Students in CUE’s PsyD program celebrate a milestone
Three students in Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE)’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program achieved a significant milestone on their journey to becoming clinical psychologists by being the first to successfully pass their candidacy exams in the relatively new doctoral program.
In passing their candidacy exams, Mikaela Flood, Jenny Le, and Mackenzie Thomas can now submit their dissertation proposals to the ethics board to get approval to pursue their theses. “To have students move successfully through a program this new shows that they are strong and ready to move forward,” said Dr. Thea Comeau, Interim Clinical Director, PsyD & Assistant Professor, Psychology. “It shows that our program is stable and the training we’re offering our students is working.”
The three are in their third year of the five-year program that focuses on both functional and foundational competencies creates leaders in psychological assessment, diagnosis, therapy, relationship building, teaching and supervision, patient-focused research, and consultation while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and ethical behaviour.
A unique program
CUE’s program is one of only six PsyD programs in clinical psychology in Canada, and the only program of its kind west of Manitoba. In addition to having the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses at CUE and being responsible for supervising others in a year-long clinical supervision course, the doctoral students are provided with unique opportunities to lead, innovate, and contribute to the campus, surrounding communities, and the greater good.
The five-year program focuses on both functional and foundational competencies and requires 123 credit hours, including dissertation credits and a year-long internship/clinical residency. The PsyD program is open to students with four-year baccalaureate degrees in psychology; master’s degrees in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, and school psychology; and registered psychologists looking to pursue a doctorate and receive additional clinical training, research, and supervision.
While many doctoral programs emphasize traditional functional competencies like assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, CUE’s program also focuses on foundational competencies like self-reflection, relationship-building, and valuing diversity. In addition to their work inside the classroom, they will conduct applied “real-world” research, teach undergraduate courses, and gain valuable experience as clinical supervisors.
Meet the candidates
“Mikaela, Jenny and Mackenzie are very tenacious, diligent, and hard working,” said Dr. Comeau. “This is very characteristic of all the students in the class and the student body in general.”
Doctoral candidate Mikaela Flood learned about CUE’s program while doing a random online search of PsyD programs in Canada and moved to Edmonton from her home in PEI. “I was interested in the program due to the specific courses that break down the skills of psychologists,” said Mikaela. “It is an intense program. We will have big responsibilities in the community when we graduate, so it has to be intense.”
Jenny Le, a doctoral candidate from Edmonton, heard about the program a few years before it formed and when she was looking to apply to graduate school she saw that the program was up and running. “I was interested in working in the mental health field and being a psychologist that focused on assessment, and interested in going directly into a doctoral program,” said Jenny. “The program does a good job at training students at the various aspects of work.”
About six years ago, Mackenzie Thomas was doing her undergrad at MacEwan University when she first heard about the possibility of a PsyD program at CUE. “The mix of research and the emphasis on clinical roles seemed like the best fit for me and my goals,” said Mackenzie. “I turned down other offers.” She feels the program gives her opportunities to research, practice, and to teach, which is something she is really passionate about.
Small campus, big opportunities
“CUE’s small campus environment means that students have better access to their professors, with whom they can build strong relationships with and gain valuable mentorship from,” said Dr. Comeau.
When asked how CUE’s small campus atmosphere has supported their learning, Mikaela replied, “It’s more personable, there’s more of a connection between student and professor and vice versa,”
“It’s nice to have a small cohort and get to know other cohorts,” added Mackenzie. “There’s definitely a bond that has been formed.”
Looking forward
“I want to open my own private practice in psychology with a specialization in working with children five and under around attachment difficulties and trauma-informed care, said Mikaela.
“And then teaching at a doctorate of clinical psychology program.” Jenny added, “As of right now, I am interested in focusing more on assessment within clinical psychology, I will start teaching at CUE next semester and if I find it enjoyable I will certainly look forward to continuing to do so after graduation.”
Mackenzie commented, “At this point I am still very open and looking forward to the third year and working in our practicums and the opportunities to teach a class next semester.”
Learn more about CUE’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program.
Pictured L-R: Macknenzie Thomas, Jenny Le, Mikaela Flood