Edward Marshall, PhD, RP and Maria Marshall, PhD, RP
The Ottawa Institute of Logotherapy has adopted a competency-based learning framework across our Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (LTEA) program to support student’s growth in clarity, confidence, and real-world readiness.
This approach focuses on how one applies key skills, insights, and professional standards in practice.
We have aligned our program with the Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Even for those not pursuing CRPO registration, these competencies offer a gold standard for ethical, effective, and client-centered practice and we use them to ensure our training is rigorous, relevant, and transferable.
These practice competencies are divided into the following sections:
- Foundations
- Collegial and Interprofessional Relationships
- Professional Responsibilities
- Therapeutic Process
- Professional Literature and Applied Research
How It Works in Our Program?
Each module includes two key learning activities:
- Essay – A 500-word written assignment based on the assigned readings, where students demonstrate understanding, critical thinking, and application of LTEA principles.
- Tutoring Session – A 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the instructor to review students work, ask questions, and engage in experiential learning — including role-play and case-based discussion.
We have developed clear, student-friendly evaluation rubrics that show exactly what we are looking for: comprehension, reflection, responsiveness to feedback, and the ability to apply theory in practice.
Competency Rubrics
| Essay Evaluation | Tutoring Session Evaluation |
| Understanding of LTEA concepts – Shows how well students grasp the module’s ideas. | Engagement & preparation – Shows the student has completed the assignments and is ready to participate. |
| Application to practice – Connects concepts to realistic examples or cases. | Understanding of material – Demonstrates the student’s grasp of the key ideas. |
| Critical thinking & reflection – Offers thoughtful analysis and personal insight. | Responsiveness to feedback – The student uses feedback to improve their understanding and skills. |
| Communication & writing – Clear, well-structured, and easy to follow. | Application in role-play/discussion – Puts concepts into action during activities. |
Scoring scale:
4 = Excellent | 3 = Good | 2 = Developing | 1 = Needs Improvement
How does it improve the learning experience?
Competency-based education brings several key benefits:
- Clarity – Students know what they are learning and why it matters.
- Feedback That Fuels Growth – Instructors provide targeted, actionable insights.
- Self-Awareness – Students reflect on their own style, strengths, and areas for development.
- Professional Readiness – Students build skills they can use in real-world settings, whether in clinical practice, coaching, chaplaincy, education, or other helping profession.
What does this mean?
The competency-based approach to education is a roadmap to guide learning. Clearly defined competencies show what we are looking for, help track progress, and facilitate a clear path to improvement.
The aim is to complete the LTEA program with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills students can use anywhere — and to become a more thoughtful, capable, and compassionate practitioner.
To learn more about our LTEA program and how we are shaping the future of meaning-centered education or to register for the Advanced Professional Development Diploma in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis please contact us.