Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling Specializing in Psychotherapy

The Diploma program specializing in the Practice of Psychotherapy is geared to post-diploma students, university graduates, and mental health professionals who wish to incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques into their scope of practice. (Undergraduate degree related to mental health, social work or psychology is required for admissions to the Diploma program specializing in Psychotherapy.)

The accelerated, online program consists of 16 courses and can be completed in just one year. All textbooks, videos, and study materials are included with the cost of tuition.

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

The practice of psychotherapy and counselling actually overlap in several ways– both apply psychological concepts and techniques to alleviate clients’ personal distress. Differences between the two disciplines are primarily based on severity of the client’s symptoms; length of treatment; and level of the practitioner’s training and experience. A counsellor typically treats mental health issues that are less severe and shorter in duration than those that require psychotherapeutic interventions. .

Scope of Practice of an entry-to-mid level Psychotherapist

The entry-to-mid level Psychotherapist uses advanced assessment skills, psychotherapeutic techniques and in-depth knowledge to treat disorders of thought, cognition, mood, and perception causing serious impairment of judgement, behaviour, and/or social functioning.

Mental health practitioners who wish to incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques into their scope of practice are expected to pursue advanced training and supervised experience. Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia impose restrictions on the practice of psychotherapy, so check with your home province for regulations that may apply.

What will you learn in the Psychotherapy Diploma program?

The advanced courses in the Diploma program correlates to specific areas of competency required for the practice of psychotherapy. Upon successful completion of 16 courses specializing in the practice of psychotherapy, graduates include the following as their Professional Portfolio of Job Skills.

  • Understanding the personal and professional challenges of a therapy practice.
  • Awareness of the impact of therapist’s personality, insights and judgment on the therapeutic relationship and the efficacy of treatment.
  • Ability to integrate major theories into the advanced practice of evidence-based psychotherapy.
  • Ability to evaluate the efficacy of your therapeutic orientation
  • Assessment, strategic treatment planning, and psychopharmacology applied to disorders classified in the DSM.
  • Awareness of ethics, multiculturalism, and research as applied to clinical practice.
  • Understanding diversity in the context of sex, gender, social and developmental stages when working with couples and individuals.
  • Ability to write professional correspondence and case reports consistent with APA guidelines.
  • Ability to research and measure the efficacy of your own therapeutic approach.

What are the requirements for Graduation?

  • Complete 16 required courses; fulfill the volunteer position requirement. Psychotherapy Diploma Course Details
  • Pass each course with a minimum of 65%.
  • Compile a portfolio of job skills required for entry-to mid-level practice.
  • Demonstrate competency in all core concepts by passing a comprehensive proficiency exam at the conclusion of the program.
  • A total of 984 hours of coursework are required for completion of the Diploma program.

For a complete description of courses click here for the KCPC Course Catalogue (PDF).

Note: Credit for KCPC courses may be transferable to other colleges and universities at the discretion of their admissions departments.

What about employment?

Educational requirements in the mental health field are shifting from conventional academics toward a competency-based model. Employers are looking to hire therapists who are competent and ready to treat clients struggling with disorders of thought, mood, and behavior. Graduates with additional experience or credentials increase their standing with perspective employers.

Although KCPC can’t guarantee employment outcomes, graduates of the Diploma program with a specialization in Psychotherapy, acquire the skills required for entry-to-mid-level mental health positions in private practice, and a variety of community agencies.

Professional Designation

Graduates can apply to the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association for designation as a Registered Professional Counsellor, (RPC). Therapists with additional training, supervision and experience may qualify for designation as a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counseling (MPCC)

Most Canadian provinces permit the practice of psychotherapy with the RPC designation, or affiliation with other professional associations. Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia require additional registration.

For example, if you intend to practice as a psychotherapist in Ontario, you will be required to meet specific provincial requirements for education, competence, and clinical experience. Although courses offered through KCPC’s Diploma program may meet the number of training hours required, registrants are expected to fulfill other requirements such as the supervised internship outside of the Diploma program. Go to https://www.crpo.ca for details on when you are required to Register with the CRPO or go to: https://www.crpo.ca/activities-outside-the-controlled-act/ to determine when you do not need to register with the CRPO.

NOTE: KCPC is an Associate member of the CPCA. We encourage all graduates to seek professional designation with a recognized National association. For information about application requirements and benefits of membership in the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association go to – https://thecpca.ca/