Counselling Psychology MEd; Field: Counselling and Psychotherapy

Master of Education

Program Description

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy, within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for counselling individuals across a variety of work settings. Students are encouraged to tailor their courses and practicum learning experiences to meet their particular learning goals. Examples of the types of goals for which suitable programs of study could be developed include counselling and psychotherapy with adults, college and university students, or older adults: career counselling; counselling with diverse clients; and counselling and psychotherapy in community mental health and family service settings. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

  • An appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

  • At least one year of relevant counselling-related experience.

  • Two letters of reference.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • APD1202H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part I (0.5 FCE).

    • APD1203Y+Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (1.0 FCE). The practicum placement is the supervised training component of this course.

    • APD1214H Critical Multicultural Practice: Diversity Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE; corequisites: APD1202H and APD1302H).

    • APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

    • APD1260H Family Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD1261H Group Work in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

    • APD1302H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part II (0.5 FCE).

    • 1.5 FCEs in electives. Recommended electives: one of

      • APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE),

      • APD1267H Emotion-Focused Therapy (0.5 FCE),

      • APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood (0.5 FCE),

      • APD1278H Cognitive Therapy (0.5 FCE).

  • A comprehensive examination. Upon completion of program course requirements, students must pass a written comprehensive exam of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

  • Optional additional practicum, counted as one of the electives. Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course (APD1203Y+Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy). Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.