Theories and Techniques for Human Services.

Catalog description

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RHAB 300 . Enrollment is restricted to students with junior or senior standing. The course introduces students to essential interviewing skills and foundational theories in human services, emphasizing effective client interaction and understanding human behavior and change. Through a blend of lecture, practice exercises and self-reflection, students will develop core competencies in active listening, open-ended questioning and empathy to build rapport with diverse clients. Additionally, students will explore key theories—such as cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systems approaches—to inform their interviewing practices and understand client behavior. The course highlights ethical standards and cultural competence, equipping students with the tools to adapt their skills to varied client backgrounds and needs. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational skillset for professional client interactions and a theoretical framework to guide their approach to human services work.