SYLLABUS

Boise State University

Counselor Education

Course Number:        COUN 502

Course Title:              Counseling Theories and Applications I

Course Time:             6-9pm Thursday

Course Location:       MP 207

Semester:                   Fall 2008

Credits:                       3 Credits

Instructor:                  Dr. Mike Cutler, E612, martincutler@boisestate.edu, 426-1307

                                    Office Hours: M-Th 2pm-5pm or by appointment

Course Description

Examine historical and contemporary theories of counseling, overview of counseling processes in a pluralistic society, and acquire counseling skills through videotaped and role-played

practice related to major approaches. Specified structure and activities within this course meet the CACREP accreditation requirement of 10 hours of Group Counseling Experience. PREREQ: Admission to the Counseling Program.

Purpose of the Course:

·          To examine historical and contemporary theories of counseling

·          To overview counseling processes in a pluralistic society

·          Acquire counseling skills through videotaped and role-played practice

·          To enable the student to begin the thoughtful selection of those aspects, concepts, and procedures of various counseling theories, which can be incorporated into his or her own developing and personalized style in order to achieve an integrated, creative synthesis of self awareness and counseling theory.

Methods of Instruction

Practice, video and audio tape reviews, lecture, small group work

Course Objectives

The Instructor will endeavor to:

·          Survey the major concepts and practices of contemporary counseling theories;

·          Promote learning of helping relationship skills;

·          Incorporate applications appropriate when working with diverse clients; and

·          Develop student understanding of their own counseling practices-both strengths and limitations.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

·          Describe several classification models of counseling theories/systems;

·          Demonstrate counseling skills;

·          Compare and contrast the counseling theories covered in the text and discussion;

·          Analyze theories in relation to their historical contexts, current perspectives, uses and limitations with diverse clients;

·          Integrate the concepts and procedures of various counseling approaches while remaining congruent with own beliefs and personality; and

·          Evaluate the components of counseling theories and applications regarding appropriateness to client’s presenting problem, setting, and issues of multiculturalism.

Corey, G. (2005). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (7^th ed.). Monterey, CA:

            Brooks/Cole.

Hill, C. E., & O’Brien, K. M. (2004). Helping skills:  Facilitating exploration, insight, and

            action (2^nd ed). Washington, DC: APA.

1. Read the contents of the syllabus, come prepared for class by completing the required reading beforehand.

Grading

40 pts   Develop a work-in-progress Draft of Personalized Counseling Theory / Nature of People

            Paper – APA style, site sources, including at least two web-sites. (see outline)

10pts    All students are expected to participate in role-plays in class and Blackboard discussions using the BSU Blackboard program (case studies will be provided). Students will be graded pass/fail for role-play practice of exploration and insight skills and for participation in Blackboard discussions (10 pts).

40 pts   All students are expected to submit two videotapes/DVDs demonstrating helping skills one Exploration- FOR A-F GRADE (30 points), one Insight pass fail (10 points)

                  Graded Exploration Tape:

a.       brief student presentation of  the information (provide a handout for everyone describing case data- client name, presenting problem, brief relevant history, goals for this session)

b.      10 minutes application demonstration (videotape/DVD)

c.       Peer critique and self critique will be completed, instructor will synthesize this information with the instructor critique, then return a graded evaluation (see evaluation form)*

                  Practice Insight Pass/Fail:

a.       brief student presentation of the information (provide a handout for everyone describing case data- client name, presenting problem, brief relevant history, goals for this session)

b.      5 minutes application demonstration (videotape/DVD)

c.       Peer critique and self critique will be completed, instructor will synthesize with instructor critique and then return pass/fail evaluation (see evaluation form)

* Tapes are often redone, for instructor critique only, to enhance skills and improve graded evaluation

10 pts   Accurate assessments of peer and self-critiques

Scale:   A = 90-100 pts.; B = 80-89 pts.; C = 70-79 pts.; F = below 70 pts.

Disability Statement:

If there is someone in the class who has a special need that may be the result of a disability or alternative learning style, I would appreciate hearing from you.  I am reasonably certain that we can make the appropriate arrangements if necessary to assist you.  The accommodations can take many forms, whether it is seating, testing, or the like.  Please see me after class, or during my office hours.

Academic Integrity Statement:

Academic misconduct or dishonesty such as cheating and plagiarism is unacceptable and appropriate penalties will be imposed.  This includes referencing material that has not been read by you, such as secondary references.

Nature of People Paper

Outline

1.                  Introduction (theoretical world view, view of human nature)

2.                  Personal background and personality characteristics leading to world view

3.                  Evolution/Critical incidents contributing to your world view

4.                  Key Concepts of your Theory of Helping (including your description of the development of personality)

5.                  The Therapeutic Process of your Theory of Helping

a.      Therapeutic goals

b.      Counselor’s Function and Roles

c.      Client’s experience in counseling

d.      Relationship between counselor and client

6.                  Application: Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures of your Theory of Helping

7.                  Contributions/Limitations of your Theory of Helping

8.                  Multicultural Perspective (Contributions/Limitations) of your Theory of Helping

9.                  Summary

10.       References

·          Due 12/4

·          Paper counts for 40% of grade

·          30-35 pages, double spaced (excluding references) – Draft to be 15-20 pages

·          APA style paper

·          Minimum of 7-10 references expected (at least 2 website citations)