The Post Graduate Counsellor Residency Training Program (Residency) is designed to enhance counselling knowledge and develop advanced counselling skills. Full-time residents are required to be on site a minimum of 35 hours per week and work with clients under the supervision of a full-qualified supervisor. All supervisors hold advanced professional standing with their respective professional body. Calgary Counselling Centre is recognized by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology as a Private Educational Institution and by Human Resources Development Canada as a designated Educational Institution.
The Residency may be taken in a number of ways:
- One-year full-time (35 hours per week for 52 weeks)
- Two-year part-time (17.5 hours per week for 104 weeks)
- Eighteen months of part-time (23.3 hours per week for 78 weeks)
Upon successful completion of the program, each resident will receive a certificate of completion.
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Weekly course instruction takes place on site on Wednesdays from 9:00 - 12:00. Courses include but are not limited to:
- CNSLG 8001 Entering an Occupation in Mental health: Beginning One's Counselling Practice
- CNSLG 8002 Introduction to Advanced Counselling Practice
- CNSLG 8003 Advanced Counselling Practice
- CNSLG 8004 Advanced Counselling Practice 2: Special Topics
- CNSLG 8005 Counselling Certification Requirements: Practice Hours
- CNSLG 8006 Clinical Supervision
- CNSLG 8007 Preparation for Occupational Certification/Professional Licensure in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy
All courses are taught by leaders in the field who provide instruction through Calgary Counselling Centre.
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Admission to the Post Graduate Counsellor Residency Training Program is based upon a selection process. Minimum admission requirements include:
- A master's degree from a recognized university with a major in counselling psychology, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy or pastoral counselling and psychology. Consideration will be given to applicants with backgrounds in allied health professions e.g. family nursing or school counselling.
- A grade point average sufficiently strong so as to support the ability to participate in a rigorous, post graduate program of study and applied training. Generally, applicants will be required to have a minimum of a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale.
- Two reference forms completed by professional or academic sources, preferably from persons able to comment meaningfully on the motivation and ability of the applicant to undertake advanced training in counselling practice.
- An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae.
- A letter of application substantiating interest, qualifications and experience relevant to the field of counselling. In this letter we ask our applicants to comment on how their life experiences, academic background and professional activities make them a suitable candidate for the program. Applicants may also comment on how this program will assist them in meeting their career objectives.
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In order to provide students with information about the agency's educational opportunities it is recommended that anyone interested contact our Student Services Administrator at 403-691-5967 to discuss the opportunities and ask any questions they may have.
After speaking with our Student Services Administrator, interested students will receive an application package. Once all supporting documentation has been received by the Centre, an interview will be set up with a potential supervisor.
At the end of this meeting, interested students will receive an application packet. Once all supporting documentation has been received by the agency, an interview will be set up with a potential supervisor.
The decision regarding acceptance will be communicated to the applicant following the interview both by telephone and in writing.
Application deadlines for specific start dates are as follows:
- September start date - complete before April 30
- January start date - complete before October 31
- May start date - complete before December 31
Applications received past these dates may be considered but a late application fee of $25 will be charged and the application may need to be deferred for the next start date. It is important to commence the application process as early as possible in order to obtain a placement in the program.
Each year we receive a large number of applications for a limited number of spaces in our program. Consequently, many suitable applicants are not selected for admission. At times, applicants may be placed on a wait list. Applicants who have been placed on the wait list will be notified of their statues and will be advised of the time of the next available opening.
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