The Adler School of Professional Psychology

Doctoral Concentration in Organizational Development

Adler School doctoral students working toward the Psy.D. may pursue specialized training in Organizational Development concurrently with their doctoral work by fulfilling the requirements for the Concentration in Organizational Development. Previous graduates of the Adler Psy.D. program may also return to pursue a formal specialized concentration such as organizational development. The concentration is intended to provide doctoral students with more intensive and focused education in areas such as organizational psychology and the related areas of change management, team building, performance enhancement, executive coaching, organizational development, and employee assistance programs.

Course Requirements

The concentration in Organizational Development requires the following courses:

PCO-569 Lifestyle and Career Development 3 cr.

MAO-574 Principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology 3 cr.

MAO-575 Executive Coaching/Consulting and Leadership Development 3 cr.

MAO-580 Organizational Theory and Change Management 3 cr.

MAO-584 Organizational Consulting and Group Development 3 cr.

Total Credit Hours: 15

Additional Requirements for the Concentration in Organizational Development:

1. Clinical Externship: Students need to have successfully completed the clinical externship in order to continue the next steps in the program. The Director of Training and Community Services and the M.A.O. Program Director work in collaboration with concentration students to identify a clinical externship which will meet the specialized needs of their program in addition to the student’s unique goals. Ideally, some elements of the externship are to focus on activities related to organizational development.

2. Advanced Business Practicum: In addition to the specialized coursework, students in a program for the COD designation will be required to take an advanced business practicum (and associated practicum seminar in order to develop practical skills in applying their learning in a workplace setting. The advanced business practicum must be a minimum of 300 clock hours to be conducted in a business- oriented setting which allows the student the opportunity to apply their skills in providing intervention for individuals, teams and at the organization level. The business practicum and practicum seminar must be conducted in sequence after the successful completion of practica in therapy and assessment. Furthermore, the advanced business practicum should ideally be completed within one semester.

3. Doctoral Dissertation: In addition, students enrolled in the doctoral program for the COD designation are required to complete a scholarly dissertation with a focus on topics or issues which are related to organizational psychology.

Completion Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses.

2. Satisfactory completion of 300 minimum clock hours of an Advanced Business Practicum.

3. Submission of completed Graduation Application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees.

4. Faculty approval for graduation and recommendation to the Board of Trustees for awarding a certificate
of completion of the Concentration in Organizational Development.

For further information contact Dr. Peter Liu, C.M., C. Psych., Program Director, Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Organizational Psychology at [e-mail].

Doctoral Concentration in Substance Abuse Treatment

The Substance Abuse Treatment Concentration is designed to provide education and training in the prevention, intervention and treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) disorders. Specifically, the coursework provides education in the theories, techniques and the core functions of substance abuse treatment, focusing on evidence-based research and the best practice standards.

Course Requirements

The concentration in Substance Abuse Treatment requires the following courses:

PCO-438 Introduction to Addictive Disorders 3 cr.

PSY-305 Professional Development, Issues and Ethics 3 cr.

CES-436 Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Aspects of Addictions 3 cr.

CES-437 Treatment of Addictive Disorders 3 cr.

Total Credit Hours: 12

Doctoral Concentration in Traumatic Stress Psychology

The Traumatic Stress Psychology concentration is designed for students seeking specialized training to provide therapy and assessment services for individuals with symptoms of traumatic stress, including people who have experienced combat, disasters, accidents or life-threatening illness, or interpersonal violence. In the required courses students will obtain the knowledge and skills to provide these individuals with research-supported clinical services and the support they need to improve their psychological, physical, social, and vocational functioning. An understanding of the broader structural and systemic factors that impact on survivors’ well-being is also emphasized. The courses necessary for completion of the concentration are the following:

PSY-706 Trauma-Focused Interventions 3 cr.

PSY-806 Advanced Trauma-Focused Interventions 3 cr.

In addition, three electives must be chosen from the following menus:

Elective Menu – Special Populations (choose one or two of the following):

PSY-684 Systemic Interventions with Children and Adolescents 3 cr.

PSY-822 Death, Dying, Bereavement, & Loss-Focused Interventions 3 cr.

PCO-815 Mental Health Disaster Response Counseling 3 cr.

PSY-840 Torture Survivor Well-Being: Theory and Foundation for
Community-Based Advocacy 3 cr.

Elective Menu – Research-Supported Interventions (choose one or two of the following):

PSY-702 Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Intervention 3 cr.

PCO-685 Child and Adolescent Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 3 cr.

The following requirements must also be met:

1. Students earning the Traumatic Stress Psychology Concentration must complete one of their doctoral
practica at a site that offers significant experience in working with survivors of traumatic events.

2. Students earning the Traumatic Stress Psychology Concentration must complete their dissertation on

a topic relevant to traumatic stress.

For further information contact Janna A. Henning, J.D., Psy.D., C.T., B.C.E.T.S., Core Faculty, Coordinator, Traumatic Stress Psychology Concentration at [e-mail].

Doctoral Concentration in Primary Care Psychology

The Primary Care Psychology concentration is designed to acquaint students interested in the integration of clinical psychology, behavioral medicine and healthcare with evidence-based approaches and techniques. Students whose particular interests focus on working in primary healthcare settings, such as hospitals, group medical practices, community clinics, HMO’s and family practice centers are especially likely to find this concentration enriching and helpful. Required courses provide students with knowledge and skills pertinent to several of the key principles of primary care psychology, including mind/body interaction; pain definition and management; stress-related illnesses and treatments; the role of behavioral factors in physical and psychological well-being; the application of psychological assessment and intervention techniques to acute and chronic illness and an understanding of the impact of broader structural and systemic factors on well-being and the role of the psychologist in healthcare delivery.

Course Requirements

The courses necessary for completion of the concentration are the following:

PSY-735 Mind-Body Health I 3 cr.

PSY-736 Mind-Body Health II 3 cr.

PCO-737 Primary Care Psychology 3 cr.

Elective Menu (choose two of the following):

PCO-339 Biofeedback 3 cr.

PSY-702 Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Intervention 3 cr.

PCO-705 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reintegration 3 cr.

CEH-710 Theories and Techniques of Clinical Hypnosis I 3 cr.

PCO-739 Mindfulness Meditation 3 cr.

For further information contact Neil Bockian, Ph.D., Primary Care Psychology Concentration Coordinator at [e-mail].

Programs of Study – Vancouver Campus

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counselling Psychology

Master of Counselling Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Community Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Psychology

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

The Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology (MAC) prepares students to be knowledgeable in foundational theories and methods of counselling. The program offers traditional graduate degree training coupled with an emphasis on education and training in socially responsible practice. This comprehensive program can be completed in a 2 year period as a full-time student including summer semesters if courses are completed according to the curriculum sequence below. This program is identical to the Master of Counselling Psychology but requires the successful completion of a thesis.

Graduates of the program are well prepared for a wide variety of mental health positions in human service agencies and organizations in both the public and private sectors.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for membership registration with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (www.bc-counsellors.org) and/or the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (www.ccpa-accp.ca). Students are advised that licensure requirements are under reviews in various jurisdictions in Canada, and students are encouraged to regularly consult about current requirements. Students are advised to consult with the Training Director prior to starting the clinical practicum, as individual practicum training experiences may differ, with the potential for some students to need additional post-graduate experience or supervision hours to meet certification requirements. Students, who intend to practice in locations other than the Province of British Columbia are also encouraged to consult with the appropriate association, agency or board relevant to local certification or licensure requirements.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the following courses is required for this degree:

* 200 Professional Development Seminar I 1 cr.

* 201 Professional Development Seminar II 1 cr.

* 202 Community Service Practicum I 1 cr.

* 203 Community Service Practicum II 1 cr.

337 Group Psychotherapy 3 cr.

* 402 Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology 3 cr.

433 Parent Education: Adlerian Theories and Interventions 2 cr.

438 Introduction to Addictive Disorders 3 cr.

* 472 Basic Intervention and Assessment Skills 3 cr.

473 Pre-Practicum Counselling Lab 0 cr.

495 Research in Counselling Psychology 3 cr.

525 Preparation for the M.A. Thesis 1 cr.

526 M.A. Thesis I 1 cr.

527 M.A. Thesis II 1 cr.

528 M.A. Thesis III 1 cr.

529 M.A. Thesis Continuation 0 cr.

* 505 Professional Development, Issues and Ethics 3 cr.

506 M.A. Practicum I 1 cr.

507 M.A. Practicum II 1 cr.

508 MA Practicum Seminar I 2 cr.

509 MA Practicum Seminar II 2 cr.

* 516 Individual Appraisal for Counsellors in Practice 3 cr.

* 520 Theories of Psychotherapy 3 cr.

569 Lifestyle and Career Development 3 cr.

* 623 Life Span Development 3 cr.

* 641 Social Psychology and Individual Differences 3 cr.

* 647 Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction

for Counsellors 3 cr.

663 Effective Marriage and Family Counselling 3 cr.

671 Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Dysfunction 3 cr.

995 Master’s Clinical Qualifying Examination 0 cr.

Total Credit Hours = 58

* = Required before beginning practicum

Curriculum Sequence

YEAR ONE

Fall Term

200 Professional Development Seminar 1 cr.

402 Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology 3 cr.

520 Theories of Psychotherapy 3 cr.

623 Life Span Development 3 cr.

641 Social Psychology and Individual Differences 3 cr.

Term Credits = 13

Spring Term

201 Professional Development Seminar I 1 cr.

202 Professional Development Seminar II 1 cr.

472 Basic Intervention and Assessment Skills 3 cr.

505 Professional Development, Issues, and Ethics 3 cr.

495 Research in Counselling Psychology 3 cr.

Term Credits = 11

Summer Term

203 Community Service Practicum II 1 cr.

525 Preparation for the M.A. Thesis 1 cr.

516 Individual Appraisal for Counsellors in Practice 3 cr.

647 Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction for
Counsellors 3 cr.

473 Pre-practicum Counselling Lab 0 cr,

Term Credits = 8

YEAR TWO

Fall Term

506 M.A. Practicum I 1 cr.

508 M.A. Practicum Seminar I 2 cr.

526 MA Thesis I 1 cr.

663 Effective Marriage and Family Counselling 3 cr.

671 Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Dysfunction 3 cr.

Term Credits = 10

Spring Term

433 Parent Education: Adlerian Theories and Interventions 2 cr.

527 M.A. Thesis II 1 cr.

507 M.A. Practicum II 1 cr.

509 M.A. Practicum Seminar II 2 cr.

569 Lifestyle and Career Development 3 cr.

Term Credits = 9

Summer Term

337 Group Psychotherapy 3 cr.

438 Introduction to Addictive Disorders 3 cr.

528 MA Thesis III 1 cr.

995 Master’s Clinical Qualifying Examination 0 cr.

Term Credits = 7

Total Credit Hours = 58

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses.

2. Satisfactory completion of 700 minimum clock hours of practicum.

3. Satisfactory completion of at least 150 clock hours of community service practicum.

4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and no more than two grades or six credit hours of “C.”

5. Successful completion of the M.A. Thesis.

6. Successful completion of the Master’s Clinical Qualifying Examination.

7. Submission of completed Graduation Application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees.

8. Faculty approval for graduation and recommendation to the Board of Trustees for the conferral of the
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.

Minimum Admission Requirements:

At the Adler School, we take great pride in our diverse student body. Students represent a wide range of professional interests, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and academic and work histories. We admit individuals with a record of outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to social responsibility.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology or counselling-related discipline.

A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all under-graduate or graduate course work.

The equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours in baccalaureate-level psychology coursework with a grade of “C” or better. These courses must include introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and a fourth foundational course preferably in personality psychology.

Coursework or volunteer/work experience that involves the use of counselling-related skills and demonstrates counselling capacity is highly desirable, and is considered in the evaluation of applicants.

Approved applicants will be evaluated through an in-person writing sample and interview as the final step in the application process. Students must complete all coursework required for the program at the Adler School Vancouver Campus. The only exceptions to this policy are any courses accepted for transfer credit in accordance with the School’s official Transfer Credit policy. For full details about our admissions requirements, visit adler.edu.

Practicum – Vancouver Campus

An integral part of the MA in Counselling Psychology program at Adler is the acquisition of practical counselling and scholarly skills gained in field placements. Ongoing involvement in counselling and scholarly activities at professional training sites gives students the closely supervised opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies they gain in course work. Practicum training requirements begin with a first year Community Service Practicum that offers a service-learning experience and focuses on developing skills related to community-based interventions, advocacy, social justice, and systemic interventions that benefit human welfare and well-being. Counselling training provided in students’ second practicum focuses on developing the competencies needed to prepare students for entry-level practice at graduation. Because the focus is on integrating Master’s level education at Adler with Master’s-level supervised counselling training, no transfer credit is granted for practica credits earned elsewhere. Students must successfully complete course prerequisites prior to being approved to begin their counselling practicum.

Students completing first year course work will spend 8-10 hours per week over the course of six months at an approved Community Service Practicum site and must concurrently enroll in required coursework. A minimum of 150 clock hours of Community Service Practicum is required.

After completion of all first year coursework , students should expect to spend at least two days per week over the course of eight to twelve months at an approved counselling practicum site and must concurrently enroll in Practicum Seminars during their first two semesters of field experience. A minimum 700 total clock hours of counselling practica are required, which is further outlined in program descriptions within this catalog. The Department of Training and Community Service works in collaboration with students in identifying and obtaining counselling practicum opportunities which meet the standards and requirements of the program. Students should refer to the Practicum Handbook, available on Moodle, for detailed information.

M.A. Thesis – Vancouver Campus

Students are required to complete a research-based thesis as a capstone project of their MAC degree. Students begin the thesis process by registering for Course #525 – Preparation for MA Thesis. Once students register for course #525 they are required to continuously register in MA Thesis courses (#526, #527, and #528) over the next three consecutive terms. Students who have not completed their MA Thesis after registering for MA Thesis I, II, and III are required to register for course #529 - MA Thesis Continuation in all subsequent terms until their thesis is completed and approved. Students receive a grade of In Progress (IP) for any term in which they are making satisfactory progress on their thesis and a grade of No Progress (NP) when they are failing to complete the project in a timely manner. When a student satisfactorily completes each major thesis component (i.e., the proposal and final thesis), a grade of CR (Credit) will be issued for all courses replacing the previous grades of IP.

Master of Counselling Psychology

The Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) prepares students to be knowledgeable in foundational theories and methods of counselling. The program offers traditional graduate degree training coupled with an emphasis on education and training in socially responsible practice. This comprehensive program can be completed in a 2 year period as a full-time student including summer semesters if courses are completed according to the curriculum sequence below.

Graduates of the program are well prepared for a wide variety of mental health positions in human service agencies and organizations in both the public and private sectors.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for membership registration with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (www.bc-counsellors.org) and/or the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (www.ccpa-accp.ca). Students are advised that licensure requirements are under reviews in various jurisdictions in Canada, and students are encouraged to regularly consult about current requirements. Students are advised to consult with the Training Director prior to starting the clinical practicum, as individual practicum training experiences may differ, with the potential for some students to need additional post-graduate experience or supervision hours to meet certification requirements. Students, who intend to practice in locations other than the Province of British Columbia are also encouraged to consult with the appropriate association, agency or board relevant to local certification or licensure requirements.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the following courses is required for this degree:

* 200 Professional Development Seminar I 1 cr.

* 201 Professional development Seminar II 1 cr.

* 202 Community Service Practicum I 1 cr.

* 203 Community Service Practicum II 1 cr.

337 Group Psychotherapy 3 cr.

* 402 Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychotherapy 3 cr.

433 Parent Education: Adlerian Theories and Interventions 2 cr.

438 Introduction to Addictive Disorders 3 cr.

* 472 Basic Intervention and Assessment Skills 3 cr.

473 Pre-Practicum Counselling Lab 0 cr.

495 Research in Counselling Lab 3 cr.

* 505 Professional Development, Issues and Ethics 3 cr.

506 Masters Practicum I 1 cr.

507 Masters Practicum II 1 cr.

508 Masters Practicum Seminar I 2 cr.

509 Masters Practicum Seminar II 2 cr.

* 516 Individual Appraisal for Counsellors in Practice 3 cr.

* 520 Theories of Psychotherapy 3 cr.

569 Lifestyle and Career Development 3 cr.

* 623 Life Span Development 3 cr.

* 641 Social Psychology and Individual Difference 3 cr.

* 647 Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction 3 cr.

663 Effective Marriage and Family Counselling 3 cr.

671 Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Dysfunction 3 cr.

995 Master Clinical Qualifying Examination 0 cr.

Total Credit Hours = 54

* = Required before beginning practicum

Curriculum Sequence

YEAR ONE

Fall Term

200 Professional Development Seminar I 1 cr.

402 Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology 3 cr.

623 Life Span Development 3 cr.

520 Theories of Psychotherapy 3 cr.

641 Social Psychology and Individual Differences 3 cr.

Term Credits = 13

Spring Term

201 Professional Development Seminar II 1 cr.

202 Community Service Practicum I 1 cr.

495 Research in Counselling Psychology 3 cr.

472 Basic Intervention and Assessment Skills 3 cr.

505 Professional Development, Issues and Ethics 3 cr.

Term Credits = 11