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Counselling and Spirituality

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The Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University offers programs leading to a graduate diploma in Couple Counselling and Spirituality, and to a Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling and Spirituality, all conferred jointly by the Senates of Saint Paul University and of the University of Ottawa, with which Saint Paul is federated.

The objective of the master’s program is to train specialists to counsel and guide couples or individuals with regard to their values, their spirituality, as well as both their individual and couple dynamics, and to prepare graduates for a career in research.

Each concentration of the MA program (individual counselling; couple counselling; spiritual care) includes three components: knowledge acquisition; a research project or thesis; and professional practice.

The MA program is offered in French and in English on a full-time basis, with part-time registration permitted only under exceptional circumstances. In accordance with University of Ottawa regulations, students are permitted to write assignments, exams, and theses in either French or English.

A collaborative program in Women’s Studies at the MA level is also offered.

The programs operate within the framework of the general regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) of the University of Ottawa, which are posted on the FGPS website. The specific regulations of the programs and the course descriptions are approved by the Senate of both the University of Ottawa and of Saint Paul University. 

N.B. Registration for the Master's Program in Counselling and Spirituality - individual, couples or spiritual care is now closed. Please apply for September 2016.

The requirements for admission to the MA in Counselling and Spirituality are the following:

    • an honours bachelor's degree or its equivalent;
    • 12 credits of theology at university level;
    • 48 credits in psychology, sociology, social work, health sciences, theology, or in related fields such as, but not exclusively, animation, social communications, mission sciences or conflict studies.

      Among the 48 credits;
      - at least 18 credits in psychology, and at least another 6 credits which can be in psychology, sociology or social work for the concentration in counselling (individual or couple);
      - at least 12 credits in psychology, at least 6 credits in sociology, and at least another 6 credits which can be in psychology, in sociology or in social work for the concentration in spiritual care;

 

  • Applicants must have a minimum 70 per cent (B) average in the honours bachelor’s degree and the credits mentioned under points 2 and 3 above. The latter credits can be included in the honours bachelor’s degree.

Applicants who lack the necessary qualifications in theology may be admitted to a qualifying year at Saint Paul University. Students wishing to complete this qualifying year at another university are advised to have their course of studies approved by the Faculty of Human Sciences.

The academic record, maturity and motivation of the candidates, as well as their experience in the field of pastoral activity, are additional credentials considered by the admissions committee. Candidates will also be required to pass an interview and write a report describing the interaction that will have taken place during the interview.

Documents required for admission

An official transcript of the applicant's previous university record is required, as well as two letters of recommendation on the official forms provided. Applicants must complete a self-evaluation form and answer a questionnaire giving their reasons and purpose for applying to the program, and list previous work experience in the helping professions.

A recent criminal record check is required to do a practicum in the hospitals for the spiritual care concentration.

Collaborative Program in Women's Studies at the Master's Level

The MA program in Counselling and Spirituality is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Women's Studies at the master’s level. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in Counselling and Spirituality by including an interdisciplinary component in Women's studies. The specific requirements of the collaborative program include two compulsory FEM courses and a thesis on a topic related to Women's studies. One of the FEM courses replaces the elective course for students in the non-thesis option. Students in the thesis option must complete the two FEM courses in addition to the 45 credits required for the MA in Counselling and Spirituality.

For further details, please consult the Women's Studies program on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website. 

In accordance with University of Ottawa regulations, students are permitted to write assignments, exams, and theses in either French or English.

Some additional documents, and in some cases specific forms, are required. For more information, please see the page Step 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application.

The MA program requires successful completion of 39 credits (non-thesis option) or 45 credits (thesis option). These credits are distributed between coursework, practica, and research. The number of practicum credits specified for each concentration is the minimum and some students, depending on their profile may be required to do a greater number. Students are evaluated in their practica at the end of each session. A written report of each evaluation is kept in the student's confidential file. The evaluations at the end of the second and third sessions are particularly significant in assessing the student's capacity for continued participation in the program. The practica for each year constitute a single unit and must be taken consecutively.

The Concentrations

Individual Counselling

Compulsory courses (36 credits)

  • IPA5131 METHODOLOGY OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH (3cr.)
  • IPA5134 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • IPA5144 SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA5146 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA6108 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND TREATMENT (3cr.)
  • IPA6120 THEORIES OF INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA6156 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3cr.)

Professional practice

  • IPA6221 PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING I (6cr.)
  • IPA6321 PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING II (3cr.)
  • IPA7221 PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING III (6cr.)

Optional professional practice

  • IPA7128 EXTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM (0cr.)

One elective (3 cr.)

Couple and Family Counselling

Compulsory courses (39 credits):

  • IPA5131 METHODOLOGY OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH (3cr.)
  • IPA5134 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • IPA5138 THEORIES OF FAMILY SYSTEMS AND INTERVENTIONS (3cr.)
  • IPA5144 SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA5146 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA6108 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND TREATMENT (3cr.)
  • IPA7104 THEORIES OF COUPLE COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA6156 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3cr.)

Professional practice

  • IPA6221 PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING I (6cr.)
  • IPA6321 PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING II (3cr.)
  • IPA7205 PRACTICUM IN COUPLE AND FAMILY COUNSELLING (6cr.)

Optional professional practice

  • IPA7128 EXTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM (0cr.)

Spiritual Care

Compulsory courses (36 credits):

  • IPA5131 METHODOLOGY OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH (3cr.)
  • IPA5134 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • IPA5144 SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA5146 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA6120 THEORIES OF INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING (3cr.)
  • IPA6156 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3cr.)

Professional practice

  • IPA6221 PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING I (6cr.)
  • IPA6160 CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE) PRACTICUM I (4cr.)
  • IPA6161 CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE) PRACTICUM II (4cr.)
  • IPA7162 CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE) PRACTICUM III (4cr.)

One elective (3 cr.)

All practica and Clinical Pastoral Education units include supervised work with clients at hospital placements or the Counselling Centre at Saint Paul University. Advanced students may be assigned external practica in community settings. 

Thesis Option

To be accepted into the thesis option, students must first be admitted into the MA program and have obtained 9 credits either by completing courses following registration or through advanced standing. They must apply to the faculty research committee, which will reach a decision based on the academic file, the quality of the thesis proposal and the existence of appropriate supervisory arrangements. Students in the thesis option must complete the same program requirements as students in the non-thesis option with two exceptions: they replace IPA 6156 with the thesis and they are exempted from completing the 3 elective credits. 

Minimum Standards

The passing grade in all courses is C+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 credits), a 6-credit practicum (or equivalent) or the thesis or whose progress is deemed unsatisfactory must withdraw from the program.

Duration of the Program

Full-time students are expected to complete all requirements within two years. Students in the thesis option may need more time. The maximum time permitted is four years from the date of initial registration in the program, whether studying full- or part-time.

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN COUNSELLING

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IPA 5129 - Group Dynamics and Counselling

This course introduces theories, principles and practices in group therapy designed to help prepare future professionals to work with people in various settings. Group processes are covered through interactive discussions, small group participation, role plays, and other observations.

IPA 5131 - Methodology of Empirical Research

This course helps the students to develop skills for the critical evaluation of empirical research in the human sciences and the application of these skills in graduate research projects and theses. Qualitative and quantitative methods of gathering and validating scientific evidence in observation, case, evaluation, correlational and experimental studies. The formation of problems, structured questions, causal and non-causal hypotheses; operational definitions; dependent, extraneous and randomized variables; the selection of samples. Research ethics will be examined.

IPA 5134 - Spirituality, Counselling and Psychotherapy

Space for reflection, deepening and integration of various perspectives, with particular attention to the spiritual dimension of the practice of psychotherapy, and that of the psychotherapist. Examination of various spiritual paradigms so as to identify certain points of convergence that are useful for understanding the issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion, an approach to reflection on practice is proposed, to support and promote the professional development of the psychotherapist and the safe and effective use of self. Presentation of psychospiritual models of intervention for the purpose of providing clinical and practical approaches.

IPA 5138 - Theories of Family Systems and Intervention

This course presents a history of the family systems theories with individuals, couples, and families with a major focus on advanced family systems theories and interventions.Theories covered include Structural, Strategic, Bowen, Narrative, Solution Focused and more. Attention is paid to assessment of functional and dysfunctional family systems. The student/practitioner will learn interviewing, assessment and restructuring techniques, and how to explore family rules, systems, values and boundaries

IPA 5142 - Working with Trauma and Violence in Couples and Families

The goal of this course is to provide a conceptual framework, including theory, research and interventions that will enable the students to understand and treat trauma and violence in couples and family relationships. The course will present an attachment perspective and research on trauma and outline advanced family systems therapeutic assessments and interventions for trauma survivors and their families.

IPA 5144 - Spirituality and Counselling

Introduction to spirituality as an essential dimension of human experience across the lifespan. Key concepts and theories of spiritual development and their relevance to clinical evaluation and treatment from spiritual and psychological perspectives. The different expressions of spirituality, the relationship between stages of moral development and images of the divine and transcendent, and the dialogue between spirituality and psychology. The importance of psychology in discerning between a healthy spirituality, which is enriching for the person and for their integral development, and a spirituality that must be called unhealthy, which eliminates human freedom, autonomy and responsibility.

IPA 5146 - Professional Ethics

Introduction to the major ethical issues in counselling and psychotherapy (e.g., confidentiality and its limits, informed consent, record keeping, multiple roles, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, power inequalities, respect for professional boundaries, limits of competence) and the laws governing these issues. Exploration of the process of resolving ethical dilemmas and ethical decision-making, as well as the use of supervision, peer consultation and other professional resources. Presentation of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario through its membership process, code of ethics, standards of professional practice, professional obligations (professional insurance, participation in the quality assurance program, continuing education, supervision, mandatory reporting)and disciplinary process. Difference between professional associations and professional orders. Research ethics.

IPA 5146 - Professional Ethics

Introduction to the major ethical issues in counselling and psychotherapy (e.g., confidentiality and its limits, informed consent, record keeping, multiple roles, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, power inequalities, respect for professional boundaries, limits of competence) and the laws governing these issues. Exploration of the process of resolving ethical dilemmas and ethical decision-making, as well as the use of supervision, peer consultation and other professional resources. Presentation of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario through its membership process, code of ethics, standards of professional practice, professional obligations (professional insurance, participation in the quality assurance program, continuing education, supervision, mandatory reporting)and disciplinary process. Difference between professional associations and professional orders. Research ethics.

IPA 5161 - Understanding the Trauma of Sexual Abuse

The goal of this course is to present an overview of the theory, research, clinical and treatment issues related to trauma and childhood sexual abuse. This course will introduce the theories of trauma from a family systems perspective. Effects of sexual abuse in terms of developmental issues over the life span, associated symptomatology of sexual abuse and trauma, and related clinical issues and practices.

IPA 5162 - Counselling and Spirituality: Selected Topics II

Study of a particular area in counselling and Spirituality.

IPA 5163 - Counselling and Spirituality: Selected Topics III

Study of a particular area in counselling and Spirituality.

IPA 5164 - Counselling and Spirituality: Selected Topics IV

Study of a particular area in counselling and Spirituality.

IPA 6103 - Spirituality and Human Development

This course examines psychological and sociological theories of human development as they relate to the religious and spiritual dimensions of the human personality. More particularly, it looks at the impact of individual growth and development, cultural and social processes of religious experience, healthy and unhealthy religion, conversion and faith, religious attitude and maturity. Practical implications will be drawn from theory.

IPA 6108 - Psychopathology and Treatment

Concepts such as normality and abnormality, and the inter-relationship of perceptual, cognitive and affective dimensions are discussed. Motivational, social, behavioural and inter-personal components of human functioning and reviewed. This course presents the mental disorders, distinguishing the neurotic and psychotic disorders. The neuroses, transient reactions to stress, psychological factors in physical illnesses, personality disorders and affective disorders are treated in depth. Each class of disorders is viewed from the point of view of its etiology, diagnostic indicators, assessment, research and treatment. An explanation of the factors that foster an individual’s invulnerability to stress, trauma, and genetic predispositions is presented. The interplay of stressors, interpersonal and intrapersonal resources, life history and community is emphasized in the etiology and course of the disorders and normal functioning. Disordered functioning is seen as a person’s attempt to come to terms with the demands of living.

IPA 6120 - Theories of Individual Counselling and Psychotherapy

This course provides a brief overview of the history of counselling theory and its orientations and trends. It attends to the nature of theory building and its interconnection to practice and research. It presents, critically in depth, representative theories from the current major orientations (e.g., experiential, cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioural) with a focus on the integration of understanding, assessment and treatment in the counselling process. In the presentation of theories, attention is given to the integration of theory, research and practice. Each theory is discussed with reference to its practical application, effectiveness and limitations. The manner in which one or more of these theories has been applied to pastoral counselling practice and in the development of pastoral counselling models, and in the development of a person’s spiritual and religious life is covered. 

IPA 6151 - Spirituality and Adaptation to Illness

Examines the phenomenology and etiology of health and illness. Emphasizes the creation of opportunities for human and spiritual growth. It examines the tensions that negatively affect certain types of terminal illness, their implications and effects on individuals, their families, and the community. It also examines the role of pastoral workers and how fears, guilt, feelings of inadequacy, and troubled interpersonal relationships can lead to hope, forgiveness, self-fulfillment, and human and spiritual growth. This course will enrich the critical thinking of professionals working with individuals who are at the end of life and with those close to them.

IPA 6156 - Research Seminar

Students are responsible for choosing a theme and obtaining approval from the research seminar’s director. The chosen theme must correspond to the students’ research interest, the thesis director’s areas of expertise or another professor who will collaboratively play the advisory role overseeing the development of the research project.

Prerequisite: IPA6155 RESEARCH SEMINAR PREPARATION.

IPA 6160 - Clinical Psycho-Spiritual Education (CPSE) Practicum I (6u)

This practicum/course provides a learning situation whereby students develop personal and professional qualifications for clinical work as a Psycho-Spiritual Care Practitioner. Students learn about the functions and concerns of psycho-spiritual care services. Students are trained in skills as they bear on the emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and religious needs of the patients, family and staff. This practicum consists of theoretical teaching about assessment, clinical intervention and topics related to the clinical context, group activities, placement, written exercises and personal development seminar.

IPA 6161 - Clinical Psycho-Spiritual Education (CPSE) II (6u)

Students learn more of the functions and concerns of psycho-spiritual care services; to the organization of a psycho-spiritual care department; to the practices and procedures for the implementation of psycho-spiritual care. The following methods encompass this experiential learning: supervised practice of clinical work, lectures, seminars and didactics, personal development seminar, verbatim/ virtual visit reporting, role plays, individual supervision, and reflection reports.

Prerequisite: IPA6160.

 

IPA 6181 - Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extended Practicum I

This beginner extended unit practicum provides a learning situation in a hospital, health care institution, prison, or parish whereby students develop personal and professional qualifications for ministry as a chaplain / spiritual care clinician. Students are systematically initiated to the functions and concerns of pastoral care services; to the organization of a spiritual care department; to the practices and procedures for the implementation of spiritual care. Students are trained in the basic communication and assessment skills as they bear on the spiritual, emotional and religious needs of the patients, family and staff.

IPA 6182 - Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extented Practicum II

This extended practicum continues the learning whereby students develop personal and professional qualifications for ministry as a chaplain / spiritual care clinician. Students deepen the functions and concerns of pastoral care services. Students are trained in the advanced communication and assessment skills as they bear on the spiritual, emotional and religious needs of the patients, family and staff.

IPA 6183 - Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extented Practicum III

This advanced extended practicum solidifies the experience gained whereby students develop personal and professional qualifications for ministry as a chaplain / spiritual care clinician. Students learn more of the functions and concerns of spiritual care services. Students are trained in the greater communication and assessment skills as they bear on the spiritual, emotional and religious needs of the patients, family and staff.

IPA 6184 - Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extented Practicum IV

This advanced extended practicum solidifies the experience gained whereby students develop personal and professional qualifications for ministry as a chaplain / spiritual care clinician. Students learn more of the functions and concerns of spiritual care services. Students are trained in the greater communication and assessment skills as they bear on the spiritual, emotional and religious needs of the patients, family and staff.

IPA 6221 - Practicum in Individual Counselling I

Students receive training in basic communication, interpersonal and interviewing skills. The development of attitudes and interpersonal qualities that facilitate the helping process is encouraged through a didactic experiential training approach. Assessment of the client’s needs, personal and religious development, current capabilities, and circumstances of living is carried out. The counsellor-in training is taught to evaluate the client’s emotional patterns, cognitive style, interpersonal patterns, and strategies for living. Students are instructed in a professional ethical approach to clients. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory with an assessment of the client to plan counselling goals. These goals are continually re-evaluated with respect to theological and psychological theory, client responsiveness, clinical practice and research. When ready, students are given opportunities to counsel individuals. The student is introduced to assessments and treatment through observations of videotapes and of live sessions. Acquired skills are systematically applied and practiced in role-playing sessions or with clients of the Centre for Counselling and Pastoral Services. Students are taught to write professional reports on their client sessions. Video and audio recordings, staff demonstrations, case studies and coaching may be used in both individual and small group supervision. Within the practicum, the student examines the spiritual values in the client’s existential situation. A holistic approach to the person is encouraged. Face-to-face contacts with clients is determined by the availability of clients and the student’s readiness to see clients.

IPA 6260 - Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Summer Practicum

This practicum provides a learning situation in a hospital whereby students develop personal and professional qualifications for ministry as an intern chaplain / spiritual care clinician. Students are systematically initiated to the functions and concerns of spiritual care services and acquire a knowledge base of the practices and procedures for the implementation of spiritual care. Students are trained in communication and assessment skills in order to meet the spiritual, emotional and religious needs of patients, families and staff.

IPA 6301 - THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS IN FAMILY LIFE

This course treats the interrelation of contemporary family life and Christian faith. It examines the questions raised for theology and pastoral care by new values and lifestyles in the family. It offers a critical assessment of the forces responsible for these changes. In light of this analysis, it presents new possibilities for pastoral care. Among the questions treated are: faith and the sacrament of marriage; conjugal love and procreation; pastoral care of the divorced and separated; role relations in the family; family spirituality.

IPA 6312 - Couples, Family Development and Growth

Introduction to the psychology of individuals, couple and family development and growth and provided knowledge of personality development over the life span. This course will review attachment over the life span, the stages of development from childhood to adulthood, and corresponding changes in family roles, as well as advanced therapeutic interventions.

IPA 6321 - Practicum in Individual Counselling II

Students will further their training by practicing their counselling skills through role plays, client contact, and by practicing in regular supervision.

IPA 7102 - Phenomenology of Human Relationships in Love and Marriage

This course examines the representation, practices, and issues of love and relationships. These issues will be examined through various systems theories, and then brought into everyday applied practice for counselors. The course will present aspects of love in committed relationships, review the literature and psychology theory on these aspects, and work with doing applied therapy on these aspects.

IPA 7103 - THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS IN MARITAL COUNSELLING

This course examines the process of pastoral counselling with special reference to marital counseling. It looks at the value orientation of the marital counsellor, the place of religious values and resources in the counselling process, and the religious and moral development of the couple. The Christian dimension of certain ethical issues in marital counselling such as human sexuality, parenthood and divorce are explored as well as religious growth as it relates to the life cycle of the couple.

IPA 7104 - Theories of Couple Counselling

The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the history and nature of theories of couple counselling. This course will introduce the central theories and concepts guiding couple therapy, including attachment, family systems, Emotionally Focused, experiential, and humanistic and the recent research related to couple therapy. There will be a particular focus on the skills, assessment and practice associated with Emotionally Focused therapy. Couple relationships both on the conscious and unconscious levels of functioning are examined and conceptualized.

IPA 7105 - Assessment Procedures in Counselling and Spirituality

This course approaches assessment from a non-testing perspective and by the use of clinical material. The major emphasis is given to the use of theoretical concepts to assess the internal and external factors that contribute to personal and interpersonal functioning or dysfunctioning. The clinical material for this assessment is derived from structured and unstructured interviews. The means and ways to assess individual’s strength and resources to cope with life demands are discussed. The use of applications that are linked to major current theoretical orientations (e.g., experiential, cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioural) are introduced. When to make referrals for assessment to another professional will be introduced. The ethics, limitations and purpose of assessments are integrated into the course.

IPA 7109 - Survey of Sexual Dysfunction and Treatment

The purpose of this course is to present the history and development of dysfunctions in the field of human sexuality and to survey various treatments for couples. This course will examine the human development of sexual expressions in their male and female dysfunctions; the biological and psychological determinants; sexual dysfunction and marital interaction and sexual assessment and applied treatment within individual; and couple therapy.

IPA 7128 - External Clinical Practicum

In this supervised field practicum, the student offers counselling services at a community centre or an agency located outside campus. Graded P/F.

Prerequisite: Obtaining the grade "P" (Pass) to all evaluation items in the course IPA6221.

Corequisites : IPA6321 or IPA7221 ou IPA7205

IPA 7162 - Clinical Psycho-Spiritual Education (CPSE) III (6u)

Students learn advanced skills in clinical work to the sick, their families, as well as other specific settings in keeping with the students learning goals. They perfect and consolidate evaluation skills and clinical interventions and their identity as a psycho-spiritual practitioner. Students are responsible for more complex clinical situations such as palliative care and mental health. They are taught to foster teamwork in a caring community as part of a psycho-spiritual care team.

Prerequisite: IPA6161.

 

IPA 7163 - Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Practicum IV

Students learn advanced skills in spiritual care to the sick, their families, as well as other specific settings in keeping with the students learning goals. Students also are required to make presentations in class or to other professionals on a topic of their expertise. They are taught to foster team work in a caring community as part of a spiritual care team. The following methods encompass this experiential learning: supervised practice of ministry, lectures, seminars and didactics, integration seminar, verbatim/ virtual visit reporting, individual supervision, and reflection reports.

IPA 7205 - Practicum in Couple and Family Counselling

This practicum presents 1) theoretical study on couple and family therapy, 2) therapy application to various situations and role-plays, and video of various expert intervention modalities and 3) contact with clients (couples and/or families) and supervision. Studies will focus on advanced family systems theories. As well, this study portion will provide applied practices evolving from these theoretical orientations. The emphasis is on case conceptualization, applicable assessment, and executive therapeutic skills.

IPA 7221 - Practicum in Individual Counselling III

It emphasizes the use of advances assessment and treatment skills and presupposes that the students demonstrate the utility of their theoretical knowledge and their research knowledge. Students learn to use current major individual counselling models (e.g. experiential, cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioural) so that they can respond with a wide range of therapeutic strategies to the varied needs and circumstances of clients. Practice consists of counselling sessions with clients at the Centre for Counselling and Pastoral Services under team observation and individual and small group supervision. These sessions or other case studies are used to assess the progress and plans of counselling. According to the Faculty’s regulations and at the discretion of the supervisor, audio-visual or written records are used to monitor the process. Additionally, field practice is arranged in order to ensure adequate exposure to a varied population of pastoral counselling clients.

IPA 8101 - Spirituality and Counselling

Study of qualitative and hermeneutical methods as these are used in the social sciences and in theological study of spirituality. Comparative study of one or more Christian spiritual traditions and one or more spiritual traditions within other religions and secular culture to increase understanding and practice of spirituality. The course is designed to highlight the role of spirituality in the emotional well-being and adjustment of individuals. This course will treat the question of personal and spiritual growth. The importance of spiritual practices and the overall relationship of spirituality to the counselling process will also be considered.

IPA 8102 - Counselling in Multi-Faith and Cross-Cultural Settings

This course examines counselling in a culturally pluralistic spiritual and religious context. It examines the possibility of mutuality and dialogue using a comparative religions approach from social science and theological perspectives. The theory and practice proposed focuses on the differing spiritual and secular humanist journeys of the counsellor and the client, and the possibility of meeting in difference. Topics covered include: the impact of enculturation, intercultural identity, inter-religious dialogue, intercultural competence on both parties; the ways in which intercultural competence and intercultural growth contribute to spiritual growth. The course enables counsellors and their clients to assess the extent to which spiritual values, beliefs and practices are an asset or a liability for clients in reaching their counselling goals.

IPA 8103 - Issues in Special Populations

This course treats issues related to the needs and social status of certain special populations. Accumulated data on group characteristics and challenges facing some special populations, such as those who are aged or those who are homeless, are critically reviewed. Membership in some social groups may involve loss of social privileges, as well as diminished access to mental and health care resources. Students explore issues related to the unique spiritual and mental health needs of these groups, their social circumstances, and the implications for service provision. Growing problems concerning assessment, intervention, and the increased barriers to services are examined from the point of view of community approaches to research and intervention. The role of counsellors working with persons with unique needs, individually or at the community level, will be addressed.

IPA 8104 - Existential Issues in Counselling

This course explores meaning-of-life issues often presented by clients in a variety of contexts, including, but not limited to, the quest for increased well-being, existential crises, life transitions, loss and death, end-of-life, and trauma. Qualitative methods of data collection and analysis are critically reviewed to gain insight into the meaning participants give to their lived experience, the meaning they place on events, processes, perceptions and into the ways in which they connect these meanings to the social world around them. A variety of religious, spiritual and secular humanist sources of and responses to existential issues are treated.

IPA 8105 - Research Methods and Design Problems in Counselling and Spirituality

The focus of this course is the critical analysis and discussion of the challenges that counsellors face in choosing and applying qualitative and quantitative methods to spirituality. In-depth study of design pitfalls that arise from the complexity and unpredictability of working with human subjects given the multi-cultural complexity of pluralistic societies. Potential topics include sampling issues, measurement issues, and special analytic techniques.

IPA 8106 - Doctoral Seminar

Guest lecturers will select readings and lead seminars related to relevant research topics such as proposal writing, conceptual frameworks, ethics, methods and procedures, and statistical analysis. Students must write an annotated bibliography and prepare a plan for their comprehensive exam. In addition, they must write a paper and do an oral presentation designed to facilitate their work around the thesis proposal. Evaluation by the seminar coordinator.

IPA 8201 - Internal Clinical Practicum

The internal clinical practicum takes place in the Saint Paul University Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre. The goal of the practicum is to put into practice the theoretical knowledge of Counselling and spirituality. The professor coordinating the doctoral program will specify the goals, objectives and syllabus of practicum along with the clinical supervisors. Minimum number of supervised direct clinical contact hours: 200. Graded P/F.

IPA 8202 - External Clinical Practicum

Clinical practice in an external location that must be approved by the program director. Graded P/F.

IPA 9998 - Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination, which has a written and an oral component, allows students to demonstrate the depth and breadth of knowledge gained from course work, and their ability to integrate concepts, principles and theories, and apply these to Counselling and spirituality. In addition, the comprehensive exam provides students with the opportunity to defend their written work orally. The evaluation of the written and oral exam is on a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory basis.

IPA 9999 - Doctoral Thesis

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Office of the Associate Vice-Rector, Strategic Enrolment Management
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Saint Paul University
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CANADA

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