Psychology

Students in the dissertation phase must register continuously for this course until the completion of the dissertation. Students must maintain contact with their mentor and be involved in the research and writing process.

This course is designed to provide a general introduction to the field of counseling psychology. The course begins with a review of the history and the development the field of counseling. The relationship of counseling to other professions and disciplines (e.g., clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work) will be reviewed. Next, the principle theoretical perspectives of counseling will be explored. Later, we will examine the contemporary issues that influence the counseling profession, including ethics, assessment, working with diverse populations, and public policy processes such as system and client advocacy. Finally, students will have an opportunity to learn about training, job settings, and activities in which counselors are involved.

The major developmental theories of personal development will be examined. This course explains the diagnostic criteria of the DSM and ICD, and defines development within diverse classification systems. An emphasis will be placed on normal growth patterns all the while accounting for variations that emerge along the developmental spectrum.

This course will prepare students with the fundamental skills of counseling and appraisal. A multi-theoretical model will be used with an emphasis on developing the basic skills of counseling. The importance of appraisal in guiding the counseling relationship will be defined and specific attention to the various roles of the counselor will be listed.

This course provides a foundation for engaging in counseling, consultation, and ethical decision making within community agency settings; emphasis is placed on the ecological and contextual factors of counseling within diverse communities, organizations and institutions. This course further examines the role of the community agency counselor, with attention populations. Symptomatology, diagnosi tomulticultural and social justice perspectives.

Students will explore recent trends in counseling focusing on a more mindful, spiritual and positive approach when working with individuals. An examination of each of these domains will be undertaken. Research exploring the theoretical basis and clinical usefulness of approaches employing spirituality and counseling will be discussed. Positive Psychology and Mindfulness will be examined. The course will also examine the use of these approaches for a variety of clinical syndromes including depression, anxiety, psychophysiological disorders and drug and alcohol disorders. Finally, the topic of Loss and Grief Counseling will be examined.

This course provides an in-depth description of disorders of maladaptive behavior, affect and personality with a heavy emphasis placed on the importance of counselor bias, multiculturalism, and social justice advocacy for some client and etiology are the main focus along with treatment implications and interventions.

This course will introduce students to the legal system, including the relationship between law and the mental health system. This course will cover the role of mental health counselors in the legal system and explores topics such as the ethical issues regarding assessment screening, mental health testimony, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, and child custody disputes. Also, this course will focus on ethical, legal and
professional dilemma, and decision-making models to address these dilemmas. The relationships among children and family services, juvenile justice, and correctional services are presented. Multicultural contexts and diversity are central elements in this course

The course will introduce students to major theories of criminal and aggressive behavior, including the historical context of criminal behavior. Behavioral, social learning, cognitive, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, developmental, biological and sociocultural perspectives are presented. Case examples are used to illustrate these various perspectives. Topics include mental disorders associated with offending, substance abuse and crime, sexual crimes, juvenile delinquency, women and crime, and victim/perpetrator rights.

This course will introduce students to the role of the forensic evaluator as well as the forensic assessments that are typically used by mental health practitioners in the criminal justice system. Students will learn how to administer, score and interpret selected forensic assessment instruments. This includes risk assessment, competency, mental state at the time of offense, psychopathy and malingering. The course will include an introduction to when causes, assessment, classification and treatment of juvenile delinquency. Ethical issues are also addressed.

This course is designed to provide a theoretical understanding of the concepts that derive the techniques and models of marital and family counseling. Students will develop the ability to examine the appropriateness of targeted interventions when working with families and couples from diverse backgrounds. Attention will be focused on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of counseling diverse couples and families, as well as on the importance of advocacy within the family system.

The theoretical and practical counseling strategies derived from personality theories will be examined. An emphasis on translating theoretical models into interventions will be emphasized. Students will also gain the tools necessary to understand human behavior as it pertains to personality differences within the multicultural context.

The various models of career development and vocational counseling will be explored. Emphasis on integrating these models into practical interventions will be applied and students will learn the importance of assessment and the various tools available to counselors to provide the most effective and culturally competent care to diverse clients.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge of ethical issues in mental health care practice. The course will consider the manner in which governing principles of health care ethics are articulated within the general values and specific prescriptions/proscriptions (legal and moral) which constitute current moral wisdom of the mental health professional. Ethical codes of the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and the American Psychological Association will be examined. Lectures, case analysis, class discussion of assigned readings, and written assignments will provide both the conceptual and practical tools for addressing the critical ethical issues which arise in counseling practice.

Counseling Practicum involves placement in a clinical setting to enable students to develop basic counseling skills and integrate professional knowledge and skills. Counseling Practicum provides an opportunity to perform, on a limited basis and under supervision, some of the activities that a mental health counselor would perform. In addition to the supervised practicum, this course involves a weekly seminar. Prior permission of the Practicum Coordinator is required in order to arrange for a practicum setting appropriate to the student's academic and career goals. Students complete a minimum of 100 hours for this course.

This course is designed to provide a theoretical understanding of group development, purpose, and dynamics. Issues related to group counseling methods, skills, and leadership styles will be examined. In addition, this course is a conceptual and experiential introduction to group dynamics, group counseling approaches and models, issues of group leadership, styles of leadership, and group facilitation skills. Students will have the opportunity to engage in the experiential learning of group process by becoming part of a small group. This course will cover a range of groups that are typically used by mental health counselors.

Counseling Internship I involve a placement in a clinical setting to enable students to develop counseling skills and integrate professional knowledge and skills. Advanced Counseling Internship provides an opportunity to perform some of the activities that a mental health counselor would perform under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional. In addition to the supervised clinical experience, the course involves a weekly seminar on campus. Prior permission of the Practicum/Internship Coordinator is required in order to arrange a practicum placement that is appropriate to the student's academic career goals. Students complete between 300-450 hours for this course, of which 150 should be direct hours5.

Counseling Internship II involves a placement in a clinical setting to enable students to deepen and strengthen their development of counseling skills and to integrate professional knowledge and skills. Counseling Internship II provides an opportunity to perform the activities that a mental health counselor would perform under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional. In addition to the hours at the counseling placement, the course involves a weekly supervision seminar. Successful completion of the PSYC 575 Internship I is necessary to enroll in Internship II. Students complete between 300-450 hours for this course, of which 150 should be direct hours (see footnote under PSYC 575).

Counseling Internship III is an elective extension to the clinical sequence in the Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology program. As with the two preceding Clinical Courses (PSYC 575 and 576) involves a placement in a clinical setting, for between 300-450 hours (see footnote under PSYC 575), to enable students to deepen and strengthen their development of counseling skills and to integrate professional knowledge and skills. Counseling Internship III provides an opportunity to perform the activities that a mental health counselor would perform under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional. In addition to the hours at the counseling placement, the course involves a weekly supervision seminar where students enrolled in PSYC 577 will lead the supervision of students from the Practicum (PSYC 560) or earlier internship course (PSYC 575 and 576). Successful completion of the PSYC 575 and 576 is necessary to enroll in this course.

This course examines the knowledge, skills, and application of Motivational Interviewing as a collaborative counseling conversation to assist clients in positive behavior change. Students are introduced to the foundation, skills, and spirit of Motivational Interviewing as a person-centered counseling approach, including its integration with other treatment modalities.

This course familiarizes students with the assessment process, how to interview and use assessment tools in conjunction with the DSM and the ICD to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan, and compares standard assessment techniques and process-oriented interviewing. The course emphasizes to students the importance of when to make appropriate referrals to ancillary treatment modalities or for medical evaluations and other social advocacy actions possible. Finally, this course weighs both the potential benefits and risks of assigning diagnostic labels to people.

Students will gain an understanding of empirical methods as they are typically used in the social sciences, including psychology and counseling. Students will learn to apply fundamental research methods to a variety of research questions, learn the scientific method, and understand cultural biases associated with research practices. Methods include statistical inference, the focus of the first half of the course, and qualitative methods in the second half of the course.

This course engages the learner in an over view of varied interventions and counseling techniques designed to address behavioral maladjustments in children and adolescents, and to support and re-direct parental-child distressed interactions which includes community outreach and client advocacy. The process of diagnosis, counseling planning and treatment will be studied within a multicultural context. This course presents both theoretical review and applied practice of different types of interventions.

This course is designed to provide a theoretical understanding of the concepts that derive the techniques and models of counseling the older adult. Students will develop the ability to examine the appropriateness of targeted interventions when working with older adults and the cultural and social issues that impact the geriatric population with regard to counseling services and mental health. Attention will be focused on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of counseling diverse aging adults.

This course explores the causes and effects of traumatic events. Although Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is typically thought of as trauma experienced as a result of combat, there is increasing recognition that traumatic events may occur at any age, from childhood through advanced adulthood and in many circumstances. The approach in this course will be, not only to obtain a clear understanding of the disorder in all its manifestations, but also thorough exposure to a variety of readings, films, and guest lectures to encounter the various ways in which trauma is experienced, the ways in which intervention is possible, and the multiple modalities for treatment.

This course explores the causes and effects of traumatic events, as well as the nature of both traumatic stressors and symptoms, the crisis interventions that may be necessary to initiate a course of treatment, and the various treatment methods found to be effective. Although Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is typically thought of as trauma experienced as a result of combat, there is increasing recognition that traumatic events may occur at any age, from childhood through advanced adulthood and in many circumstances. The approach in this course will be, not only to obtain a clear understanding of the disorder in all its manifestations, but also thorough exposure to a variety of readings, films, and guest lectures to encounter the various ways in which trauma is experienced, the ways in which intervention is possible, and the multiple modalities for treatment.

This course explores and identifies the full range of addictive behaviors encountered in the work of a counselor. The following addictions will be examined using a biological, psychological, and social model: substance abuse (drug and alcohol); food; gambling; sexual; internet; tobacco; hoarding; and shopping. Students will become acquainted with the concept of a twelve step program model for recovery as well as other community-based programs for individuals suffering from addictions. In addition, treatment planning and implementation issues will be reviewed and students will learn how to implement these counseling skills within a multicultural framework.

This course explores a rich variety of ethnic and gender-based cultures and subcultures. Consonant with the overall orientation of the Program, students are challenged to explore both the diversity among cultures, and common elements that unite all peoples. Assumptions of the dominant culture about healthy functioning individuals and families are examined in the light of the great cultural variety found throughout the world. This course invites students to examine their own cultural lenses through which they see others, especially when they are working in a therapeutic environment.

The independent study focuses on intensive
research design, data collection and statistical
analyses. The outcome from this course will
include the collection of empirical data and the
presentation and publication of the research
findings. Students will develop and carryout
research protocols developed based on personal
interest and the instructor's area of research. 

This course will examine the fundamentals of drug pharmacology and drug interactions at the basic level needed for counselors and apply the use of neuroscientific research findings for culturally competent counseling practices Lectures will review current psychotropic medication protocols as well as some herbal and nutraceutical complements to counseling.

This is a zero-credit course that is meant to provide guidance and structure to the research process. Students will use this time to work through areas of interest and formulate a research topic. Student participation and feedback is an integral part of the course. Students are expected to present at least twice a week to their peers and that the group will serve as a forum for scholarly inquiry and development. Students will also work with the instructor to set realistic goals, manage expectations, and organize the workload so that they may be productive and timely in completing their dissertation. Students will gain access to various resources on campus; library, IRB committee, and learn more about how to effectively utilize these services.

This is a zero-credit course that is meant to provide guidance and structure to the research process. Students will use this time to work through areas of interest and formulate a research topic. Students are expected to present at least twice a week to their peers and that the group will serve as a forum for scholarly inquiry and development. Students will also work with the instructor to set realistic goals, manage expectations, and organize the workload so that they may be productive and timely in completing their dissertation. Students will gain access to various resources on campus; library, IRB committee, and learn more about how to effectively utilize these services. At the conclusion of the clsas students are expected to present a preliminary proposal document that defines a research question, has support from the evidence based theoretical papers, and lists the hypotheses of the proposed dissertation.

This is a zero-credit course that is meant to provide guidance and structure to the research process. Students will use this time to work through and further develop their dissertation proposal. Participation and feedback are an integral part of this course. Students will also work with the instructor to set realistic goals, manage expectations, and organize the workload so that they may be productive and timely in completing their dissertation. Students will develop their application to the IRB and a document nearly ready for a proposal hearing.

This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of designing dissertation research and successfully defending the design in a proposal hearing. The course's purpose is to complete the dissertation proposal and select a faculty chair who will continue to work individually with the students. Additional Dissertation Advisement courses (PSYC 754, 755, and 756) will be required throughout the dissertation advisement and considered 0 credit courses.

This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of designing dissertation research and successfully defending the design in a proposal hearing. The course's purpose is to help doctoral students through the proposal and dissertation writing processes. Students can register for this course, with chair approval, and begin working on dissertation design, research, and writing. Additional Dissertation Advisement courses will be required throughout the dissertation advisement, and will be considered 0 credit courses.

Students will have solidified the design of their study. Students will present twice this semester and receive invaluable feedback from the class. They will first present to discuss the study's design and the second to identify the different components of the literature review. Students will learn how to organize the content and will develop strategies. The semester will also focus on planning for IRB approval and creating a timeline for dissertation proposal.

This course deals with the completion of the dissertation. Students are expected to recruit a chair for their dissertation and oral defense of the dissertation. This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of designing dissertation research and successfully defending the design in a proposal hearing and eventually the oral defense of the dissertation. The course's purpose is to help doctoral students through the proposal and dissertation writing processes. Students can register for this course, with chair approval, and begin working on dissertation design, research, and writing. Additional Dissertation Advisement courses will be required throughout the dissertation advisement and considered 0 credit courses.