Your Syllabus

HSV 309.97 – Theory & Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy
Post University
COURSE SYLLABUS
Saturday Schedule, May 10 – June 28 2008

Professor Henry Schissler
“Large Iced,, Light With Milk Only.”
380 Cedar Lane, Cheshire, CT 06410
Cell – 203-430-1411
EMAIL – henryschissler@cox.com

REQUIRED TEXT:
Corey, Gerald, Theory & Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy, 8th Edition. NY: Brooks Cole, 2009

RECOMMENDED & REFERENCED TEXTS:
American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition Revised. Washington DC: APA, 2003

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course consists of an overview of the three major schools of counseling and psychotherapy: the psychoanalytic, the behaviorist, and the humanistic. While most theories and their authors are represented, particular emphasis is placed on non-directive counseling methods in order to prepare entry level counselors for effective interaction and assessment of clients with personal social problems while at the same time, learning “deferring” and “referring” techniques for those individuals with significant psychopathology. Also, students are exposed to the traditions and ethics of counseling practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the conclusion of this course the student will:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the three major schools of counseling
• Be able to compare and contrast the three major schools
• Discuss five types of therapy: theory and practice
• Articulate an understanding of personal biases and prejudices that might impact effective counseling
• Complete a genogram and discuss its importance in Systems Theory
• Demonstrate an understanding of both “deferring” and “referring” techniques
• Demonstrate an understanding of five major areas of psychopathology
• Have an understanding of “crisis intervention” and referral

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
• Case Studies Assignment
• Corey Workbook Assignment
• Who Are Your Clients Assignment
• Attendance & General Participation
• Role-playing & Feedback
• Make Up Assignment(s) For Missed Classes


CLASS SCHEDULE

May 10 – Instructor & Class Introductions; Syllabus Review; Review of Class Handouts; Overview of Basics from Psychology, Sociology & Human Services; Discussion of Biases & Prejudices; Who Are Your Clients? Discussion of Genograms


May 17 – Broad Categories of Counseling: Theory & Practice; History of Theory Development; Bio-Psycho-Social model: Exhaustive -> Focused Problem List -> Treatment Plan Options; the Multimodal Therapist; Corey, Chapters 2, 3 & 14


May 24 – Corey Workbook Assignment Due; Discussion of Genograms; Issues of Substance Abuse & Dependence; Special Populations; Body Image; Trauma Resolution; Iraq War Veterans; Role-plays; Corey, Chapters 4 & 5


May 31 – Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy; Discussion of Theories; Who Are Your Clients? Part Two; Role-plays; Corey, Chapters 6 & 7


June 7 – Case Studies Paper Due; Who Are Your Clients? Part Three; Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional-Analysis; Discussion of Theories; Role-plays; Corey, Chapter 8 & 9


June 14 – Flag Day – Behavioral Therapy, Rational-Emotive-Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy; Discussion of Theories; Role-plays; Corey, Chapters 10, 11 & 12


June 21 – First Day Of Summer – Discussion of Who Are Your Clients? (Papers Due Today) Open Class: Time Used To Catch Up On Any & Every Topic and/or Role-play Themes That We Haven’t Had Time For


June 28 – Wrap-Up: “Choosing Your Theoretical Perspective” Roundtable Discussion



GRADING:

1. Corey Workbook Assignment: You will receive various pages from the Corey workbook to complete. Be sure to give thorough responses. (25%)

2. Case Studies Papers: You will construct exhaustive to focused problem lists and treatment plans for two or three cases. (25%)

3. Who Are Your Clients? Paper; Four typewritten pages on one or two client groups. What are their special needs? What special considerations do you need to make as their counselor? (25%)

4. Attendance/General Participation: Attendance is required and please arrive on time. If you miss a class, you are responsible for arranging details of a makeup assignment for the missed class. Participation is expected. (10%)

5. Participation: Role-Plays & Feedback: You should expect to participate in role-playing activities and to give feedback after role-plays. (15%)

CELL PHONE POLICY: Turn it off! Check it during breaks! NEVER leave the class to answer a call. If you need to keep it on for any important reason, just let me know at the beginning of class.


MISSED CLASS MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENT:

Choose two groups from Who Are Your Clients list and complete a four-page paper with same criteria as the class assignment – or – request a Corey Workbook Assignment