M.A. Counselling Psychology Program Summary

Students are invited to choose one track, Thesis or Non-Thesis, upon entering the program.

Thesis Track

  • Recommended option for those planning to pursue doctoral studies in counselling or clinical psychology, counsellor education or related fields.
  • Encourages research that is creative and significantly contributes to the field of counselling psychology.
  • For scientific research and critical evaluation of psychological literature.
  • For development of an analytical mind and rigorous scientific thinking, which can be applied to clinical practice.
  • To refine research skills and advance knowledge in a specific field of personal interest.
  • For professionals in practice to deepen their experience in a specific area such as program evaluation.

Faculty and Research Interests for Thesis Track:

  • Dr. Marvin McDonald: Multi/cross-cultural psychology; spirituality and health; families
  • Dr. Richard Bradshaw: Trauma; efficacy/effectiveness of Observed Experiential Integration (OEI)
  • Dr. Janelle Kwee: multicultural and gender issues in psychology, group psychotherapy, community psychology and prevention, relational theories, trauma, and the interplay between spiritual formation, psychological development, and psychotherapy, children in play therapy
  • Dr. Alex Kwee: human sexuality, substance abuse, process (or behavioural) addictions such as sex and gambling
  • Derrick Klaassen (Ph.D. Candidate): Existential and spiritual issues in psychology and psychotherapy; Existential Analysis (Logotherapy); grief and bereavement

Non-Thesis Track

  • Career options include counselling in areas of mental health, family and child therapy, child protection, psychotherapy, sexual abuse, addictions, multiculturalism, family domestic violence, career and vocational counselling.
  • Each student in the Non-Thesis track is required to write a comprehensive examination MANTCE CPSY 640. The exam may be written during the final semester in which the student completes his or her course work.

Clinical Training

Includes a psychological assessment, a Practicum in a community setting, and 600 hours of supervised Internship in various community, agency and school settings.

Accreditation

This program is accredited with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program CACREP, the accrediting body of the American Counseling Association ACA.

The program is working with the Council for the Accreditation of Counsellor Education Programs CACEP, the accreditation body of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association CCPA, to further program development and accreditation in Canada.

Trinity Western University is chartered by the government of the Province of British Columbia to grant degrees. Graduates are accepted at virtually all colleges, universities, and professional schools around the world. TWU is a full member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada AUCC, the national congress of degree-granting institutions.

The British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education & Labour Market Development creates and develops educational, professional and economic opportunities for BC’s adults, by providing and supporting a wide range of post‐secondary programs. It also encourages relationships between educational institutions, business and industry.

Student Employment Opportunities

On-Campus Employment

The MA Counselling Psychology program places a strong emphasis on providing its students with opportunities to become involved in the administrative and research life of the academic community. Please complete this application and mail it to the Counselling Psychology Office if you wish to apply for any of the following positions:

  • Teaching Assistantships (TAs)
  • Research Assistantships (RAs)
  • Administrative Assistantships (AAs)
  • Fraser River Counselling Intake Worker

Off-Campus Employment

Students may be limited in the amount of time dedicated to employment during graduate studies in order to pursue personal and professional development. Students must apply for permission to work more than 16 hours per week at off-campus employment during semesters in which they carry a full-time load.

Other Student Work Opportunities

All other on and off campus work positions are advertised through the TWU Centre for Life Calling, located on the second floor of Reimer Student Centre.

Graduate Study Funding

Many forms of student assistance are available. Please check Graduate Study Funding.

SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship

We strongly encourage everyone, who is eligible, to apply for a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship in the fall before you apply to enter the program. If you are attending a Canadian university, you need to apply through your current university. Otherwise, apply directly through SSHRC .