Hello, I am in a Toronto and looking to get a doctoral degree. I'm a mental health counsellor, and since there are no local PsyD options, I would like to apply to a PhD. I am applying years after my previous schooling. The application asks about my research experience, for the faculty members I want to work with, and my interested areas of research. I did my Masters 5 years ago and I completed a thesis which is published through the university. Does this count as research experience? I don't know any faculty members and I am not sure which area of research I am interested in. What should I do?

Thanks for the help

I am applying to UofT for PhD in counselling and psychology