Daniel (Counselling psychology; Motivations and Emotions; Anxiety; depression; Mental Health and Society; stress; Suicide)
  • Haverkamp, Beth (Counselling Process Research, Ethics and Professional Issues, Research Design)
  • Hubley, Anita (Psychological and health measurement; test development and validation; adult neuropsychological, personality, and mental health topics and assessment; research with general community and vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly, homeless, drug addicted))
  • Miller, Kenneth (Mindfulness and its incorporation into mental health interventions in settings of adversity, Development of culturally grounded assessment and evaluation tools, The use of mixed-methods in intervention development and evaluation research)
  • Park, CJ (Vocational psychology; Career counseling; diversity and social justice; critical consciousness; international and cross-cultural psychology; interventions)
  • Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne

Sample Thesis Submissions

  • Navigating abortion in adolescence : a narrative exploration of experiences and counselling perspectives
  • Examining the relationships between causal beliefs, colonial mentality, treatment credibility, and help-seeking intentions among Filipinos
  • Studying effects of a web-based “bridge building” intervention
  • Relational constructs and suicidal-crisis outcomes : examining trajectories of connectedness, disconnectedness, and burdensomeness
  • Narratives of coping among international students during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Mapping millennials' experiences of successful career change : helping and hindering factors
  • Changes in acute substance use patterns following traumatic event exposure in a marginalized population : an exploratory study
  • Restricted entry : do Punjabi Sikhs have equal immediate access to counselling and psychotherapy services?
  • The lived experience of infant bonding in mothers with mental health and substance use problems in a supportive environment
  • The duality of loyalty : confirmatory factor analysis of the multidimensional interpersonal loyalty inventory
  • Recognizing mental health issues in higher education career service sessions
  • Canadian lean sports coaches’ role in eating disorders of female athletes
  • Linguistic synchrony : indicator or facilitator of therapeutic bond
  • Feeling pressured to talk about trauma : how pressure to disclose alters the association between trauma disclosure and posttraumatic growth
  • A narrative study of trauma-informed programs in an early elementary education setting

Related Programs

Same specialization.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
  • Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (MEd)

Same Academic Unit

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (PhD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD)
  • Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility (GCOM)
  • Master of Arts in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MA)
  • Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MA)
  • Master of Arts in School and Applied Child Psychology (MA)
  • Master of Arts in Special Education (MA)
  • Master of Education in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MEd)
  • Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MEd)
  • Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology (MEd)
  • Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Further Information

Specialization.

Programs of research reflect the core values and foci of the discipline of Counselling Psychology: career development, health and wellness, indigenous healing, gender and cultural diversity, disability, and social justice issues. Faculty members are involved in a wide range of research activities including intercultural counselling, First Nations counselling, career development and counselling, stress and coping, sexuality and reproductive health, disabilities, trauma, working with families and children in school settings, prevention of anxiety disorders, and empirically supported approaches utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

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  6. Online Doctorate in Psychology Degrees in Canada 2024+

    phd counselling psychology canada

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  1. PhD in Counselling Psychology

    The program is built on the scientist-practitioner model. It is currently accredited by the Quebec Order of Psychologists (OPQ) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). The PhD program aims to develop graduates who: Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of counselling psychology. Practice from a strong evidence base.

  2. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

    The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling ...

  3. Counselling Psychology

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Thesis-based program. Minimum education. A thesis-based Master's degree in Counselling Psychology or equivalent, including 500 yours of practicum with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist; one senior undergraduate or one graduate course in the historical and scientific foundations of ...

  4. PhD in Counselling Psychology

    In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, entry requirements for the PhD in Counselling Psychology include: a) A completed thesis-based master's degree in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent) from an approved university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in the master's program, including 500 hours of practicum, with a minimum of 400 hours (200 ...

  5. Counselling Psychology (PhD)

    PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees. ... The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselling Psychology offered by the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology in the Faculty of Education is a research-intensive program that emphasizes ...

  6. PhD in Counselling & Clinical Psychology

    This program develops your research and theoretical knowledge in counselling and clinical psychology, and provides you with assessment skills, and knowledge in training in a range of professional issues. It also prepares you to apply for registration as a Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Study options.

  7. Counselling Psychology (PhD)

    The program is designed to be completed in four years. Courses are completed as a cohort on campus. In this program you will. demonstrate critical understanding of counselling theory, research and practice through academically rigorous verbal and written communication. establish competence in planning, conducting, evaluating and disseminating ...

  8. Doctoral Program

    The objectives of the Doctoral program are: (1) the scientific development of knowledge in counselling psychology; (2) the scientific application of psychological knowledge to counselling practice; (3) the promotion of ethical behavior; and (4) the understanding of and respect for human diversity. These objectives are accomplished via research ...

  9. Ph.D. Program

    Ph.D. Program. The Ph.D. program is designed to educate counselling psychologists as researchers, practitioners, and educators. The focus of the program is on developing doctoral level competence in research, counselling theory and counselling skills. In exceptional circumstances, up to 15 credits of coursework may be waived in recognition of ...

  10. Best 7 Counselling Psychology PhD Programmes in Canada 2024

    This page shows a selection of the available PhDs in Canada. If you're interested in studying a Counselling Psychology degree in Canada you can view all 7 PhDs. You can also read more about Counselling Psychology degrees in general, or about studying in Canada. Many universities and colleges in Canada offer English-taught PhD's degrees.

  11. Canadian Graduate Programs

    Marriage and Family Therapy. M.A. *note: this program is offered by the Associated Canadian Theological Schools of Trinity Western University. Johan (Ian) Verseveldt. Program Director. 604-555-3532 ext. 3136. [email protected]. Counselling Psychology. M.A.

  12. PhD programmes in Counselling Psychology in Canada

    The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines.

  13. Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy

    The Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy online degree is administered from our New Brunswick campus. Applicants to the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program are required to provide the following: Official master's transcript and proof of a master's degree*. Provide proof of two years of post-master's counselling experience.

  14. PhD in Counselling Psychology

    The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling Psychology prepares individuals to develop the philosophical, theoretical, and research expertise in counselling psychology required of those who wish to offer effective psychological education and counselling and to work as counselling psychologists in a variety of public and private practice settings.

  15. Doctoral (PhD) Program

    Apply Now. On average, it takes four to five years to complete the PhD program (after the MA) and requires full-time academic year residency until the attainment of candidacy. At least 12 credits of coursework are required, and the details of required courses vary by research area. In addition to courses, doctoral students are required to ...

  16. PhD Counseling Psychology Programs 2024+ in Canada

    PhD Counseling Psychology Programs near Canada. Counseling psychology doctoral programs may require 3 to 5 years of full time study, though this timeline may vary by student and program. To apply, students generally usually need to hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field.

  17. Counselling Psychology

    Program Description. This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Medicine (MMed) in Psychiatry and Mental Health programs. In Year 1, students complete MMed coursework ...

  18. Counselling Psychology, Ph.D.

    The Counselling Psychology program at the University of Calgaryoffers you the opportunity to study diverse topics of particular relevance to counsellors and follows a scientist-practitioner model of training. Training is based on the definition of counselling psychology approved by the Canadian Psychological Association's board of directors.

  19. MA, MEd in Counselling Psychology

    Trina Zindler Program Assistant - Counselling Psychology MA/MEd. Burnaby Graduate Programs 778-782-8120 [email protected] SRYC 5203. Are you interested in becoming a counsellor? Would you like to work as a school counsellor or as a professional counsellor in a community agency or post-secondary setting?

  20. 43 PhD programmes in Psychology in Canada

    Psychology. 18,634 USD / year. 4 years. This innovative Psychology program at Toronto Metropolitan University offers study in the fields of Psychological Science or Clinical Psychology under a core faculty trained at and recruited from top universities in Canada, the United States and around the world. Ph.D. / Full-time / On Campus.

  21. Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)

    Counselling Psychology (CNPS) offers a Master of Arts Program that is accredited by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Our masters CNPS programs allow students to focus on one of the four areas for which we have accreditation. Community and Agency Counselling Counselling in Higher Education School Counselling

  22. Master's Degrees in Counselling Psychology in Canada

    This page shows a selection of the available Masters programmes in Canada. If you're interested in studying a Counselling Psychology degree in Canada you can view all 26 Masters programmes. You can also read more about Counselling Psychology degrees in general, or about studying in Canada. Many universities and colleges in Canada offer English ...

  23. 43 Ph.Ds in Psychology in Canada

    Find the best Ph.D in the field of Psychology from top universities in Canada. Check all 43 programmes. ... in School/Applied Child Psychology offered by the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology in the Faculty of Education at McGill University is a research-intensive program that emphasizes advanced and thought-provoking learning ...