MA Counseling Psychology Specializations

Students in the Pleasant Hill MA Counseling Psychology degree program in the Graduate School of Professional Studies may pursue a specialization with additional work beyond the requirements for the master's degree. Optional specializations are available in:

  • Addiction studies
  • Child and adolescent therapy
  • Couple and family therapy
  • Expressive arts therapy
  • Sport psychology

While completing the psychology core and MFT coursework, students may select course options within the specialization. In addition to the specialization coursework specified below, students must complete field experiences and case seminars in their area of specialization. With careful course selection, students may complete a specialization in 9 to 23 units beyond the 79 units required for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Requirements for the specializations are listed below.

All courses are 3 units unless noted otherwise.

Addiction Studies (16 units)

    Examines alcohol and other drug problems and studies their effects on individuals and families. The relationship between psychotherapy and self-help principles is explored, with an emphasis on group approaches to the treatment of addictions. Students complete a field placement at a hospital, outpatient program, community recovery center or other treatment agency.

    Courses include:
    Basic Addiction Studies
    Positive Confrontation in the Treatment of Addiction
    Group Approaches in the Treatment of Addiction
    Family Approaches in the Treatment of Addiction

    Case Management (1)
    Seminar in Addiction Studies (1-3) 3 units required

    Students in the specialization must also complete:

  • At least 9 units of field experience in the addiction studies area.
  • The comprehensive master's examination, with the oral examination presentation in addiction studies.

Child and Adolescent Therapy (12 units)

    Explores the myriad issues concerning children and adolescents: individual development, relationship to family and various treatment approaches. Areas of study include play therapy, Sandplay/Sand-Tray, family therapy and methods of working collaboratively with parents and community resources. Students may emphasize individual or family systems approaches.

    Students in the specialization must also complete:

    • At least 9 units of field experience in the child and adolescent treatment area.
    • The comprehensive master's examination, with the oral examination presentation in child and adolescent counseling.

Couple and Family Therapy (12 units)

    Involves an intense focus on systemic approaches to treating couples, children and their families. Areas of study include various modalities of family therapy, specific approaches utilized in the treatment of couples, special issues pertaining to family therapy, and the use of self with couples and families.

    Required courses include 9 units of the Couple and Family Therapy Program courses offered at a John F. Kennedy University Community Counseling Center:

    • Advanced Family Therapy
    • Use of Self as Family Therapist
    • Advanced Couple Therapy
    • Advanced Treatment Issues in Family Therapy
    • Plus 3 units of electives chosen from other approved courses pertaining to couple and/or family therapy.

    Students in the specialization must also complete:

    • At least 9 units of field experience in the advanced family therapy program at a John F. Kennedy University Community Counseling Center.
    • The comprehensive master's examination, with the oral presentation in couple and family counseling.

Expressive Arts Therapy (15 units)

    Explores how art, dance, poetry, drama and other forms of creative expression provide an alternative method for exploring, developing and resolving issues in therapeutic settings. Students may apply their knowledge as counselors in the John F. Kennedy University Expressive Arts Camps, where they work with children ages 6-11 to enhance creativity, cooperation, social skills and personal growth.

    Required courses include:
    Theory and Practice of Expressive Arts Camps
    Expressive Arts Therapy: The Creative Process
    Group Process and Expressive Arts Therapy

    ...and 6 units of electives from:
    Sand Tray and Sandplay Therapy
    Movement Observation
    Dance/Movement Therapy
    Expressive Arts Therapy with Specific Client
    Populations (1-3)
    Psychodynamic Processes in Expressive Arts
    Therapy (2)
    Seminar in Expressive Arts Therapy (1-3)
    Verbal and Nonverbal Approaches to Couple and Family Therapy

    Students in the specialization must also complete:

    • At least 9 units of field experience in the expressive arts therapy area, including at least one quarter of field placement at a university camp.
    • The comprehensive master's examination and two presentations in expressive arts therapy.

Sport Psychology (19 units)

    Integrates clinical psychology with the theory and practice of sport. The program explores the mental and emotional aspects of sport, effects of competition and cooperation, and methods for attaining optimal performance through sport psychology techniques. Students complete one or two placements at the school's Summer Counseling Camps for children and adolescents.

    Courses include:
    Basic Addiction Studies
    Sport Psychology
    Group Process and Sport Psychology
    Optimal Sport Performance
    Optimal Sport Performance: Introduction to Fieldwork
    Sport Psychology Approaches to Child, Adolescent & Family Counseling (2)
    Theory and Practice of Sport Camps (2)

    Students in the specialization must also complete:

    • At least 9 units of field experience including at least one quarter of field placement at a university camp.
    • The comprehensive master's examination, and two presentations in sport psychology.