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HPC 5220
Counseling Theory and Technique
Appalachian State University
Fall 2015, Wednesdays, 2:30-5:20, (RCOE 428)
Professor:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Glenda Johnson, Ph.D., LPC, NCPSC
Reich College of Education, Office 336E
828-262-6051
johnsong@appstate.edu
M (11:30-1:30), T (2:30-3:30), W (10:30-12:00), and by appointment
Course Catalog Description: Several selected theories of counseling will be studied in depth,
emphasizing primary sources. Other theories will be studied, giving breadth to this area of
knowledge. Interrelationships of personality development, learning and “problems” will be
stressed.
Course Overview:
This course is designed to increase student knowledge and understanding of theories essential to
the helping profession. Special emphasis will be placed on the major theories and their
application to counseling persons from a multicultural perspective. The nature of this course will
require students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to the application of counseling
theories to a variety of persons and presenting problems.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP,
2009) Standards:
II. G. 5. HELPING RELATIONSHIPS—studies that provide an understanding of the
counseling process in a multicultural society, including all of the following:
a. an orientation to wellness and prevention as desired counseling goals;
b. counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence helping processes;
c. essential interviewing and counseling skills;
d. counseling theories that provide the student with models to conceptualize
client presentation and that help the student select appropriate counseling
interventions. Students will be exposed to models of counseling that are
consistent with current professional research and practice in the field so they
begin to develop a personal model of counseling;
e. a systems perspective that provides an understanding of family and other
systems theories and major models of family and related interventions;
f. a general framework for understanding and practicing consultation; and
g. crisis intervention and suicide prevention
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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Content Areas:
The topics covered in this course include
A. The Counselor: Person and Professional
B. Ethical Issues in Counseling practice
C. Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered,
Gestalt Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy,
Feminist Therapy, Postmodern Approaches, Family Systems with a focus on –
Key Concepts, The Therapeutic Process, Application of Therapeutic Techniques and
Procedures, and Multicultural Perspective for all theories
Knowledge and Skills Outcomes:
The following course objectives will provide students with the opportunity to:
1. Identify and describe the basic tenets and key concepts of the major counseling theories.
2. Identify key figures associated with theoretical models, including review of selected
seminal works from primary sources for each theoretical model.
3. Articulate the main philosophical differences between selected theoretical approaches.
4. Compare and contrast strengths and limitations of the various models studied.
5. Identify the historical and cultural perspectives of the theories.
6. Recognize the attitudes, values and beliefs which according to the theorists facilitate change
and growth.
7. Understand and implement counseling techniques necessary for an effective interview.
8. Integrate and apply major techniques and problem solving processes.
9. Describe the conditions under which particular theoretical models and techniques can
be utilized most effectively.
10. Assess personal assets, limitations and reactions to theories as a potential counselor and
develop an initial personal philosophy of counseling.
Methods of Instruction:
Approaches include lecture (counseling related research will be infused into the lectures), role
play (demonstration and lab experiences), class discussions, videotapes/DVDs, and experiential
activities.
Required Texts:
Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (9th ed.). NY:
Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. ISBN#978-0-8400-2854-9
Corey, B. (2013). Student Manual for the Theory and Practice of Counseling and
Psychotherapy (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole: Pacific Grove, CA. ISBN# 978-1133309345
Miller, G. A. (2011). Fundamentals of Crisis Counseling. Wiley: Hoboken, NJ.
ISBN# 978-0-470-43830-5
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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Student Performance Evaluation Criteria:
Grading
Attendance and Participation
Personal Counseling Theory Paper
Reflection Papers
Quizzes
Final Exam
30 pts
20 pts
60 pts
80 pts
20 pts
210 pts
210 - 189 = A
188 - 168 = B
167 – 147 = C
146 – 126 = D
Below 125 = F
Course Requirements:
1. Class attendance and participation
2. Assigned readings and texts
3. Reflection papers
4. Personal counseling theory paper
5. Quizzes
6. Final exam
Absences and Participation
Absences:
6.3 Student Absences From Class/6.3.1 General Attendance Policy
6.3.1.1 It is the policy of Appalachian State University that class attendance is an
important part of a student’s educational experience. Students are expected to attend every
meeting of their classes and are responsible for class attendance. Since attendance policies vary
from professor to professor, students should refer to the course syllabus for detailed information.
Regardless of what reasons there may be for absence, students are accountable for all academic
activities, and faculty may require special work or tests to make up for the missed class or
classes.
In addition, faculty members are required to make reasonable accommodations for
students requesting to miss class due to the observance of religious holidays. All ASU students
are allowed a minimum of two absences per year for religious observances. Up to two absences
for such observances will be excused, without penalty to the student, provided that the student
has informed the instructor in the manner specified in the syllabus. Notice must be given by the
student to the instructor before the absence occurs and no later than three weeks after the start of
the semester in which the absence(s) will occur. Arrangements will be made to make up work
missed by these religious observances, without penalty to the student. For the purposes of this
policy, ASU defines the term “religious observance” to include religious holidays, holy days, or
similar observances associated with a student’s faith that require absence from class.
Faculty, at their discretion, may include class attendance as a criterion in determining a
student’s final grade in the course. On the first day of class, faculty must inform students of their
class attendance policy and the effect of that policy on their final grade; both policies must be
clearly stated in the class syllabus.
A student who does not attend a class during one of its first two meetings may, at the
discretion of the academic department, lose her or his seat in that class. Further, if a class meets
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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only one time per week—e.g., a laboratory or an evening class—the student must attend the
FIRST meeting of that class or risk losing her or his seat.
6.3.1.2 A syllabus is to be prepared for each course and distributed at the first of the
semester. The syllabus should include the following: an explanation of course goals and
objectives, the name of the text and any other materials required of each student, the instructor’s
office hours, an explanation of how the grade is to be determined, and an explanation of any
additional reading, papers, projects and examination which the instructor expects to give or
assign.
6.3.1.3 Syllabi for courses taught in the present and previous semester should be on file in
the departmental offices and should be made available to students who request them. These
syllabi would indicate the structure of courses as they are being or have been taught.
6.3.1.4 If a student does not regularly attend an audited course, the instructor may request
an administrative withdrawal grade to be assigned. The instructor should provide documentation
to the Registrar’s Office with the recommendation.
6.3.1.5 The Student Health Services DOES NOT write medical excuses for students who
miss a class for illness or injury. However, faculty may call Student Health Services at (828)
262-3100 to verify the day and time the student was seen. The nature of the student’s illness or
problem will not be divulged unless the student has signed the appropriate release of medical
information.
6.3.1.6 Classes prior to a university break or a state holiday end with the student’s last
meeting time for the day preceding the break or holiday.
6.3.2 Attendance Policy Relating to Participation in University-Sponsored Activities
6.3.2.1 As an integral part of the academic program at Appalachian State University, the
University sponsors and otherwise supports co-curricular programs, athletic programs, and other
out-of-class activities such as field trips. Participation in such activities occasionally requires a
student to miss one or more class meetings.
6.3.2.2 A student who expects to miss one or more class meetings because of
participation in a University-sponsored activity has several responsibilities: the student (in
person) will notify the instructor in advance of any absence; the student is expected to complete
all work missed by making up the work in advance or by completing any compensatory
assignment that may be required by the instructor; the student is expected to maintain
satisfactory progress in the course; and the student (otherwise) is expected to maintain
satisfactory attendance in the class if so required. In the event that a student anticipates that
participation in a University-sponsored activity will require missing more than 10% of the class
meetings, the student is required to discuss this matter with her or his instructor at the beginning
of the semester and may be advised to drop the course.
6.3.2.3 If the above responsibilities are met, it is expected that the instructor will excuse
the absence and permit the student to make up missed work in whatever manner the instructor
deems appropriate.
6.3.3 Emergency Absences.
When a student is out of town and unable to return to campus due to hospitalization,
death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances, the student or the student’s parents may
contact the Office of Student Development to request that professors be notified as to the reason
for the absence. This notification is conveyed to the appropriate departmental office as a matter
of information only and does not serve as an official excuse for class absence. Only individual
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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faculty members make this determination, and documentation may be requested by the faculty
members. The Office of Student Development does not provide this service when notification is
received after the absence has occurred. Also, if a student is in town, that student is responsible
for notifying the individual faculty members that she/he will be missing class.
Participation:
The more involved you become the more you will learn. Each of you bring a wealth of ideas,
questions and perspectives based on their life experiences. Thus, participation is valued, honored
as part of the learning process and seen as a reflection of your readiness for a career as a
professional counselor. Students are expected to attend each and every class prepared to
contribute to class discussion- everyone’s participation will contribute to everyone’s growth in
this class.
Demonstration of Appropriate Professional Performance/Behavior Policy: This is the same policy that is
being piloted in most CACREP courses this semester. Please see full policy on the AsULearn course site.
In review, competencies in the area of demonstration of professional behavior include, but are
not limited to: professional ethics, professionalism, self-awareness/self-understanding, emotional
stability & self-control, motivation/initiative to learn & grow, multicultural competence,
openness to feedback, professional & personal boundaries, flexibility & adaptability, and
congruence & genuineness. Students’ academic, behavioral, interpersonal, and professional
performance will be evaluated at each class meeting to include the contexts of written work,
verbal presentations, interpersonal skills, and professional functioning. Points are earned in an
all-or-nothing manner per class. This is because, while professional behaviors which make up the
whole impression of a persons’ professionalism may be numerous, colleagues’ perceptions of
their coworkers’ professionalism tends to be a general judgment. Therefore, professions need to
present as possessing the whole package of behaviors.
In this course, degrees of ‘active and professional participation’ are designated as:
Exceeds Expectations / Demonstrates Competencies
Meets Expectations / Demonstrates Competencies
Near Expectations / Developing Towards Competencies
Below Expectations / Insufficient or Unacceptable
*Students must meet a minimum rating of “Meets Expectations” on all 10 of the professional
behavior competencies and attend class in its entirety to earn the full 2.31 points for that class.
Points are earned on an all or nothing basis (e.g., someone meeting CCS standards who is tardy
for class or from break earns 0 pts.).
Due: Evaluated/Earned per class (2.31 points across 13 regular class meetings) in semester.
Academic Polices Statements:
Student Religious Observations Policy:
In accordance with Appalachian State University’s Religious Observance policy, students are
permitted to a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observance
required by faith of a student. Written notice must be given to each instructor no later than three
weeks after the first day of the term.
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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http://rcoe.appstate.edu/sites/rcoe.appstate.edu/files/7-ASU%20Codes%20and%20%20PoliciesReligious%20Holidays%20Academic%20Integirty%20Harassment%20and%20Discrimination%
20(2).pdf
Disability Services: Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable
accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If
you have a disability and may need reasonable accommodations in order to have equal access to
the University’s courses, programs and activities, please contact the Office of Disability Services
(828.262.3056 or www.ods.appstate.edu).Once registration is complete, individuals will meet
with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations.
Academic Integrity Code:
Introduction
Appalachian State University’s Academic Integrity Code is designed to create an atmosphere of
trust, respect, fairness, honesty, and responsibility. The Academic Integrity Code outlines “userfriendly” procedures and mechanisms for resolving alleged violations of academic integrity. The
Academic Integrity Code is the result of cooperation among Appalachian’s faculty, students, and
administrators, and promotes a campus dialogue about academic integrity. All members of the
Appalachian State University community are responsible for promoting an ethical learning
environment.
The Academic Integrity Code
Students attending Appalachian State University agree to abide by the following Code:
Students will not lie, cheat, or steal to gain academic advantage.
Students will oppose every instance of academic dishonesty.
Students shall agree to abide by the Academic Integrity Code when submitting the admission
application. You may access the Academic Integrity Code at the following link:
http://studentconduct.appstate.edu/
Statement on Student Engagement with Courses: The following statement has been approved
by the Faculty Senate and the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee: In its mission
statement, Appalachian State University aims at “providing students a rigorous liberal education
that emphasizes transferable skills and preparation for professional careers” as well as
“maintaining a faculty whose members serve as excellent teachers and scholarly mentors for
their students.” Such rigor means that the foremost activity of Appalachian students is an intense
engagement with their courses. In practical terms, students should expect to spend two to three
hours of studying for every hour of class time. Hence, a fifteen hour academic load might
reasonably require between 30 and 45 hours per week of out-of-class work.
Assignment Descriptions
Assigned Readings and Texts
Please read each chapter from the Corey text and the accompanying workbook in order to be
fully prepared for class discussions, activities, and role plays. Each student will be given an
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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opportunity during class to practice counseling a classmate using the procedure/techniques from
the theory being studied.
Additionally, you will be asked to complete the workbook exercises accompanying the theory of
the week when a quiz is given. Workbook exercises will be checked for completion during class
and will count toward your participation grade.
Lastly, please read “Fundamentals of Crisis Counseling” in its entirety. Note the selected
chapters and the dates those chapters will be discussed in class. A one page reflection paper
regarding the reading from the selected chapters will be due at the beginning of the class period
on the assigned dates.
Reflection Papers
You will write a one page paper on the assigned chapter readings from the Miller book. Papers
are due at the beginning of class on the assigned dates. Please reflect on the content of the
assigned chapter(s) and how you envision a professional counselor in the field utilizing the
information. Papers are to be typed in Times New Roman 12 pt. font and double-spaced. Text
that fills the page is considered a full page. Please include your name, the date, and the chapter(s)
read in the heading of your paper. You do not need a cover sheet. (60 pts)
Personal Counseling Theory Paper
You will choose a personal theory to research and summarize why the chosen theory is a good fit
for you at this point in your counselor development. When articulating your personal theory
address major components of the chosen theory such as main philosophy, key concepts, the
therapeutic relationship, etcetera. The Corey text and at least one additional article from a
primary source should serve as your references. (15 pts)
Rough Draft of Structural Theoretical Paper
The personal counseling theory paper is to be a typed five page paper (including a title and
reference page) written using APA format. Please double space, use Times New Roman font (12
pt.) and allow one inch margins on all four sides. (5 pts)
Quizzes-At the beginning of designated class periods, you will be given 20 minutes to complete
and submit a written overview of selected theories. The following key concepts are to be
addressed 1) view of human kind/human nature/human development, 2) maladjustment, 3)
client-counselor relationship/therapeutic alliance, 4) goals of counseling, 5) the therapeutic
process and procedures/techniques of counseling. (80 pts)
Final Exam- The final exam will be cumulative and will consist of 30 multiple choice questions
taken from chapter readings and the material covered in class. (20 pts)
Late Assignments – All assignments are due on the due date at the start of class. Late
assignments will receive a deduction in points (5 pts. for each day after the due date).
Assignments turned in after the start of class are considered late even if they are submitted on the
same day.
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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Overall Expectations:
Electronic Communications:
Please refrain from using electronic communications during class time.
Writing Style:
The typed personal theory paper is to be written in APA format. Please double space your paper
and use Times New Roman font and 12 pt. font size. Allow one inch margins on all four sides.
Please utilize the University Writing Center as needed to assist you in submitting a paper of
graduate level quality. http://writingcenter.appstate.edu/
Technical Assistance
Please contact the Help Desk at: http://lts.appstate.edu/asulearn/students or the Help Desk at 2626272/6266.
Privacy
Please be aware that anything you post may be copied, forwarded, or misinterpreted. Please be
mindful of what you choose to share on-line during this course and be respectful of the privacy
and confidentiality of others.
Inclement Weather:
In the event of serious weather problems that could affect the safety and well-being of students
and/or the instructor traveling from off-campus, the instructor will make a decision regarding
whether class will be held. In the event of inclement weather, students are responsible for
checking email messages before leaving for class. Classes postponed due to inclement weather
will be rescheduled or compensated for through other forms of assignments.
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*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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*Course Calendar, Assignments, & Scheduling:
Date
Class Topic
Discussion of The Counselor:
8.19.15 (1)
Person and Professional
Psychoanalytic Therapy
8.26.15 (2)
Adlerian Therapy
9.2.15 (3)
Existential Therapy
9.9.15 (4)
Person-Centered Therapy
9.16.15 (5)
Gestalt Therapy
9.23.15 (6)
Behavior Therapy
9.30.15 (7)
10.7.15
10.14.15 (8)
ACES Conference
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Reality Therapy
10.21.15 (9)
Feminist Therapy
10.28.15 (10)
Postmodern Approaches
11.4.15 (11)
11.11.15
NCSCA Conference
Family Systems Therapy
11.18.15 (12)
12.2.15 (13)
12.9.15
Ethical Issues
&
An Integrative Perspective
Make-up class if needed
Assignment Due
Corey Chapter 1
Text
Corey Chapter 4/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Corey Chapter 5/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Crisis Counseling (Miller-1&2)
Reflection paper due
Corey Chapter 6/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Corey Chapter 7/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Crisis Counseling (Miller- 3)
Reflection paper due
Corey Chapter 8/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Corey Chapter 9/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Crisis Counseling (Miller-4)
Reflection paper due
Corey Chapter 10/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Rough Draft of Structural
Theoretical Paper Due
Corey Chapter 11/ Quiz
Text and Workbook
Crisis Counseling (Miller-6)
Reflection paper due
Corey Chapter 12
Text and Workbook
Rough Draft of Theoretical
Paper
Corey Chapter 13
Text and Workbook
Crisis Counseling (Miller-8)
Reflection paper due
Corey Chapter 14
Text and Workbook
Theoretical Paper Due
Crisis Counseling (Miller-9)
Reflection paper due
Corey Chapters 3 & 15
Text and Workbook
Final Exam
9.16.15
*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.
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CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
The Appalachian State University Department of Human Development and Psychological
Counseling (the “Department”) is required to ensure that information disclosed in its Counselor
Training Center (the “Center”) is kept confidential.
As a student utilizing the Center, I acknowledge that I may have access to highly sensitive and
confidential information or may be party to conversations during training sessions where such
information may be disclosed. In addition, video or audio recordings of such conversations may
be made in the Center. I agree that I will maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed
in the Center. I will use or disclose information of a confidential or personal nature to others only
when it is necessary to fulfill the essential requirements of my training and then only faculty of the
Department.
As a condition of my training in the Center, I agree that I will not do any of the following:

Remove any videos, recordings, records, reports, or copies of documents containing
information disclosed in the Center from their storage location except as needed in connection
with my training and then only for transmission directly to faculty of the Department;

Release my user identification code(s) or password(s) to anyone, or allow anyone to
access or alter information under my identity;

Access, use, or disclose information disclosed in the Center for any personal purpose or
out of curiosity, or allow others to do so.
I further agree that I will:

Only use information disclosed in the Center as needed to perform my training obligations
or the tasks to which I am assigned and will disclose this information only to faculty of the
Department;

Report unauthorized disclosures of information disclosed in the Center;

Abide by all policies and procedures established to protect the privacy and security of
information disclosed in the Center;

Maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed in the Center under this agreement
after the termination of my training at the Center.
I have read the above statement and understand it. I understand that divulging information disclosed
in the Center to unauthorized persons may make me subject to suspension from further activities
at the Appalachian State University Counselor Training Center and/or disciplinary action under
applicable Appalachian State University policies.
________________________________
Print Name
____________________
Banner ID # (student’s)
________________________________
Signature
___________________
Date
_________________
Phone #
9.16.15
*Please note the information in this syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of
necessary changes.