Course description

Introduction to Counseling and Psychology

Course Description:

This foundational course explores the principles, practices, and theories of counseling and psychology, emphasizing ethical considerations, Christian counseling perspectives, core techniques, and major psychotherapy theories. Students will gain essential knowledge and skills for understanding counseling processes and psychological frameworks.

Introduction Counseling and Psychology

Explore the ethical foundations and legal responsibilities in the counseling profession. This section covers topics such as ethical decision-making models, confidentiality, privacy, clergy privilege, boundaries, mandatory reporting laws, and the importance of self-care and self-awareness in maintaining professional integrity.

What are Ethics
Ethical Decision-Making Models
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Clergy Privilege
Boundaries
The Law and Mandatory Reporting
Self-Care & Self-Awareness

Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

What are Ethics
Ethical Decision-Making Models
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Clergy Privilege
Boundaries
The Law and Mandatory Reporting
Self-Care & Self-Awareness

Counseling Techniques

Develop a foundational understanding of effective counseling techniques, practical tools, and processes. This section explores core counseling techniques, the stages of counseling, and the critical importance of proper documentation, including best practices for taking notes during counseling sessions.

Counseling Techniques
Stages of Counseling
Documentation (Taking Notes)

Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories

Gain insight into major psychotherapy theories, their origins, and practical applications in counseling. This section covers foundational theories such as psychoanalytic, Jungian, Adlerian, existential, person-centered, and Gestalt approaches. It also introduces modern frameworks like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, reality theory, and integrative or postmodern approaches, providing a comprehensive understanding of diverse therapeutic models.

Introduction
Psychoanalytic Theory
Jungian Analytic Theory
Adlerian Theory
Existential Theory
Person-Centered Theory
Gestalt Theory
Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT)
Reality Theory
Integrative/Postmodern Approaches

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