COUN - Counseling

Issues, theories, stages, tasks, and biological and environmental determinants are considered as they apply to physical, language, cognitive, learning, social, moral, and personality development.

Students will examine the history and philosophy of the counseling profession, professional roles and responsibilities, self-care strategies, supervision models, professional organizations and credentialing, crisis response, and advocacy. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply the ACA ethical code.

This course will foster an understanding of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural society, including attitudes, theories of multicultural counseling, strategies for working with diverse populations, the development of cultural self-awareness, and counselors’ roles in eliminating biases.

Prerequisite: COUN 506 or permission of instructor

This course provides an understanding of career development and related life factors, including theories, labor market information resources, information systems, program planning/administration, work/family roles, multicultural issues, assessment instruments, and counseling techniques/resources applicable in our global economy.

Instruction shall include the parameters and limitations of the treatment relationship; the establishment of the client-counselor treatment contract; listening and interviewing skills; the stages of clinical treatment; referral and termination.

Prerequisites: COUN 504 and COUN 511; or permission of instructor

This course introduces students to both theoretical and experiential understandings of group purpose, development, dynamics, theories, methods, skills, and other group approaches in a multicultural society. Students will participate as group members in a small group activity for a minimum of 10 clock hours.

This course is only open to students enrolled in the Counseling program.  Non-degree seeking students may not enroll.

This course provides an understanding of research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation, including the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession, the use of research to inform evidence-based practice, and ethical/culturally relevant strategies for interpreting and reporting results.

Prerequisites: COUN 501, COUN 504 and COUN 511; or permission of instructor

This course provides the counseling student with an introduction to research, theory, and practice within the field of trauma counseling. The course will cover the historical evolution of the field; biopsychosocial underpinnings of trauma and trauma spectrum disorders; issues in diagnosis, assessment, and intervention from a culturally diverse framework; and a synthesis of best practices as they are currently evolving. Using a developmental and systemic approach, the course will provide a counseling perspective on the knowledge base from the multiple disciplines that contribute to the field of traumatology.

Introduction to the literature and leading theoretical approaches to counseling with emphasis on philosophical assumptions and theories of personality that underlie counseling goals and intervention techniques applicable to various client needs.

An in-depth study of mourning and the grief process. Explores all aspects of theories of grief in natural and accidental death as well as special losses, suicide, prenatal death, still birth, murder, etc. differentiating between normal and complicated grief.

Overview of major themes and attitudes of death and grief included in theories, process models, death trajectories, and death systems. Explore roles of palliative care and hospice in the dying process to understand the experience of an “appropriate death”.

An examination of death, dying, and bereavement at different stages of life. A survey of the important moments in the life cycle when death confronts us as human beings, how we can learn to appreciate the significance and value of such varied approaches and understandings.

The study of three areas in the field of thanatology: 1) The role played by death in Western history. 2) Egypt as a death culture. 3) A study of how death and bereavement are experienced across cultures, ethnic groups, and religions around the world.

Prerequisite: COUN 501 and COUN 504; or permission of instructor

 An introduction to the field of alcohol and drug counseling, this course provides instruction in the assessment of addictive disorders, the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, theories of addictive disorders, and basic models of treatment.

Prerequisite: COUN 511 and COUN 504  

The origins, symptoms and methods of treatment of the principal forms of abnormal behavior, with illustrative case material. Social as well as clinical aspects of individual psychological problems are considered.

Prerequisite: COUN 501, COUN 504 and COUN 511; or permission of instructor; a minimum grade of B- is required for COUN 504 and if not earned, must be repeated.

An overview and application of one or more treatment models to various disorders. Examples include behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

Prerequisite: COUN 511 and COUN 504; or permission of instructor

This course will address the principles and techniques of effective therapy with couples and families. Content includes an overview of system theories, principles of working with couples and families, stages of family life cycle development, and intervention strategies.

Prerequisites: COUN 504 and COUN 506; or permission of instructor

A study of the testing movement, including fundamental psychometric principles. Emphasizes the use of tests in counseling practice. Observation and participation in individual and group testing. 

Prerequisite: COUN 501 (concurrent enrollment is allowed); or permission of instructor

This course provides a basic understanding of the school environment, the role and responsibilities of the school counselor, and components of an effective school counseling program. We will review the history, philosophy, principles and trends in school counseling, along with current legal and ethical issues in the field.

Prerequisite: COUN 540; or permission of instructor

 A model for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive guidance and counseling program with emphasis on student development and competencies will be presented. Students will develop resources, classroom guidance curricula and group counseling materials.

Prerequisite: COUN 540; or permission of instructor

The first half of this course will examine the theory, principles, and procedures of the consultation process, emphasizing consulting in the educational setting. The second half of the course will introduce concepts, processes, and styles of supervision and offers students the opportunity to gain experience in providing supervision.

An overview of developmentally appropriate approaches to counseling children and adolescents. Addresses individual and group work, expressive and talk therapies, assessment of treatment progress, working with parents and teachers, and ethical and legal considerations. Multicultural counseling skills are also addressed.

This course provides an introduction to affirmative therapy with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) individuals and other people of diverse genders and sexual orientations. Terminology, assessment, and treatment issues are explored through lecture, case studies, role play, group discussion, and small group presentations. Emphasis is placed on developing cultural humility and awareness of intersectionality. Heterosexism, genderism, and transphobia are addressed from an anti-oppressive, liberatory perspective.

Prerequisites: COUN 501, COUN 504 and COUN 511; or permission of instructor

This course will be largely experiential and will include several modes of learning including small group discussions, large group discussions, case examples, and PowerPoint. The seminar course is designed to give master’s students in clinical mental health counseling an introduction to sexual issues that will inevitably be presented in sessions with clients. Students will practice hearing about and discussing sexual issues while also gaining the tools needed to show genuine care, compassion, and nonjudgmental feedback to clients. This course does not aim to teach students how to treat sexual concerns, but rather is aimed at giving them the tools to feel comfortable and confident discussing sexual topics with clients, as necessary.

This course provides an overview of the Attachment Theory as applied to Clinical Practice.  Students will be exposed to the neurobiology of attachment, evaluating attachment as a developmental model, reviewing the history of attachment theory, as well as the incidence of attachment disorders in the clinical population.  Discussion and training will be provided on the various therapeutic techniques and approaches to consider when working with attachment disorders, both in children, with families, and with adults.  Student will be expected to integrate their learning by evaluating research trials with this treatment modality. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have an understanding of the Attachment Theory and Clinical Practice Application

This course provides an overview of the AIP model and conceptualization behind EMDR Therapy.  Students will be exposed to the neurobiology of trauma as well as the incidence of trauma in the clinical population.  Discussion and training will be provided on the various therapeutic techniques that are unique to EMDR therapy and that make it effective for various treatment groups.  Student will be expected to integrate their learning by evaluating research trials with this treatment modality. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have an understanding of the EMDR Therapy.

The purpose of this course is to expose students to fundamental psychopharmacology concepts that they are likely to encounter as counselors. This includes definitions of key constructs related to psychopharmacology, theories within psychopharmacology, as well as factors affecting responses to medication (e.g., age, sex, etc.). Students will learn about the wide range of medications available to treat mental health concerns and investigate how they are applied. Additionally, students will consider potential client concerns related to medication, including medication side effects, interactions among drugs, and the interface among care providers with respect to medication. Students will also explore medication usage with respect to other treatment routes, including advantages and disadvantages. Current topics (e.g., overprescription) will also be addressed. Students will also explore how to update themselves with evidence-based information over the course of their careers.

This course is designed to introduce students to the endless possibilities that a creative counselor may introduce in the therapeutic relationship. Students will be exposed to different variations of creativity in counseling such as art therapy, Sandtray therapy, music therapy, adventure-based counseling, and ceremonies in counseling. Students will be introduced to the ethical considerations for these forms of creativity in counseling as well as national organizations that govern creativity in counseling. This class is designed as an introduction to these models of therapy in which students will be provided with the basic concepts and methods of these specialty areas which will be explored through experiential activities and discussions.

This class will provide an introduction to a range of mindfulness-based behavioral approaches, including a primary focus on mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Students will study the available research on the different approaches, specifically their effectiveness with a range of diverse client populations, including those with anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, and borderline personality disorder.

The purpose of this course is to expose students to fundamental concepts of disaster mental health (DMH). This includes definitions of key constructs related to working as a DMH responder within various response agencies/organizations. Theories associated with conceptualizing DMH are reviewed along with psychosocial factors associated with trauma responses (e.g., age, ability, gender, cultural and racial identities, class, and spirituality/religious faith). Students will be exposed to an overview of the cognitive, affective, behavioral, neurological sequelae associated with trauma. Introduction and application of skills and techniques utilized in disaster mental health, including assessment and triage, safety and security concerns, facilitation of validation, and preparation and rehearsal for maintenance will also be addressed. Special topics in DMH, including assessment of lethality, mass disaster, death notification, suicide of the young, and the role of spirituality will be reviewed. Understanding concepts related to caring for first responders and caregivers, including compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization will be introduced. Students are expected to challenge themselves and consider their own strengths and limitations, and how these might influence their work as DMH responders.

This course is designed to provide students with a variety of skills, insights, strategies and knowledge required to understand and respond to the social, emotional, and personal development of students. Students will learn to recognize indicators of mental illness and behavioral distress, including depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, and substance abuse. We will also identify professional resources to help students in crisis. Emphasis will be placed on providing participants with real life experiences while exploring the causes of and remedies for the prevention of suicide. This course meets the educational requirements for HB 947 (Lauryn's Law) for school counselors' professional development for MSDE certification renewal.

This course explores contemporary issues and experiences impacting the health and well-being of military veterans. This course introduces students to the military/veteran culture and health care needs and concerns of this unique population and is particularly focused on the contemporary topic of post-traumatic stress disorder and how it impacts returning veterans and their families.

Prerequisite: permission of the program director. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to a degree program. Reading and/or research in a selected field. An approved title for the independent study must be submitted with the registration forms.

Prerequisite: permission of the program director.  A teaching practicum for advanced Counseling students with regularly scheduled hours assisting in selected undergraduate psychology courses. Hours will include regular consultations with course instructor regarding teaching experiences, methods and issues.

Prerequisite: permission of the program director.  A basic or applied research project involving extended independent work and emphasizing principles of experimental research design. A written report must be submitted at the end of the project.

Prerequisites: appropriate clearances, proof of malpractice insurance, student membership in ACA, and successful completion of program survey courses (Any site supervision fees incurred are the responsibility of the student). Clinical Mental Health Counseling prerequisites: Completion of COUN 530, COUN 531, COUN 532 and COUN 533. School Counseling prerequisites: Completion of COUN 540, COUN 541, COUN 542 and COUN 543. This is an initial field placement of 100 hours, at least 40 of which are direct service hours in schools, colleges, or agencies. Students are also encouraged to work with clients with diverse cultural backgrounds (different from their own) for 10 hours (direct or indirect) and with clients with disabilities for 10 hours (direct or indirect).

Prerequisites: appropriate clearances, proof of malpractice insurance, student membership in ACA, COUN 596 (Any site supervision fees incurred are the responsibility of the student).

This course is a 300 clock hour experience, 240 of which are direct service hours with individuals and groups. Students are encouraged to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds (different from their own) for 10 hours (direct or indirect) and with clients with disabilities for 20 hours (direct or indirect).

Prerequisites: COUN 597 and appropriate clearances, proof of malpractice insurance, & student membership in ACA. This course is a 300-hour experience, 120 of which are direct service hours with individuals and groups. Students are encouraged to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds (different from their own) for 10 hours (direct or indirect) and with clients with disabilities for 10 hours (direct or indirect).

The study of selected issues and/or social problems that are of interest to counselors. Each issue will be examined from the perspectives of various specialists within the discipline. Students will participate through readings in primary sources, individual reports or presentations, discussion, and possible field work.