Program Overview
Sofia University's Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program combines science and practice in family systems therapy and clinical counseling. It emphasizes transpersonal psychology, mindfulness, and expressive arts for clinician self-care and treatment. Graduates are prepared for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) and pursue careers in mental health settings, including counseling centers, hospitals, and private practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) degree program at Sofia University provides formal training in the science and practice of family systems therapy and clinical counseling. The program offers a broad and rigorous preparation in counseling psychology, while also incorporating theory and treatment inspired by both secular and spiritual concepts and interventions. Mindfulness, movement, and expressive arts are integrated throughout the curriculum, both for clinician self-care and as treatment interventions.
Objectives:
The program's objectives include:
- Providing students with a comprehensive understanding of counseling psychology theory and practice.
- Developing students' clinical skills in family systems therapy and clinical counseling.
- Preparing students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs).
Outline:
Transpersonal Arc Courses (14 Units)
The Transpersonal Arc provides foundational skills in transpersonal theory and introduces somatic practice, mindfulness, and creative expression as core to whole-person learning. The labs provide further opportunities to explore transpersonal skills for both personal growth and clinical interventions.
Clinical Core Courses (59.5 - 64 Units)
The Clinical Core consists of coursework that meets the requirements for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences educational experience for MFT or PCC concentrations as of the publication time of our 2020-2021 academic catalog. These include the following:
- Introductory Clinical Courses (22.5 units)
- Intermediate Clinical Courses (13.5 units)
- Advanced Clinical Courses (23.5-28 units)
Capstone Clinical Practicum Sequence (16.5 Units)
Students must complete one full year of Clinical Practicum as a Capstone Project. To advance to Clinical Practicum, students must be in good standing, have completed all required Practicum prerequisites (see Clinical Core Courses above) and 40 hours of personal psychotherapy, and have no outstanding incomplete grades. The MACP faculty member in charge of monitoring practicum must approve the Clinical Practicum site.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Experiential learning
- Case studies
Faculty:
The program's faculty are experienced clinicians and scholars who have integrated psychological and spiritual principles into their counseling practices.
Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates a number of unique approaches, including:
- A focus on transpersonal psychology, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual development in psychological well-being.
- The use of mindfulness, movement, and expressive arts in both clinician self-care and as treatment interventions.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the MACP program are prepared for a wide variety of career opportunities in the field of mental health, including:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
- Clinical Supervisor or Manager
- Mental Health Advocate or Policy Developer
- Corporate Consultant or Coach
Opportunities and Outcomes:
Graduates of the MACP program are employed in a variety of settings, including:
- Counseling centers
- Hospitals
- Social service agencies
- Private practice
- Corporations
