Counseling Courses (COUN)

COUN 4100. Introduction to Professional Counseling — 3 hrs.

General overview of the profession of counseling. Outlines the different areas of expertise such as clinical mental health, school, substance abuse, rehabilitation, career, and couples/marriage counseling among others. General theories, ethical, and legal issues are explored. Examination of current trends in the profession of counseling and the evolving profile of a professional counselor. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)

COUN 4105/5105. Counseling Skills — 3 hrs.

Focus on developing counseling skills with emphasis on self-understanding. Verbal and non-verbal counseling skills are developed through lecture, demonstration, and extensive laboratory practice. Prerequisite(s): junior standing; consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 4198. Independent Study — 1-6 hrs.

(Variable)

COUN 6103. Professional Orientation and Ethics in Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course offers an introduction to the history and philosophy of the counseling profession and its specialized practice areas; the multiple professional roles and functions of counselors; responsibilities and relationships of counselors on interprofessional teams; the role of advocating for individuals and the profession; professional counseling organizations, credentialing, accreditation, and current labor market trends; legislation, regulatory processes, and government/public policy impacting service delivery. This course emphasizes evidence-informed and ethical counseling practice through 1) professional counselor identity development including a focus on self-care, self- awareness, and self-evaluation strategies; 2) an introduction to research informing and advancing counseling practice; 3) an introduction to ethical standards and ethical decision-making; as well as 4) an introduction to the role of supervision in counselor development. (Fall)

COUN 6104. Counseling Theories — 3 hrs.

Overview of predominant counseling and human development theories, including emphasis on learning and personality development and normal and abnormal human behavior. Stresses practical applications in school and mental health settings. Prerequisite(s): consent of department head. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105. (Fall)

COUN 6207. Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology in Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course will provide an opportunity for students to acquire knowledge of psychopathology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior. Students will learn the drug mechanisms and drug actions for drugs used in the treatment for mental disorders, the efficacy and risks of specific classes of drugs and the roles of the non-prescribing mental health professional in combination treatment of mental disorders Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6104. (Summer)

COUN 6210. Developing Comprehensive School Counseling Programs — 3 hrs.

Focus on managing, organizing, and designing K-12 comprehensive, sequential, developmental guidance programs. Prerequisite(s): School Counseling major; COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; consent of department head. (Summer)

COUN 6220. Group Counseling Skills and Processes — 3 hrs.

Emphasis on theoretical and experiential understandings of group dynamics, development, theories, and methods. Focus on group leadership and group membership. Experiential laboratory participation incorporated. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6225. Facilitating Career Development — 3 hrs.

Exploration of career development theory and career counseling techniques. Emphasis on significance of occupational choice; examination of sociological, psychological, and economic factors. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; consent of department head. (Summer)

COUN 6228. Assessment Techniques in Counseling — 3 hrs.

Assessment and appraisal procedures of individuals and groups. Primary focus on the understanding and use of standardized and non-standardized tests, inventories, observations, and case data for diagnosis in counseling. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6207 (highly recommended); consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6242. Counseling Research and Program Evaluations — 3 hrs.

This course focuses on the use of research to inform counseling practice and to advance the counseling profession. This course will provide an overview of the practitioner-scholar approach to identifying research questions, collecting data, interpreting results, and presenting information to stakeholders. Students will identify and evaluate the evidence base upon which interventions and programs are designed, selected, and implemented. Students will become familiar with research designs, methods, and analysis, and articulate the strengths and limitations of relevant research studies. Students will become familiar with program evaluation designs and procedures and will describe how to conduct needs assessments as well as how to conduct routine outcome monitoring. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6254. Counseling Children and Adolescents — 3 hrs.

Normal and abnormal child/adolescent development, problem conceptualization from an individual as well as a systems-based perspective, and development of advanced-level counseling skills with emphasis on age-appropriate assessment and interventions. Lab practice and actual counseling experience with young clients. Prerequisite(s): COUN 4105/5105 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6262 (highly recommended); consent of department head. (Fall)

COUN 6256. Multicultural Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of, and practice applying, theories and models of multicultural counseling, social justice, and advocacy; exploring the influence of heritage, cultural identities, attitudes, values, beliefs, understandings, within-group differences, and acculturative experiences on the worldviews of counselors and clients and on help-seeking and coping behaviors; and exploring the impact of historical events, multigenerational trauma, and current issues on mental health and wellbeing. The course includes identifying strategies for eliminating barriers and supporting autonomy, choice, and empowerment in accessing resources and services. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6262; consent of department head. (Spring and Summer)

COUN 6262. Intervention and Prevention in Lifespan Development — 3 hrs.

Explores crises and challenges during developmental stages, which may bring individuals, couples, or families to counseling. Discussion of diversity, human development theory, and ethical considerations in lifespan development for application to counseling. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; consent of department head. (Fall)

COUN 6283. Counseling Older Adults — 3 hrs.

This course takes a lifespan development approach to understanding the aging process, changes, and challenges experienced by older adults with an emphasis on establishing effective counseling relationships. The course focuses on designing developmentally and culturally sensitive interventions to address life transitions, tasks, and roles; to respond to mental health concerns; and to promote psychological well-being. Attention is given to how historical, societal, and cultural factors shape perceptions of aging and access to resources and support in older adulthood. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6285. Readings in Counseling.

(Variable)

COUN 6289. Seminar in Counseling.

Special topics as indicated in the Schedule of Classes. (Variable)

COUN 6290. Practicum in Counseling — 3 hrs.

First-level intensive experience designed to further develop individual and group counseling skills. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6104; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6262; consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6291. Internship — 3-6 hrs.

Advanced intensive experience designed to integrate counseling and consultation skills in a work setting. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for up to 12 credits. Six hours are required for students to complete requirements for licensing in each emphasis area (Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling). Prerequisite(s): for School Counseling: COUN 6262; COUN 6290; consent of department head. Prerequisite(s) for Mental Health Counseling: COUN 6290; consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6299. Research.

Prerequisite(s): consent of department. (Variable)

COUN 6304. Crisis and Trauma Intervention and Management — 3 hrs.

This course provides an opportunity to learn the necessary crisis counseling skills to apply in various school and mental health settings. Students will design specific crisis and trauma informed interventions and community-based strategies for management and treatment of individuals and groups during crisis, disasters, or traumatic experiences. Students will identify counselors' roles and responsibilities as members of interdisciplinary community outreach and emergency management response teams. Students will apply procedures for assessing risk of aggression or danger to others, self-inflicted harm, or suicide to crisis case studies according to Council of the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105 (grade B or higher); COUN 6104. (Summer)

COUN 6405. Advanced Psychopathology and Treatment — 3 hrs.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the general principles of diagnosis, neuroscience, and treatment and prevention of dysfunctional behavior and mental-emotional disorders. Students will develop an advanced understanding of therapeutic change, create clinical hypothesis, and build case conceptualization and treatment planning skills based on the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA) Standards of Practice for Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Students will apply clinical knowledge to case studies and integrate. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105 (grade B or higher); COUN 6104; COUN 6207 (grade of B or higher); or consent of department head. (Fall)

COUN 6406. Foundations of School Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides students the opportunity to gain knowledge and information pertaining the basic principles of supervision, its stages of development, theories associated with it, and its ramifications for school counselors in the field. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and application via the introduction of school guidance activities in the classroom for students at the K-12 level using the basic tenets of the comprehensive guidance system established by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), apply clinical knowledge to case studies and integrate. Additionally, core curriculum design, lesson plan development, classroom management strategies, and differentiated instructional strategies are applied and integrated based on age appropriate levels. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105 grade B or higher; COUN 6210 grade B or higher. (Fall)

COUN 6503. Wellness, Self-Care, and Brain-Based Strategies — 3 hrs.

This course provides students the opportunity to develop intervention and prevention strategies regarding wellness and self-care of clients and counselors. Students will integrate neuroscience principles and counseling practice that demonstrate the use of brain-based strategies which align with the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6104. (Spring)

COUN 6505. Dynamics of Family, Couples and Human Sexuality in Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of the historical and theoretical foundations of counseling couples and families. Students apply systems and social constructionist theories and models to assessing couples and families, conceptualizing concerns, designing interventions, and promoting wellbeing. The course addresses developmental life cycles of families and relationships; strengths-based approaches to relationships; the integration of theory and research into practice, and ethical and cultural considerations relevant to working with couples and families. An additional emphasis is on sexual health and wellbeing within relationships. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6104; COUN 6207 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6405 (grade of B or higher). (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6506. Counseling Issues with Families and Parents in School Settings — 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of the application of family counseling concepts and techniques in school settings. It examines four specific modes of counselor intervention: (a) collaborating with parents and teachers to resolve individual student issues, (b) providing staff training and consultation to address common needs of students and their families, (c) designing school-wide interventions to change the culture of the school so as to more fully engage families and facilitate student development, and (d) building referral relationships with professionals in the community to address student needs. It embraces the school counselor roles of leader, advocate, collaborator and system change agent and facilitates an epistemological shift from an individual/intrapsychic way of thinking to a relational/systemic way of thinking in designing and providing counseling services. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6210 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6406 (grade of B or higher). (Spring)

COUN 6605. Counseling Practices for Addictions and Co-Occurring Disorders — 3 hrs.

Develops advanced-level counseling skills necessary for clinical practice in mental health and substance abuse treatment settings. Focus on case conceptualization and specific interventions for initiating, sustaining, and terminating a counseling experience addressing substance abuse and co-occuring disorders as outlined in the American Mental Health Counseling Association Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and related Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. Extensive skill practice/lab. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6104; COUN 6207 (grade B or higher); COUN 6405 (grade B or higher); COUN 6506 (grade B or higher). (Spring)

COUN 6706. Current Issues in School Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of the current legal, licensure, ethical and professional issues in school counseling. It also emphasizes data collection and usage to enhance a school counselor's accountability applying the National Model established by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6104 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6210; COUN 6406; COUN 6506. (Summer)

COUN 6710. Foundations and Contemporary Issues in School Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides students with opportunities to integrate theory and application through the design, evaluation, and implementation of comprehensive school-counseling curricula and lesson plans for K-12 settings, aligned with ASCA's National Model and CACREP standards. Students will learn to employ diverse classroom-management approaches and differentiated-instruction strategies while addressing legal, ethical, and data-driven accountability requirements. Emphasis is placed on social-emotional and trauma-informed counseling techniques, strategies to enhance student promotion and graduation rates, and evidence-based, culturally sustaining interventions to promote academic development. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6720. Leadership, Consultation, and Collaboration in School Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of the most up-to-date school-based collaboration and consultation models consistent with the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) model and school counseling competencies. It examines four specific modes of counselor intervention: (a) collaborating with parents and teachers to resolve individual student issues, (b) providing staff training and consultation to address common needs of students and their families, (c) designing school-wide interventions to change the culture of the school so as to more fully engage families and facilitate student development, and (d) building referral relationships with professionals in the community to address student needs. It has practical applications and techniques on how to foster collaboration and teamwork within schools and community agencies using the principles of multidisciplinary teams from a school counseling perspective according to the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. It embraces the school counselor roles of leader, advocate, collaborator and system change agent in PK-12 schools and facilitates an epistemological shift from an individual/intrapsychic way of thinking to a relational/systemic way of thinking in designing and providing counseling services. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105. (Fall and Spring)

COUN 6805. Integrated Counseling Practice and Clinical Supervision — 3 hrs.

Provides an overview of integrated behavioral health counseling practice, legal and licensure issues related to mental healthcare settings, and the consultation and supervision processes provided by clinical mental health counseling professionals as outlined in the American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA) Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105; COUN 6104; COUN 6207 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6405 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6605 (grade of B or higher). (Spring and Summer)

COUN 6806. Leadership, Consultation, and Collaboration in School Counseling — 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of the most up-to-date school-based collaboration and consultation models consistent with the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) model and school counseling competencies. It encapsulates the school counselor's roles as leaders, advocates, and system change agents in P-12 schools. It has practical applications and techniques on how to foster collaboration and teamwork within schools and community agencies using the principles of multidisciplinary teams from a school counseling perspective. Prerequisite(s): COUN 6103; COUN 4105/5105 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6210 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6406 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6506 (grade of B or higher); COUN 6706 (grade of B or higher). (Spring)

COUN 6807. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Foundations and Systems — 3 hrs.

This course addresses the foundation and evolution of the clinical mental health counseling specialization, as well as current issues and practices. This course focuses on systems-based collaboration, consultation, and advocacy; supervisory, legislative, government policy, and regulatory processes; practice management issues and reimbursement; and interfacing with other systems and stakeholders including integrated behavioral health teams and the legal system. (Fall and Spring)