Theories of Counseling – COSC 510

Course Description

This course provides in-depth exploration of selected counseling theories including empirically supported treatment modalities appropriate for school settings. Through this course, students learn about the nature and process of therapy, and begin to learn how to conceptualize client presentations and select appropriate interventions while considering issues of diversity. Students will define their own theoretical approach to counseling in their work with individuals and families.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the major counseling theories and practices most often used in school counseling. Counseling theories provide the basis for the theoretical framework that guides one’s practice. However, the assimilation of theory into a theoretical orientation is more than an academic exercise. Counseling theories emanate from a philosophical foundation that influences counseling practice in school (K-12) settings. This course is designed to help the student gain the understanding and self-awareness needed to begin to develop his/her own theoretical orientation. Emphasis will be placed upon enabling the student to develop a theoretical foundation upon which to base a school counseling approach.

Method of Instruction: This 8 week course is delivered in a digital asynchronous format, with Canvas® as the primary instructional delivery method. The student completes one module per week over the duration of the course. 

Course Assignment

The candidate will read assigned chapters and review PowerPoint presentations each week. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in 2 written Discussions throughout this course. The student must submit an initial thread of at least 300 words, and a reply to 1 peer of at least 200 words. Each post must be in current APA style formatting. The assertions for each thread must be supported with a minimum of both textbooks cited and 1 peer-reviewed journal article in the current APA format. The student must not attach threads/replies as files, but must type directly into the Discussion text box. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Within this paper, the student will identify his/her own personal counseling style and theoretical orientation based on what he/she learned from this course. The student will then submit a 4-page paper to Canvas. See assignment instructions in Canvas for additional details. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Each week the student will be introduced to different theoretical approaches. This assignment will provide the student with an easy-access guide as he/she moves forward in the School Counseling Program. The student must complete the chart provided in Canvas prior to submitting the assignment. It would be of benefit to the student to use the chart to take notes each week during the corresponding Module: Week in which he/she is learning about each theory. See assignment instructions in Canvas for additional details. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

This Dispositions Reflection quiz will ask the student to rate his or herself on the nine dispositions required for this program by our accrediting bodies. The quiz will be open-book/open-note, contain 9 multiple-choice and 1 essay questions, and have a 60-minute time limit.