HUS-2010 Counseling, Assessment, and Behavior Modification Techniques

Credits 3
This course provides an integrated approach to basic counseling with application to the field of human services. Students will examine the major theoretical approaches to counseling, including the humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Students will discuss the components of conducting proper psychosocial histories of their clients and the development of nurturing relationships that have proper boundaries with clients from the formation through the termination of the counseling life-cycle. In engaging in client-centered role-playing exercises, students will have the opportunity to develop basic counseling skills, to apply theories and practices of psychotherapy, as well as to explore case application in both professional and paraprofessional settings. Students will also examine the clinical skills related to detecting the risk of self-harm and suicide in clients and to employing strategies for intervention.

Prerequisite(s): HUS-1010.

Course Outcomes
1. Examine the major theoretical approaches to counseling, including the humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches

2. Explain the components of conducting a psychosocial history of a client

3. Identify the clinical skills in suicide assessment and mental status exam

4. Examine the components of developing a nurturing relationship with a client throughout the counseling life-cycle

5. Apply basic helping skills in counseling role-playing exercises (i.e. empathy, unconditional positive regard, non-judgmental attitude, and congruency)