PSYA 365
Grant Jones
Sum 2006
865-2815, X8619
INTRODUCTION
TO COUNSELING
OFFICE HOURS:
5:00-6:00 Tu
Welcome to the Introduction to Counseling course! This course is one part of your journey in
completing your BS in Human Service. It is my attempt to help prepare your for a degree in the helping
professions and in pursuing graduate training. It is my privilege to do so and I will do all in my power to
help you achieve your career goals in the helping professions.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to study and survey the eight major counseling theories used in clinical
professional settings. Focus is on the view of human nature in each therapy, the therapeutic
process, the role of the therapist, the practical applications and techniques of each theory, and a
critical evaluation of each approach. The course also includes an examination of professional
and ethical issues, including the counselor as a person and her relationship to individual
counseling. In addition, there will be some attention given in how counseling theory and
Christianity are integrated.
TEXTBOOK
Corey, Gerald (2005). Theory & Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy. Wadsworth
(Brooks/Cole).
Corey, Gerald (2005). Theory & Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy. Wadsworth
(Brooks/Cole). Student manual
METHODS AND COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the course is to expose you to variety of contrasting theoretical models
underlying individual and group practice in counseling. Through lectures, discussion, seminars,
readings, demonstrations, and your preparation of your own counseling theory paper, you will be
assisted in beginning to develop your own counseling style. General objectives are as follows.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Critically examine the major theories in the framework of your own background, values,
and professional goals.
Acquire knowledge of the theories so that you can compare and contrast them using the
rubric of a) what are their views concerning human nature, b) what motivates behavior, c)
what causes mental illness, d) what are the goals of therapy, and e) what is the role or
function of the therapist.
Develop some skill in applying your knowledge to individual counseling situations.
Be exposed to basic issues and ethical issues in the counseling profession, and take your
own position on these key issues.
Learn about yourself--your needs and motivations, and your own personal characteristicsthat will either help or hinder you in becoming a professional in human services.
Begin to think about your own philosophy of counseling and how this relates to your
actual work in the field.
Develop an interest in reading in the counseling field, and develop a list of books for
further reading and continued advancement of your knowledge.
Recognize that a counselor's techniques cannot be separated from his or her personhood,
and the most valuable tool we have to work with is our own personhood.
Begin to integrate Biblical concepts and practices with standard counseling theories and
techniques.
COURSE PROCEDURE AND EXPECTATIONS
Prior to and during lessons 1 through 4, learners will:
1.
Know three definitions of counseling (chp.1).
2.
Know what the author believes as the key components of counseling (chp.1).
3.
Know the four general categories of counseling theories (chp.1).
4.
Know the founder(s) of each theory.
5.
Know how each theory conceptualizes its view of human nature.
6.
Know how each theory conceptualizes what motivates human behavior and thought.
7.
Know how each theory conceptualizes what causes pathology or mental illness.
8.
Know how each theory conceptualizes what are the goals and purposes of counseling
and therapy.
9.
Know how each theory conceptualizes what are the roles and function of the
counselor or therapist.
10.
Know what the research demonstrates about the effectiveness of each theory.
11.
Know how each theory is to be employed in treating “Stan” (Case study found in
chapter 1).
Prior to and during lessons 5, learners will:
1.
Know the eight steps in making ethical decisions.
2.
Know what is meant by “Informed consent” and what clients have a right to know.
3.
Know what is meant by “Confidentiality” and when it is to be broken.
4.
Know what is meant by “Dual/Multiple relationships” and why they should be
avoided.
5.
Know the present APA stand about sexual behaviors between clients and counselors
and the role of non-erotic touching in the therapeutic process.
6.
Know the personal characteristics of an effective counselor.
7.
Know how values affect the therapy process and what to do when the values between
client and therapist are in conflict.
8.
Know the process in becoming a multicultural counselor.
9.
Know the major issues faced by a beginning therapist and strategies in how to work
through at least five of them.
10.
Know the three major types of integration.
11.
Know the present APA view of integrating spiritual and religious issues in therapy
(now considered a diversity issue).
12.
Know what the overall research is in evaluating the effectiveness of counseling and
therapy in general.
13.
Know the difference between guilt and shame (both healthy and toxic forms) and how
each is treated.
CLASS PROJECT
Each student will present in class a summary of a journal article that uses the theory in a clinical
setting. The purpose is to show how it was used and how and if it was effective or if it supports
the theory’s constructs. This should take 10-15 minutes of class time and due the day that theory
is covered in class. Theory assignments will be made on the first day of class and will be chosen
on a first come basis. A one-page handout summarizing the findings should be distributed to
each class member at the time of the presentation.
PAPER
A 6-7 page typed APA style paper will be due July 19 titled "My personal theory of counseling."
This paper is your view of counseling and should be a culmination of the readings and class
discussions. This will be worth 15% of your final grade. It must be handed in by 4:30 p.m. Late
papers will be docked 10 points per late day.
TESTS
There will be FIVE tests. Tests I, II, III, and IV will be over the eight theories (two each test) and
will be multiple-choice and one essay. The essay is to compare and contrast the two theories
studied along the rubric used to present each theory. The test will be given the week after the
theories have been discussed in class. Test V will be a take-home test over the last three chapters
and will be due Friday July 21 by 4:30.
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY
One's commitment is reflected by one's degree of participation. The five points earned each
class period will be based on how involved each student becomes in the class discussion. In the
hopes of fostering responsible professional behavior, your attendance/participation grade will be
equal to 10 percent of your final grade and will be determined on the following basis:
Absences/Discussion
0
1
2
Number of Points
25
15
F for course
EVALUATION
1. The grade from your 6-7 page typed APA paper will be worth 15% of your final grade.
2. The grade for each unit test will be determined on the basis of 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C,
and 60% = D of the highest student score or what is usually the prior average high score.
3. Each student is expected to have read assigned material prior to class and prepared to respond
to questions and discussions. Quizzes will be given on the first day of a new chapter and will
serve as the outline for class discussion. These will make up 5% of your final grade.
4. The grade from the class project will be worth 5% of the final grade.
5. Your final grade will be determined on the average of your five grades,
attendance/participation grade, your paper grade, quizzes, and class presentation grade.
6. Final grade:
Tests grade
65%
Attendance/participation/ Quizzes 15%
Paper
15%
Class Project
5%
COURSE OUTLINE
June
22
29
July
6
13
19
20
21
Introduction: What is counseling/therapy?
Chapters 1, 4, & 5
Test I
Chapters 6 & 7
Test II
Chapters 8 & 9
Test III
Chapters 10 & 11
Paper due by 4:30
Test IV
“Shame Cycle” article
Chapters 3, 2, & 15
Take home Test V due by 4:30 p.m.