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.

Provides an integrative therapeutic perspective incorporating cognitive behavioural, solution-focused and an integrative therapeutic orientation for couple counselling. Students should develop their own informed approach to couple counselling based on reflective consideration of the major systemic therapies and their own personal interactional style. Pre- or corequisite: COUN 0601. COUN majors only or by permission of program coordinator.

An examination of current theories of marital and family therapy (solution-focused, contextual, experiential, narrative and Milan), 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.

Offers the participant a foundational knowledge of the field of professional ethics as it relates to the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy. This course will acquaint the participant with the content of the Code of Ethics of the AAMFT and CRPO, the process of ethical decision making, and hence, contribute to the overall ethical development of the professional. Issues pertaining to legal responsibilities and liabilities, professional ethical standards and general professional conduct in contemporary society will be considered. Prerequisites: COUN 0602. Co-requisite: Concurrent registration in Internship (COUN 0701).

Considers the influence of gender and socioeconomic factors in relation to the development and practice of psychological theories in general, and the theories and practice of marriage and family therapy in particular. Emphasis is also given to the student’s personal reflection in terms of both gender and socioeconomic awareness and the influence of these factors on their understanding of family systems. Prerequisites: COUN 0574 and COUN 0674 or equivalent.

Informs students about the fundamentals of the addictive process and standard and systemic treatment procedures. Lectures, personal reflection, group interaction, discussion and assignments will be used to help students understand the theoretical, spiritual and practical elements of addictions work. Prerequisites: COUN 0574, COUN 0674 and COUN 0677.

Students complete a major research proposal in the field of counselling and psychotherapy that demonstrates their ability to formulate a research question, use existing peer reviewed research studies to develop a well-structured literature review and methodology section, and draft an ethics proposal. Prerequisite: COUN 0680, COUN 0601, COUN 0602, COUN 0772 and COUN 0774. MA Clinical Counselling majors only.

Uses a family-life cycle framework to help Chinese Christians build a healthy family, including marriage preparation, adjustment as a couple, parenting, retirement and aging. Students will be introduced to resources for building a harmonious Christian family that are biblically and scientifically based and proven effective. Practical strategies and tools will be provided to help students help themselves and their church members build healthy couple and family relationships. Offered in Mandarin.

Proposes an understanding of the integration of faith and psychology as a matter of personal integrity, i.e., as the development and embrace of a coherent vocational narrative as a Christian and a psychotherapist. Lectures will explore a character-based understanding of the therapist’s role and vocation, then present a model of relational peacemaking based on the Beatitudes of Jesus. With peacemaking as the controlling motif, lectures will then examine the related “clinical virtues” of hope, humility, and compassion, as well as an understanding of self-care based on a re-appropriation of the spiritual discipline of Sabbath. Each of the virtues will be discussed from theological, biblical, and psychological perspectives, with an emphasis on their relevance to a clinical vocation.

This course is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to create clinically useful case conceptualizations. The course will cover a range of topics, including theoretical frameworks, evidence-based practices, strength-based approaches, and cultural considerations, all of which are essential in creating effective and clinically useful case conceptualizations. In addition, students will learn how to make informed treatment decisions based on their case conceptualizations, which can lead to improved clinical outcomes. By the end of the course, students will have gained a more comprehensive understanding of the case conceptualization process, as well as a deeper appreciation for its role in clinical practice.

Explores DBT’s theoretical basis, specific DBT interventions, and how to teach skills in individual, group, and milieu settings. Familiarity with these skills and techniques along with experiential exercises will enhance your clinical skills and professional development. Guided by the latest research and policy in evidence-based practices, this course teaches the clinical process and content of DBT from theory to practice. Going beyond prescriptive applications, this course shows you how to use essentials such as validation, dialectical strategies, communication styles, and the best ways of changing behaviors to effectively balance acceptance and change with your clients.

Designed to acquaint the student with a richer understanding of grief and loss through the life span. Grief and loss as discussed in class will include not only the separations that occur through death but also those psychological, physical, and situational changes that occur throughout life which affect us all.

This course is designed to provide an in-depth overview of marital/couple therapy from a perspective of Restoration Therapy and psychoeducational work of RelateStrong, an evidence based, integrativecouples’ therapy model built on attachment theory, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. The course will address a biblical bases for oneness between a couple, the Restoration Therapy approach to marital interaction and couple treatment, treatment of infidelity amongst couples, issues regarding domestic violence amongst couples and psychoeducational work with couples utilizing the RelateStrong approach. The course will combine didactic instruction with applied intervention of the model, interventions, and proven strategies designed to facilitate transformation in the couple’s relationship.

This course involves an in-depth exploration of experiential therapies and the current state of research in the field. Current findings from the field of neuroscience will be explored along with corresponding shifts in the focus of therapies, from an emphasis on cognition and emotion processing, to a burgeoning of holistic, experiential therapies. The formation of the person of the experiential therapist and integration of one’s faith are key considerations of the course. Participants will develop experiential skills known to facilitate the collaborative, safe and dynamic relational matrix within which personal transformation takes place.

A critical exploration of the self of therapist as one of the most crucial components in the therapeutic relationship and endeavours. Students will develop insights into how their personal identities, values, personalities, lived experiences, and clinical knowledge and skills impact the therapeutic relationship and client’s outcomes. Through reading, writing, group discussions, lectures, assessment instruments, clinical experiences, and self-reflective practices students will develop and experience increased awareness and skill in the safe and effective use of self. These insight and skills will serve to enhance the clinician’s therapeutic relationships and effectiveness. A final paper will form part of the research portfolio.