Counselling

Counselling is a burgeoning field, so it’s no surprise that our Master of Arts in Counselling is among our most popular programs here at Providence. Your counselling training will equip you with the knowledge and competency to integrate Christian worldview into mainstream practices, enabling you to effectively counsel individuals, families, couples and groups. This program is offered at both our main Otterburne campus, and our Alberta extension site in Calgary. The Distance Education element consists of a blend of online study, directed study and modular coursework.
*Graduates of our M.A in Counselling program meet the requirements to be an Associate Counsellor with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP). Graduates are also able to register with other provincial associations. See individual provincial websites for more information or contact info@prov.ca.
Students of the Alberta Extension Site will complete most of their counselling courses through a series of one week modules, hybrid courses and online. Bible and Theology courses can be taken directly or through online courses provided by Providence Seminary. To view what courses are currently being offered, see our course offerings here.
"I was really excited to get the training to be a counsellor from a faith perspective. Providence has the only Christian counselling course you can take in (Alberta). I had a really incredible experience and the support I receive through Providence as really great." - Rachel Crowe, 2015 Master of Arts in Counselling
Enrollment in this program is restricted to a limited number of students per year. It is strongly recommended that potential students have a solid background in the social sciences, psychology and Bible/theology. Fitness for counselling ministry and practice requires a high level of psychological health, including self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-knowledge, self-confidence, courage, resilience, purpose in life, balance, moderation, and emotional stability. Applicants are required to complete a standardized questionnaire (EQi 2.0), the results of which will be used by the Counselling Department to gauge suitability for the counselling profession. Some applicants may also be required to complete an interview with a member of the department as part of the application process. Applicants whose questionnaire or interview results indicate hindrances to the counselling profession may be denied entrance to the program.
International students with English as a second language are required to provide an official iBt TOEFL score with the following minimum iBT scores: Reading Skills: 20; Listening Skills: 22; Speaking Skills: 26; and Writing Skills: 24. At the discretion of the Counselling Department, other students may also be required to take this test.
Students who do not achieve an AGPA of 3.00 in their first semester may be required to complete additional course work in the area of their weakness.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please look to the Academic Calendar for full information and course lists. If there are discrepancies between the information listed here and in the Academic Calendar, the Academic Calendar is definitive.
You will be taking courses both in the Department of Counselling and the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies.
Counselling courses:
Biblical and Theological Studies courses:
Sharon Pham, Ph.D. (Program Coordinator)Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology, Department Chair
Angelle Arinobu, M.A. Asst. Prof of Counselling Psychology; First Year Experience Coor
Brianne Collins, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology
Michelle Gritter, M.Div. M.A. Instructor in Counselling Psychology
Nathan Hughes Coordinator & Student Liaison, Alberta Campus
Morgan Mulenga, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology
Jan Nerenberg Instructor in Counselling Psychology
Janice Priess, M.A. Assistant Professor of Counselling Psychology
Laura Vander Velden, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Counselling Psychology
Glenys Wirch, CPGC, D.Min. Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology
Graduates build careers with child & family services, addictions foundations, private practices across Canada, pregnancy crisis care centers and not-for-profit agencies and NGOs world-wide. Others pursue doctoral studies.