PCO 636: COUNSELING ADOLESCENTS
CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
COUNSELING & FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Spring 2013 • 3 Credit Hours • Section 01 • Early Spring Session II • Room TBA
Class Session Dates: January 14-18, 2013
Updated: 06.23.2012
Instructor:
Email:
Mailbox:
Phone:
Stephanie M. Young, MS, LPCC-S
stephanie.young@ccuniversity.edu
CCU Counseling Center
513-484-6988
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction and overview of adolescent therapy. The course will examine
adolescence from a human development standpoint, identifying the characteristics of healthy
individuals in this stage. It will also discuss the most common reasons for mental health referral
with this population, focusing on the stressors that today’s adolescent experiences. Emphasis will
be on assessment, diagnosis, intervention, family dynamics, and prevention.
Course Objectives:
After completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Exhibit an understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of counseling
adolescents: CACREP II.G.5.d; CMHC G.1.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of internalizing versus externalizing disorders, as well as
competency in constructing a treatment plan pertaining to each: CMHC E.3; CMHC K.2.
3. Identify characteristics of the adolescent subgroupand exhibit an understanding of what
issues are relevant in modern adolescents’ lives: CMHC J.1.
4. Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to counseling adolescents:
CACREP II.G.5.b; CMHC D.9, MAC 1.
Requirements/Grading:
Attendance in all class sessions is required. This course will follow the Seminary grading scale.
Required Texts:
Selekman, M. D. (2009). Pathways to change: Brief therapy with difficult adolescents (2nd ed.).
New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Clark, C. (2011). Hurt 2.0: Inside the world of today’s teenagers (Rev. ed.). Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic.
Methods and Procedures:
This class will utilize lectures, film, a field experience, and discussion.
Disclaimer:
The professor reserves the right to change or amend any part of the course plan as deemed
necessary to offer the best possible educational experience for students.
Policy on Academic Integrity:
Please refer to the Cincinnati Bible Seminary Student Handbook for complete details of the
Seminary’s policy on academic integrity.
Assignments and Readings:
In preparation for this course, please complete the following prior to the first class session:
 Read chapter 1 of Selekman text (pp.1-31).
 Begin working on resource file of interventions (see description below).
 Read book Hurt and be prepared for discussion
Additional assignmentsdue June 15, 2013:
The following assignments are due after the completion of the course (as the course is presented
in a one-week format).
 Write a 10-pageresearch paper,in APA format (6th ed.), comparing the cultural climate of
today with that of your adolescent years using a minimum of fiveprofessional, peerreviewed references (30%).Course Objective(s): 1,3
 Write a 5-page book review of Hurt 2.0, including your personal reaction. APA format (6th
ed.) is required (20%).Course Objective(s): 1,4
 Write a 3-page self-awareness paper of your own teen years.APA format (6th ed.) is
required (10%).Course Objective(s): 4
 Attend a field experience with the class and write a 2-page summary of observations/
personal reactions. APA format (6th ed.) is required(10%).Course Objective(s): 1,4
 Choose one externalizing and one internalizing disorder and construct a treatment plan for
each. Use the current CCU Counseling Center treatment plan form (10%).Course
Objective(s): 1,2,3
 Compile a comprehensive resource file of ten interventions to use with adolescents and be
prepared to share with the class. May use alongside treatment plans in previous
assignment (10%).Course Objective(s): 1,2,3
 Attendance, Completing Reading Assignments, and Class Participation (10%).Course
Objective(s): 1,2,3,4
COURSE SCHEDULE
Day
01.14
(1)
Discussion Topic &Required Reading
Introduction & Overview to Course
Adolescence as a Developmental Stage
Factors Influencing Today’s Adolescent
Referral Reasons
Discussion of Book Hurt
Objective(s): 1,3,4
Environment
Assessment of Family/Parenting Style
Stages of Change
Resistance
Objective(s): 1,3,4
Discussion Leader(s)
Course Instructor
01.16
(3)
Developing Rapport
Assessment
Field Experience
Objective(s): 1,3
Course Instructor
01.17
(4)
Intervention
Externalizing and Internalizing Disorders
Restoring Nurturance
Resources
Objective(s): 1,2
Course Instructor
01.18
(5)
Adolescent Substance Use and Abuse
Pharmacology
Resilience and Prevention
Wrap-up
Objective(s): 1,2,3
Course Instructor
01.15
(2)
Assignments Due
Ch. 1 of Selekman text
Entire Clark text read
Course Instructor
Bring resources compiled thus far
to share with class