The Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program provides graduates with degrees in psychology, social work or marriage and family therapy a focused, 12-month experience to develop their counselling skills and become confident practitioners, ready for employment in a variety of practice settings. Residents are assigned to a supervisor who will work with them over the course of the 12-month experience. Residents will receive one hour of individual supervision and two hours of group supervision each week. Residents are invited to participate in all training and workshops at Calgary Counselling Centre during their residency.
Professional Registration In Alberta
Calgary Counselling Centre’s Postgraduate Residency Training Program offers opportunities for Provisional Psychologists and Social Workers to complete the requirements for Registration with their Respective Colleges:
College of Alberta Psychologists
We offer a one-year Postgraduate Residency program for Registered Provisional Psychologists to complete the clinical hours and supervision required to become registered as a psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. As part of Calgary Counselling Centre’s Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program, we prepare individuals for employment as they prepare for their registration as psychologists.
Alberta College of Social Workers
We offer a one-year Postgraduate Residency program for Provisional Registered Social Workers to complete the clinical hours and supervision required to become registered as a social worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers. As part of Calgary Counselling Centre’s Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program, we prepare individuals for employment as they prepare for their registration as social workers.
Funding
For providing the Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program, Calgary Counselling Centre is a certified educational institution with Employment and Social Development Canada.
While attending our certified educational institution, students may claim a tuition tax credit and, if applicable, withdraw funds from an RESP account to support their cost of tuition. Calgary Counselling Centre residents in the Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program are typically not taxed, unless they have additional income from other sources.
Residents are not eligible for student loans and cannot defer interest or repayments on federal or provincial student loans. Residents are ineligible for federal loans and grants. There may still be provincial loans or grants available as other options for students. If residents on low income require financial assistance, they are encouraged to explore various existing options, e.g., loan repayment assistance or adjusting payment terms.
The Alberta Government’s Student Aid website includes the contact information for the provincial (MyLoan) and federal (NSLSC) student loan departments. Each province is mandated to approve federal loans, therefore this website is a great resource.
Program Requirements
Residents are full-time students in a certified training program. Calgary Counselling Centre Residents receive a total bursary of $40,000. The cost of tuition/course work is $13,696. The tuition fee is deducted from students’ semi-monthly bursary payments.
The Residency has the following requirements for the 12-month program:
Dedicate 35 hours per week to the program (on site or virtually).
Provide 816 face-to-face counselling hours
Provide 144 group counselling hours
Attend weekly three-hour Clinical Practice Seminars.
Commit three hours per month to intake activities at the call centre
Commit one hour per month for a Quick Response Shift (clients in distress)
Residency positions become available throughout the year.
For providing the Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program, Calgary Counselling Centre is recognized by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology as a Private Educational Institution and is a certified educational institution with Canada Employment and Social Development.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Postgraduate Counsellor Residency Training Program, applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements:
A master’s degree from a recognized university with a major in counselling psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology or social work. Preference is given to candidates who have already had their credentials approved by either the College of Alberta Psychologists or the Alberta College of Social Workers.
A resume or curriculum vitae.
An application letter, stating interest, qualifications and experience relevant to counselling. Applicants may also comment on how this program will help them meet their career goals.
Unofficial university transcript from relevant master’s degree.
Two reference letters by professional or academic sources. The letters comment on the motivation and ability of the applicant to complete advanced training in counselling practice (templates will be provided).
Police Check and Child Intervention record check — we will provide guidance to obtain these.
Application Process
Follow the steps below to apply for a Postgraduate Residency at Calgary Counselling Centre.
Step 1: Complete the Form
Complete the online Residency Application Form
Within the form, you will be prompted to,
Complete payment of a non-refundable $50.00 application fee
Upload the following supporting documents:
Cover letter
Resume/CV
University transcripts
CAP Credential Approval Letter, if applicable
Step 2: Obtain Two References
Once you have submitted your Application Form, you will receive a link to an electronic Reference Form. Please forward this link to two references and ask them to complete and submit the form.
Step 3: Interview
Once we’ve received your complete application form and both references, we will set up an interview with a counselling supervisor. You will be informed of the outcome within a couple of weeks after the interview. All admission decisions are final.
If you have any questions, please contact our Student Program Administrator.