PSY 09595Introduction to Counseling: Development of Basic Skills

Catalog

This course is a graduate level introduction to the foundation skills necessary for mental health counselors. Thus, there is a minimum expectation of satisfactory understanding from certain core undergraduate areas (e.g.., Abnormal Psychology, Personality Theories) and basic experiences with people who have mental illness. This course will cover a wide variety of theoretical and applied topics including, the development of professional identity, observation skills, micro counseling skills and developing a multicultural competence. This course will also review mental status exams, the content areas of the initial intake interview, assessing for suicide and homicide risk, and conceptualizing clients. Students are expected to demonstrate these skills through the use of role plays and videotapes.