Theories of Counselling & Psychotherapy

Curriculum guideline

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Course
PSYC 3375
Discontinued
No
Course code
PSYC 3375
Descriptive
Theories of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Department
Psychology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
202220
PLAR
No
Semester length
15
Max class size
35
Contact hours
Lecture 4hrs. per week/semester
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Methods of instruction may include:

  • lecture
  • group activities
  • presentations
  • audiovisual media
  • guest lectures.
Course description
This course surveys the major theories and techniques of foundational and contemporary counselling and psychotherapy, and explores topics such as evidence-based practice, culture and diversity, and common factors important to successful therapy. This course additionally examines the philosophical underpinning of the theories about human nature and change process. It critiques the models from ethical, multicultural, indigenous and social justice perspectives. This course helps to prepare students who are considering advanced study in counselling and psychotherapy.
Course content
  1. Science, Diversity, and Ethics in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  2. The Effectiveness of Contemporary Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  3. Evidence-Based Practice.
  4. Common Factors in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  5. Contextual and Collaborative Assessment.
  6. Psychodynamic Theory and Techniques.
  7. Interpersonal Theory and Techniques.
  8. Humanistic Theory and Techniques.
  9. Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Techniques.
  10. Narrative Therapy and Social Constructivism.
  11. Family Theory and Techniques.
Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

  1. Contemporary counselling and psychotherapy theories.
  2. Contemporary counselling and psychotherapy interventions.
  3. The effectiveness of contemporary counselling and psychotherapy interventions.
  4. Common factors and skills that are core to all counselling and psychotherapy interventions.
  5. Evidence-based practice and empirically supported therapies.
  6. Cultural and diversity issues in counselling and psychotherapy.
  7. Ethical issues in counselling and psychotherapy.
Means of assessment

The course evaluation will be in accordance with Douglas College and Psychology Department policies. Evaluations will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

 An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

Research paper - 20%                                           

Exams - 3 at 20% each -  60%

Presentation -  20%                                 

Total - 100%

Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

Textbook(s) such as the following, the list to be updated periodically:

  • Corey, G. (2017). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
  • Sue, D., & Sue, D.M. Foundations of counselling and psychotherapy: Evidence-based practices for a diverse society. (Current ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Canada.
  • Capuzzi, D. & Gross, D. Counselling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (Current ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counselling Association.
Prerequisites

PSYC 1100 and PSYC 1200

Equivalencies

Courses listed here are equivalent to this course and cannot be taken for further credit:

  • No equivalency courses