one of the nation s premier Master s level counseling psychology programs, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral therapy C ata l o g

Transcription

1 Master of arts in Counseling PsyChology one of the nation s premier Master s level counseling psychology programs, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral therapy C ata l o g

2 our mission is to prepare you for a rewarding career as a mental health counselor. the Counseling Psychology program is designed to help you develop the conceptual tools and practical skills that are required to be an effective counselor, both in today s practice as well as in anticipation of future changes in mental health service delivery. the program is built on a set of competencies in 5 major domains: 1. competence in developing an interpersonal relationship with clients and clinical supervisors, 2. competence in clinical assessment, 3. competence in implementing evidence-based interventions, 4. competence in evaluating psychological research in domains that contribute to the practice of mental health counseling, and 5. ethical and professional conduct in relationships with clients, faculty, and colleagues. Assumption College Graduate School 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA (508) (888) FAX (508) graduate@assumption.edu e Counseling Psychology program focuses on the synthesis of theory, practice, and research. e curriculum includes both didactic and experiential learning components that are designed to provide students with the kinds of skills that are important in this time of changing mental health services.

3 ...the premier program for master s level professionals in the country the Counseling Psychology program at assumption College graduate School is without a doubt the premier program for master s level professionals in the country. It provides in-depth training in the most advanced empiricallysupported therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy. Individuals taking this program are essentially assured offers of positions on graduation. aaron t. Beck, M.D. Emeritus Professor / Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Director / Center for the Treatment and Prevention of Suicide Why Cognitive Behavioral therapy is so crucial and relevant for today s clinician In entry-level courses, you will receive a broad overview of influential theories, models, and research findings that have shaped the field of Counseling Psychology. A er you complete these entry-level courses, you will have a broad, comprehensive understanding of the field. e advanced counseling courses will build upon this foundation by helping you develop and master specialized skills in cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT). is emphasis on CBT is more crucial for aspiring counselors today than at any time in the history of our program. Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral erapy have repeatedly proven their effectiveness in real-world clinical settings. For a number of the most common mental health conditions, CBT has proven to be the most effective treatment. As a result, CBT is increasingly being recognized, promoted, and reimbursed by federal healthcare policy-makers, insurance companies, and HMOs. e domino effect is that employers are actively seeking skill-based counselors with practical cognitive therapy experience. In addition to the program s real-world emphasis on CBT, we cover topics specifically focused on the most common clinical problems of the day: Aggressive Behavior in Children, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Abuse. roughout this publication, you can review testimonial comments from prominent experts and former students who agree that our program is among the finest in the nation. 1

4 Welcome the challenge Become a leader in the Profession. On behalf of my colleagues who teach in the Counseling Psychology program, I offer you a warm welcome to the program. We hope that you will find it stimulating and rewarding. If you enter this program, you are assured of learning from highly skilled psychologists who are committed to fostering your development as a mental health professional. Small class size improves interaction and learning Four electives provide flexibility to focus on personal interests Faculty members bring extensive real world clinical experience to the classroom Internship opportunities in a city renowned for health care e program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and most other states. Assumption cannot guarantee licensure and students are responsible for monitoring of the licensing requirements. In addition to the depth of quality courses and the willingness of our instructors to help each student develop his or her area of expertise, Assumption offers unique advantages to help you advance your career. Graduates are frequently sought for positions requiring a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology e program can be completed in two years Generous Graduate Fellowships offer 30 credits of tuition remission Our graduates know that their confidence as Counseling Psychologists comes not from their title but from the applied knowledge they gained at Assumption. We hope that you will join the many leading mental health professionals who began their careers in our program. Leonard A. Doerfler, Ph.D. Director of the Counseling Psychology Program Director of the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies Fellow, Academy of Cognitive erapy 2

5 ... one of a kind in preparing Master s level students assumption s program in Counseling Psychology is one of a kind in preparing Master s level students in cutting-edge assessment, treatment, and prevention practices. Students leave this program well grounded in psychological science and evidence-based practices. one can only wish there were many more such programs. alas, there are not. thomas h. ollendick, Ph.D. University Distinguished Professor Director / Child Study Center Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech University 3

6 What you ll learn in Counseling Psychology at assumption. the program offers in-depth experience in understanding psychological conditions, as well as the conceptual tools and practical skills required to be an effective counselor in this time of changing mental health services. Based in our Graduate Department of Counseling Psychology, the program stresses the synthesis of theory, practice, and research. Emphasis is on flexible problem-focused approaches based upon social learning models and supportive empirical evidence. Social learning models of therapy focus on how certain thinking patterns can cause psychological distress and the role of interpersonal interaction and relationships in creating psychological dysfunction. ese kinds of interventions help people take action to solve their problems and reduce their self-defeating behavior. Interventions based on social learning models have shown strong evidence of effectiveness in helping people overcome problems with depression, anxiety, stress, addictive behaviors, and shyness as well as family, school, work, and interpersonal relationships. ese models provide a clear structure and focus to the treatment of psychological conditions. As you progress through the program, the conceptual and practical aspects of mental health counseling will be integrated and synthesized. You will learn how to use your interpersonal skills in ways that will be beneficial for your clients, and you will gain confidence in your ability as a competent therapist. 4

7 My experience at assumption turned into more than I could have dreamed of. I entered the M.a. in Counseling Psychology program as an International student. I m now employed as a full-time clinician here in Massachusetts by the organization for which I did my practicum. this is a direct result of the exceptional knowledge and skills I received from assumption, especially the work in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, which is perfectly suited for the crisis situations in which I often work. ana turrer, M.a. 09 In-Home Therapy Clinician North Suffolk Mental Health Association Revere, MA 5

8 unique features accelerate your Career growth graduate fellowships Up to 10 Graduate Fellowships are offered annually to students who have strong academic records. Tuition waivers are granted for 30 credits. Graduate Fellows work closely with a Counseling Psychology program faculty mentor for two semesters on advanced psychological research. is experience is particularly beneficial for students who expect to apply to a doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology, as recent Assumption graduates have done. A Fellowship also provides opportunities for contact with local community agencies and professionals which can be valuable in exploring practicum and internship sites as well as career opportunities. Recent Fellows have conducted research here at Assumption College as well as Boston Road Clinic, Children s Friend, St. Vincent Hospital, and the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. To be considered for a Graduate Fellowship, write to the Program Director explaining your interest in the program and include a brief explanation of your background and career interests. e deadline for applying for a Graduate Fellowship is March 1. Address your letter to: Dr. Leonard Doerfler, Department of Psychology, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA Applicants for a Graduate Fellowship must have submitted all required application materials to the Graduate School Office by March 1. 6

9 the first place that I call whenever a position becomes available the first place that I call whenever a position becomes available for a Master s Degree in Psychology is assumption College. over the past 15 years in my former role as Director of Psychology and senior clinical research scientist at UMass Medical Center, I hired a number of graduates from the Counseling Psychology program at assumption College. I found them to be exceptionally welltrained individuals with a strong dedication to the field of psychology and sound scientific and clinical experience. russell Barkley, Ph.D. Research Professor of Psychiatry SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY formerly Professor of Psychiatry & Neurology University of Massachusetts Medical Center flexibility to Pursue your Career goals e Counseling Psychology program provides flexibility to pursue your individual goals. Four elective courses provide an opportunity to develop specialized skills with specific client groups as well as in specific approaches to counseling. If you are interested in developing in-depth expertise in topics not covered in the program, you may also take up to two directed study courses with program faculty. Optional concentrations are currently available in Cognitive-Behavioral erapies, and Child and Family Interventions. Successful completion of either concentration will earn you a certificate upon graduation. your Development as a therapist e skills you will develop in this program are valued highly by internship directors and employers, and our faculty members are committed to ensuring your success as a therapist. You will benefit from their wealth of clinical experiences in mental health settings including hospital-based inpatient units and outpatient mental health clinics, non-profit community agencies, special school-based programs, and private practice. Cutting edge courses focus on the effective treatment techniques and procedures for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, faculty members are knowledgeable in developing and directing mental health programs and working in managed care settings. internship opportunities e required Practicum and Internship allows you to develop hands on experience as a counselor and to integrate theory and practice. Your selection of a practicum and internship site is particularly important because it is here that you acquire the specialized expertise that will advance your career. Our graduates consistently rate their combined practicum and internship experience as one of the most rewarding and beneficial components of the program. 7

10 Fortunately for Assumption students, Worcester is a major New England health care center. Our program has an excellent relationship with many mental health agencies in the community which opens up many options for internship placements. Among them are community agencies that serve children, adolescents, adults, and families; college counseling centers; inpatient adult psychiatric units; residential treatment programs for children and adolescents; inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs; and correctional facilities for adolescents or adults. e faculty and Practicum-Internship Coordinator will assist you in identifying a placement that matches your career interests and goals. If you live outside the central Massachusetts area and wish to do your practicum and internship closer to home, the coordinator will help you locate an agency that will satisfy the program s standards and regulations. aaron t. Beck institute for Cognitive studies e Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies is an extraordinary feature of our Counseling Psychology Program. e Institute hosts internationally known psychologists and psychiatrists who address research and therapeutic developments in cognitive therapy as well as ethical and moral issues faced by therapists and clients. It is the only such institute in the Northeast, and students in the Counseling Psychology Program attend the programs at no additional cost. Aaron T. Beck Institute workshops and lectures offer intensive instruction in clinical topics and will add a richness to your professional training. Additional information on the Institute is provided on page 15 of this catalog. your Place as a Caring and thorough expert in the field Most graduates soon enter positions representing a wide range of mental health counseling, clinical research, and administrative responsibilities at locations including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, community-based programs, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and school and residential programs. 8

11 It was exciting to be at ground zero for innovation and leadership in the field. We studied with professors who are on a first name basis with aaron t. Beck, the pioneer of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. It was exciting to be at ground zero for innovation and leadership in the field. learning from outstanding professors who have real-world clinical experience gave me the confidence and skills to hit the ground running in my career. It was invaluable, cutting-edge training that applies directly to the success of the work I do every day of the week as a clinician. thomas gould, M.a. 09 Master's Level Clinician Community Health Link Gardner, MA Sampling of Practicum and Internship Placement Options: AdCare Hospital Children s Friend Worcester Community Healthlink - Substance Abuse/ Criminal Justice Department of Youth Services - Westboro Unit Family Services of Central Mass Mass Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children McLean Hospital- Child Neuropsychology New England Center for Children Rainbow Child Development Center UMass Adolescent Unit UMass Medical Center - Outpatient Clinic UMass Transitions: Intensive Residential Treatment Westboro State Hospital Wetzell Diagnostic Center Worcester Youth Guidance Center YOU, Inc. 95% of our students were rated as excellent or above average in key areas by practicum and internship supervisors. Practicum and internship experiences are a critical facet of professional training for our students because practicum and internship is where they develop and refine clinical skills and competencies in real world mental health agencies or settings. During the Spring 2008 semester, our faculty assessed the program s effectiveness in promoting mastery of key counseling skills and competencies during the practicum and internship training. During the , , , , and academic years, 157 students completed their practicum and internship training in 61 different community agencies. Based on ratings by clinical supervisors in these community agencies, these students demonstrated very high levels of mastery of important counseling skills. Ratings by clinical supervisors in community agencies indicated that 95% of students were rated as excellent or above average in ability to communicate empathy and 92% were rated as excellent or above average in ability to use good judgment in making decisions. Supervisor ratings also indicated that 86% of students were rated excellent or above average in ability to integrate information and develop a case formulation and in skill in applying treatment techniques or plan. 9

12 Beyond the classroom: enjoying the College, Worcester, and new england located in the heart of new england Assumption College is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the state s second largest city and home to 12 colleges and more than 30,000 students. e campus is nestled on 185 park-like acres in a safe and serene section of the city, approximately three miles from downtown. e diverse natural beauties of New England are just a short drive away, with mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, both within an hour s drive. Also located within an hour to the east is the world-class city of Boston. Listed on Forbes.com as one of the top-ten most livable cities in the country and five-time recipient of the All-America City Award, metro M Worcester has a population of 787,000. e city continually plays host to countless favored events, such as NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments, and 2 91 concerts by nationally acclaimed artists at MASSACHUSETTS 90 the DCU Center. With Shrewsbury Street s 90 Sturbridge Springfield fine dining and fun restaurants, Highland Street s hangouts, Water Street s entertainment district, Lake Quinsigamond s crew Hartford 91 races, the Hanover eatre, and a downtown undergoing a $1 billion makeover, CONNECTICUT Worcester is on the move WORCESTER Lowell 295 Providence RHODE ISLAND Boston

13 ... a leader in preparing its graduates to be skilled, effective clinicians Having visited graduate Psychology programs around the country, it s clear that assumption s program is among the finest. I have found assumption to be a leader in preparing its graduates to be skilled, effective clinicians working on the frontlines with people with various psychological disorders. Students are fully prepared to implement state-ofthe-art psychological interventions and assessment procedures with proven effectiveness. their graduates will continue be in high demand for years to come. David h. Barlow, Ph.D., abpp Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Director, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University 11

14 M.a. in Counseling Psychology The Master of Arts Program In their program of study, students in the Counseling Psychology Program pursue five broad areas of competence: Relationship skills include the ability to: a) communicate empathy; b) engage others; c) set others at ease; d) establish rapport; and e) communicate a sense of respect. Assessment skills include: a) the ability to formulate the referral question; b) skill in selecting assessment methods or techniques (e.g., interviewing, observation, self-report measures); c) skill in collecting information and processing this information; and d) ability to integrate assessment information and develop a case formulation. Intervention skills include: a) knowledge of various models of behavior disorders; b) knowledge of various therapeutic modalities and levels of care (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, day treatment); c) ability to select a treatment modality that matches the specific circumstances of the individual client; d) skill in applying the treatment techniques or plan; and e) ability to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. Research and evaluation skills, include the ability to understand: a) research methodology in mental health counseling; b) applied statistics; and c) the principles of psychological measurement. For Ethical and professional conduct, Counseling Psychology students are expected to demonstrate: a) knowledge of the Ethical Principles of the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and American Psychological Association; and b) the ability to identify potential ethical or professional problems; and c) to act in accordance with these ethical and professional standards. The 60-credit Master of Arts program has three course levels: entry level courses which stress the counseling process and its application in field settings; general core courses which provide a broad background in scientific and professional foundations of mental health counseling; and advanced counseling courses. The curriculum includes 12 elective credits which allows you to pursue career interests and to gain in-depth training in a particular area. The entry-level courses are designed to provide you with a broad overview of theories, models, and research findings that have shaped the field of Counseling Psychology. After you complete these entry-level courses, you will have a broad, comprehensive understanding of the field. The advanced counseling courses will build on this foundation by helping you develop and master specialized skills in cognitive-behavioral therapies. The curriculum is organized so that full-time students can complete the required 19 courses, including practicum and internship, in either two or three years depending on when they begin taking courses. Full-time students may begin in the summer or fall semester. Part-time students may begin in the summer, fall, or spring semester. To complete the program in two years, however, you must begin during the summer semester in order to complete your oral exam during spring semester of your second year; oral exams are not conducted during the summer semester. The two-year full-time program requires five three-course semesters and one four-course semester. We have organized the program so that it is possible to complete the degree on a 3-year schedule. With this plan, you will take 2 courses for 8 semesters and 3 courses for one semester. Part-time students are welcomed in the program and you can take courses on a pace that fits your circumstances. Students have up to 7 years to complete all requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Admission Requirements The program uses a rolling admission procedure and you may submit your application to the Graduate office at any time during the year. When complete, your application will be forwarded to the Counseling Psychology admissions committee for their review. Candidates will be informed of their decision in writing through the Office of the Graduate School. If you are applying for a Graduate Fellowship, your application must be complete by March 1. Enrollment is open to qualified individuals who meet the following academic admissions standards: A baccalaureate degree and at least six (6) psychology courses completed at an undergraduate level. You must complete the requisite six psychology courses before consideration of your application for admission to the graduate program; A minimum grade point average of 3.0, both overall and in psychology courses. You do not need to have majored in psychology as an undergraduate student to enter the program. However, if your undergraduate program did not include at least 6 psychology courses, you must complete additional courses before you can be admitted to the program. If you are considering applying to the program and have not yet taken the requisite six (6) undergraduate psychology courses, the Program Director will assist you in selecting appropriate preparatory course work. The Admissions Committee will consider several factors when evaluating your application. One important consideration is the strength of your background and preparation in psychology. The Admissions Committee may recommend admission if your overall GPA is below 3.0 but your GPA for the last 2 years is strong and performance in your psychology courses is strong. If you believe that you have evidence of extenuating circumstances that explains a weak overall GPA, you may contact the Program Director regarding your application. The Admissions Committee also requires that you submit three strong positive recommendations from your professors or other professionals for whom you have worked. Only letters that are academic or professional in nature will be considered. At least one recommendation must be from a professor you had for at least one course. If you have been out of school for several years and are unable to obtain an academic reference, you must contact the 12

15 The curriculum is organized so that full-time students can complete the required 19 courses, including practicum and internship, in either two or three years. Program Director for guidance in identifying individuals who can provide suitable recommendations. It is important to choose individuals who know your academic ability, research skills, or clinical work well. Finally, the Admissions committee will consider the match between your professional interests and Assumption s program offerings. We recommend that you give considerable thought to the content of your essay as it is an important part of the evaluation process. Success in the counseling program and in the field requires high levels of responsibility, integrity, interpersonal skill, as well as mastery of theory and research methodology. We are seeking candidates who have thought deeply about their place within the field of counseling and who possess strong academic credentials. We encourage you to reflect this thought and to describe your preparation thoroughly in the essay you submit. Applying to the Master of Arts Program A complete application includes the following: A complete application form and application fee (fee waived for Assumption matriculated students or alumni/ae); Official transcript(s) of undergraduate and graduate records; Three (3) letters of recommendation. As outlined above, these letters must be academic or professional in nature with a minimum of one letter from a professor you had for at least one course. Any exception is to be reviewed with the Program Director before an application is considered complete. Recommendations must be submitted on the official recommendation form found in this Graduate School Catalog or on the Assumption Graduate School web site. An updated resume showing your academic and work experiences. An essay of approximately 600 words that answers each of the following questions: Describe the academic preparation and skills that you have that you believe qualify you for the rigorous training involved in our master s program in Counseling Psychology. Discuss experiential and field-based experiences that you believe prepare you for our counseling program. Describe what you hope to accomplish academically during your graduate program and the career goals you have for yourself. Focusing on the actual job you would like to have five years after completing your graduate study will bring specificity to your essay. Describe the qualities that you see as essential for an effective counselor and then assess yourself in terms of these characteristics. Notes: 1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. 2. An interview is not required, however, candidates are welcome to contact the Program Director at any time with any questions about the program. 3. The Counseling Psychology admissions committee reserves the right to request additional material in support of the candidate s application. Candidates for the Master of Arts or CAGS in Counseling Psychology are to note the following: All documents, transcripts and other papers submitted for admission become the property of the College and will not be returned. Courses taken by correspondence will not satisfy prerequisite or program requirements. A student is not officially admitted or denied admission until he/she has been notified by the Director of Graduate Enrollment. Applicants are notified of their status in writing. After official notification of acceptance, application and transcripts are kept on file for one year. If the candidate has not matriculated within that year, he/she ordinarily reapplies and is subject to the rules and regulations that are in effect at the time of the new application. There is no conditional admission into the Counseling Psychology graduate program. Incomplete dossiers are kept on file no longer than one year. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that, prior to attending classes, graduate students must be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, Hepatitis B and meningitis. For specific information call the Graduate Medical Secretary at International Students Those applicants who have attained a level of education officially considered as equivalent to a bachelor s degree from an American institution of higher education are eligible for admission to the program. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation, and translation if necessary, is required to determine if the degree obtained is equivalent to an American bachelor s degree. Applicants whose native or official tongue is not English are required to provide evidence of English profciency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International Language Testing System (IELTS). Information about these tests are available from TOEFL at Box 899, Princeton, NJ, or from IELTS at IELTS Inc., 100 East Corson Street, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA, All international students must also complete Assumption College s International Student Information Form (I-20) concerning their financial resources or financial support. Forms and information are available from the Office of Student Life at

16 M.a. in Counseling Psychology The Program Required Entry-level Courses Stressing Conceptual Foundations PSY Abnormal Psychology PSY Psychology of Personality PSY Psychology of Development PSY Psychological Measurement PSY Counseling (Principles and Practices) Required General Core Courses PSY Ethical Principles for Counselors PSY Issues in Professional Practice PSY Cultural Competencies in Counseling PSY Research Seminar PSY Professional Integrative Seminar Required Advanced Courses Stressing Counseling Process PSY Group Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy PSY Cognitive Assessment and Psychotherapy PSY Counseling Practicum PSY Counseling Internship I PSY Counseling Internship II Electives and Concentrations Once you have satisfied these program requirements, you may select four advanced elective courses in specific areas of concentration. These electives provide you with an opportunity to develop specialized skills in working with particular client groups and in using specific approaches to counseling. You may also use your electives towards gaining sophisticated and in-depth expertise in a particular concentration. Concentrations currently include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies and Child and Family Interventions. You can fulfill the requirements for both concentrations in the 60-credit program (that is, without taking additional courses). To fulfill the requirements for both concentrations, you must complete both PSY711 and PSY712. Concentration in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies Dr. Edmund F. O Reilly is coordinator for this concentration, which reflects the influence and activities of the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies and the established expertise and interests of departmental faculty. Structured, problem-focused cognitive-behavioral therapies focus on the interrelationship of thinking, behavior, and emotion. They are a collaborative undertaking in which the client and therapist develop the means to solve the client s problem, thus enabling him or her to live a responsible and productive life. If you select this concentration, you must complete at least three of the following courses: PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment of Children PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions with Children PSY Cognitive Therapy for Family of Origin Problems PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment of Adults PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Depression and Anxiety PSY Psychological Interventions for Addictive Behaviors Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Graduate Training from the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies. Concentration in Child and Family Interventions Dr. Peter Toscano is the coordinator for this concentration which reflects the established expertise and interests of the faculty in the areas of childhood trauma, adoption, school interventions, and major psychopathology in children, adolescents, and young adults. The concentration focuses on skills used when working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of contexts. A broad developmental perspective is integrated within this concentration. If you select this concentration, you must complete at least three of the following courses: PSY Marital Therapy PSY Advanced Family Therapy PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment of Children PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions with Children PSY Systems Interventions for Children PSY 727 Assessment and Treatment of ADHD Practicum-Internship Sequence The Counseling Practicum-Internship Sequence is comprised of three indivisible and consecutive courses: the Practicum, and Internships I and II. The Coordinator is Dr. Peter Toscano. Supervised Practicum and Internships are required for the Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. Only degree candidates of Assumption College may enroll in these courses. Counseling Practicum The Practicum (PSY 801) is a one semester summer course which immediately precedes two semesters of Internship (PSY 802 and 803). The Practicum requires a minimum of 100 hours at a clinical agency or school. Students must attend an informational meeting during the spring semester prior to the summer in which they enroll in their practicum. Minimal qualification for Practicum is satisfactory completion of PSY 500 (Abnormal Psychology), PSY 501 (Psychology of Personality), and PSY 600 (Counseling Principles and Practices). Students may not terminate their Practicum placement or withdraw from the Counseling Practicum Seminar (PSY 801) except in extraordinary circumstances and only with the written 14

17 For a complete list of all of the prominent Beck Institute speakers and award recipients, link to the Beck Institute through the Graduate School website. permission of the Practicum-Internship Coordinator. Students are not permitted to re-enroll in the Practicum course without written permission of the Practicum-Internship Coordinator. Counseling Internship The Internship (PSY 802 and 803) is a two-consecutive-semester program which begins in the fall and concludes in the spring of the same academic year. Over the course of two semesters, students must complete a minimum of 600 hours at a clinical agency or school. Students cannot withdraw from or terminate their placement in the middle of the internship sequence except in extraordinary circumstances and only with the written permission of the Practicum-Internship Coordinator. Students are not permitted to re-enroll in the Internship courses without written permission of the Practicum-Internship Coordinator. To enroll in the Internship courses, students must have successfully completed Counseling Practicum (PSY 801) and two 700-level advanced courses. Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies Dr. Aaron T. Beck has earned an international reputation as one of the founders of Cognitive Therapy. The approach focuses on the influence of thinking as it affects emotions and behavior. Cognitive Therapy helps people resolve their psychological symptoms and difficulties by assisting them in thinking and acting more realistically and adaptively. The Institute s activities and programs enjoy Dr. Beck s active support and involvement. Dr. Beck visited campus several times to lecture on Cognitive Therapy and to meet with the Counseling Psychology program s faculty and graduate students. The Institute hosts internationally known psychologists and psychiatrists during its annual lecture series and sponsors conferences and training programs in Cognitive Therapy for students and Mental Health professionals. Continuing education workshops are also available for professional counselors. The Institute strives to provide he community at large with information that illuminates the contributions of cognitive factors to the resolution of problems in daily life. The Beck Institute workshops and lectures are available to graduate students at no cost and offer intensive instruction in clinical topics that enriches students professional training. Selected Speakers and Award Recipients include: Aaron T. Beck, M.D. Director, Center for Cognitive Therapy and University Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania New Frontiers of Cognitive Therapy David M. Clark, D. Phil. Professor of Psychology, Oxford University Development in Cognitive Therapy for Social Phobia Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology University of Massachusetts Medical Center Nature and Management of ADHD in Children David Brent, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Depression and Suicide in Children Judith Beck, Ph.D. President, Beck Institute, Bala Cynwyd, PA Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders Steven D. Hollon, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Vanderbilt University Cognitive Therapy of Depression: From Action to Insight (and Back Again) Diane Chambliss, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training University of Pennsylvania Empirically Supported Treatments: What Could Be Bad? Christine A. Padesky, Ph.D. Distinguished Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy Building Resilience with Cognitive Therapy Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D. Director, American Institute for Cognitive Therapy Clinical Professor of Psychology, Cornell University Medical School Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Worry David A. Clark, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Canada Cognitive Therapy for Obsessions 15

18 C.a.g.s. in Counseling Psychology The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) Program The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies provides specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of Counseling Psychology. It is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 30 credits beyond the Masters degree in Counseling Psychology or mental health counseling. Admission Requirements for the CAGS Program The program uses a rolling admission procedure and you may submit your CAGS application to the Graduate School office at any time during the year. When complete, your application will be forwarded to the Counseling Psychology admissions committee for their review. Enrollment is open to qualified individuals who meet the following academic admissions standards: Successful completion of a master s degree in Counseling Psychology or Mental Health Counseling. A baccalaureate degree and at least six (6) psychology courses completed at an undergraduate level with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, both overall and in psychology courses. The Admissions Committee also requires that you submit three strong positive recommendations from your professors or other professionals for whom you have worked. Only letters that are academic or professional in nature will be considered. At least one recommendation must be from a professor you had for at least one course. If you have been out of school for several years and are unable to obtain an academic reference, you must contact the Program Director for guidance in identifying individuals who can provide suitable recommendations. It is important to choose individuals who know your academic ability, research skills, or clinical work well. Finally, the Admissions committee will consider the match between your professional interests and Assumption s program offerings. We recommend that you give considerable thought to the content of your essay as it is an important part of the evaluation process. Success in the counseling program and in the field requires high levels of responsibility, integrity, interpersonal skill, as well as mastery of theory and research methodology. We are seeking candidates who have thought deeply about their place within the field of counseling and who possess strong academic credentials. We encourage you to reflect this thought and to describe your preparation thoroughly in the essay you submit. Prior to making its recommendation, the admissions committee will conduct a required interview to discuss the match between your professional interests and the program offerings. In evaluating your application, the admissions committee will consider your graduate and undergraduate performance and coursework, along with information discussed during the interview. Applying to the CAGS Program A complete application includes the following: A complete application form and application fee (fee waived for Assumption matriculated students or alumni/ae); Official transcript(s) of undergraduate and graduate records; Three (3) letters of recommendation. As outlined above, these letters must be academic or professional in nature with a minimum of one letter from a professor you had for at least one course. Any exception is to be reviewed with the Program Director before an application is considered complete. Recommendations must be submitted on the official recommendation form found in this Assumption College Graduate School Catalog or on the Assumption Graduate School web site. An updated resume showing your academic and work experiences. An essay of approximately 600 words that answers each of the following questions: Describe the academic preparation and skills that you have that you believe qualify you for the rigorous training involved in our CAGS program in Counseling Psychology. Discuss experiential and field-based experiences that you believe prepare you for our counseling program. Describe what you hope to accomplish academically during your CAGS program and the career goals you have for yourself. Focusing on the actual job you would like to have five years after completing your CAGS will bring specificity to your essay. Describe the qualities that you see as essential for an effective counselor and then assess yourself in terms of these characteristics. An interview is required for admission into the program. Once your application is complete and forwarded to the program office, the Program Director will contact you to arrange an interview. Notes: 1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. 2. The Counseling Psychology admissions committee reserves the right to request additional material in support of the candidate s application. Two CAGS Options are Available Under the first option, students who have earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology but whose program of study did not satisfy all requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor may select courses that will address those deficiencies. The program s curriculum is designed to meet the educational 16

19 The CAGS Program provides an opportunity to sharpen your skills as a professional therapist and develop sophisticated and in-depth expertise. requirements for licensure for Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts and most other states. Practicum and internship experience is available but is not required. If you select this option, a combination of entry-level and general core courses, as well as advanced assessment and intervention courses will be tailored to your needs. All students in the CAGS Program must complete PSY 708 and PSY 790. In addition, you must complete at least 2 advanced (700-level) courses (excluding PSY 705 and PSY 708). The second option provides an opportunity to sharpen and refine your skills as a therapist and develop sophisticated and in-depth expertise at a more advanced level. This option is particularly attractive if you are unable to commit the time and resources required for a doctoral degree. Increasing evidence points to these new problem-focused interventions as both effective and cost efficient. The CAGS program allows you to practice and refine your therapeutic skills and become proficient in these new therapeutic treatment techniques and strategies. Courses are taught by doctoral-level clinical psychologists who bring a wealth of clinical experience to the classroom. If you select this option, at least 21 credits must be at the advanced level (700 and 800 level courses). Practicum and internship experience is available as part of your program of study but is not required. If your CAGS allows, you may select your advanced counseling and assessment courses to satisfy one or both of our optional concentrations in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, or Child and Family Interventions. You can fulfill the requirements for both concentrations by completing both PSY 711 and PSY 712. To complete the Concentration in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, you must complete PSY 708 (Cognitive Assessment and Psychotherapy) and at least three of the following courses. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of graduate training from the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies. PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment of Children PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions with Children PSY Cognitive Therapy for Family of Origin Problems PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment of Adults PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Depression and Anxiety PSY Psychological Interventions for Addictive Behaviors To complete the Concentration in Child and Family Interventions, you must complete PSY 708 (Cognitive Assessment and Psychotherapy) and at least three of the following courses: PSY Marital Therapy PSY Advanced Family Therapy PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment of Children PSY Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions with Children PSY Systems Interventions for Children PSY Assessment and Treatment of ADHD An oral exam is required in both CAGS program options and is taken at the end of your program of study and only upon completion of PSY 790, the Professional Integrative Seminar. The objective of the oral exam is to provide you with a forum to demonstrate how you integrate theory, practice, and research relative to the training that you received. You must complete PSY 708 as part of your program. Oral Exams The oral exam is required for all students in the Counseling Psychology program (both M.A. and C.A.G.S. programs). You may take the exam after completing all of your course work or concurrent with the last semester of your course work. You may take no more than 3 courses the semester that you take the oral exam.the objective of the oral exam is to provide a forum for you to demonstrate how you integrate theory, practice, and research related to the training that you have received in the Counseling Psychology program. In essence, you will be asked to describe a conceptual model and to show how this model guides and informs your clinical decision making. Therefore, your skill in case conceptualization is an important aspect of the oral exam. As preparation for the oral exam, you must enroll in PSY790 (Professional Integrative Seminar). Guidelines for the oral exam will be provided during the Professional Integrative Seminar. Oral exams are scheduled during the fall semester (generally October or November) and the spring semester (generally March or April). Your oral examination committee will consist of 2 faculty members. The oral exam itself is a one-hour exam. During the exam, you are expected to integrate the various elements of your training and study. You will be expected to call upon information from both your course work and internship experience. The procedures for the oral exam will mirror the training that you have received in the program. The exam itself will be conducted in such a way as to maximize your opportunity to exhibit your ability to synthesize and integrate theory, practice, and research. Much more information about the content and expectations of the oral exam will be provided to you when you take PSY790 (Professional Integrative Seminar). Oral exams carry the grade of pass, fail, or pass with distinction. Your transcript, however, only provides the information that the oral exam was completed and the date of the exam. If you fail the oral exam, you will be given one additional opportunity to demonstrate competence. Generally, the second exam is given no sooner than the next regularly scheduled oral exam period. 17

20 general Program information Faculty Advisors Students accepted into the program are assigned a faculty advisor. You should consult your advisor about course requirements, selection of electives, and concentration requirements. You must become familiar with the program requirements as well as the licensure requirements (if you plan to pursue licensure as a mental health counselor). The Program office has a form that outlines the required courses and you should use this form to plan your program of study. Review of Student Performance The progress of all students will be reviewed during the Fall and Spring semesters by the Department. Students whose grade point average drops below 3.0, or who earn a failing grade in a course (i.e., below B-), will be placed on academic probation. Students whose GPA is below 3.0 then have one semester to bring their grade point average to 3.0. Students who have a GPA less than 3.0 for two semesters in a row will be terminated from the program unless the full-time faculty of the Counseling Psychology Program vote to continue the student in the program. Students placed on academic probation a second time, or students who earn a failing grade in two courses, will be terminated from the program unless the fulltime faculty of the Counseling Psychology program vote to continue the student in the program. The graduate program in Counseling Psychology trains students for service to the public. The Program has an obligation to the community to ensure that only those students demonstrating academic and clinical competence and professionally responsible behavior be continued in the program. Students failing to meet these criteria during their training may be recommended for termination from the program. Waiver of Required Courses The conditions under which the Program will grant a waiver of a required course are as follows: 1. If the student has taken an equivalent graduate course at another college or university, has passed the course with a grade of B or higher, and has taken the course within the past seven years, a waiver may be granted with no waiver exam required. It is the student s responsibility to demonstrate that the course taken elsewhere is, in fact, equivalent to the required course offered at Assumption. The request for the waiver must be addressed to the designated faculty member who in most cases is the full-time faculty member primarily responsible for teaching the required course. In certain situations, the designated faculty member may request additional reading or the submission of materials and/ or papers in order to establish the equivalence of courses and/or may submit the request to the Program Waiver Committee for final consideration. 2. If for any other reason a student requests a course waiver, the student must document in writing the reasons for the request and present the request to the Program Director. In some cases, the Program Director may decide to submit the request to the Program Waiver Committee for final consideration. When the reasons for the request are considered valid, the student will be allowed to take a waiver exam. Waiver exams may be oral or written, at the discretion of the Program Director. 3. Undergraduate courses will not be construed by the department as equivalent to graduate courses. In exceptional circumstances, if a student thinks that he/she has taken the equivalent of a graduate course, he/she may follow the procedure outlined in statement (2.) above. Requests for a course waiver and arrangements to take waiver exams may be made only during the first week of the fall and spring semesters. The student who is successful in obtaining a waiver for one or more courses must still complete the required number of course credit hours in order to obtain a given graduate degree. Licensure Licensure is important for professional practice as a mental health professional and the Counseling Psychology Program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and most other states. The legislature in each state establishes the requirements for licensure and the licensing board determines if an individual s education and supervised experience meets their requirements. In addition to specific educational requirements, the licensing regulations require that individuals complete a minimum of two years post-masters degree supervised clinical experience and pass a licensing exam. Licensing standards continue to evolve and a state s licensing regulations change from time-to-time. Even though the Counseling Psychology Program offers coursework and supervised practicum and internship experiences that allow students to compile a licensable portfolio, the program cannot guarantee licensure. Ultimately, 18