Advanced Counseling Theories & Techniques

PREREQUISITE:  None

The course presents complex, multi-faceted interventions for individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Emphasis is given to the conceptualization of cases, understanding theoretical foundations, and building effective interventions. Applications for various clinical arenas are explored.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Evaluating and analyzing major theories of therapy while synthesizing for students.
• Discovering and describing the process of change in different counseling contexts.
• Demonstrating advanced counseling skills beyond micro-skills competence.
• Identifying and understanding culturally specific issues, including gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and physically challenged individuals in schools and mental health settings.
• Developing the capacity to conceptualize client cases from multiple theoretical perspectives.
• Developing and delivering appropriate treatment plans based on theoretical understanding.
• Defining the roles and functions of counselors in schools and mental health settings, and identifying common referral resources available to school and mental health counselors.
• Describing and analyzing the ethical, professional, and legal issues in the counseling and guidance profession.
• Developing abilities to establish and maintain strong therapeutic alliances with clients.
• Demonstrating skills in the management of clinical and administrative documentation.
• Assessing difficulties in the areas of addictive behavior, depression, suicidality, and/or homicidal and violent behavior.
• Demonstrating the ability to establish collaborative and appropriate therapeutic goals with clients.
• Engaging in self-reflection (self of the therapeutic), using peer feedback, and developing self-awareness to enhance their counseling skills.
• Developing an integrative model of counseling based on theoretical analysis and students’ personal integrative approach.
• Effectively utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a treatment planning and skill-building tool.

ACQUIRED SKILLS:

• An advanced understanding of clinical theories and models
• Applying models appropriately
• Mastering basic counseling skills
• Building skills in clinical and administrative management
• Develop skills in working with diverse groups