Counselling

The Counselling degree is designed to prepare graduates for employment in clinical counselling or church ministry settings. Students with a clinical focus are geared towards psychotherapy and the educational preparation for registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and certification with professional counselling associations such as the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Graduates with a Pastoral Care and Counselling Focus are trained in issues such as: family conflicts, crisis intervention, and life transitions. Tyndale students gain counselling experience through solid counselling internships.

Our program provides educational preparation for students to become certified counsellors through associations such as:

● The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

● American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

● Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC)

● Ontario Society of Psychotherapists (OSP)

● Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP)

For more information on certification requirements please visit the Seminary Counselling Website

Counselling Certification

Our program provides educational preparation for students to become certified counsellors with professional counselling associations and registered psychotherapists with CRPO.The degree prepares students for employment in secular and Christian social service agencies, private practices, chaplaincy settings, or in congregational church environments. Our faculty equips students with the academic and applied knowledge they need on how to counsel clients on issues including: interpersonal conflict, couple and family therapy, depression, abuse, at risk youth, suicidal ideation, and grief.

 

Counselling Internships

Students undergo hundreds of hours of training in lab work and in a counselling internship practicum. By utilizing counselling theories and techniques in the field, our graduates gain the experience and counselling skills necessary to work effectively in the community. Our program is focused on producing trained counsellors rather than producing clinical psychologists or clinical scientists.
 

Expert Teaching

Our professors are practicing counsellors and therapists who serve as advisors and mentors to our students. Our faculty teach courses that center on the theological and psychological understanding of human personhood, and the therapeutic process in areas including: Christian counselling, personality theories, family systems theory, marriage and family therapy, child and adolescent counselling, pastoral counselling, and crisis intervention.

The Master of Divinity is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader. The MDiv blends academic study, mentored learning and practical experience in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for ordained ministry or for Christian leadership in its various forms.

MDiv students will acquire foundational preparation for ordained ministry and for Christian leadership in congregations and other settings. Students will:

  1. develop breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theological disciplines;
  2. acquire capacities for understanding and engaging the cultural, social, and global context of God’s mission in the world;
  3. experience personal and professional growth through a process of intellectual, spiritual and ministry formation;
  4. develop and hone skills for theologically reflective ministry practice in its various forms.

 

Program Requirements

Clinical Track

The Clinical Track is intended for those who are seeking to become credentialed in the Province of Ontario to offer psychotherapy in agencies (secular or Christian) or in private practice.

The training leads toward preparing graduates to practice psychotherapy with clients who are struggling with internal and interpersonal issues that require in-depth, longer-term therapy.

Tyndale Seminary’s MDiv Counselling program provides educational preparation, but not certification, as a counsellor/therapist. Further clinical experience and supervision will be required post-graduation to obtain professional accreditation with a certifying body.

Students who plan to pursue certification with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) should consult with the faculty advisor early in their program regarding membership criteria.

Students in the clinical track are expected to engage in individual professional counselling for their own personal growth and development.

Ongoing registration in the clinical track is subject to successful annual review of the student’s progress by the counselling faculty.

Program Requirements for Clinical Track:
 

27 courses required for Clinical Track
Biblical Studies (3 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
Theology and History (3 Courses)
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0646] Theology of the Human Person
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I OR HIST 0562 History of Christianity II*
    * HIST 0562 is recommended for students who are doing only one history course
Ministry Formation (3 Courses)
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
Core Elective (1 Course)

One from the following:

  • [OLDT ___] Old Testament course
  • [NEWT ___] New Testament course
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I OR HIST 0562 History of Christianity II
Counselling: Clinical Track (13 Courses)
  • [COUN 0574] Foundational Perspectives of Counselling
  • [COUN 0677] Family Systems Theory
  • [COUN 0674] Personality Theories
  • [COUN 0601] Pre-Internship Counselling Skills Lab I
  • [COUN 0602] Pre-Internship Counselling Skills Lab II
  • [COUN 0772] Theories and Methods of Family Therapy I
  • [COUN 0774] Theories and Methods of Family Therapy II
  • [COUN 0775] Professional Ethics
  • [COUN 0680] Research Methods in Counselling
  • [COUN 0671] Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • [COUN 0679] Current Issues in Psychopathology
  • [COUN 0777] Gender and Socioeconomic Perspectives in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • [COUN 0701] Counselling Major Internship
Electives (4 Courses)

[To be chosen in consultation with the Counselling Major Coordinators]

Pastoral Care and Counselling Track

The Pastoral Care and Counselling Track focuses on short-term pastoral counselling around issues such as family and life crisis and other difficult life circumstances and transitions. Deeper psychotherapy would not be part of this work. Students in this track will have the flexibility to select electives to prepare them for leadership in congregational care and counselling ministries or chaplaincy.

Program Requirements for Pastoral Care and Counselling Track:


27 courses required for Pastoral Care and Counselling Track
Biblical Studies (4 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • [OLDT  ___] Old Testament course  OR
  • [NEWT ___] New Testament course 
Theology (3 Courses)
  • [THEO 0531]  Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532]  Systematic Theology II
  • [THEO 0646]  Theology of the Human Person 
Christian History (2 Courses)
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
Ministry Formation (3 Courses)
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
Counselling: Pastoral Care and Counselling Track (7 Courses)
  • [COUN 0574] Foundational Perspectives of Christian Counselling
  • [COUN 0677] Family Systems Theory
  • [COUN 0601] Pre-Internship Counselling Skills Lab I
  • [COUN 0602] Pre-Internship Counselling Skills Lab II
  • [COUN 0683] Pastoral Counselling and Crisis Intervention
  • [COUN 0701] Counselling Major Internship
  • [COUN 0775] Professional Ethics  OR
  • [THEO 0535] Christian Ethics
Counselling-related courses (5 Courses)

[To be chosen in consultation with the Counselling Major Coordinators]

Electives (3 Courses)
 
Notes:
  1. All applications to the MDiv Counselling major (both new students and students transfer from another program) must be received by May 1 of each year. Admission criteria includes relevant academic training, vocational goals that align with the program and any counselling-related experience. All applicants will be interviewed by the Major Coordinator and/or a counselling faculty member in May or June. Acceptance notifications will be released by the end of June.
     
  2. This program admits students in the fall semester only. Students who are accepted to the Seminary during other times in the year may take courses in Bible, History and Theology and those counselling courses that are unrestricted. Students who then wish to transfer into the Counselling Major must complete the change of program form and supplemental form in the Office of the Registrar and be interviewed.
     
  3. A two-semester internship in a counselling setting (approximately 15 hours per week) is required of all students in the third year of the program. Second-year students prepare for the internship by taking a counselling skills lab, three hours per week, in both semesters of the academic year.
Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

  1. gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;
  2. develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry; 
  3. acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;
  4. demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years. 

Program Requirements

Bible, Theology and History Courses (7 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
Ministry Formation (3 Courses)
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma** MTS
Master of Theological Studies**		 MDiv
Master of Divinity***		 ThM
Master of Theology		 DMin
Doctor of Ministry		  
A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research Description
9 18 27 6 courses + thesis 6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required
1 year 2 years 3 years 1 year 3 years Duration*
Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in substantive ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership Pursue if...
Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.
» Program Coordinator

Dr. Paul Scuse

Associate Professor of Counselling

pscuse@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6785

Education:
BSc, University of Toronto, 1975
MDiv, Wycliffe College (University of Toronto), 1979
ThM, Wilfred Laurier University/Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, 1993
DMin, Wilfred Laurier University/Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, 1998

Areas of specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy, Pastoral Practice and Education, Pastoral Counselling, Sexual Therapy and Counselling

Dr. Scuse began teaching at Tyndale in 2001 and was appointed Assistant Professor of Counselling in 2003. He gives overall direction to the Counselling major. Dr. Scuse’s other teaching experience includes Wycliffe College and guest lecturing in family systems theory for the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC). Dr. Scuse has been an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Canada since 1979. Since that time, he has served in full-time pastoral ministry in congregations in Oshawa, Toronto and Stouffville. He developed advanced expertise in pastoral counselling and marriage and family therapy through studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, together with experience at the Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre in Kitchener, ON. Since 1993, he has combined parish ministry with a private counseling practice. Dr. Scuse is a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and a Registered Member of the Board of Examiners in Sexual Therapy and Counselling in Ontario (BESTCO). He is also a Pastoral Counselling Specialist with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC).

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

 
» Program Faculty

Dr. Helen Noh

Assistant Professor of Counselling Psychology

hnoh@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2118

PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary (School of Psychology), 2003
MA, Fuller Theological Seminary, 2003
MS, Fuller Theological Seminary (School of Psychology), 2001
BSc (Hons), University of Toronto, 1996

Areas of Specialization: Marital and family therapy.

Dr. Noh’s area of specialization in both clinical practice and research is in the area of marriage and family therapy. She completed her internship at Glen Roberts Child Study Center and Verdugo Mental Health in Southern California. Dr. Noh worked with children, adults and families dealing with mental health issues, including depressive and anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as family system issues, such as marriage and parenting. Her areas of research interest include applied psychology and counselling with an emphasis on the integration of psychology, theology and spirituality.
 

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

Dr. Susan Ellfeldt

Assistant Professor of Counselling

sellfeldt@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6787

BA, California State University, 1984
MS, California State University, 1986
DMin, Palmer Seminary, 2010

Areas of Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy.

Susan Ellfeldt has been teaching in the counselling program at Tyndale Seminary since 2003. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 25 years of counselling experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She has worked in church-based and private practice settings in both California and Ontario. She is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). An experienced supervisor, workshop leader and seminar instructor, she has worked with a number of churches and Christian organizations over the years providing staff training and development. In addition to her work at Tyndale, she works part-time with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship as a staff development specialist and directs Cornerstone Family Counselling Services in Mississauga.

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

Dr. Vincent Poon

Professor Emeritus, Counselling

vpoon@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6786

BSc, University of Manitoba, 1968
MD, University of Manitoba, 1972
MTS, Tyndale Seminary, 1982
DMin, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1988
PsyD, Newport University, 1991

Areas of Specialization: Marriage and family therapy, Whole Person and Family Centered Care, Family Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychology, Pastoral Counselling, Family Ministry.

Dr. Poon joined the Tyndale counselling ministries faculty in 1991. He has a wealth of experience in the disciplines of family medicine, theology, counselling, psychology, pastoral counselling and marriage and family therapy. He is an approved supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and a faculty member of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. He has published widely and has presented many papers both in Canada and internationally. He ascribes to a truly whole-person and family-centered approach in the well being of individuals and families by looking at the bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual aspects of persons. Dr. Poon was a key member of the team that founded the Chinese Ministry Program at Tyndale in 1988. His teaching involvement at Tyndale includes counselling, pastoral counselling, family ministry and pastoral and Chinese ministry. He has served as the Chair of the Advisory Council at Tyndale. He directs the Mentoring and Pastoral Support Network of the Hudson Taylor Centre. Dr. Poon is an ordained counselling minister with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec.

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

Prof. Kern Stanberry

Adjunct Professor of Counselling

kstanberry@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2106

M.Div., Tyndale University College and Seminary, 2006
Diploma in Couple and Family Therapy Studies, University of Guelph, 2011
RMFT, Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2009
Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2009
Approved Supervisor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2014
RP, College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario, 2015

Areas of Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy

Kern Stanberry has served as the coordinator of the M.Div. Counselling Major Internship program at Tyndale Seminary since 2012 and is also an instructor for the Pre-Internship Counselling Skills Lab course. He has served in managerial, clinical supervisory, and therapist capacities in a number of government funded agencies in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2011 he led the design, development and implementation of an innovative counselling program at Addiction Services for York Region. As the director of Newhope Family Services Inc., he partners with faith-based and community organizations to provide counselling services to individuals, couples and families.

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

Apply as Full-time Student | Part-time Student | Visiting/Occasional student
 
Application for full-time and part-time students:
View Admission Requirements
 

Requirements

Admission requirements for the following students:

Canadian
International
DMin
CCST

Apply
 

Application

Apply Online

For the following students: International (PDF) 
DMin
CCST

Provide References
 

References

Have your references complete the proper form:

Online:
1) Pastoral/Character
2) Academic/Employer
Print and Mail:
Reference Forms (PDF)

 

Complete the application supplement if the program you are applying to is:

Please mail all paper forms, references and official transcripts to:

Tyndale Admissions Office
3377 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M2M-3S4
Canada

 
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The program seeks to provide candidates with a collegial, academic and professional milieu in which you will advance your understanding of the nature, purposes, and practice of ministry; enhance your leadership and formational competencies in discernment, theological reflection, and in-ministry research; gain opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Learn More | View Requirements

Canadian Chinese School of Theology (CCST)

Tyndale University College & Seminary (Tyndale) and Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education (ACCTE) have collaborated in a strategic partnership to organize the Canadian Chinese School of Theology (Toronto). Learn More | View Requirements

Visiting/Occasional Students

I wish to take classes at Tyndale Seminary but do not want to be admitted into a degree or certificate program. If you have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to take graduate-level course you can become an occasional student or audit a course. Or if you are registered at another graduate theological institution and are eligible to take courses at Tyndale Seminary, you can submit a Letter of Permission. Apply as a visiting/occasional student

Need help? Contact Admissions at: 1.877.TYNDALE (896.3253) | 416.218.6757 (local) | admissions@tyndale.ca

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Diplomas

Special Programs