Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Specializations

Continuing education is an essential component of any mental health provider's professional growth. Five areas of specialization are open to students in the Counseling Psychology (MFT) and Clinical Psychology programs for current students, post graduates and licensed professionals to augment their repertoire of skills.

Explore your Options

Each specialization includes two three-unit courses:


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Recovery Model

This track offers an in-depth exploration of the varied approaches to mental illness recovery, including assessment methods, analysis and application of behavioral and social learning principles.

Part I: PSYC-544 — Theories of the Recovery Model (3 units)

Examines the principles of working with adults with serious mental illnesses. Uses functional assessment methods to analyze behavioral assets, excesses and deficits to define and plan recovery goals.

Part II: PSYC-545 — Techniques of the Recovery Model (3 units)

Application of behavioral and social learning principles in counseling adults with serious mental illnesses. Explores approaches for developing and maintaining independent living, interpersonal, social perception, problem-solving and vocational skills.


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Latino Counseling

This track allows bilingual students and mental health professionals to focus on counseling within the context of the Latino cultural perspective.

Part I: PSYC-570 — Theories of Latino Counseling (3 units)

Examines psychological theories of development, pathology and normal functioning from a Latino cultural perspective. Considers the definition of "self" in Latino cultures and provides a basic foundation to explore psychotherapy techniques within Latino populations.

Part II: PSYC-571 — Techniques of Latino Counseling (3 units)

Application of theories in Latino counseling, with an emphasis on understanding and implementing theoretical approaches in the clinical setting. Addresses how familial and cultural values impact treatment.


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Counseling and Spirituality

By approaching faith as one aspect of a person's culture and identity, this track examines spirituality from a psychological perspective and explores effective methods for working with faith-based clients.

Part I: PSYC-580 — Theories of Counseling and Spirituality (3 units)

Examines the role of spirituality in mental health recovery, including how faith influences the human experience. Draws comparisons between psychotherapy and spirituality as transformative processes that can impact personal growth and change.

Part II: PSYC-581 — Techniques of Counseling and Spirituality (3 units)

Application of spirituality theories, as they pertain to psychotherapeutic intervention. Uses various schools of thought on psychotherapy as a basis for integrating spirituality into a comprehensive treatment approach for faith-based clients.


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Attachment Theory

Through collaboration with a renowned expert on attachment and the Mandalay Clinic, which meets the needs of women and children in the Oxnard area, this track integrates community-based field work with theories on attachment. Students and licensed professionals develop expertise on attachment and provide interventions to at-risk mothers and infants in Ventura County.

Part III — PSYC-574 Attachment Theory (3 units)

Explores the formation of lasting connections as a central component of the human experience. Examines the fundamentals of attachment theory and research, including a developmental perspective on infant, child and adult attachment.

Part IV — PSYC-575 Attachment Techniques (3 units)

Integrates various attachment theories with clinical applications for treatment with couples, families, children and individuals. Explores early attachment, post-partum depression and attachment styles in marital relationships.


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Family Mediation

This track prepares students and licensed professionals to work as Family Court mediators , by exploring mental health and child development within the context of family disputes, legal issues and resolution models.

Part I: PSYC-577 — Family Mediation Theory and Research (3 units)

Explores theories of conflict, family dynamics of divorce, and mental health and child development implications in divorce. Examines models of mediation and dispute resolution within the context of legal remedies and limitations.

Part II: PSYC-578 — Family Mediation Application and Practice (3 units)

Application of family mediation theories through observation and field work in child custody and related issues. Examines management of conflicted families, interaction with court mediators, attorneys and judicial officers, and the principles of expert testimony.


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Intimate Partner Violence

MFT trainees may encounter a high number of clients who identify themselves as victims and/or survivors of intimate partner violence. These courses will provide more in-depth coverage of IPV issues in regards to research, theory and techniques.

Part I: PPSYC-583- Intimate Partner Violence: Advanced Research, Theory and Technique (3 units)

This course will examine the history of intimate partner violence from multiple perspectives including psychological and psychosocial understandings. Current research will be presented and multiple theoretical frameworks will be explored. In addition, the course will review current approaches to treating clients who have been exposed to intimate partner violence including evidenced based practices. Cultural understandings and influences will also be studied.

Part II: PSYC-584 - Intimate Partner Violence: Advanced Clinical Applications (3 units)

This course will provide an in-depth examination, analysis and evaluation of current practices utilized in working with clients who have been exposed to intimate partner violence. Students will examine research, view video of therapy sessions and present their own work with clients.


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