Possible Course Equivalencies for UVic Counselling Prerequisite Courses
ED-D 414 (Group), 417 (Skills), 418 (Theories)
Updated March 10th, 2015
We have developed a list of suggested courses to assist you in obtaining the equivalent prerequisites for ED-D 414, 417, and 418.
However, these are subject to change and do not guarantee equivalency – a specific course syllabus must be reviewed by the
Graduate Advisor for each course, since courses can be taught differently year to year. The final decision about course
equivalencies will be made by the Graduate Advisor prior to the Admissions Committee’s adjudication of applications to the program.
To ensure a course on this list will be accepted as an equivalent, please submit the course syllabus (not the course outline) to the
Graduate Advisor, Dr. Tim Black at counsadv@uvic.ca for evaluation. You will then be advised whether or not the course meets the
requirements for equivalency. Please feel free to also submit the course syllabus for courses not listed below that you believe meet the
criteria for ED-D 414, 417 and 418. ED-D 414, 417, 418 must be completed within seven years of the date of application or they will
need to be repeated.
Notes on Requesting Equivalency for ED-D 414, 417 and 418
When considering requests for equivalency, the UVic Counselling Psychology Program Graduate Advisor assesses each course based
on several factors in order to establish equivalency for the UVic Pre-Req’s. Before submitting a request for equivalency, applicants
should consider the following for each course:
*ED-D 414: Group Processes:
ED-D 414 is a difficult course to find at other universities and we understand that. We want students to have an understanding of basic
group dynamics and processes before entering the program. If you have a course that covers these basic elements of groups, then we
will likely consider the course equivalent. Courses such as Social Psychology that focus on more “macro-level” groups (e.g., high
socioeconomic groups, minority groups, marginalized groups), while interesting, would not be considered equivalent.
**ED-D 417 Skills for Effective Interpersonal Communication:
ED-D 417 is a course designed specifically to develop basic communication skills for counselling with a focus on active listening,
basic and advanced empathy and goal setting. Course assignments are also designed to assess the level of skill development in
students with a final grade that is primarily (i.e., equal or greater than 70% of the grade) based on demonstrated skills. We need
applicants to have acquired a certain level of skill BEFORE entering the graduate counselling psychology program. Students in the
course are required to engage in two hours/week outside of class in simulated counselling sessions (i.e., 1 hour as a “client” and 1 hour
as a “counsellor”). If you are thinking of requesting equivalency, here are a couple of things to consider:
1) Does my course have at least 70% of my final grade comprised of actual skills assessment? If it does not, then the course is not
considered equivalent.
2) Is my course designed to not only teach the concepts of basic counselling skills but also to train me to develop those skills through
regular practice? If not, then the course is not considered equivalent.
Note: Meeting these two requirements does not ensure that your course will be considered equivalent. However, if your course does
not at least meet these two criteria, then it will not be considered equivalent to ED-D 417.
***ED-D 418 Introduction to Theories of Counselling:
ED-D 418, as the name implies, is an introduction to the theories of counselling and we normally consider an adequate introduction to
include Freud (Psychodynamic) to the Postmodernists (e.g., Narrative). The course is meant to introduce students to the idea of
separating “theory” from “therapy” by reviewing, in detail, the major movements of psychotherapy and counselling since Freud. The
entire course is focused on theories and does not cover other topics. If you are thinking of requesting equivalency, here are several
things to consider:
1) Does my course focus primarily (over 90% of the course) on reviewing and learning theories of counselling and psychotherapy? If
it does not, then it will not be considered equivalent.
2) Does my course cover the main movements (I.e., Psychodynamic, Humanist, Behavioural, Post-Modern, Integrated) in
psychotherapy since Freud? If it does not, then it will not be considered equivalent.
3) Does my course grade reflect my having been taught and assessed for understanding of the major theories of counselling and
psychotherapy (I.e. Does your course actually assess your knowledge or are the assignments primarily “personal
reflection” assignments?). If it does not, then it will not be considered equivalent.
Note: Meeting these requirements does not ensure that your course will be considered equivalent. However, if your course does not at
least meet these three criteria, then it will not be considered equivalent.
ED-D 414 Group Processes
UVic Calendar description: Analysis, theory, and research related to group processes, decision-making, and leadership in a variety
of settings. Awareness and understanding of self in group contexts. The course includes skills practice and development related to
group membership and facilitation.*
Institution
Canadian University College
Carlton University
Douglas College
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Laurentian University
Possible
Equivalent(s)
PSYC 360
PSYC 3103A
CYCC 4468
PSYC 3220
SWRK 4437EL
Title(s)
Group Processes
Group Processes in Social Psychology
Advanced Skills with Groups in CYC Organizations
Group Dynamics
Social Work with Groups
McGill University
Thompson Rivers University
University of Guelph
University of Lethbridge
University of Manitoba
University of Regina
University of Saskatchewan
University of the Fraser Valley
Vancouver Island University
York University
EDPC 502
SWRK 376A
SOCW 461
FRHD 4100
PSYC 4980
EDUA 5540
SW 425
PSY 425.3
CYC 468
PSYC 386
SOWK 301
CYC 265
CYC 475 (used to be
465)
PSYC 3430
Group Processes and Individuals
Social Work Practice with Groups
Social Work Practice with Groups
Dynamics of Group and Family Functioning
Group Therapy: Practices and Techniques
Groups in Guidance
Social Work Practice with Groups
Advanced Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations
Advanced Skills with Groups in Child and Youth Care
Social Psychology of Groups
Social Work Practice with Groups
An Introduction to Group Work Practice in Professional CYC
Facilitating Groups with Children, Youth, and Caregivers
Behaviour in Groups
ED-D 417 Effective Interpersonal Communication
UVic Calendar description: Basic interpersonal communication skills for active listening, empathic understanding, and
communication of empathy. Includes analysis of effective interpersonal skills and skill building laboratory experience. The content
and skills are transferable to a variety of settings, including counselling, education, human development, management, healthcare,
psychology and recreation.**
Institution
Concordia University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Laurentian University
McGill University
Simon Fraser University
Trinity Western University
University of British Columbia
University of Calgary
University of Guelph
Possible
Equivalent(s)
AHSC 351
CNPS 4300
SWRK 2315EL
SWRK 350
EDPC 501
EDPC 504
EDUC 423
PSYC 340
CPSY 490
CNPS 362
APSY 419
FRHD 3400
Title(s)
Basic Counselling Skills and Concepts
Counselling Relationships and Skills
Basic Intervention Skills in Social Work Practice
Social Work Skills Laboratory
Helping Relationships
Practicum: Interviewing Skills
Helping Relationships
Interpersonal and Helping Skills
Basic Counselling Skills
Basic Interviewing Skills
Communication Skills in Guidance and Counselling
Communication and Counselling Skills
University of Manitoba
University of Regina
University of the Fraser Valley
University of Western Ontario
Vancouver Island University
EDUA 5480
SW 390
CYC 467
SW 2204
CYC 252A*
CYC 252B*
Counselling Skills
Communication Skills in Social Work Practice
Advanced Skills with Individuals in Child and Youth Care
Introduction to Social Work Practice
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Advanced Interpersonal Skills
*must be taken with upper level CYC courses
ED-D 418 Introduction to Theories of Counselling
UVic Calendar description: Major theoretical approaches to counselling. This will include philosophical assumptions, key concepts,
the process of change, and interventions. Designed for those interested in counselling, psychotherapy, and helping relationships.***
Institution
Athabasca University
Douglas College
Grant MacEwan University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Simon Fraser University
University of British Columbia
University of Manitoba
University of Regina
University of the Fraser Valley
University of Waterloo
York University
Possible
Equivalent(s)
PSYC 406
CYCC 3520
CYCW 301
CNPS 3310
EDUC 323
CNPS 365
EDUA 5500
SW 440
PSYC 407
PSYC 375
PSYC 334
PSYC 4060
Title(s)
Introduction to Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy (online)
Professional CYC: Theory and Practice
Professional CYC Practice: Theory and Application
Theories of Counselling
Introduction to Counselling Theories
Introduction to Theories of Counselling
Theories and Issues in School Counselling
Counselling Theories and Skills
Systems in Psychology
Foundations of Clinical Psychology
Theories of Individual Counselling Psychology
Counselling Psychology