I chose the MSc Psychotherapy program at McMaster University as it provides students with the foundational conceptual knowledge needed to understand psychotherapeutic theory and techniques.

“I chose the MSc Psychotherapy program at McMaster University as it provides students with the foundational conceptual knowledge needed to understand psychotherapeutic theory and techniques. Most importantly, I applied to this program because it prioritizes students building their skillset by offering two practicum placements.

The required courses provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to develop your psychotherapeutic skillset throughout your practicum placement, which is fundamental to becoming a competent and qualified psychotherapist.

Just showing up in this program is insufficient to build your knowledge base and hone your skills sufficiently. Self-directed learning and practice are needed. This echoes the type of practice psychotherapists engage in throughout their careers, as lifelong learning and maintaining competencies is both key and an ethical imperative.

If you are interested in an enriching academic experience and acquiring practical psychotherapeutic skills, this program is definitely for you! It not only offers educative experiences from highly experienced clinicians but the program places you in quality training environments that facilitate and encourage skill development.”

McMaster offers classes in a small group setting and this type of environment has been helpful for my learning in the past, and it was critical to my decision when selecting a grad program.

“McMaster offers classes in a small group setting and this type of environment has been helpful for my learning in the past, and it was critical to my decision when selecting a grad program. The opportunity to gain practicum experience through the program and apply the skills I would learn was important to me, as I was motivated to form connections and get feedback on my therapy skills early in my career.

The combination of theoretical courses and the practicum experience at McMaster helped prepare me for my career. During my time in the program, I gained foundational knowledge, critical thinking and confidence to work as a mental health professional. Most importantly, the feedback I received from classmates, faculty, and practicum supervisors allowed me to improve my skillset as a therapist.

I value all of the connections I have made during my time at McMaster with classmates, faculty, and professionals in the field. These connections have allowed me to expand my network of mental health professionals in Hamilton and beyond, which has proven to be helpful in starting my career. Having recently graduated from the program, it is helpful to know that I have a community of McMaster Psychotherapy graduates to support me as I navigate the field.”

The MSc Psychotherapy program at McMaster was my top choice because of the clinical and hands on format of the program, as well as its partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton.

“The MSc Psychotherapy program at McMaster was my top choice because of the clinical and hands on format of the program, as well as its partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton.

The courses I have completed so far in this program have been relevant to client treatment, and have provided me with a solid knowledge foundation. The blended format of lectures, discussions and observation have also allowed me to feel highly competent and prepared for my career as a psychotherapist.

If you are looking at a career in practising interpersonal therapy as a psychotherapist, this program will set you up for success after graduation.”

I chose the MSc Psychotherapy program at McMaster because of its early exposure to clinical experience.

“I chose the MSc Psychotherapy program at McMaster because of its early exposure to clinical experience. I appreciated having courses in the first two semesters, and then having the opportunity to apply the skills we learned in class through a practicum experience in the summer. Additionally, I really enjoyed how the program was integrated with a hospital, where students were able to learn how treatment can look in a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Throughout the program we had opportunities to learn Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in addition to features of other modalities. To further our foundational knowledge in these areas, we were able to apply our skills through practicum experiences and in-class experiential activities. With this practice, I was able to enhance my therapy skills that I am now able to utilize in my job as a therapist.

The MSc in Psychotherapy program offers vast knowledge about evidence-based treatment, different therapy modalities, and core CBT skills. Using this platform, you’re able to learn more about your areas of interest and expand on those through supervision or additional training. When you graduate, you will have the necessary skills to practice as a therapist upon registration.

I really appreciated the small class sizes and sense of community we were able to create through the program. All staff members and students were very supportive and helped one another through both course content and practicum experiences.”

McMaster's Psychotherapy program gave me the foundation to be confident practitioner.

I chose the MSc Psychotherapy program because of the opportunity for hands-on clinical learning, the modality-focused training (allowing for deep learning about CBT), and McMaster’s reputation for healthcare education.

Although at times it felt like there was no way that only 20 months of learning could prepare me to be a clinician, in hindsight, I am very impressed by the quantity and depth of knowledge that I was able to receive.

Becoming a psychotherapist is a life-long journey and commitment. No training program will give you all the information you could possibly need in your career, but the right program will give you the foundations you need to be confident, and the skills to direct your own life-long learning after graduation. McMaster’s MSc Psychotherapy was the right choice for me.

Non-traditional applicants: don’t be afraid to apply! I did not pursue traditional undergraduate psychology education, but I felt like I was able to draw on my career experience and blend it with my academic learning and be successful!

The focus on evidence-based practice and exposure to a practicum in a hospital setting and in private practice greatly prepared me for my future career.

I chose the MSc in Psychotherapy program at McMaster because McMaster’s faculty of health sciences is world renowned, and I looked forward to having placement opportunities at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s West 5th campus, where evidence-based care is researched and delivered to many individuals in the community. I knew I would receive excellent training and opportunities if I attended this program. Additionally, I’ve always loved the McMaster school environment and have found the community to be supportive.

The focus on evidence-based practice and exposure to a practicum in a hospital setting and in private practice greatly prepared me for my future career. I also appreciated the diverse academic and work experiences that my classmates drew upon when participating in class, and believe it boosted my learning experience.

Psychotherapy is an important part of healthcare, and McMaster’s program holistically educates clinicians who can work as part of interdisciplinary teams and provide evidence-based psychotherapy to the greater community.

McMaster’s program and placement opportunities enabled me to learn more about the broader mental healthcare system, which continues to be invaluable to me as I begin my career as a clinician and advocate for system improvement.

Collaboration is key and the ongoing consultation with my classmates and supervisors was pivotal to my development from student to therapist.

I chose McMaster’s MSc Psychotherapy because of its reputation. Having already been familiar with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, I knew that I would be entering a competitive and high caliber program.

During my time in the program, I came to realize that collaboration is key and the ongoing consultation with my classmates and supervisors was pivotal to my development from student to therapist.

After graduating from the program, I immediately felt prepared and ready to provide therapy to clients.

I wanted to be surrounded by peers who were excited about thinking deeply & critically about psychotherapy. I chose McMaster's MSc Psychotherapy program for the intellectual community that it offered.

I wanted to be surrounded by peers and mentors who were excited about thinking deeply and critically about psychotherapy. I chose McMaster’s MSc Psychotherapy program for the intellectual community that it offered.

The MSc program has equipped me well with the skills and knowledge necessary to confidently begin supporting people in the context of psychotherapy. The focus on Evidence-Based Practice does well to ground and focus the curriculum, though there is also lots of room to explore the expanse of the discipline.

I’ve learned how to think critically about psychotherapy and how to build a practice that is effective and personalized. My biggest takeaway has been to approach all situations with curiosity and kindness, a teaching that I’m sure will prove valuable both professionally and personally moving forward.