Yorkville University MACP Program: 7 Years Later Post-Graduation

Speaking on my journey to becoming a therapist after 7 years in the field!

As I sit down to reflect on my experiences in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University, I find myself grappling with a mix of nostalgia and frustration. It has been seven years since I graduated, and while I am grateful for the opportunities the program provided, I cannot help but voice some concerns that have lingered in my mind.

The Positive Aspects of the MACP Program

First, I want to acknowledge the strengths of the MACP program. The curriculum was designed to provide a solid theoretical foundation in counselling psychology, and I appreciated the emphasis on diverse counselling approaches. The faculty members were knowledgeable and supportive, however, beyond an email reply, professors did not go above and beyond to strengthen the knowledge and skills we were aiming to achieve. While the flexibility of the program allowed me to balance my studies with personal and professional commitments; an invaluable asset during my academic journey, I lacked the connection to the program like I received during my undergraduate studies.

Frustrations with Regulation

However, as I reflect on my time in the program, I cannot ignore the significant frustrations I encountered, particularly regarding the lack of regulation in how students are accepted into the program. Many individuals are successful in their admission, regardless of their background and professional/educational achievements. I found this challenging to wrap my head around, as the core foundations of this profession are vastly covered in undergraduate-level Psychology programs. Without this background, I found many students struggled to grasp the basic knowledge behind the MACP program. As a result, they struggled with being successful in completing assignments, meeting deadlines, and ultimately completing their clinical placements.

For instance, while Yorkville University offered a comprehensive curriculum, the absence of support during the clinical practicum section of the program often left students feeling unprepared. This lack of support can create a sense of uncertainty for new graduates entering the workforce, as they may not have had the same level of exposure to practical experiences as their peers in more regulated programs. Also, this places A LOT of pressure on the practicum site to teach students the basic foundations of counselling, such as intake, interviewing, note-taking, treatment planning, and managing tough situations we face with the clients we work with.

Preparation for Clinical Placement

Another area of concern is the training provided to students in preparation for their clinical practicums. While theoretical knowledge is crucial, the practical application of that knowledge is equally important. I found that the program did not adequately equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of clinical work. Many of us entered our placements feeling overwhelmed and underprepared, which can be detrimental not only to our professional development but also to the clients we serve.

The transition from online learning to real-world application can be daunting, and I believe that more emphasis should be placed on providing students with hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities. This could include more structured supervision from professors during practicums, workshops focused on practical skills and opportunities for peer collaboration and feedback before practicum, and offering more support to students searching for their sites, as this process is often left to the student to "cold call" practices seeking practicum opportunities.

Looking Forward

As I reflect on my journey through the MACP program, I am hopeful that future cohorts will benefit from these insights. The field of counselling psychology is evolving, and educational institutions must adapt to meet the needs of both students and the communities they serve. By addressing the concerns surrounding regulation and clinical preparation, programs like Yorkville University can continue to produce competent, confident, and compassionate counsellors. It is the hope that the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) take a deeper look at the institutions offering counselling programs and ensure they are better regulated to meet the requirements of our field. With stricter regulations come better and more competent therapists!

In conclusion, my experience in the Yorkville University MACP program has been a stepping stone in my career and personal growth in ways I could never have imagined. While I am proud of my accomplishments, I believe it is essential to advocate for improvements that will enhance the educational experience for future students. Together, we can work towards a more regulated and supportive environment for aspiring counsellors!

Nicole Lobo, BA., MACP

Registered Psychotherapist | Clinical Supervisor | Private Practice Owner