"I knew that I could not go wrong with pursuing a graduate program [at SFU]. Further, the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program is well known as one of the top choices for those pursuing training to become a counsellor in BC."

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Alex Vanderveen

March 14, 2022

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Counseling Psychology master's student in the Faculty of Education

I completed a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts at SFU many years ago and have since been working at the university in a variety of capacities. Currently I am an undergraduate academic advisor in the Faculty of Education.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Since I completed my first degree at SFU, I was familiar with the quality of education SFU provides. I knew that I could not go wrong with pursuing a graduate program here. Further, the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program is well known as one of the top choices for those pursuing training to become a counsellor in BC. Lastly I was drawn to the opportunity for supervision by Dr. Sharalyn Jordan whose research interests overlap with my own in many ways.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research interests centre on mental health challenges and psychotherapeutic treatment of gender diverse and sexual minority individuals. For my master’s program I am focused on clients' perceptions of sexual orientation-, and gender identity and expression-(SOGIE) affirming therapy and how these compare with current guidelines and research.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I love the cohort model of my program. Learning and practicing skills alongside the same group of individuals is wonderful. The faculty in this program are knowledgeable, accessible and supportive.

Contact : Anv2@sfu.ca

Graduate Studies