Counselling and Spirituality

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 2017.

• ARMSTRONG Laura, Full Professor
• BELLEHUMEUR Christian, Professor
• BILODEAU Cynthia, Professor
• BLAIS Martin, Professor
• GRAFANAKI Sotiria, Professor
• LYNN GALL Terry, Professor Emerita
• MALETTE Judith, Professor
• MARTÍNEZ DE PISÓN Ramón, Professor
• ROVERS Martin, Full Professor
• STE-MARIE Lorraine

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 subject to a mid-term and end of term evaluate in their practica. A written report is given to the student, at mid-term and at the end of the term. These reports are also kept in the student's confidential file. The evaluations that are conducted at the end of the second and third terms are particularly significant in assessing the student's capacity for continued participation in the program. The practica must be taken consecutively.

The Concentrations

Concentration In 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 AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (3cr.)
• IPA6156 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3cr.)

Professional practice

• IPA6135 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 1 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6136 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 2 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6137 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY II (3cr.)
• IPA6138 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY III (Part 1 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6139 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY III (Part 2 of 2) (3cr.)

Optional professional practice

• IPA7128 EXTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM (0cr.)

One elective (3 cr.)

Concentration In 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

• IPA6135 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 1 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6136 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 2 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6137 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY II (3cr.)
• IPA6140 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN COUPLE AND FAMILY COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (Part 1 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6141 INTERNAL CLINICIAL PRACTICUM IN COUPLE AND FAMILY COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (Part 2 of 2) (3cr.)

Optional professional practice

• IPA7128 EXTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM (0cr.)

Concentration in Spiritual Care

Compulsory courses (36 credits):

• IPA5131 METHODOLOGY OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH (3cr.)
• IPA5134 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (3cr.)
• IPA5149 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN SPIRITUAL CARE (3cr.)
• IPA6120 THEORIES OF INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (3cr.)
• IPA6152 THEOLOGY AND SPIRITUAL CARE (3cr.)
• IPA6156 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3cr.)

Professional practice

• IPA6135 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 1 of 2) (3cr.)
• IPA6136 INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 2 of 2) (3cr.)
• 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 and Psychotherapy 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 5149 - Professional Issues and Ethics in Spiritual Care

This course introduces the student to professional issues and ethical concerns which shape and flow from the caring context in health care services. The student is oriented to the process of ethical and professional standards and their implementation. Using case histories and ethical dilemmas the student is guided in dealing with both general and specific professional concerns such as the use of ethical frames of reference in decision making, respect for liberty in the formation of conscience, the need for and the limits of confidentiality, the use of charting research questions in health care, and the impact of teamwork in patient care. The students will also be invited to grapple with specific moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, life prolongation, and the use of scarce resources.

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 6115 - Personal Development Seminar

The focus of this seminar is to develop and integrate all dimensions of student’s lives. This integration is vital to successful work as a counselor. In this seminar students develop self-understanding and perceptiveness of the environment they find themselves in. The emphasis will be on the identification of problem areas in their lives and in finding creative ways of resolving them.

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 6130 - Couples, Families and Addictions

The goal of this course is to present an in depth examination of the specific characteristics, dynamics and best therapeutic practices in working with individual, couples and families affected by chronic addiction. It will focus on the challenges faced by professionals working with the addicted person or family and will teach ways to overcome those challenges. It will offer information regarding recovery issues and will provide students with systemic therapy interventions and resources for their work with this population.

IPA 6131 - Grief

Is intended to provide an understanding of the process of grieving and an awareness of how loss can be integrated, in order to guide service providers in their work. Through examining these issues, the student will become familiar with the psychological and spiritual dimensions of mourning, signs of distress, and factors that influence the grieving process.

IPA 6132 - Themes Related to End of Life

The psychological, social, spiritual, and religious components of themes related to end of life. This course will enrich critical thinking of the professionals working with individuals who are at the end and with those close to them.

Prerequisites: IPA6151 and IPA6131. Equivalent to the course NSG6135 Palliative/End of Life Care: An Interprofessional approach.

IPA 6133 - End of Life Pain Management

This course will be offered in a modular format and will touch on the psychological, cultural and spiritual impact of pain and suffering at the end of life.

Prerequisites: IPA6151 and IPA6131. Students having completed the course PHT6544 Mécanisme et prise en charge de la douleur en physiothérapie (1.5cr.) or ERG6550 Perspective particulière en ergothérapie: Pain and Occupational Therapy (1.5cr.) will be credited half of the modules.

IPA 6134 - Ethical Issues at the End of Life

This course aims to provide training in bioethics, focusing on problems that may arise at the end of life. The course will examine the values that underlie bioethical dilemmas.

Prerequisites: IPA6151 and IPA6131 or be registered into the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Bioethics.

IPA 6135 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 1 of 2)

Introduction tobasic trans-theoretical skills, client needs assessment (intake interview), charting, confidentiality and informed consent, and safe and effective use of self. Other topics covered include definitions of counseling and psychotherapy, roles of the psychotherapist, client motivation, phases of psychotherapy, empathy, eye contact, proxemics, paralanguage, silence, listening for verbal and non-verbal messages, closed, open-ended questions, summarizing, paraphrasing, emotional reflections, effectiveness of psychotherapy, problem formulation, goals/objectives, suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention as well as managing boundaries. Includes 6 hours of theoretical and practical learning, applied clinical exercises, as well as 1 to 2 hours of clinical practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.

IPA 6136 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY I (Part 2 of 2)

Consolidation of basic counselling and psychotherapy skills and development of advanced skills. Other topics covered include conceptualization and treatment planning, confrontation, interpretation self-openness and self-commitment, immediacy, resistance, and termination of psychotherapy. In addition, the student learns to welcome, assess, and work with a person presenting with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Humanistic, cognitive-behavioural and existential approaches are emphasized. Other themes: existential and spiritual issues, safe and effective use of self, transference and countertransference, compassion fatigue, multicultural competence, microaggressions.

Includes 6 hours of theoretical and practical learning, applied clinical exercises, as well as 1 to 2 hours of clinical practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.

Prerequisite: IPA6135.

IPA 6137 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY II

Deepening of clinical techniques and skills in counselling and psychotherapy gained from IPA6135 and IPA6136 through direct clinical contact with clients. Includes an average of 5 hours of practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.

 

Prerequisite: IPA6136.

IPA 6138 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY III (Part 1 of 2)

Continued consolidation of basic counselling / psychotherapy skills learned and development of new advanced skills, delving into clients' emotions and promoting awareness and change in clients. Other topics covered include professional ethics and record keeping, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues in the context of counselling and psychotherapy, video and face-to-face psychotherapy; psychotherapeutic process, advanced case conceptualization (approaches), Gestalt techniques, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, sexual abuse, gender-based violence, spiritual abuse, safe and effective use of self, self-awareness and self-compassion. Includes 6 hours of theoretical and practical learning, applied clinical exercises, as well as an average of 5 hours of clinical practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.

 

Prerequisite: IPA6137.

IPA 6139 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY III (Part 2 of 2)

Consolidation of advanced skills. Some of the topics covered: psychological and spiritual coping strategies, emotional-spiritual bypassing, trauma and the brain, dissociation, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, the individuation process and human aging, the search for meaning, bereavement, the use of ritual in psychotherapy, anger, preparation for starting a private practice, safe and effective use of the self, self-awareness and self-compassion.  Includes 6 hours of theoretical and practical learning, applied clinical exercises, as well as an average of 5 hours of clinical practice (practicum) and 2 to 3 hours of supervision per week. Graded P/F.

 

Prerequisite: IPA6138.

IPA 6140 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN COUPLE AND FAMILY COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (Part 1 of 4)

Introduction to systemic and relational counselling. Theoretical study of systems theory as applied to individual, couple, and family therapy. Introduction to assessment and conceptualization (attachment, systems, and socio-culturally integrative theories; foundational skills in managing sessions with couples and families). Introduction to relational and systemic counselling and psychotherapy skills using role plays, and video illustrations of structured intervention modalities (Psychoeducation, Emotionally Focused, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioural). Applied practice through work with clients under clinical supervision with registered psychotherapists, at the Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre of Saint Paul University. Graded P/F.

IPA 6141 - INTERNAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN COUPLE AND FAMILY COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (Part 2 of 4)

Deepening of clinical techniques and skills gained in IPA6140 through work with clients under clinical supervision with registered psychotherapists at the Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre of Saint Paul University. Graded P/F.

 

Prerequisite: IPA6140.

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 6152 - Theology and Spiritual Care

This course provides students with a critical theological understanding and means of developing the practice of pastoral ministry in the health care services. It presents an anthropological study of the human experience of health, illness, healing, suffering and dying, and a theological reflection on these in the light of the different Christian traditions. It presents the resources for care: principles of human development, principles of human helping; reflections on pastoral care practice; paradigms for care; skills for interpersonal caring; reflections on rituals used in caring; and insights into personalized religion and spirituality.

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 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 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 7108 - Integrative Seminar

This seminar is intended to be a place and time for students to integrate their diverse learning experiences: theoretical courses, practicum, research and the personal impact of their encounters with clients and their participation on a team. The material which will be provided by students themselves, emerges from their theoretical learning and practical experiences. The goal is to form and inform students= pastoral attitudes, approach and strategies from a multidisciplinary perspective, including that of Christian faith and tradition.

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 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 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 9997 - Thesis Proposal

Presentation of the thesis proposal to an examining committee composed of the supervisor, the members of the advisory committee and one or two other professors.

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 - THÈSE DE DOCTORAT

Contact Us

Office of the Associate Vice-Rector, Strategic Enrolment Management
Room 148
Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4
CANADA

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Telephone: 613-236-1393
Fax: 613-782-3014
admission@ustpaul.ca

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	1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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