Counseling (COUN)

COUN 5350 Introduction to Substance and Process Addictions    3 Credits

This course includes the history and other related issues of substance use and process addiction including the neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders; process addictions counseling including but not limited to gambling, sex, food, alcohol, or drugs; and basic concepts of terminology, models, ethical issues, substance classifications, effects and associated dangers, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning with both adults and children. Previously CN 0465, COUN 5465.

COUN 5410 Grief and Loss Counseling    3 Credits

The focus of this course is on developing sensitivity, knowledge, and practical skills working with grief, bereavement, and end of life issues in counseling and cross-cultural approaches. It is designed to inform students how loss is a pervasive, natural process of life and with skilled understanding and intervention can provide healing, meaning, and transformation to self and others. The impact of religious and spiritual belief systems on bereavement, grief, and loss will be covered. Family interventions and conceptualizing grief and loss from a systems perspective will be discussed. This course is an advanced graduate course that includes interpersonal, interactive, and affective content and experiences. This course is open only to matriculated counselor education candidates; others by permission of the department chair. Previously CN 0410.

COUN 5432 Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling    3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the counseling profession, professional counseling in particular, including but not limited to history, roles and responsibilities, interdisciplinary teams, advocacy, consultation, collaboration, leadership, professional organizations, basic counseling knowledge and skills, and service delivery models, record keeping, and reimbursement. Previously CN 0432.

COUN 5433 Multicultural Issues in Counseling    3 Credits

Candidates examine issues in counseling individuals and families from diverse ethnic, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds and discuss the social, educational, economic, and behavioral factors that impact clinical work. The course addresses counseling men, women, and couples, and the issues of gender role stereotyping and changing sex roles, and integrates professional contributions from individual counseling and family therapy literature. Previously CN 0433.

COUN 5446 Spirituality and Counseling    3 Credits

An introductory course in the exploration of developmental models and clinical interventions related to the interface of spirituality and counseling. The focus of this course is on developing knowledge and practical skills in working with spiritual and religious issues in counseling. This course is an advanced graduate course that includes interpersonal, interactive, and affective content and experiences. Previously CN 0446.

COUN 5447 Lifespan Development for Professional Counseling    3 Credits

This course explores the processes of individual and family development through the lifespan. It explores theories of learning; theories of normal and abnormal personality development; biological, neurological, and physiological factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior; effects of systemic and environmental factors on human development, functioning, and behavior; effects of crisis, disasters, and trauma on diverse individuals across the lifespan; a general framework for understanding differing abilities and strategies for differentiated interventions; and ethical and culturally relevant strategies for promoting resilience and optimum development and wellness across the lifespan. Previously CN 0447.

COUN 5454 Introduction to Counseling Children and Adolescents    3 Credits

Prerequisites: COUN 5447, COUN 5501, COUN 5553.

This course provides an overview of theories and research pertinent to counseling children and adolescents. Candidates examine factors that promote and hinder healthy human development and receive information regarding assessment, counseling process, and evaluation process unique to working with children and adolescents. The course addresses multicultural dynamics and identifies issues relevant to divorce, grieving, and coping with crisis. Procedures include activities designed to help candidates conceptualize an ecosystemic framework for the counseling process. Previously CN 0454.

COUN 5457 Career Development: Theory and Practice    3 Credits

Fee: $80 SEHD Lab Fee

This course explores theories of career development across the lifespan and applications used in practice. Career assessment tools, world of work information, and the career counseling process are included. Previously CN 0457.

COUN 5468 Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling    3 Credits

This course covers legal and ethical issues of counseling related to education, accreditation, credentialing, scope of practice, ACA and ASCA ethical guidelines for practice, technology’s impact on counseling, legislation and government policy, labor market, self-evaluation, self-care and the role of supervision. Previously CN 0468.

COUN 5501 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy    3 Credits

This course examines philosophical bases for counseling theory, ethical and professional issues, and various theories that contribute to the practice of professional counseling, including psychoanalytic, humanistic/existential, cognitive/behavioral, and systemic approaches. Previously CN 0500.

COUN 5531 Introduction to School Counseling    3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the counseling profession and school counseling in particular, including the history, roles and responsibilities, interdisciplinary teams, advocacy, consultation, collaboration, leadership, professional organizations, basic counseling knowledge and skills, and models of school counseling. Previously CN 0531.

COUN 5553 Counseling Relationships and Skills    3 Credits

This introductory course equips candidates with various techniques of interpersonal communication and assessment, and reviews their application in counseling. The course emphasizes role-playing with the use of videotape and two-way mirror observation. Previously CN 0553.

COUN 5780 Introduction to Eating Disorders    1-2 Credits

This course serves as an introduction to eating disorders for counselors, including self-reflection on students’ relationship with food and body image. The purpose of the course is to: 1) review the DSM-5 diagnoses in this category, along with symptomatology; 2) discuss etiology, with a focus on cultural perspectives; 3) understand best practices in assessment; 4) evaluating level of treatment based on risk; 5) understand theories of treatment; 6) explore public health prevention options; 7) understand diversity issues in eating disorder treatment; 8) understand tailoring treatment to various special populations.

COUN 5785 Interpersonal Theory of Suicide    2 Credits

Students will learn about the Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2009) and its application in the field of clinical mental health counseling. Students will demonstrate the ability to look at cases where suicide is a potential risk and determine how the case will be conceptualized through this theory. Students are expected to: (a) recognize the components of what constitutes a suicidal client and define a crisis, (b) critique alternative suicide assessments using this theory, (c) conduct a decision-tree interview, and (d) experiment with implementing several evidence-based crisis interventions.

COUN 5900 Special Topics (Shell)    1-3 Credits

This course explores advanced topics in the field of counselor education. Topics vary each term, are determined by the counselor education department chair, and reflect current trends and themes in the field of counseling. Previously CN 0403.

COUN 6250 Diagnosis and Treatment Across the Lifespan    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5433.

This course covers the etiology, nomenclature, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders across the lifespan. The course includes the diagnostic process and classifications from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as well as indications and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation. The department recommends that the course be taken after or concurrently with COUN 5468.

COUN 6322 Substance Use Counseling: HIV/AIDS and Other Conditions/Disorders     1 Credit

This course will introduce students to substance use and Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Students will learn to assess, motivate, treat, consult and work in an interdisciplinary team to afford these clients a combination of counseling and medical treatment. Students will learn referral techniques to increase client follow through.

COUN 6326 Psychopharmacology of Substance Use    3 Credits

This course introduces students to the psychopharmacology of substance use. Students will learn how drugs affect the body, brain function and behavior. Students will also examine the neural mechanisms, and individual biological and psychosocial factors that contribute to drug use and the development of substance use disorders. The course will explore the medications for substance use disorders, and public policy related to medication regulation and substance use.

COUN 6450 Career Readiness and College/Workforce Access Counseling in P-12    3 Credits

Prerequisites: COUN 5433, COUN 5457, COUN 5531.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the career readiness and college access counseling role of the school counselor working within the P-12 school setting. By utilizing an equity, diversity, and inclusion framework the course will explore career readiness and college access from a holistic and lifespan developmental perspective. In view of the CACREP standards, this course will explore and appropriately address the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national domains in academic, career, and the personal needs of P-12 students from kindergarten through high school as it relates to transitioning into career readiness, college/work force access, and planning.

COUN 6455 Group Work: Theory and Practice    3 Credits

Prerequisites: COUN 5501, COUN 5553.

This course focuses on the broad methodology of group work and theories and tasks in interpersonal and multicultural contexts. Candidates observe the nature of their interactions with others and enhance their knowledge about the nature of groups and the current theories and models. Understanding of group work with substance abusers will be explored. This course includes an experiential component. Previously CN 0455.

COUN 6467 Assessment in Counseling    3 Credits

Fee: $80 SEHD Lab Fee

Prerequisite: COUN 5553.

This course establishes an understanding of principles and procedures associated with standardized and non-standardized assessment in community and school settings. Candidates acquire skills necessary for conducting basic assessments and explore principles of diagnosis, individual, group, and environmental assessments. The course includes an overview of intelligence, attitude, interest, motivation, aptitude, achievement, personality, adjustment, and development; examines legal, ethical, and multicultural concerns; and presents considerations unique to individuals with special needs. Previously CN 0467.

COUN 6515 Trauma and Crisis Intervention    3 Credits

This course addresses current theory, research, and models relevant to trauma and crisis intervention. Specific focus will be placed on understanding the role of spirituality, across cultures, in counseling children, men, women, and families. In addition, skills essential for response to trauma while working with groups will be addressed. Conceptualization from a systems perspective will be addressed. Forgiveness, hardiness, resiliency, and the dynamics of violence, religious and political, will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of spirituality while working with individuals and groups. An overview of the affective, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological sequelae in response to trauma and crisis will be discussed, with emphasis on skills essential for crisis intervention, including assessment of safety and security concerns, triage, lethality, mass disaster, death notification, suicide, murder, and natural disaster. In addition, models essential for the care of the caregiver will be identified. The course's instructional format will combine experiential, demonstration, and discussion methods. Active learning is essential to continued development. This course is an advanced graduate course that includes interpersonal, interactive, and affective content and experiences. This course is open only to matriculated counselor education candidates. Previously CN 0515.

COUN 6524 Domestic Violence in Nicaragua    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5553.

The course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to work outside of the country in Nicaragua. Specifically, students will work with groups of women from two rural villages on issues of gender equality and violence against women. The course is structured such that students will be required to meet throughout the summer, learning about Nicaraguan culture and laws, and designing a training program. Students will then travel to Nicaragua and provide training. This course is open only to students matriculated in the Counselor Education program. Previously CN 0524.

COUN 6525 Spirituality and Wellness    3 Credits

This course provides a holistic approach to wellness integrating mind, body, and spirit interventions into the counseling process. An overview of wellness models, assessment tools, and spiritual practices as strength resources will be explored. Students will explore lifespan and cross cultural influences on wellness. Development of wellness and prevention plans and research on health and spirituality will be a focus. This course is an advanced graduate course that includes interpersonal, interactive, and affective content and experiences. Previously CN 0525.

COUN 6531 Advanced School Counseling    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5531.

This course will prepare students to understand and use models of P-12 comprehensive career development as well as collaboration and consultation to facilitate school and postsecondary transitions, to foster college and career readiness, and to promote equity in student achievement and college access.

COUN 6533 Advanced Multicultural Counseling Strategies and Skills    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5433, COUN 5553.

This course provides in-depth opportunities for students to deepen and expand their multicultural competencies and counseling skills for working with diverse belief systems and populations. Exploration of diverse spiritual, religious, ethnic, and systemic belief systems will allow students to develop cross-cultural competencies and understanding of the impact of the cultural context on the therapeutic process. Topics included will be pedagogy of the oppressed, religious violence and trauma, and refugee and immigration concerns. This course is an advanced graduate course that includes interpersonal, interactive, and affective content and experiences. Previously CN 0533.

COUN 6553 Advanced Skills and Techniques in Counseling    3 Credits

Prerequisites: COUN 5553, 5501. This course prepares students for their Practicum experience by emphasizing advanced counseling skills and techniques. It will focus on increasing complexity of interventions, specialized treatment protocols, including trauma-informed care, and best practices in tele-mental health. It is an experiential course in a laboratory setting with learning occurring through role-plays and case conceptualization.

COUN 6555 Substance Use Counseling: Skills & Strategies with Diverse Populations    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5350 or a basic understanding of the addictions field.

This course focuses on developing counseling skills and strategies as it relates to substance use counseling with diverse populations. An overview of assessment, treatment planning, relapse prevention and recovery will be explored with a focus on motivational interviewing. The course addresses ethics and theories that are fundamental to addiction counseling with emphasis on the relationship between theory and the practice of effective skills with diverse populations. Candidates will reflect on their personal characteristics as a counselor and define the qualities, knowledge, and essential skills to becoming a competent, ethical, culturally aware counselor in training specific to the treatment of substance use.

COUN 6557 Co-Occurring Disorders in Substance Use Counseling    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5350 or a basic understanding of the addictions field.

This course will cover assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Students will develop an awareness of the unique challenges that face clients who are struggling with multiple diagnoses. Students will practice conducting assessments, recovery plans, counseling skills. Ethics and continuum of care issues relevant to the recovery process for this special population. Combines didactic and experiential learning opportunities.

COUN 6566 Substance Use and the Family    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 5350 or a basic understanding of the addictions field.

This course brings together substance use studies and family systems approach. Students are presented with a knowledge base of skills and methods for assessing and treating family systems. The course identifies the addictive and intergenerational patterns within families. Students are encouraged to reflect upon the theoretical frameworks to understand and create interventions for families with substance-use issues. Relational clinical models including developmental, systemic, solution-focused, and narrative approaches are reviewed and evaluated. The course examines the history and methods of treatment models. Issues of social justice are emphasized in a review of socio-cultural and social policy that influence family behaviors and treatment. Cross-referenced as MFTH 6566.

COUN 6568 Research Methodology    3 Credits

This course covers statistical procedures and research design for the consumer of human services research, with an emphasis on program evaluation, understanding the inferential potential of statistical procedures, and evaluating published research. Candidates focus on research in their respective disciplines. Previously CN 0566.

COUN 6585 Introduction to Clinical Supervision    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6950.

Intended for post-master's degree practitioners in counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or social work, who are engaged in the practice of clinical supervision or preparing to become supervisors, this course covers major conceptual approaches to supervision, supervision methods, evaluation of supervisees, ethical and legal issues, and additional variables that affect supervision. The course offers experiential components to supplement didactic material. Previously CN 0585.

COUN 6840 Consultation and Collaboration for School Counselors    3 Credits

Prerequisites: COUN 5433, COUN 5531.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the process of collaboration, consultation, and intervention within the school counseling environment. Emphasis is placed on the school counselor’s role in working with school staff, parents, and community members to promote the academic, career, and personal/social development of students.

COUN 6950 Counseling Practicum    3 Credits

Prerequisite: Completion of core requirements and practicum review.

Candidates develop their individual, group, and consultation skills in this course through placement in a counseling setting, while receiving individual and group supervision on campus weekly. Participation requires audio recording at the practicum site for supervision and demonstration of diagnosis and treatment planning skills. Additional requirements include 100 clock hours, including 40 direct service hours. Candidates may repeat this course once for credit. Open only to matriculated students in Counselor Education. Previously CN 0558.

COUN 6981 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6950.

In clinical mental health counseling setting placements consistent with their career goals, candidate interns receive individual supervision. University faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation, as well as professional issues related to practice. Internship requirements include 600 clock hours, including 240 direct service hours. Candidates arrange their internships with the assistance of the clinical coordinator. Previously CN 0590C.

COUN 6982 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship II    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6981. In clinical mental health counseling setting placements consistent with their career goals, candidate interns receive individual supervision. University faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation, as well as professional issues related to practice. Site supervisors provide weekly individual site supervision. Internship II is the continuation and completion of requirements for the 600 clock hours, including 240 direct service hours. Candidates arrange their internships with the assistance of the clinical coordinator. Previously CN 0590C.

COUN 6983 School Counseling Internship I    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6950. In elementary, middle, and/or secondary school setting placements, candidate interns receive individual supervision. University faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation, as well as professional issues related to practice. Site supervisors conduct weekly supervision on site. Internship requirements include 700 clock hours over 2 semesters, including 240 direct service hours. Candidates make their internship arrangements with the assistance of the clinical coordinator. Previously CN 0590S.

COUN 6984 School Counseling Internship II    3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6983. In elementary, middle, and/or secondary school setting placements, candidate interns receive individual supervision. University faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation, as well as professional issues related to practice. Site supervisors conduct weekly supervision on site. Internship requirements include 700 clock hours over 2 semesters, including 240 direct service hours. Candidates make their internship arrangements with the assistance of the clinical coordinator. Available only to certified teachers with 3 years of experience who are cross endorsing. Previously CN 0590S.

COUN 6985 School Counseling Internship for Teachers    6 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6950. In elementary, middle, and/or secondary school setting placements, candidate interns receive individual supervision. University faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation, as well as professional issues related to practice. Site supervisors conduct weekly supervision on site. Internship requirements include 600 clock hours over 5 months (1 semester), including 240 direct service hours. Candidates make their internship arrangements with the assistance of the clinical coordinator. Available only to certified teachers with 3 years of experience who are cross endorsing. Previously CN 0590S.

COUN 6986 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Continuing    0-3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6982.

This course is a continuation of COUN 6982. Faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation as well as professional issues related to practice. This continuation course ensures that interns complete the required 600 clock hours including 240 direct service hours. Previously CN 0591C.

COUN 6987 School Counseling Internship Continuing    0-3 Credits

Prerequisite: COUN 6984 or 6985.

This course is a continuation of COUN 6984 or COUN 6985. Faculty conduct weekly group supervision on campus that includes an emphasis on clinical work, prevention, and consultation as well as professional issues related to practice. This continuation course ensures that interns complete the required 600 clock hours including 240 direct service hours. Previously CN 0591C.

COUN 6990 Independent Study    3-6 Credits

Candidates undertake individual projects in consultation with a faculty member, based on proposals submitted one semester in advance. Previously CN 0595.

COUN 6999C Comprehensive Exam in Clinical Mental Health Counseling    0 Credits

The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) is a standardized multiple-choice exam with 120 questions that requires Clinical Mental Health Counseling candidates to demonstrate understanding and mastery of content reflecting the eight core CACREP areas. It is highly recommended that candidates complete their comprehensive exam during their penultimate semester. Previously CN 0099.

COUN 6999S Comprehensive Exam in School Counseling    0 Credits

The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) is a standardized multiple-choice exam with 120 questions that requires School Counseling candidates to demonstrate understanding and mastery of content reflecting the eight core CACREP areas. It is highly recommended that candidates complete their comprehensive exam during their penultimate semester. Previously CN 0098.