PCO-PSYCHOLOGY OF COUNSELING
 

PCO 2202         Introduction to General Counseling Techniques        3

Develops basic skills and techniques needed for a person to be effective in the helping process and to learn about the qualities and conditions necessary for counseling.

PCO 4242         Introduction to Group Counseling                  3

Theory, research and practice of group processes. Provides an opportunity for participation or observation of group counseling.

PCO 4310         Intervention in Addictions                 3

Models of addictive behaviors and implications for assessment and treatment of addiction. Emphasis primarily on alcohol and drug abuse, with information on smoking and obesity included.

PCO 6204         Pre-Practicum: Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy           3

Prerequisite: CLP 5166, PCO 6216.

Corequisite: PCO 6206C, PCO 6246.

Experientially-based with an emphasis on counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques and behavior, including the identification and acquisition of broad communication and relationship-building skills, particular counseling techniques, and the development of a counseling response repertoire. Students also develop an understanding of the interaction between theory and technique as it applies to clinical practice, as well as develop their case conceptualization and case management skills. Simulated supervised counseling experience is provided through the use of micro-counseling and role-playing. Provides the opportunity to practice actual counseling skills and techniques prior to the practicum and internship experiences. The practicum placement process is included.

PCO 6206C       Ethical and Professional Issues in Counseling           3

Prerequisite: PCO 6216.

In depth review of critical issues in the practice of mental health counseling, including the professional organizations and ethical standards for psychologists and counselors, legal and professional requirements for practicing in the profession, and the rights of clients. Topics include standards of preparation, certifications and licensing, and the role identity and professional obligations of mental health counselors. Relevant issues for school counselors will be addressed.

PCO 6216         Theories of Individual Counseling           3

Overview of major contemporary theoretical approaches to individual counseling and psychotherapy.

PCO 6246         Theories of Group Counseling          3

Prerequisite: PCO 2202 or PCO 6216.

Overview of major contemporary theoretical approaches to group counseling and psychotherapy.

PCO 6251         Marital and Family Therapy           3

Prerequisite: PCO 6216, CLP 5166.

Overview of theories and techniques of marital and family interventions. Appropriate for advanced graduate students in psychology, graduate students from other human service disciplines (e.g., education, social work) and psychological service providers in the community.

PCO 6278         Multicultural Counseling                3

Addresses the similarities and differences among various culturally diverse groups, and informs counselors of the characteristics and processes necessary to become a culturally skilled counselor.

PCO 6312         Substance Abuse Counseling        3

Prerequisite: CLP 5166.

Examines the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, and how they affect biological, psychological, social and familial spheres of functioning. Designed to convey to counselors-in-training and community professionals the most essential information about licit and illicit drugs, provide an overview of the prominent theoretical models of addiction, and explore various clinical methods for assessing and treating substance use disorders. Courses in Theories of Individual, Group, or Family Counseling are recommended.

PCO 6315         Assessment in Counseling            3

Prerequisite: CLP 5166.

Practical training in the process of clinical assessment in mental health counseling. Includes an introduction to the science of clinical assessment with a focus on the use of assessment techniques such as interviewing and psychological testing, in a professionally and ethically responsible manner. Includes an experiential component in which the student will develop beginning skills in the use of clinical assessment techniques, under supervision. Permission is required. Material and supply fee will be assessed.

PCO 6946         Practicum in Counseling               3

Prerequisite: CLP 5166, PCO 6206C, PCO 6216.

Placement of the student in a local mental health agency for 8-10 hours each week. The emphasis of this experience is on development of clinical skills in interviewing, assessment, and counseling of individuals, groups, and families. Students will complete a minimum of 150 hours of field placement of which at least 40 will be in direct client contact. There is a weekly class meeting and individual supervision with the instructor in addition to the clinical activities and supervision at the practicum site. Permission is required based on requirements stated in the Counseling Track Policy Manual.

PCO 6948         Internship in Counseling      1-6

The student functions as a staff member and participates in the full range of clinical and professional activities of the internship site under supervision. A weekly university based seminar will accompany field placement. Students in the 60sh M.A. Licensure Option must register for more than one term (total of 6sh required) and will complete a minimum of 850 hours of field placement, of which at least 240 will be in direct client contact. An internship paper and portfolio are required. Students in the 45sh M.A. degree program must complete 3sh with at least 300 hours of field placement. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required based on requirements stated in the Counseling Track Policy Manual.