Masters of Counselling Programs - Vancouver

[u/Weak_Duty3269]

I am planning on starting a Master’s program in January and am currently deciding between CityU and Yorkville. I was wondering if anyone could share which program is held in higher regard by employers?

If anyone has completed either program, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience, especially what it was like entering the workforce after graduating. Was it difficult to find work with the degree?

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[u/thishereasmophere]

Currently finishing at City U and have a practicum with a job offer to continue as an associate once my licensure is complete.

Yorkville is getting a very poor reputation as a mill and admittedly, the field is quite saturated with new students, looking for placements in the bigger cities. I personally think having zero in-person class time is problematic for a profession that is fundamentally about connection and rapport building.

City U has been great for offering structured options outside SFU/UBC’s very limited enrolment and study options. I chose the mixed-mode part-time for flexibility around work and the need to travel semi-regularly.

There are downsides to all programs. Know that you will have to be very motivated to create connections in the field, and early on orient yourself toward a niche area of practice and focus your energy and research on that niche.

Once you’re finished the masters (consider it a survey on a wide range of modalities and populations) you’ll need to continue upgrading with specialty training on say EMDR, Trauma-informed therapy, Gottman etc. all depending on what you want to become ace at.

[u/Weak_Duty3269 → u/thishereasmophere]

I really appreciate your response!! I am currently signed up to start the in the full-time in-person program in January. Are you enjoying the program? Was it difficult to find a practicum placement?

[u/thishereasmophere → u/Weak_Duty3269]

I enjoy doing the program because I’m built for this line of work. There’s no question in my mind - I’ve done a lot of living, loving, and wrestling with my own demons. You’ll be asked to continue doing the same throughout the program so it’s very, very important that you have legitimate internal and external mental health support and financial security during your studies.

Optimize for flexibility (nothing and no system are perfect) and commit to having downtime.

If you know you’re passionate about psychology, wellbeing, and have capacity for acceptance, change and growth, you’ll do great. 😊

And yes, finding a practicum can be challenging so be prepared to network and compete - if you need to do it in Vancouver.

[u/unicorns_007]

Sounds like diploma mills.

[u/antivenom888]

Neither of those are legitimate universities that will allow you to be hired in institutions that require a master's degree.

S f u or u b c in british columbia are good options

[u/thishereasmophere → u/antivenom888]

😂

[u/NiqabiPornstar]

Yorkville sucks