In this course students will study the developmental process from conception to death in light of the changes/challenges that each individual will face throughout his/her life. Adjustment will be studied in light of coping strategies and therapeutic interventions. Sequences and patterns of psychological, biological, and social development are emphasized.

The course is designed to assist teachers to develop the desire and the skills to read, interpret, evaluate, and utilize the results of systematic inquiry and empirically developed knowledge in their educational planning and decision-making. This implies a positive value orientation toward research-generated information as well as an understanding of the strengths and limitations of research methodology when compared to other approaches to developing knowledge.

A course designed to enable students to understand and apply basic principles of educational and psychological measurement and evaluation emphasizing those statistical concepts used in the construction, implementation and interpretation of standardized and teacher generated measuring instruments.

In this course the student will examine all the elements involved in planning, developing, implementing, administering, supervising and evaluating (including placement and follow-up data) a comprehensive K-12 guidance and counseling program, especially in view of educational philosophies, school curriculum patterns, and federal/ state rules and regulations. Effective consultation skills with student (clients), parents, families, teachers, school administrators, and other allied professionals will be emphasized as an integral component of the comprehensive guidance and counseling program.

A course designed to provide the counselor with the necessary background to administer and interpret a variety of instruments used to assist clients with regard to educational, vocational, and personal issues. Intelligence, aptitude, interest, achievement, and personality assessment are discussed.

Course Fee: $25.00

An examination of personality theories, which have major implications for counseling. Application of these theories to counseling is discussed. An understanding of individual growth and development, including the dynamics of human behavior is emphasized.

In this course the student will develop basic counseling skills through a combination of didactic and experiential activities. Students will demonstrate the skills through role playing exercises and the making of Audio/Video Counseling Tapes. Counseling skills will be examined in light of such topics as suicide, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, family relations, separation/loss/grief, and eating disorders. Counseling skills will also be examined with regard to counseling theory as well as cross-cultural considerations.

Prerequisite: CNSL 625

In this practicum course, counselor-interns/students will develop skills necessary to apply basic competencies to the establishment of therapeutic relationships, the use of therapeutic communications, and use of influencing skills in helping clients to set goals and implement action strategies. The course demands 100 hours of practicum experiences (in and out of class) including 40 hours of direct client contact. Counselor-interns/students will be supervised a minimum of one hour per week in individual sessions and one and one-half hours per week in a group sessions.

Prerequisites: CNSL 620, CNSL 625, CNSL 635, and permission of instructor.

The application of counseling theories and techniques to preschool and school age (K-12) children with an emphasis on the family dynamics and within the educational and sociopolitical environment is investigated. Processes to integrate these issues into practice will be demonstrated and mastered by the students.

Application of counseling theories and techniques as they apply to the unique concerns and issues of diverse groups such as racial, ethnic, cultural minorities, and special populations will be examined. A focus on individual and cultural characteristics requiring specific skills necessary for the effective practice of counseling when working with diverse populations will be explored.

This course represents an examination of crisis situations and viable counseling interventions based on the application of theoretical and ethical implications. An understanding of crisis (recognizing and defining crisis), crisis intervention models and implementation of specific crisis intervention techniques and strategies will be explored.

This course will familiarize students with the behavioral descriptors and diagnostic issues, test correlates and intervention options associated with the pharmacological dimensions of counseling and psychotherapy. This course is grounded on the basic assumption that a multi-modal treatment model is usually the optimal approach towards case management and that a holistic appreciation of the client’s physiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions is crucial to successful intervention.

In this course the student will examine the theory and techniques of group counseling. Course topic areas will include: group dynamics, the types of groups, the stages of the group process, therapeutic forces within the group, etc. Student will participate in group experience and facilitate the group process.

Prerequisites: CNSL 625, CNSL 635 and permission of instructor.

Students will become familiar with the theories and techniques of career counseling. Course topic areas will include: theories of career development, techniques of career counseling, and assessment instruments utilized in career counseling.

Course Fee: $15.00

An extended practical experience in school or related setting where the counselor intern acquires 300 hours of knowledge and skills under professional supervision. The intern will acquire knowledge of school and related settings as well as observation and practice in the setting.

Prerequisites: CNSL 620, CNSL 625, CNSL 635, and CNSL 638.
Must submit and have approval for internship before registering.

An extended practical experience in community/agency where the counselor intern acquires 300 hours of knowledge and skills under professional supervision. The intern will acquire knowledge of referral agencies and community services as well as observation and practice in a clinical setting.

Prerequisites: CNSL 620, CNSL 625, CNSL 635, and CNSL 638
Must submit and have approval for internship before registering

A continuation of the counseling internship where the student gains additional practical experience in the application of knowledge, skills, techniques and supervision in the area of counseling.

Prerequisite: CNSL 680

A continuation of the counseling internship where the student gains additional practical experience in the application of knowledge, skills, techniques and supervision in the area of counseling.

Prerequisite: CNSL 681

This course will acquaint students with a range of theories used in the diagnosis and treatment of couples and families with an emphasis on approaching clients from a system’s based approach. Therapeutic interventions and appropriate treatment applications relative to premarital and marital couples with and without children with an emphasis on families of origin will be explored. Approaches to effective case management and consultation with families, school systems, and other professionals will also be presented.

This course will provide the student with an introduction to the ethical issues presently facing professionals in the fields of counseling and education. Mental health providers are working in an environment where professionals who are not trained in the human services arena review their activities and these third parties have significant impact on the therapeutic relationship. Counselor effectiveness is contingent on sound ethical practices that provide proactive, effective strategies that are not subject to adverse legal action. A sound knowledge of ethical standards ensures that providers avoid ethical traps that compromise professional integrity.

This course will provide an overview of the theory and practice of counseling in human services agencies and other community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role, function, and professional identity of the community counselor. Principles and practices of community outreach, intervention, education consultation, and client advocacy will be examined.

This course will explore the diagnostic and treatment processes employed by mental health professionals functioning within clinical settings. Students will develop specific skills in assessment, diagnosis, and the development of treatment plans. The course will explore the paradigms of mental and emotional dysfunction, with an emphasis on clinical techniques and professional practices used in the evaluation and treatment of individual psychological disturbances.