Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

Foundational for subsequent counselling courses. Topics: the integration of psychology and theology, the study of the self, the nature of Christian counselling, approaches to Christian counselling, resources in Christian counselling.

An on-site weekly three-hour training intensive focusing on the learning and development of counselling skills through lecture, video and role-playing experiences. Prerequisites: COUN 0574 and COUN 0677. Prerequisite (Clinical Track only): COUN 0674. Pre- or corequisite (Clinical Track only): COUN 0772. COUN majors only or with permission of program coordinator.

An on-site weekly three-hour training intensive focusing on the learning and development of counselling skills through lecture, video and role-playing experiences. Prerequisite: COUN 0601. Pre- or corequisite (Clinical Track only): COUN 0774.

Examines emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples. EFT is an evidence-based, short term, experiential, and systematic model. The course will introduce the major concepts of adult love, attachment theory, and the 3 stages (and 9 steps) of EFT. There will be an emphasis on the clinical skills and interventions utilized in EFT. A variety of teaching methods will be employed: didactic teaching, case studies, videos, small group exercises and discussion, etc. Please note: this course does not lead to EFT certification but will be useful in the understanding and the application of EFT. Prerequisites: COUN 0772, COUN 0774. Recommended: COUN 0773.

Connects current research with real-world application, helping students see how developmental psychology plays a role in their own lives and their clinical work. Students will examine human development across the entire life span. Significant theories and up-to-date research concerning lifespan development is discussed, with special attention given to influential theorists. Consideration is given to the connection between the biological, cognitive, and socioemotional process of human development from conception to death. The aim is to assist the student in conceptualizing human development as a framework for understanding the human condition and providing effective interventions toward a holistic approach in clinical counselling. Discussion will also include the integration of faith and psychology, including timely issues of personal relevance to the student’s own developmental pathway.

Same as PAST TH55.

Examination of specific topics in counselling.

Designed to enhance individual, marriage and family counselling within the context of a multicultural environment. Exposes students to the literature and principles of cross-cultural counselling from a multi-systems perspective. Independent research on a culturally different population relevant to the student’s current or anticipated counselling will be presented in seminar format. Practical involvement supplements the theoretical work within that particular population. Recommended prerequisite: COUN 0574 or equivalent. COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.

Takes an interdisciplinary Bio-Psycho-Social and theological approach to understanding Human Sexuality. The content will include a consideration of male and female sexual response cycles, love, intimacy and attachment, sexual behaviours, sexual compulsivity, pornography, sexual and gender identity, as well as sexuality over the life cycle. Attention will also be given to understanding common sexual concerns and appropriate therapeutic responses. Understanding the interpersonal dynamics of sexuality within the helping relationship itself is also discussed. Prerequisite: COUN 0574 and COUN 0674 or equivalent.

The nature of relational violence, its historical roots and its expression in modern social life and institutions in relation to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The development of a preventative and a therapeutic response to violence in relationships based on a theological and systemic perspective. Understanding the personal and interpersonal dynamics of violence and the therapeutic response to victims, perpetrators and witnesses from a systems perspective will also be explored with specific attention to collaborative and non-shaming interventions. Prerequisites: COUN 0574, 0677. Recommended: COUN 0674. COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.

Overview of major personality theories with regard to their development, philosophical assumptions, theoretical concepts and their clinical implications in work with individuals, couples and families. Students are encouraged to develop a reflective and critically interactive perspective to facilitate their therapeutic work. Prerequisite: COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.

A critical appraisal of basic theoretical concepts in Family Systems Theory. Topics: historical and conceptual development of Family Systems Theory; introduction to General Systems Theory; family rules, roles, structure and interaction patterns; functional and dysfunctional family systems; life cycle issues in marriage and family and ethnicity and family therapy. Recommended prerequisite: COUN 0574. COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.

Introduces the diagnostic categories of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) and considers various theoretical approaches to abnormal manifestations and psychopathology across the life span. In particular, students will gain an understanding of a range of traditional mental health problems as described in the DSM-5, the impact of these problems on relationships and current treatment strategies. Specific attention will be given to the major disorders of thinking (schizophrenia), affect (anxiety, depression, bipolar) and behaviour (personality). The emphasis will be on the impact of mental illness on family life and current methods of assessment and intervention. These methods will integrate individual and systems approaches to therapy, as well as psychiatric and biomedical approaches. The common psychotropic interventions used as adjuncts to treatment will be discussed. Prerequisites: COUN 0574, COUN 0674 and COUN 0772 or equivalent.

Seeks to familiarize learners with research methodologies and techniques applied to the field of marriage and family therapy. Students will also learn basic concepts of descriptive statistics and the logic of statistical inference to enable them to read statistical research, to quantify and compare data, as well as become more intelligent consumers of research reports. The aim is to expose learners to a range of possible methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) and their attendant issues, so that more informed decisions can be made in research projects/endeavours. COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.

Emphasizes the central role of the Holy Spirit in counselling. Covers the Spirit’s power, gifts, truth, and fruit and how the Holy Spirit works in the counselling process itself. Explicit integration, including the use of inner healing prayer and Scripture in counselling, will be demonstrated. Ethical guidelines for practicing Christ-centred, Bible-based and Spirit-led Christian counselling will also be provided.

Same as PAST 0741.

Same as PAST TH51 and SPIR 0684.

Provides students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. Focus will be on clinical practice, diagnostic skills, play and art therapy, family systems interventions and cognitive behavioral interventions. A review of issues and diagnoses unique to children and adolescents will be examined. Effective, evidence based clinical interventions for children and adolescents will be demonstrated and practiced. Ethical and legal issues in counselling minors will be examined. Prerequisites: COUN 0574, COUN 0674 and COUN 0677.

Examines both individual and systemic interventions for victims of trauma, abuse and violence. Research has shown that when trauma survivors’ intimate relationships are strengthened, their ability to cope with the impacts of post-traumatic stress is also strengthened. Therefore, systemic and intrapsychic approaches are outlined in an integrated treatment approach to trauma therapy. A broad range of trauma experiences will be included, such as intimate violence, sexual abuse, natural disasters and witness to violence, war, political terror and vicarious trauma with its impact on the therapist. Prerequisites: COUN 0574 and COUN 0677.

Family life and structure have become increasingly diverse and complex. This course will utilize a systemic approach to exploring how families navigate these transitions, and how therapists can provide safe and effective therapeutic interventions when working with families. Transitions including the COVID-19 pandemic, separation and divorce, remarriage, various parenting arrangements, illness, death and loss, domestic violence, gender and sexuality, aging and multi-generational families will be addressed. Attention will also be given to transitions that have been marginalized, or which are increasingly relevant in a context of globalization, diversity and inclusion, such as migration and refugee experiences, incarceration and military service. Prerequisites: COUN 0574 and COUN 0677.

Provides the student with a comprehensive exploration of the psychological trauma field. Included is the history, current theoretical frameworks (including socio-cultural), the nature of trauma (physical, emotional, sexual abuse, combat, natural disasters, collective trauma, i.e. COVID-19, neglect, etc.), biopsychosocial underpinnings of trauma, PTSD, and complex trauma. Assessment issues, clinical diagnostic considerations, how trauma affects individuals and systems, grief responses/disenfranchised grief, and traumatic stress will be examined. Also included is the exploration of the professional’s response to trauma, vicarious traumatization, crisis intervention, comorbid disorders, psychological and social factors that influence the self’s comprehension of a traumatic experience and how that experience shapes and is shaped by language. Finally, students will review evidence-based practices in the trauma field, and general treatment issues. Prerequisites: COUN 0574 and COUN 0677.

All Counselling Clinical track students will be assigned to an internship during their final year. The internship will consist of a minimum of 450 hours over a minimum of two terms. For complete details, see Internship Handbook. Prerequisites: COUN 0602, SPIR 0700 and LEAD 0510.

An examination of current theories of marital and family therapy (Bowenian, strategic, structural, cognitive behavioural and psychoanalytic), along with appropriate intervention methods related to each theoretical orientation. The various therapeutic models are examined in terms of their history, philosophy, theoretical tenets, functional and dysfunctional effects on families, assessment, goals, treatment process, techniques, role of the therapist and evaluation. Prerequisites: COUN 0574 and COUN 0677. COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.