Course 412 - Counseling Foundations

Course 412 - Counseling Foundations (3 credits) (Focuses on various aspects of counseling theory, human development and the core counseling functions.)

This course serves as the introduction to counseling theory from a Christian perspective. While many students resist “theory” and want to “get down to the practice,” a foundation in theory is critical. It is important for the Christian counselor to have a solid foundation in the principles of Psychology, Christianity, and the psychology of religion as they relate to understanding counseling and addiction. Recognizing various categories of mental health disorders in abnormal psychology and their relationship to substance abuse will be addressed.

This course also serves as the introduction to human developmental theories which are foundational in understanding the implications of the age of a person when they experienced trauma and/or the onset of behaviors leading to addiction. This critical understanding allows students to confidently deal with the dissonant behaviors between chronological and emotional “age” of many clients beginning recovery. This course expands the lay leaders’ and clinicians’ understanding of significant concepts and the vital role of normal human developmental needs.

In addition, this course addresses the wide range of ethical issues inherent in all steps identified within the Scope of Practice for addiction professionals and found in recovery support services. The course examines issues which may arise during initial screening, during treatment planning, and as a client progresses through treatment implementation and moves into recovery. The issues discussed relate to professional obligations, interactions with family and the community, as well as the process of documentation. Throughout this course, the participant will be asked to relate various points to their own situations, consider the various perspectives presented, and develop an ongoing awareness of their choices, decisions and behaviors in light of a high ethical standard.

Professor: Steven E. Brubaker

Week One

Learning Objectives for this Session:

To introduce the student to the content and purpose of this course.

To give the student an opportunity to become acquainted with the instructor and other students who are involved in this course.

Week Two

Learning Objectives for this Session:

Apply principles of sensation and perception to the development of emotions, thoughts, and behaviorsn

Introduce the student to perception stages and distortions.

Week Three

Learning Objectives for this Session:

Define and identify developers and principles of the theory of motivation and correlate them to the development of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Describe the impact of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors on whole person development.

Week Four

Learning Objectives for this Session:

Apply major theoretical aspects of human development to the understanding of the origins of addictive behavior and implications during recovery.

Establish a basis for recognizing the stages of child, adolescent, adult, and religious development in clients through listing and defining these stages.

Week Five

Learning Objectives for this Session:

Recognize various categories of mental health disorders in abnormal psychology and their relationship to substance abuse.

Become aware of how defense mechanisms fuel addictive behaviors.

Week Six

Learning Objectives for this Session:

List contrasting and congruent principles of Psychology, Christianity, and the psychology of religion as they relate to understanding counseling and addiction.

Week Seven

Learning Objectives for this Session:

Recognize the value of various counseling theories and their contribution to relieving psychological distress.

Week Eight

Learning Objectives for this Session:

Explain various ethical dilemmas in terms of their impact on professional practice.

Relate identified ethical challenges to the addiction counselor work situation.

Establish a personal process for addressing various issues in your own environment.

 

Estimated Course Materials & Tuition:

Digital Media Fee $50.00

Tuition $450.00

Required Textbooks:
Meier, P., Minirth, F., Wichern, F., & Ratcliff, D.(1991). Introduction to psychology and counseling: Christian perspectives and applications (2nd Ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Michael J. Taleff, Advanced Ethics for Addiction Professionals, 2009, Springer Publishing Co Inc   ISBN: 0826124585

Total Cost of Course: (Does not include the cost of buying textbooks)

$500.00

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