The Adler School of Professional Psychology

MACF-510/MACF-511 M.A. PracticumSeminar I-II 2 Credits per term
Prerequisite: Concurrent with Practicum (MACF-511-MACF-513). Using a peer consultation model, Practicum Seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific cases students are working on in practica are discussed to illustrate general principles of counseling and intervention. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, values needed to provide competent and ethical counseling.

MIO-510 Leadership Development 3 Credits
This course focuses on leadership as a complex developmental process. Concentration focuses on the behaviors of leadership styles. Evaluation of action programs fosters practical application in leadership assessment to improve workplace situations. Topics to be covered include organizational dynamics through leadership, issues of diversity with regard to followership in a group context, assessment of an assortment of leadership styles, and ethics in leadership.

MSP- 510 Cognitive Affective Bases of Behavior in Sport and 3 Credits
Health Psychology

This course emphasizes the most recent theoretical developments in cognitive-affective bases of behavior. Areas of emphasis will include attention, memory, knowledge, language, reasoning, problem solving, the cognitive bases of affect and consciousness, human learning and theories of motivation with a particular emphasis on sport and health. The relevance of these topics to psychotherapy and change, as well as the possible impact of social issues on course topics, will also be examined.

CRM-511 Mental Health Issues in Criminal Justice 3 Credits
The objective of this course is to provide the student with an overview of the various mental health related issues routinely encountered by the criminal justice professional. Topics discussed include the following: Competency issues with respect to defendants and witnesses in legal proceedings; pleadings, including the guilty plea, the not guilty plea, the not guilty by reason of insanity plea, the guilty but mentally ill plea; the role of the expert witness; involuntary commitment proceedings related to violent sexual predators and other criminal offenders; drug and alcohol addiction as mitigating factors in sentencing. The course is designed to provide students with the basic analytic and critical thinking skills required to identify and understand mental health related issues in the day-to-day environment of the modern criminal justice professional.

MIO-511 Training, Design, Delivery and Evaluation 3 Credits
The course provides students with a thorough understanding of the role a training and development practitioner. It will include an analysis of current best practices including adult learning theory, instructional design/strategy and program evaluation. The course provides practical opportunity for students to design their own training program and develop instructional strategies appropriate for training programs which are delivered in various formats.

MACF-511/MACF-513 M.A. Practicum I-II 1 Credit per term
Prerequisites: Concurrent with M.A. Practicum Seminar (MACF510-MACF-512); completion of a minimum of 28 credit hours of course work, including PCO- 210, PCO-211-PCO-214, PCO-337, PCO-350, PCO-402, MAC-472, MAC-473, MAC-505, PCO-520, PCO-623, PCO-647, and PCO-679; and permission of the Director of Training and Community Service. This may not be transferred or waived.

MIO-512 Talent Selection and Recruitment 3 Credits
This course provides students with an introduction to job selection procedures used to assess individuals in selecting the best talent for hiring, promoting and other employment decisions in helping to drive organizational strategy. Topics include decision theory, an examination of professional practices and the link between recruitment to selection. Lawful behavior and ethical considerations with a cross cultural perspective as related to interviewing, ability testing, personality inventories and other contemporary testing methodology such as internet-based and multi-rater assessment.

MACF-512/MACF-513 M.A. Practicum I-II 1 Credit per term
Prerequisites: Concurrent with M.A. Practicum Seminar (MACF510-MACF-512); completion of a minimum of 28 credit hours of course work, including PCO- 210, PCO-211-PCO-214, PCO-337, PCO-350, PCO-402, MAC-472, MAC-473, MAC-505, PCO-520, PCO-623, PCO-647, and PCO-679; and permission of the Director of Training and Community Service. This may not be transferred or waived.

MIO-513 Competency Development and Performance Management 3 Credits
This course provides students with an understanding of best practices in competency development as it relates to job analysis, evaluation and performance management. Students learn how these aspects of an organization can improve the competitive advantage of an organization. Students gain practical experience in developing job descriptions using competency development techniques as well as developing an effective performance management tool with use in multicultural contexts. Students will have opportunity to meet via Skype throughout the term in addition to online meetings.

MACF-514 Practicum Seminar Continued 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Concurrent with M.A. Practicum Continuation (PCO-610). Continuing in the group consultation model utilized in MACF 510 & 512, students registered for PCO 610 Practicum continuation in the summer term should register for this seminar. Case presentation, further consultation and discussion of therapy practicum issues and topic with a focus on increasing knowledge, skills, and professional growth within ethical, socially responsible and culturally diverse perspectives of counseling.

PCO-514 Life Style Assessment and Diagnosis 3 Credits
Prerequisite: PCO-402. This course focuses on the principles of the fundamental Adlerian appraisal process. The range of assessment styles is discussed with an emphasis on making the process a reliable and replicable tool in the cache of the IP practitioner. This course emphasizes the family constellation and early recollections and their meaning, significance, and usefulness in helping to gain an understanding of the client’s unique patterned response to life, i.e., the life style. The early social milieu in which the individual develops fundamental attitudes is discussed along with how the level of one’s social interest impacts the individual’s subjective view of self, others and the world.

MIO-514/MIO-515 Business Practicum and Seminar 2 Credits per term
This practicum (512) is to be taken concurrently with a seminar (513). Supervised field work in a business setting is for the duration of 300 hours conducted together with weekly seminar via Skype. Settings can be selected from preexisting approved sites or students can create their own sites after obtaining requisite approval. Using a peer consultation model, the seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific projects and assignment which students are working on are discussed to illustrate general principles of industrial and organizational psychology and related business concepts. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, values needed to provide competent and ethical services.

MAC-516 Individual Appraisal for Counselors in Practice 3 Credits
This course will familiarize students with assessment and evaluation commonly used in counseling practice. The following topics will be addressed: theoretical and historical bases for assessment techniques, validity, reliability, appraisal methods, strategies for selecting, administrating, interpreting, and using assessment and evaluation instruments and techniques in counseling.

MIO-516 Community Engagement Project 1 Credit
Students complete their program with a final research paper based on any aspect of their program, a relevant work-related topic or as a project related to their Practicum placement. This course requires students to complete a supervised project at a designated site for a minimum of 50 hours of work. Project may include work in community outreach, needs assessment, research and publishing, program development and evaluation or advocacy work. Students may not complete this requirement at their place of work. The project is supervised by a faculty member and the project should be eligible for presentation at a relevant professional conference. This course may be waived if the student has been deemed to have suitable life experience.

PCO-517 Advanced Life Style Assessment 3 Credits
Prerequisites: PCO-402, PCO-472, PCO-514. This course focuses on the application of the life style. We will be addressing such topics as life style matching in dyads and most prominently in marital counseling, in vocational counseling, and in predicting the patient-therapist relationship, including such issues as resistance and transference.

PCO-520 Theories of Psychotherapy 3 Credits
This course presents an examination and analysis of the major theories, principles, and techniques of psychotherapy. Approaches presented include Freudian, Rogerian, Jungian, Adlerian, existential, humanistic, rational-emotive, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. The influence of sociocultural and historical factors on the development of theories is examined.

PCO-523 Adlerian Approaches to Individual and Family Therapy 3 Credits
Prerequisite: PCO-402. This course presents the practical application of Adlerian approaches to psychotherapy with specific emphasis on interventions for individuals and families in a multicultural society. Particular emphasis is placed on the respective roles of the therapist and the client throughout the process of the four stages of therapy. Basic Adlerian therapeutic techniques are offered in both individual and family therapy. Interventions that are empirically based, best practices are analyzed from an Adlerian perspective. Emphasis is placed on solution focused interventions, the cultivation of self storying and dynamics of responsibility. Current research and recommendations for contemporary individual and family problems are discussed as is the use of self-help literature and groups.

PCO-524 Advanced Adlerian Interventions and Theory 3 Credits
Prerequisites: PCO-402, PCO-431, PCO-432, PCO-514, and PCO-523. This class will teach Adlerian theory and interventions within play therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and assessment of lifestyle and social interest. Theory and interventions related to children, adolescents, young adults, and the elderly will be reviewed as well as an in depth investigation and understand of complex emotions and ideas such as guilt, shame, grief, and Gemeinschaftsgefühl from an Adlerian point of view. Students will explore interventions with these populations (i.e. children, adolescents, young adults, and the elderly) and macro interventions possible as socially responsible clinicians.

MAC-525 Preparation for the M.A. Thesis 1 Credit

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisite: PCO-495. Students are required to take this course prior to registering for 526 M.A. Thesis I. Guided by their Thesis Advisor, in this seminar students will select and/or refine an appropriate topic for quantitative or qualitative study and develop a research proposal that will form the foundation for their final thesis.

MAC-526 M.A. Thesis I 1 Credit

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisites: Courses PCO-495 and MAC-525. Students are required to take this course prior to registering for MAC-527 M.A. Thesis II. The M.A. Thesis is a student-directed research project conducted in consultation with an approved faculty member of a topic of quantitative or qualitative study relevant to the theory and practice of counseling psychology. The thesis is an important capstone task (a culmination or highest point) for student’s demonstration of the integration of science and practice and the critical thinking skills required for the ethical and professional practice of counseling psychology. Students are required to complete a scholarly paper of publishable quality in accordance with Adler School guidelines, Canadian Psychological Association, and American Psychological Association standards.

MAC-527 MA Thesis II 1 Credit

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisites: Course MAC-526. Students are required to take this course prior to registering for MAC-528 M.A. Thesis III. See description for Course MAC-526.

MAC-528 MA Thesis III 1 Credit

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisites: Course MAC-527. See description for Course MAC-526.

MAC-529 M.A. Thesis Continuation 0 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

M.A. students, who are continuing to work on their thesis and have already registered for and completed the M.A. Thesis course, must register each term for this course and pay the required fee to remain in good standing. Students enrolled in M.A. Thesis Continuation are expected to make steady and consistent progress on completion of their thesis. Failure to enroll in courses or M.A. thesis continuation may result in dismissal from the M.A.C. program.

MAC-537 M.A. Practicum and Seminar I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: PCO-210, PCO-211-PCO-214, PCO-337, PCO-350, PCO-402, MAC-472, MAC-473, MAC-505, PCO-520, PCO-623, PCO-647, and PCO-679; and permission of Program Director and Director of Training and Community Service. Using a peer consultation model, the practicum seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific cases students are working on in practica are discussed to illustrate general principles of counseling and intervention. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide competent and ethical counseling. For students in the MAC-OH program.

MAC-538 M.A. Practicum and Seminar II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: MAC-208, MAC-906, MAC-679, PCO-647, PCO-402, PCO-472, PCO-505, MAC-516, PCO-520, PCO-623 and permission of Program Director and Director of Training and Community Service. Using a peer consultation model, the practicum seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific cases students are working on in practica are discussed to illustrate general principles of counseling and intervention. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide competent and ethical counseling. For students in the MAC-OH program.

MSP-541 Human Performance Enhancement Using Cognitive 3 Credits
Behavioral Approaches to Sport and Health Psychology

Human performance enhancement, an area of education used to fine-tune the psychological well-being and precision of athletics and the health field, is examined utilizing a cognitive-behavioral perspective. An overview of cognitive and behavioral approaches to counseling is provided. Emphasis will be placed on case formulation and development of cognitive and behavioral assessment and intervention skills. The cognitive behavioral basis of sport and health enhancement will be emphasized. This course will focus on the examination of sport psychology skills (goal setting, imagery, relaxation training, etc.). Analysis of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how to intervene to help clients will be highlighted. Experiential exercises such as role-play will facilitate student learning. The course will focus on populations with sport and health problems (e.g., motivational challenges in athletes) as well as common clinical issues, such as depression and anxiety. By the end of the class, students will have tangible skills to create psychological skills training programs and will be able to help clients use cognitive behavioral modalities to enhance performance and overall wellness.

MSP-542 Assessment of Individual Differences in Sport and Health 3 Credits
Prerequisites: MSP-501; PCO-520. This course will consider a variety of factors that can influence health and sport outcomes and methods of assessing these factors. Among those reviewed will be: personality traits (e.g., big five traits), cognitive schemas, information processing (learning) styles, perceived control, personal preferences and related factors impact health and sport outcomes. In addition, more general factors that determine the usefulness of such assessments will be presented, including validity reliability, and ethics in testing.

MAOP-546 Research Methods in Organizational Psychology 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

This course discusses the assumptions and methods of a range of research designs used in psychology research. A critical assessment is provided of the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and their application to the study of problems in the field of organizational psychology. Students are expected to conduct an extensive review of psychological literature and research from the field and prepare a major research paper in an area of special interest. Preparation of a research paper is intended to assist students in their eventual completion of the Master’s Thesis.

MAOP-547 Group Theory and Process 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

Much of the activity in organizations occurs in group/team structures and processes. Drawing from theory and research in organizational psychology, social psychology, sociology and organizational behavior, the history, theory, methods, and applications of group theory and practice are examined, discussed, and demonstrated. The development of competency in group facilitation methods is taught through didactic presentation, role-playing, and participation in a group designed course structure.

MAOP-548 Organizational Policy Frameworks and Dispute Resolution 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

This course presents legal foundations and current best practices related to organizational policies and procedures in the areas of human resources, human rights, harassment, disability management, privacy and accountability, contextualized for Canadian and British Columbia workplaces. In addition, current trends in organizational dispute resolution practice are taught, including facilitation, mediation and complaint’s investigation.

MAOP-549 M.A. Thesis in Organizational Psychology 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisites: Research Methods and Preparation for Research Project. The M.A. Research Project is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an approved faculty member of a topic of study relevant to the theory and practice of organizational psychology. The research project is an important capstone task (a culmination or highest point) for student’s demonstration of the integration of science and practice and the critical thinking skills required for the ethical and professional practice in organizational psychology. Students are required to complete a scholarly paper of publishable quality in accordance with Adler School guidelines, Canadian Psychological Association, and American Psychological Association standards.

MAOP-550 Preparation for M.A. Thesis 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisite: Research Methods. Students are required to take this course prior to registering for M.A. Thesis. The purpose of this course is to review with students policies and procedures pertinent to completion of a thesis as a degree program requirement. The course instructor will assist students in selecting and/or refining an appropriate topic for empirical study, identifying a faculty member to serve as their thesis advisor, and develop a research proposal that will form the foundation for their final thesis.

MAG-551 Introduction to Gerontological Psychology 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the field of Gerontological Psychology and the impact of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors on the aging process. The course includes discussions on viewing older adults in a holistic perspective and the role of families and health care professionals in the care and treatment of older adults. An overview of psychological and medical issues of aging, assessment and intervention methods, and special issues in working with older adults is provided. Topics include: ageism, individual and cultural diversity, social roles, biological aging theories, living options, and health care decision making.

MAG-554/MAG-555 Practicum in Gerontological Counseling I – II 1 Credit per term
Prerequisites: Concurrent with Gerontological Counseling Practica Seminar (MAG-557 & MAG-558) Completion of a minimum of 31 credit hours of course work, including PCO-210, PCO-211-PCO-214, PCO-350, PCO-402, PCO-472, PCO-505, PCO-520, MAG-551, MAG-560, PCO-623, PCO-647; and permission of the Director of Training. This may not be transferred or waived. A student accepted into the M.A. in Gerontological Counseling program is required to complete at least 700 hours of supervised clinical experience.

MACR-556/MACR-559 MACR Practicum/Internship I-II 1 Credit per term
Prerequisites: Concurrent with M.A.C.R. Practicum/Internship Seminar (MACR-557 and MARC-558); completion of a minimum of 28 credit hours of course work, including PCO-210-PCO-213, PCO-402, PCO-472, PCO-505, MAC-516, PCO-520, PCO-623, PCO-641, and PCO-647; and permission of the Director of Training and Community Service. This may not be transferred or waived.

MACR-557/MACR-558 MACR Practicum/Internship Seminar I-II 1 Credit per term
Prerequisite: Concurrent with Practica/Internship (556-559). Using a peer consultation model, Practicum/Internship Seminar provides students engaged in clinical training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific cases students are working on in practica and internship are discussed to illustrate general principles of counseling and intervention. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, values needed to provide competent and ethical counseling.

MAG-557/MAG-558 Practicum Seminar in Gerontological Counseling I - II 2 Credits per term
Prerequisites: Concurrent with Gerontological Counseling Practica (MAG-554 & MAG-555). Using a peer consultation model, Practicum Seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific cases students are working on in practica are discussed to illustrate general principles of counseling and intervention. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, values needed to provide competent and ethical counseling with older adults.

MAG-560 Assessment Methods with Older Adults 3 Credits
Prerequisite: MAG-551. This course provides the skills to ascertain an older adult’s cognitive, affective, and environmental levels of functioning through standardized and informal measuring tests. The course includes an overview of statistical procedures relevant to test standardization, validity, reliability, sampling, and interpretation. The results of practicing these tests will be used to compile written summaries which include interpretation, strengths and concerns of the individual, and treatment planning.