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Counseling Psychology

Holy Names University offers graduate programs in Counseling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Pastoral Counseling for persons who want to work professionally in one or more of the diverse fields of counseling. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively counsel, fully acknowledging the diversity of people’s lives. The faculty is made up of clinicians. Thus, students are exposed to a wide variety of counseling theories. Classes incorporate didactic learning with opportunities for experiential practice via written exercises, case studies, simulations, and field work. Integration of learning is fostered by scholarly papers and reflection journals. At the end of the program, students will be able to demonstrate clinical competence and clear understanding of professional responsibilities.

All three programs are designed for the working adult. Classes are offered in the late afternoons and evenings with some on Saturdays.
  • Programs Offered
  • Curriculum
  • Faculty

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

This program prepares its graduates for a profession in counseling and psychotherapy. Students will gain theoretical knowledge of the counseling field and experience practical application of theory in therapeutic, supervised field placement settings. Graduating students are prepared to apply for licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (CBBS) as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and the program is continually updated to meet the requirements set by the CBBS. Students in this program can also acquire a Certificate in Pastoral Counseling by satisfactorily completing a second course in spirituality. Please ask your advisor about this.

Dual MAs in Counseling Psychology and Forensic Psychology

This double Master's program leading to two separate graduate degrees would afford students a strong background in Forensic Psychology while ensuring them a quality counseling program leading to state licensure.

Certificate in Forensic Psychology

For graduate level students who are completing or who have completed
an MA, PsyD or PhD in Counseling Psychology or related fields or who
are otherwise interested, a Certificate in Forensic Psychology can be
acquired.

Certificate in Pastoral Counseling

This certificate program will challenge the learner to consider, integrate, and apply the most critical aspects of counseling in a theological context. Students will attain theoretical and practical knowledge of ethically grounded, therapeutic, and spiritual counseling practices.

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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
Certificate in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Certificate in Forensic Psychology
Dual MAs in Counseling Psychology and Forensic Psychology
 

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

This program prepares its graduates for a profession in counseling and psychotherapy. Students will gain theoretical knowledge of the counseling field and experience practical application of theory in therapeutic, supervised field placement settings. Graduating students are prepared to apply for licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (CBBS) as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and the program is continually updated to meet the requirements set by the CBBS.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses: (6 units)

  • Personality Theory
  • Statistics

Core Courses (39 units)

  • CPSY 200 Foundations of Counseling: Process and Skills
  • CPSY 201 Foundations of Psychological Research
  • CPSY 205 Psychopathology
  • CPSY 210A Counseling Theories A
  • CPSY 210 B Counseling Theories B
  • CPSY 215 The Law and Professional Ethics
  • CPSY 220 Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • CPSY 230 Human Diversity in Counseling
  • CPSY 235 Advanced Human Diversity Issues in Counseling
  • CPSY 250A Marriage and Family Counseling
  • CPSY 250B Marriage and Family Counseling B
  • CPSY 260 Treatment of Children and Adolescents
  • CPSY 280 Psychological Assessment
  • CPSY 298 Integrating Seminar

Clinical Courses (12 units)

  • CPSY 285 Intro. to Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar
  • CPSY 290A Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar, I
  • CPSY 290B Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar, II
  • CPSY 290C Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar, III

Professional Practice Workshops (6 units)

  • CPSY 240A Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency (1)
  • CPSY 240B Child Abuse Assessment and Treatment (1)
  • CPSY 245A Human Sexuality and Counseling (1)
  • CPSY 245B Psychopharmacology and Clinical Practice (2)
  • CPSY 245D Domestic Violence Assessment and Treatment (1)
Additional (3) units of coursework from the following:
  • CPSY 270 Issues in Counseling: Psychological and Spiritual
  • CPSY 275 Psychological Development and Spiritual Growth

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Certificate in Pastoral Counseling

This certificate program will challenge the learner to consider, integrate
and apply the most critical aspects of counseling in a theological context.
Students will attain theoretical and practical knowledge of ethically
grounded, therapeutic and spiritual counseling practices.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses: (6 units)

  • Personality Theory
  • Statistics

Required Courses (24 units)

  • CPSY 200 Foundations of Counseling: Process and Skills
  • CPSY 210A Counseling Theories
  • CPSY 205 Psychopathology
  • CPSY 230 Human Diversity in Counseling
  • CPSY 270 Issues in Counseling: Psychological and Spiritual
  • CPSY 275 Psychological Development and Spiritual Growth
  • CPSY 285 Introduction to Practicum
  • CPSY 290A Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar I

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Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling

This program is designed for all those interested in professionally integrating psychotherapy and spirituality. Graduates will apply spiritually perceptive, ethically responsible and theologically grounded counseling competencies in pastoral care settings including institutional, church or community environments.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses: (9 units)

  • Statistics
  • Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology
  • Personality and Social Development or Adult Development and Aging

Required Courses: (42 units)

  • CPSY 200 Foundations of Counseling: Process and Skills
  • CPSY 205 Psychopathology
  • CPSY 210A Counseling Theories A
  • CPSY 215 The Law and Professional Ethics
  • CPSY 230 Human Diversity in Counseling
  • CPSY 235 Advanced Human Diversity Issues in Counseling
  • CPSY 240A Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency
  • CPSY 240C DSM IV
  • CPSY 250A Marriage and Family Counseling
  • CPSY 270 Spiritual Issues in Counseling
  • CPSY 271 Grief Counseling
  • CPSY 275 Psychological Development and Spiritual Growth
  • CPSY 285 Introduction to Practicum
  • CPSY 290A Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar I
  • CPSY 290B Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar II
  • CPSY 298 Integrating Seminar

Select two of the following

  • PSYC 276 Psychology of Religion
  • RLST 220 Moral Choices in Contemporary Society
  • RLST 240 The Human Person
  • RLST 275 World Wisdom Traditions

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Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

This program prepares its graduates for a career in working with victims and perpetrators in a correctional setting. Students will gain theoretical knowledge of the counseling field as it relates to corrections and experience practical application of theory in appropriate therapeutic, supervised field placement settings. This program is uniquely based in a foundational philosophy of therapeutic jurisprudence. Students completing this program are not eligible for state licensure as Marriage and Family therapists (MFT license).

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses (6 units)

  • Personality Theory
  • Statistics

Core Courses (30 units)

  • CPSY 200 Foundations of Counseling: Process and Skills
  • CPSY 201 Foundations of Psychological Research
  • CPSY 205 Psychopathology
  • CPSY 206 Forensic Psychology and the Law
  • CPSY 207 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
  • CPSY 208 Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment
  • CPSY 209A Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of the Victim
  • CPSY 209B Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of the Offender
  • CPSY 211 Forensics: Psychometrics and Assessment
  • CPSY 212 Forensic Psychology Professional Practice Seminar

Advanced Courses (15 units)

  • CPSY 215 Professional Ethics and the Law
  • CPSY 220 Human Development across the Lifespan
  • CPSY 230 Human Diversity in Counseling
  • CPSY 226 Advanced Issues in Correctional & Community Counseling
  • CPSY 245D Domestic Violence Assessment and Treatment
  • CPSY 265 Group Psychotherapy

Practica and Capstone Project (15 units)

  • CPSY 285 Introduction to Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar
  • CPSY 290 Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar I,II,III
  • CPSY 298 Integrating Seminar

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Certificate in Forensic Psychology

For graduate level students who are completing or who have completed an MA, PsyD or PhD in Counseling Psychology or related fields or who are otherwise interested, a Certificate in Forensic Psychology can be acquired by taking the following courses:

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses (6 units)

  • Personality Theory
  • Statistics

Core Courses

  • CPSY 206 Forensic Psychology and the Law
  • CPSY 207 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
  • CPSY 208 Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment
  • CPSY 209A Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of the Victim
  • CPSY 209B Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of the Offender
  • CPSY 211 Forensics: Psychometrics and Assessment
  • CPSY 212 Forensic Psychology Professional Practice Seminar
  • CPSY 226 Advanced Issues in Correctional & Community
  • Counseling

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Dual MAs in Counseling Psychology and Forensic Psychology

This double Master’s program leading to two separate graduate degrees would afford students a strong background in Forensic Psychology while ensuring them a quality counseling program leading to state licensure.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses (6 units)

  • Personality Theory
  • Statistics

Core Courses (29 units)

  • CPSY 200 Foundations of Counseling: Process and Skills
  • CPSY 201 Foundations of Psychological Research
  • CPSY 205 Psychopathology
  • CPSY 206 Forensic Psychology and the Law
  • CPSY 207 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
  • CPSY 208 Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment
  • CPSY 209A Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of the Victim
  • CPSY 209B Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of the Offender
  • CPSY 210A Counseling Theories, A
  • CPSY 210B Counseling Theories, B

Advanced Courses (34 units)

  • CPSY 211 Forensics: Psychometrics and Assessment
  • CPSY 212 Forensic Psychology Professional Practice Seminar
  • CPSY 215 The Law and Professional Ethics
  • CPSY 220 Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • CPSY 226 Advanced Issues in Correctional & Community Counseling
  • CPSY 230 Human Diversity in Counseling
  • CPSY 235 Advanced Human Diversity Issues in Counseling
  • CPSY 250A Marriage and Family Counseling, A
  • CPSY 250B Marriage and Family Counseling, B
  • CPSY 260 Treatment of Children and Adolescents
  • CPSY 280 Psychological Assessment
  • CPSY 298 Integrating Seminar

Clinical Courses (12 units)

  • CPSY 285 Intro. to Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar
  • CPSY 290A Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar, I
  • CPSY 290B Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar, II
  • CPSY 290C Supervised Practicum and Case Seminar, III

Additional (3) units of coursework from the following:

  • CPSY 270 Issues in Counseling: Psychological and Spiritual
  • CPSY 275 Psychological Development and Spiritual Growth

Professional Practice Workshops: (6 units)

  • CPSY 240A Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency (1)
  • CPSY 240B Child Abuse Assessment and Treatment (1)
  • CPSY 245A Human Sexuality and Counseling (1)
  • CPSY 245B Psychopharmacology and Clinical Practice (2)
  • CPSY 245D Domestic Violence Assessment and Treatment (1)

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Helen Shoemaker, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology
Phone: (510) 436-1543
Fax: (510) 487-4478
shoemaker@hnu.edu

Aparna Dixit-Brunet, Psy. D.
Carla Durkin, M.A., MFT
Kelley Gin, Psy.D.
Judye Hess, Ph. D.
Kenneth Kim, Psy. D.
Miles Kramer, LCSW
Butler Nelson, Ph.D.
Richard Sprott, Ph.D.
Gwenn Silva, M.A., MFT
Barbara Strouzas, M.A., MFT