HSERV 203 - Introduction to Counseling

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Historical perspectives, theory and fundamentals of counseling therapies as related to Human Services agency work. Introduction to evidenced-based and Best Practices models. Development of basic techniques and critical thinking skills appropriate for mental health, substance abuse disorders and rehabilitation counseling. Required course for both Human Services degrees (including fast track students).

Prerequisite: HSERV 101 with a C or higher.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Outline the qualities of an effective counselor.
Compare and contrast Psychoanalytic, Experiential, Cognitive- Behavioral, Systems and Postmodern forms of therapy.
Describe evidence-based and culturally appropriate counseling theories and modalities and why it is important to focus on their use in clinical settings.
Describe ethical guidelines as they apply in clinical cultural settings.
Discuss trauma informed practice in Human Services.
Adapt counseling strategies for minoritized communities to include, but are not limited to, disabilities and ethnicity.

Course Contents

Qualities of an effective counselor.
Psychoanalytic, Experiential, Cognitive- Behavioral, Systems and Postmodern forms of therapy.
Evidence-based and culturally appropriate counseling theories and modalities, and why it is important to focus on their use in clinical settings.
Ethical guidelines as they apply in clinical cultural settings.
Trauma informed practice in Human Services.
Counseling strategies for minoritized communities to include but not limited to disabilities and ethnicity.

Instructional Units: 5