Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

The Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology gives students the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to work as professional counsellors in a wide variety of settings.

At the University of Victoria, we offer:

• a balanced program of theory, practice and research
• small classes, ongoing contact with a program supervisor and close faculty contact
• a practicum component where you'll get the counsellor preparation and training necessary to work in different settings
• an excellent record of graduate job placement

Students can apply to either a course-based or thesis-based program.

Program objectives

The counselling psychology program reflects current professional and research knowledge around the counselling and human development needs of a pluralistic society. Program objectives focus on preparing students for the professional practice of social justice informed counselling, not social activism. 

Through the counselling psychology program, students will: 

• enhance their understanding of human development and processes of change 
• gain and integrate knowledge of the history and philosophy of counselling psychology, the expectations associated with the professional counsellor's role, and the standards and certification required by professional counselling organizations 
• develop competencies consistent with Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Standards of Practice  
• develop appropriate assessment strategies and intervention approaches based on specific client needs 
• expand their awareness of cultural, racial and social diversity as counselling practitioners in professional and research contexts 
• develop legally and ethically sound professional counselling competencies in both clinical and research settings 
• become competent in conducting ethical and relevant counselling psychology research 
• establish community and professional connections that will provide them with a network of professional contacts in counselling-related disciplines 

These objectives reflect ongoing input from our faculty, current and former students, as well as agency personnel. 

Our students' education, supervision and training combine theoretical, practical and clinical orientations that provide opportunities for developing their professional counselling and research skills. As a result, our students have an excellent record of employment after graduation. 

Program requirements

Program requirements differ slightly depending on whether you apply to the course-based or thesis-based option.

Applications & admissions

Applications to the counselling psychology program are highly competitive, and requirements may differ from year to year. Make sure to read our application requirements carefully before applying.

Professional certification & accreditation

The counselling psychology program has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counsellor Education Programs (CACEP) and provides a path towards certification as a Canadian Certified Counsellor or a Registered Clinical Counsellor after graduation.

Teaching assistants & sessional lecturers

Contact us

For general program information, contact our program assistant or call 250-472-4352. You can also refer to our frequently asked questions page.

Our faculty

• Dr. Fred Chou

  Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor Counselling Psychology

  Accepting graduate students

  Office: MacLaurin A457 fchou@uvic.ca 250-721-7809

  Area(s) of expertise:

  Intergenerational Trauma, Asian Mental Health, Participatory Action Research, Narrative Research, Complex Developmental Trauma, Community Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Youth Mental Health Literacy and Suicide Prevention, Collaborative Practices in Mental Health

• Dr. Sarah Nutter

  Associate Professor Counselling Psychology

  Accepting graduate students

  Office: MacLaurin A432 snutter@uvic.ca 250-721-7795

  Area(s) of expertise:

  Weight stigma and weight-related issues, ideological influences on weight stigma, sociocultural influences on weight stigma, weight stigma as a social justice issue, weight and intersectionality, body image, eating disorders.

• Dr. Julia O'Loughlin

  Assistant Teaching Professor Counselling Psychology

  Office: MacLaurin A425 juliao@uvic.ca 250-721-7823

  Area(s) of expertise:

  Sexual health in a biopsychosocial context, sex therapy, intersections between sexuality, gender and trauma, traditional masculinity ideology, alexithymia, cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches, feminist theory and intersectional analysis. As a teaching professor, Julia does not supervise graduate students.

• Dr. Jon Woodend

  Assistant Professor Counselling Psychology

  Accepting graduate students

  Office: MacLaurin A427 jonwoodend@uvic.ca 250-721-7827

  Area(s) of expertise:

  International career transitions, newcomer (international students and their accompanying partners, immigrant workers, people from refugee backgrounds) wellbeing, career development and counselling, graduate student education and training.