Counseling Psychology
Graduate study in Counseling Psychology provides the student with an in-depth view of the professional applications and scientific foundations of the discipline. We offer state-of-the-art mentoring in applying psychological principles and techniques in various professional settings such as: mental health clinics, community and social organizations, and individual practice.
Students of the Counseling Psychology program will explore current theories, research, and most effective practices that will build the skills and knowledge required to work with a diverse clientele in a variety of usual as well as challenging situations. This program – based on a scholar-practitioner model – encourages you to integrate scholarly research with practical expertise. Taught by respected and experienced therapists and scholars in the field, the program offers customized specializations that allow you to focus on a specific area of your individual interest. This program can be effectively utilized by Marriage and Family Counselors as well as Social Workers.
Masters Program: 45 Credits
(32 Credits in Required Courses, 13 Credits in Electives)
Doctorate Program: 90 Credits
(48 Credits in Required Courses, 42 Credits in Electives)
Course credits toward your degree may be earned in the following ways:
Many students earn course credits by having their mentor assign books to read on the course topic, and writing papers or completing projects that demonstrate their understanding of the assigned material. Credits can also be obtained by attending conferences, workshops, retreats, or online courses from established academic institutions. Students may request and submit for IUPS approval (through their mentors), permission to earn credits through external programs. Students also have the opportunity to assist in designing their own electives, allowing for education customization.
A key criteria for earning credits is for students to demonstrate how learning this subject matter impacts their lives personally and professionally. Integration of course material is of paramount importance at IUPS.
Course# Credits Required Core Courses for Masters
CPY 600 5 Principles and Practice of Individual Psychotherapy
CPY 612 3 Family and Marital Therapy
CPY 613 3 Theories of Personality
CPY 614 2 Human Sexuality Counseling
CPY 615 2 Assessment of Individuals, Families, Organizations and Communities
CPY 670 2 Professional and Ethical Issues
CPY 680 2 Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
CPY 683 2 Transpersonal Therapies: Eastern and Western
CPY 650 10 Thesis Research Project
Course# Credits Required Core Courses for Doctorates
CPY 600 3 Principles and Practice of Individual Psychotherapy
CPY 612 3 Family and Marital Therapy
CPY 613 3 Theories of Personality
CPY 614 3 Human Sexuality Counseling
CPY 615 3 Assessment of Individuals, Families, Organizations and Communities
CPY 670 3 Professional and Ethical Issues
CPY 680 3 Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
CPY 681 2 Psychopharmacology
CPY 683 3 Transpersonal Therapies: Eastern and Western
CPY 684 5 Internship/Field Experience
CPY 685 2 Research Design and Methodology
CPY 690 15 Dissertation Research Project
Electives
Below are examples of electives that one may consider taking as part of this degree program in Counseling Psychology. Students, in concert with their mentors shall determine which electives are most relevant to their educational aspirations.
Course# Credits Courses
CPY 650 1-5 Death and Dying, Grief and Loss
CPY 651 1-5 Eco-Psychology
CPY 652 1-5 Computer Skills
CPY 653 1-5 Group Psychotherapy
CPY 654 1-5 Child Psychotherapy
CPY 655 1-5 Applied Social Psychology
CPY 656 1-5 Clinical Neuropsychology
CPY 657 1-5 Community Psychology
CPY 658 1-5 Body-centered Psychotherapy
CPY 659 1-5 Physiological Psychology
CPY 660 1-5 Developmental Psychology
CPY 661 1-5 Chemical Dependency Therapy
CPY 662 1-5 Attachment Theory
CPY 663 1-5 Hypnotherapy
CPY 664 1-5 Gestalt
CPY 665 1-5 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
CPY 675 1-5 Social Media Influences
Counseling Psychology Course Descriptions
REQUIRED CORE COURSES
CPY 600 Principles and Practice of Individual Psychotherapy
This course will teach students to evaluate the interrelatedness of the biophysical, psychosocial, cognitive, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of clients, as practitioners. Based on these evaluations, students will more effectively by able to utilize appropriate therapeutic interventions. They will also learn how to deal with termination issues with the client.
CPY 612 Family and Marital Therapy
Students are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more effective and productive marriage, family and social relationships. Also included are premarital, divorce or separation counseling, and other relationship counseling processes.
CPY 613 Theories of Personality
Students will develop a practical framework from which to practice, based on understanding of the current theories of personality. Students will be taught how to take the most helpful aspects of the various personality theories and utilize them in the creation of his/her own understanding of personality theory and how it works.
CPY 614 Human Sexuality Counseling
This course examines the major variables affecting human sexuality, including the physiological, psychological and sociocultural variables associated with the development of sexual identity, sexual behavior and sexual disorders. The etiology, assessment, and treatment of sexual dysfunction and relationship between sexual dysfunction and intimate, interpersonal, relationships will be examined
CPY 615 Assessment of Individuals, Families, Organizations and Communities
A study of the process of assessment, using a combination of techniques to help arrive at a more complete understanding about a person and their behavior, personality and capabilities. Students will learn best practices of norm-referenced tests, interviews, observation and informal assessment, along with the skills needed to take the information gathered from them and weave it into a comprehensive and complete picture of that person.
CPY 670 Professional and Ethical Issues
In-depth understanding of the sensitive areas of legal and ethical concern, such as the Privacy Act, confidentiality, informed consent, advertising, and conflict of interest. Guidelines are provided for the practical application of ethical behavior. The student is encouraged to study the laws of their respective state in which he/she practices and subsequent ethical standards.
CPY 680 Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
This course is a comprehensive introduction to mindfulness and its clinical applications. Students will study the various theories behind mindfulness and the related neuroscience research. There will be an emphasis on the role of acceptance and compassion, as well as meditation processes.
CPY 681 Psychopharmacology
Focus here is on the scientific study of the effects drugs have on thinking and behavior. The field of psychopharmacology studies a wide range of substances with various types of psychoactive properties, focusing primarily on the chemical interactions with the brain. Students will explore the specific interaction between drugs and the widespread changes in physiological or psychological function. This will include the study of drugs which originate from natural sources such as plants and animals, as well as from artificial and manufactured sources.
CPY 683 Transpersonal Therapies: Eastern and Western
This course provides a balanced overview of the therapeutic strategies that invite and/or enhance transformation, utilizing both Eastern and Western principles. These beliefs about transformation and the specific strategies followed to enhance transformation are explored. Particular attention is given to the cultural values defining transformation. The student will gain an understanding of the issues involved in treating a person in the process of transformation.
CPY 684 Internship/Field Experience
A supervised clinical experience with emphasis on the knowledge and practice of counseling skills, theories, competencies, and best practices. Field experience provides the student with experiential learning opportunities to enhance his or her practice in the mental health profession.
CPY 685 Research Design and Methodology
Students are educated in preparing for their dissertation project by examining research methods that can be employed. A system of data collection, either theoretical or practical, and other types of research methods, including qualitative, will be presented.
CPY 690 Dissertation Research Project
A doctorate level dissertation is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair. Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing. This project will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Counseling Psychology.
For further course descriptions, please contact the University.