Frequently Asked Questions

On average, students can expect to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to coursework, inclusive of bi-monthly laboratory sessions. However, the actual time commitment may vary depending on the individual’s writing pace and ability to comprehend the assigned readings, which can differ in complexity.

Psychodynamics encompasses two principal concepts. First, it posits that the human mind is divided into two distinct parts: the conscious and the unconscious. The conscious mind comprises the thoughts and knowledge of which we are aware, while the unconscious mind contains the thoughts, feelings, and memories that we are not consciously aware of but which nonetheless influence our behaviors and emotions. This dynamic interaction within the mind is often linked to early life experiences, shaping our mental processes in profound ways.

Second, psychodynamics examines the relational dynamics between individuals. This means that the unconscious forces and motivations within us can also affect our interactions and relationships with others. These inner dynamics, though not immediately apparent to us, play a crucial role in how we relate to those around us.

The therapeutic aspect of psychodynamics involves gaining insight into these unconscious processes. By exploring and understanding the contents of our unconscious mind, we can achieve greater self-awareness. This increased understanding can lead to improved mental well-being and healthier, more fulfilling relationships. The process of therapy helps individuals uncover hidden thoughts and emotions, thereby transforming unconscious motivations into conscious awareness, ultimately fostering personal growth and relational harmony.

To illustrate, consider a person who repeatedly experiences conflicts in their relationships. Through psychodynamic therapy, they might discover that these conflicts stem from unresolved feelings of inadequacy rooted in early childhood experiences. By bringing these unconscious feelings to light, the individual can begin to address and resolve them, leading to more positive and constructive interactions in their current relationships. 

In essence, psychodynamics provides a framework for understanding the intricate interplay between our inner psychological world and our external relational dynamics, emphasizing the importance of bringing unconscious influences into conscious awareness for overall psychological health and relational satisfaction.

The program spans five years. The initial three years are designated as foundational academic coursework. Upon successful completion of these foundational years, students become eligible to progress to the final two years, which focus on clinical practicum.

By the conclusion of the five-year program and upon graduation, most students will have accrued a substantial portion of the required client contact hours and clinical supervision hours. These hours are essential for both applying to the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) and for meeting the requirements to transition into full Registered Psychotherapist (RP) status.

Yes, provided a student has successfully completed all the rigorous academic and experiential components of the foundational years, they will be eligible to proceed. Students receive regular feedback on their development of the core competencies necessary for assuming the role of a therapist, even at the trainee level.

At OPC College, we ensure that no trainee is placed in the therapist’s chair unless we are confident in their ability to practice safely and without causing harm to clients.

As faculty, we seek to identify competencies and capacities that indicate a student’s preparedness to sit in the therapist’s chair. The criteria we consider are as follows:

• Emotional Engagement and Regulation: The student demonstrates openness and a deepening emotional connection to their personal narrative, as well as the ability to emotionally regulate and respond to others’ narratives.
• Psychological Knowledge: The student shows increasing knowledge of human psychological functioning and development through practical application.  
• Self-Reflection and Mentalizing: The student exhibits growing self-reflective and mentalizing capacities.
• Boundary Awareness: The student demonstrates a deepening awareness and engagement with boundaries.
• Cultural Competency: The student possesses solid knowledge of human and cultural diversity as it relates to psychotherapy practice.
• Feedback Engagement: The student shows an increasing ability to listen to, offer, and engage with feedback.
• Transference Work: The student is actively engaged in transference work, boundary management, and understanding interpersonal dynamics.
• Integration and Embodiment: Overall, the student demonstrates increasing integration and embodiment of the safe and effective use of self (SEUS), the psychodynamic psychotherapy model of practice (PPMP), other academic material, and comparative psychologies.

These competencies are assessed through yearly progress reviews and continuous dialogue and feedback with faculty and teaching assistants.

The Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling College (OPCC) stands out as a beacon of excellence in the field of mental health education and practice. Here are the key factors that set us apart:

1. Holistic and Integrative Approach: OPCC embraces a holistic and integrative approach to psychotherapy and counselling education. We recognize the interconnectedness of the mind, body, heart, and spirit, and our curriculum reflects this understanding. Students are trained to address the multifaceted nature of human experience, fostering comprehensive healing and growth.

2. Commitment to Personal Growth: At OPCC, personal growth is not just encouraged; it is a core component of our programs. All students are required to engage in personal therapy throughout their training, ensuring they develop the self-awareness and emotional resilience necessary to support their clients effectively.

3. Unique Educational Philosophy: Our educational philosophy emphasizes ongoing learning and reflective practice. We believe that the journey of becoming a skilled therapist is a continuous one, extending far beyond formal education. This commitment to lifelong learning is woven into every aspect of our programs, from classroom instruction to supervision sessions.

4. Robust Referral Network: OPCC boasts a robust referral network that offers diverse therapeutic options. Our network includes both student therapists in training, who provide high-quality, low-cost psychotherapy under supervision, and seasoned professionals with extensive experience. This dual approach ensures accessible and effective mental health care for all.

5. Co-Creative Learning Environment: We foster a co-creative learning environment where faculty and students engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights. This collaborative approach enhances the learning experience, encouraging innovation and the development of new therapeutic techniques.

6. Faculty Expertise and Support: Our faculty members are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated mentors. They provide personalized support and guidance, helping students navigate their educational and professional journeys. The close-knit community at OPCC ensures that students receive the attention and resources they need to succeed.

7. Emphasis on Ethics and Inclusivity: Ethical practice and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to fostering a diverse and welcoming environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. Our programs emphasize cultural sensitivity and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates to serve a wide range of clients with integrity.

8. Innovative Pedagogy: OPCC continuously evolves to incorporate the latest research and best practices in psychotherapy and counselling. Our innovative pedagogy includes a variety of teaching methods, such as experiential learning, reflective writing, group processes, and supervision, ensuring a rich and comprehensive educational experience.

9. Community Engagement: We believe in the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. OPCC students and faculty are actively involved in community outreach and mental health initiatives, making a positive impact on the broader community.

By integrating these distinctive elements, OPCC provides a transformative educational experience that prepares students to become compassionate, competent, and effective mental health professionals. Our commitment to excellence, personal growth, and community well-being makes OPCC a leader in the field of psychotherapy and counselling education.

At the Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling College (OPCC), our vibrant Alumni Association plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and dynamic community of learners. Our alumni are not just graduates; they are lifelong members of the OPCC family, contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the college and its students.

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OPC College is currently in the process of applying for approval to offer the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) as a financial aid option for our students. Although we are not yet approved, we are optimistic about offering this option in the future. In the interim, our graduated tuition payment system ensures that the program remains financially accessible to students.

While it is not mandatory for students to engage with a psychodynamic psychotherapist, we strongly recommend it. This recommendation stems from the significant benefits of experiencing psychodynamic therapy from the client’s perspective, especially since this is the modality in which you will be trained.

If you currently have a therapist, you may continue your sessions with them. However, it is a requirement of the program that you maintain regular therapy sessions (either with your current therapist or a new one you choose upon starting the program) for at least 20 hours per year throughout the duration of the program. Should you need assistance in finding a therapist, we are more than willing to provide a referral.

Yes, there are several benefits to seeing a psychodynamic psychotherapist while enrolled in our College:

1. First Hand Experience: Engaging in psychodynamic therapy allows you to personally experience the therapeutic process from a client’s perspective. This can deepen your understanding of the techniques and approaches you will be learning about and using in your training.

2. Enhanced Empathy: By experiencing the therapy yourself, you can develop a greater sense of empathy and insight into the client’s journey, which can enhance your ability to connect with and support your future clients.

3. Personal Growth: Psychodynamic therapy can help you explore and understand your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to personal growth and improved self-awareness, which are crucial qualities for a successful therapist.

4. Practical Application: The insights and experiences gained from your own therapy sessions can provide practical, real-world examples and applications of the theories and techniques discussed in your coursework.

5. Emotional Support: The demands of our rigorous academic program can be stressful, and the emotional rigor can also be quite challenging. Regular therapy sessions can provide valuable emotional support, helping you manage stress and maintain your mental well-being throughout your studies.

6. Professional Development: Experiencing the psychodynamic approach can give you a deeper appreciation for its nuances and effectiveness, contributing to your overall professional development as a future therapist.

After reviewing our website, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a personal interview or join us at one of our Open Houses or complimentary lectures. These opportunities will provide you with a sense of our learning community and faculty. As we often tell clients during the initial interview, you’ll know if it’s a good fit because it’s something you’ll feel intuitively once you’ve met us. Additionally, factors such as course delivery, financial considerations, and other practical matters will also inform your decision about whether our program is right for you.

OPC College maintains rigorous academic standards, and students with an academic background should find the coursework manageable. We require students to engage with some of the original texts, which can be dense, but our core curriculum is well-defined. Each year, students are expected to thoroughly understand about 5-7 key books, along with supplemental articles.

A unique academic challenge at OPCC is mastering the art of quality conciseness. This skill is essential for professional writing, such as case notes, and is a critical competency for therapists. While this requirement can be challenging, it is an integral part of our training program.

New students frequently mention the emotional rigor of our program. This challenging aspect is directly related to the CRPO competency of Self in Relation to Others or the Safe and Effective Use of Self (SEUS). SEUS involves thoroughly understanding one’s own psychology, history, biases, and more. Developing self-reflective and mentalizing skills requires engaging in the same emotional work that you will later guide your clients through. As the saying goes, “You can’t lead where you have not gone.”

No, because you pay tuition on a graduated system, once you officially withdraw, there are no additional fees.

Students typically apply for registration with the CRPO after completing 90% of their program at OPC College, usually around February or March of their fifth year. Upon approval by the CRPO, our students become members as Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying).

After graduation from OPC College, a copy of their final transcript is sent to the CRPO to complete their registration process, which includes:

• Completing the Jurisprudence eLearning exam provided by the CRPO.
• Sitting for and passing the competency exam.

OPC College supports our students throughout this entire process. We encourage graduates to form study groups to support each other during the application process. Clinical supervisors provide guidance on timelines and applications.

Additionally, OPC College has designed a seminar to assist students in preparing for the Competency Exam. This seminar is conducted by a former faculty member of OPC College and is fee-based.

OPC College also continues to support graduates with their Quality Assurance Program and renewal applications.

*Qualifying members have five years to fulfill all client contact and supervision requirements. Recent graduates have one year to complete the Competency Exam. Qualifying members can attempt the exam twice. If unsuccessful, they will be recommended for upgrading skills/education and can take the exam a third time upon completion.

FOUNDATIONAL ACADEMIC YEARS 1-3

Year 1: Foundations in Self-Exploration and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

The focus of training in the first year is on the beginnings of self-exploration and expression in relation to others, with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy. Students will apply these concepts to their own personal growth and relationships, both within and outside of the OPCC learning environment. This foundational year aims to cultivate a deep understanding of oneself, which is essential for effective therapeutic practice.

Year 2: Deepening Self-Awareness and Relational Dynamics

Year two builds on the capacities developed in the previous year, encouraging students to deepen these strengths and work with the challenges that inhibit or block self-awareness and expression. This year focuses on the relational context within group settings, larger school activities, and the application of the Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Model of Practice (PPMP). Students will continue to explore and express their inner experiences, enhancing their ability to navigate and utilize relational dynamics effectively in their therapeutic learning.

Year 3: Pre-Clinical Year

The pre-clinical year prepares students for entering the clinical practicum by emphasizing the development of clinical competencies, particularly the Safe and Effective Use of Self (SEUS). Students will apply the theoretical lenses of the Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Model of Practice (PPMP) to interpret emotional, psychological, and relational phenomena. Building on the personal development achieved in the previous years, this year focuses on expanding these capacities and emphasizing their application to interpersonal exchanges and interactions, laying a strong foundation for clinical practice.

Year 4: Clinical Practicum

In the clinical practicum year, students are expected to translate the personal and academic growth from the previous three years into the clinical setting. This year focuses on deepening the capacities of Safe and Effective Use of Self (SEUS) and the application of theoretical knowledge. Students will develop a sense of their professional role as psychotherapists, emphasizing ethics, boundaries, and mentorship. Entering clinical supervision, students will cultivate capacities for professional practice and foster a productive supervisory relationship.

Year 5: Consolidation Year/Clinical Practicum Year 2

In the second year of clinical practicum, students are expected to consolidate their personal, academic, and clinical growth from the previous four years and successfully apply these skills in the clinical setting. This year continues to focus on deepening the capacities of Safe and Effective Use of Self (SEUS) and the application of theoretical knowledge. Students will further develop their professional role as psychotherapists, with an emphasis on ethics, boundaries, and mentorship. Those in their second year of clinical supervision/practicum should demonstrate strong capacities for professional practice and cultivate fruitful supervisory and collegial relationships.

In addition to their clinical practicum, students will complete an academic literature review/concentration study. This project will demonstrate their integration of theoretical knowledge gained throughout the program and its application to the clinical setting. Fifth-year students are expected to develop an interactive presentation of their project to share with the student body and faculty. This presentation aims to augment the horizontal learning within the OPCC community and showcase the students’ theoretical competency in their area of interest.