CSL6839
Pre-Practicum (Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage/Family Therapy)
This course is a stand-alone course and cannot be taken simultaneously with any other courses. This course provides an assessment of one’s learning in the field of professional counseling. Students complete homework, lead classroom discussions and examine topics designed to prepare them for entrance into the Practicum stage of their preparation. Students prepare for Practicums I and II by completing activities such as making application for Practicum, completing a simulated interview, and developing a thorough case study.
PREREQUISITE: Prior to enrollment in Pre-Practicum for Clinical Mental Health Counseling (formerly Professional Counseling) and Marriage & Family Therapy, students must meet the following requirements:
- All coursework completed (except for Practicum courses)
- GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Be in good academic standing
- Successful passing of either the CPCE (Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree) or the AMFTRB Practice Exam (Marriage/Family Therapy degree).
UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:
- Developing a counselor portfolio to document and link academic learning with future plans and goal setting.
- Organizing one’s schedule to follow a specific guide and timetable for Practicum.
- Contributing to group learning of counseling competencies by developing and presenting a thorough case study.
- Developing solutions to selected counseling problems across a variety of counseling settings.
- Applying critical thinking skills to the critique of counseling approaches to specific cases with individuals, families, groups, or organizations.
- Writing a paper assessing counseling techniques and describing one’s theoretical counseling orientation.
- Analyzing the conceptual frameworks and treatment objectives of selected vignettes of others’ work.
- Evaluating and demonstrating the appropriate use of techniques associated with selected alternative and emerging therapies.
- Explaining the implications of emerging standards that are being advanced by the Texas or other State Boards of Licensure for Professional Counseling, the American Counseling Association, and the Texas Counseling Association.
- Demonstrating skills of referral, advocacy, and triage in crisis intervention cases.
- Developing and analyzing one’s personal philosophy of counseling.
- Evaluating and understanding the emerging role of technology-based counseling.
- Demonstrating readiness for Practicum I by completing the official Amberton Practicum Application Packet.
- Applying critical thinking skills in developing a framework for counseling diverse client populations.
- Selecting and demonstrating techniques of a chosen counseling theory.
- Assessing for difficulties in the areas of addictive behavior, depression, anxiety, suicidality, homicidal and violent behavior.
- Demonstrating the ability to apply methods and models to professional counseling situations.