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Psychology

Applied Statistics for Counselors

PSY 6010 3 cr.

A prerequisite course for students applying to the M.S. in Counseling Program.

Students are introduced to basic concepts in statistics and probability with emphasis on the testing of statistical hypotheses using the methodology of inferential statistics.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100. Does not count for psychology major or minor.

Professional Practice, Standards and Ethics:School Counseling

PSY 7000 3 cr.

The philosophy, structure and dynamics of schools and the school systems will be explored. The roles of various school personnel, especially school counselors, in providing and coordinating services to children, will be studied. Consulting services to children will be emphasized. Legal and ethical issues involved in the practice of Counseling in schools will be examined.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development.

Professional Practice, Standards and Ethics:Mental Health and Family Counseling

PSY 7005 3 cr.

This course addresses the professional orientation, including the history of mental health counseling and marriage and family and family counseling within the context of health and human services systems, mental health public policy and legislation; consumer needs assessment and advocacy and the role of professional associations. Professional standards of training, practice and licensure are covered. The legal and ethical issues that affect the professional practice of counseling, such as reporting, confidentiality, duty to warn and ethical standards are explored. Professional practice issues such as malpractice, dual-relationships, client rights and professional responsibilities are examined.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development.

Counseling Theories

PSY 7010 3 cr.

Participants in this course examine the major paradigms and theoretical approaches to counseling, including Organic-Medical, Psychoanalytic, Person-Centered, Behavioral, Rational-Emotive/Cognitive and Systemic/Family. In addition to increasing participants understanding of the therapeutic process, the course focuses on increasing self-awareness of personal characteristics that may influence professional effectiveness. Students submit a personal statement paper.

Note: performance in this course is part of the pre-candidacy screening process for matriculation into the Graduate Program in Counseling.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Group Dynamics

PSY 7020 3 cr.

This course explores the cognitive, affective and behavioral processes within the context of groups. Part one of the course is experientially based and requires students to participate in an actual group process. Part two provides an analysis of group dynamics, including an examination of the experiential component. Course emphasis is on the experiential and theoretical bases of group dynamics with the development of participant intra- and interpersonal awareness.

Note: performance in this course is part of the pre-candidacy screening process for matriculation into the graduate program in counseling.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Issues in Development: Counseling Children and Adolescents

PSY 8010 3 cr.

This course equips students with a strong background in developmental events of childhood and adolescence in order to enhance their understanding of a young clients point of view. Students are asked to relate developmental issues to the kinds of problems children and adolescents present to the counselor. Theories of personality are reviewed, and students are required to apply concepts from theory to case material.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100 and a course in psychology of development.

Issues in Development: Counseling Adults

PSY 8020 3 cr.

The course emphasizes adult development and counseling issues of adult life, especially as they relate to an individuals developmental progress. Students consider clients in light of their developmental history, which influences present behavior. The instruction presumes that helping clients gain greater understanding of these influences aids them in their efforts to solve problems and become more satisfied in their daily lives.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100 and a course in psychology of development

Life Span Development

PSY 8030 3 cr.

This course examines human physical, cognitive, personality and social cultural development from conception to death. Emphasis is upon the understanding of the theories of human development across the life span, the understanding of empirical research associated with these theories, the enhancement of critical thinking skills and the application of understanding to current issues in development.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100 and a course in psychology of development

Issues in the Psychology of Death and Dying

PSY 8040 3 cr.

This course explores theories, research, and literature related to death, grief and loss. The student is encouraged to examine personal reactions to these dynamics, to relate them to ongoing development and to apply them to the counseling relationship.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Theories of Personality: Applications to Counseling

PSY 8050 3 cr.

This course surveys the major theories of personality. Emphasis is placed upon the students ability to integrate the study of personality within the context of normal developmental issues and psychopathology.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Psychology of Women: Counseling Implications

PSY 8060 3 cr.

This course examines how being female impacts the behavior and perception of women. A variety of topics are covered, including development of identity, hormonal determinants of behavior, sex differences in personality, womens roles in societies and woman as a counseling client.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Divorce: Process and Issues

PSY 8090 3 cr.

This course is designed for students interested in increasing their understanding of marital separation and divorce. Students review the effects of this action on children and parents as well as the changes divorce imposes on personal, interpersonal and societal levels. The various stages each family member goes through coupled with developmental issues are discussed. Strategies for helping families grow through the experience are demonstrated, using individual and family therapy techniques as well as support group dynamics. Remarriage and the blended family are addressed, and current research in the area is reviewed.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on School Based Services

PSY 8100 3 cr.

This course explores the principles and practices of etiology, diagnosis (diagnostic and statistical manual criteria, etc.), treatment and prevention of emotional and dysfunctional behaviors (physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, substance abuse, sexuality issues, AIDS, mental illnesses and violence) and the legal and ethical dilemmas faced by educators in schools today. The course is designed to teach the educator to respond to children and families in crisis, provide referrals, work as part of an interdisciplinary team and take a proactive stance against child abuse and related problems.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development

Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents

PSY 8120 3 cr.

This course emphasizes the diagnosis and humanistic treatment of the victim and the perpetrator, as well as significant others in the sexual abuse of children and adolescents. The psychodynamics of each role are discussed with an exploration of a variety of treatment modes. Case studies and speakers are used to enhance students learning. Affective as well as cognitive approaches are used. This course is geared toward the practitioner and potential practitioner or teacher. Prior completion of a course in child abuse and neglect, experience in protective services or exposure to abuse/neglect situations is helpful.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Psychopathology I: Diagnosis and Assessment

PSY 8130 3 cr.

This course explores major categories of emotional and behavioral disturbance utilizing the DSM-IV diagnostic classification system. Case vignettes are used to provide students with practice in differential diagnosis using the DSM-IV. The course reviews the following for each category of psychopathology: essential features, associated features, diagnostic criteria and multiaxial classification. Clinical interviewing and assessment is addressed, as well as legal and ethical issues related to assessment and diagnosis.

Note: A field based experience (25 hours minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development

Psychopathology II: Treatment Planning and Outcome

PSY 8132 3 cr.

This course is an advanced graduate counseling psychology course, which assumes familiarity with patterns of emotional and behavioral disturbances and competency in utilizing the DSM-IV to determine differential diagnosis. In addition to discussing psychopathology and diagnosis, this course focuses on differential treatment planning and outcome effectiveness. Treatment planning examines various interventions, including psychopharmacology and modalities of categories of psychopathology. Students explore the role of the multidisciplinary team and the need for consultation and/or referral. Treatment termination indication is also covered.
Prerequisite: PSY 8130.

Psychopharmacology for Counselors

PSY 8135 3 cr.

This course teaches counselors, residential specialists and teachers how to collaborate with physicians to maximize the benefits of psychiatric medications for their clients. Students review the genetic and biological factors that shape personality and psychopathology. Particular emphasis is placed upon the use of psychiatric medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, episodic rage, sleep disturbances, Tourettes syndrome, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Other biological therapies are discussed, including the use of artificial sunlight for winter depression.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development or permission of instructor.

Alcohol Abuse and Other Addictive Disorders

PSY 8140 3 cr.

The course is a survey of the use and abuse of alcohol and other commonly used psychoactive drugs. An understanding of the basic principles of pharmacology is reviewed along with the psychosocial correlates of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. The course provides a functional analytic framework for assessing addictive behaviors. Participants visit various substance abuse programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, AL -non, and an area detoxification program.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350.

Impact of Alcohol Abuse and Other Addictive Disorders on Family Systems

PSY 8143 3 cr.

This course focuses on the effects of alcohol abuse and other addictive disorders on the entire family system, including children of alcoholics. Systems theory as applied to families are reviewed. The effects of trans-generational patterns of alcohol abuse and other addictive disorders on family members (including the roles that are adopted) are examined. Self help programs, for example, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Overeaters Anonymous are explored.
Prerequisite: PSY 8140. (offered every two years)

Family Treatment with Abusive/Neglectful Families

PSY 8170 3 cr.

This course helps the student recognize the necessity of treating the entire family in abuse cases and develops skills in family therapy as it applies to abusive families. It is recommended that the student have completed a basic family therapy course.

Note: A field based experience (25 hours minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisites: PSY 8100, PSY 8150, PSY 8160 and permission of department.
(offered every two years)

Criminal Psychopathology

PSY 8172 3 cr.

This course reviews the psychodynamics, as well as familial and ecological dynamics, of situational offenders, recidivist offenders and sociopathic offenders. Students explore the interface between traditional notions of mental health, criminal behavior and addiction theory. Students develop an understanding of the psychological impact of criminal behavior on the offenders family, the victim, the community and the criminal justice system.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, SOC 1100, HMSV 1100 or permission of instructor.

Systems, Laws, and Issues in Forensic Case Work

PSY 8174 3 cr.

This course examines the philosophies and social/legal mandates governing the criminal justice, mental health and social service systems as they affect criminal offenders. The challenges confronting the professionals in these systems are explored in relation to their legal options to service and manage behavior. Topics such as dangerousness, domestic violence and involuntary treatment are considered.

Note: a field based experience (25 hr. minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisite: PSY 8172. (offered every two years)

Treatment Issues and Interventions in Forensic Case Work

PSY 8175 3 cr.

This course reviews traditional and innovative therapeutic techniques and institutional considerations for treating offenders in outpatient, inpatient and correctional settings. Students explore strategies for dealing with resistant clients, and they learn how to develop collaborative relationships with probation and parole officers. Discussions focus on legal, therapeutic and systems issues in counseling victims, family members of offenders and criminal justice professionals.

Note: a field based experience (25 hr. minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisite: PSY 8172. (offered every two years)

Mental Status Examination

PSY 8176 1 cr.

This course helps students to develop a working knowledge of the technical language and content of reports from hospitals, schools, and court records. Students learn to evaluate a patients current mood and thought processes and to judge their tendency towards suicide and public danger. The administering of a brief screening for possible neurological and physical problems is discussed. To benefit professionals outside the field of mental health, students master the translation of psychological jargon into understandable reports.
Prerequisite: PSY 2350 or PSY 8172.

Social and Cultural Foundations: Issues in Counseling

PSY 8190 3 cr.

This course covers the multicultural and pluralistic trends as well as the characteristics and concerns of diverse groups. The attitude and behaviors based on such factors as age, gender, race, religious belief, physical disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, culture, family pattern, socio-economic status and intellectual ability are explored in the context of client population and a students own background. Individual family and group counseling strategies for working with these diverse populations are examined while taking into consideration ethical issues.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Principles of Guidance and Counseling

PSY 8200 3 cr.

This course addresses the roles, activities and problems of school counselors. Counselor relations with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and with other professionals in the pupil services field are examined. Techniques for effectively reaching and serving target populations in a school setting are explored.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Psychology of Learning: Theory and Applications

PSY 8205 3 cr.

This course explores the study of the human learning process with emphasis on learning theories, concepts, principles, applications and implications. Among the topics addressed are information processing, attention, perception, metacognition, thinking, memory, forgetting, transfer, concept learning, principle learning, learning disorders, study skills, expository techniques, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning and motivation.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100

Occupational Information and Career Counseling

PSY 8210 3 cr.

This course presents an overview of the nature of work in the technological society. Emphasis is placed on career development theories, vocational interest and educational admissions tests, and sources of occupational and educational information. Students learn about career counseling techniques and placement services in high schools, colleges and adult career service agencies.

Note: a field based experience (25 hours minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Lifestyles and Career Development

PSY 8215 3 cr.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with work force issues and how they impact lifestyles and career development. It includes the examination of the global economy, technological changes, demographic shifts, ethics and changes in the labor market. The interrelationships among work, family, and other life roles as well as the effects of diverse cultures, genders and special populations are examined for their impact on career counseling and career development. Students are exposed to career decision making models; career counseling competencies; career development theory; corresponding assessment tools; and career, vocational and educational information resources and systems. Students also learn to facilitate the career development process over the lifespan.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Counseling in the Elementary School

PSY 8220 3 cr.

This course provides applications of counseling strategies as they relate to the development levels exhibited by elementary school students. Emphasis is placed on counseling methods and referral skills appropriate to working in school settings, with professional colleagues and parents.

Note: a field based experience (25 hours minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100.

Working with Individuals with Special Needs

PSY 8230 3 cr.

The needs, levels of functioning and contributions of individuals with special needs are examined in this course. Educational issues and strategies for understanding and working with individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, social emotional issues, medical needs, and mental disabilities are explored.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development.

Intervention Methods for School Adjustment Counselors

PSY 8240 3 cr.

This course focuses on the implementation of effective strategies for working with children, families, schools, agencies and communities. Building upon a theoretical and conceptual framework, the techniques of consultation, crisis-intervention, conflict resolution, inter-school/agency/community collaboration and referrals are examined and applied. Didactic approaches, including case studies, role playing and case presentations, are utilized.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development.

Psychological Testing and Assessment: Theory and Practice

PSY 8300 3 cr.

This course is designed to give students a broad understanding of the theory and use of psychological testing and assessment. Methods of test evaluation, analysis and interpretation, including psychometric statistics, standardization, correlation, validity, reliability, standard errors, and types of assessment scores are presented. Students examine standardized testing instruments used to measure human cognitive and affective factors, as well as environmental, performance, behavioral and computer-assisted assessments. Age, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, cultural factors and ethical considerations related to assessments and evaluation are explored.

Note: a field based experience (25 hours minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100, PSY 2120 or PSY 5530.

Psychological Testing and Assessment: Individual Measurement of Intelligence

PSY 8310 3 cr.

This course covers the history, development and organization of the Wechsler and Stanford-Binet tests of intelligence. Considerable time and emphasis are placed on the administration and scoring of these tests and on the interpretation and reporting of results. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course. Testing materials must be purchased during the course. Field experience is required.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2120 or PSY 5530, PSY 8300.

Psychological Testing and Assessment: Projective Techniques

PSY 8320 3 cr.

This course covers techniques of measuring human personality through human figure drawings, informal projective sentence completion tests and apperception testing. Students develop skills in administering these techniques and integrate findings into psychological reports.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2120 or PSY5530, PSY 8300.

Clinical Observation and Assessment of Children and Adolescents

PSY 8330 3 cr.

The emphasis of this course is on developing a conceptual framework for simultaneously observing multiple dimensions of child and adolescent functioning, then translating these observations into clinical inferences to derive clinical hypotheses and treatment recommendations from these inferences. This is an advanced course necessitating familiarity with abnormal behavior and diagnosis.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, and a course in psychology of development. (offered every two years)

Counseling Techniques and Case Analysis: Individuals and Families

PSY 8500 6 cr.

This course investigates the variety of counselor skills necessary in a helping relationship to move a client from an initial interview through the processes of information gathering, assessing, goal setting, and intervention (both individually and family system oriented) to establishing an effective termination. Students practice basic and active listening skills, such as paraphrasing, clarification, probing, and confrontation. They analyze and interpret client information and problem solve. Students also learn to develop an ecosystemic map of the client system, which includes a family or origin genogram and map of the relevant contextual levels impinging on the client system. Further, the course addresses such topics as crisis intervention, individual and group intervention strategies, couple and family assessment and interventions and case conference techniques.

Note: a field based experience (25 hour minimum) is required for this course.

Prerequisite for school guidance students: PSY 7000, PSY 8010, PSY 8200, 8210 or PSY 8220, and PSY 8300.

Prerequisite for mental health counseling students: PSY 7005, PSY 8030 or PSY 8010 and PSY 8020, PSY 8130, and PSY 8132.

Psychotherapeutic Techniques, Treatment and Modalities

PSY 8615 3 cr.

This advanced course addresses, in depth, two or more dominant approaches to counseling, which may include: Rational Emotive/Cognitive, Insight-Oriented/ Interpersonal, Behavioral/Reality.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, PSY 7010, and PSY 7020. Students should check the semester's Course Bulletin to learn which approaches are included. (offered every two years)

Crisis Intervention for Counselors

PSY 8625 3 cr.

This course examines a number of sophisticated and challenging obstacles counselors face in evaluating and working with individuals who are in crisis. Counselors are prepared to perform effective mental health assessments, develop appropriate emergency intervention treatment strategies and develop appropriate discharge planning for crisis involved individuals. Topics covered include emergency psychiatric evaluations, mental status examinations, crisis intervention techniques, legal issues, managed care systems and discharge planning. Role playing situations and written assignments are utilized.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, PSY 7010, and PSY 7020. (offered every two years)

Group Work and Leadership in Mental Health Counseling

PSY 8700 3 cr.

This course examines utilizing group as a modality of intervention in working with adults and children. Theories and approaches to group work including support groups, psycho-educational groups and therapy groups are covered. The course focuses on group leadership, group process and stages of group development and group membership issues. Practical considerations in planning a group, screening and selections of group members, leading and/or co-leading a group, dealing with problems encountered in group work and methods of evaluation of group effectiveness are examined.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, PSY 7010, PSY 7020, or permission of instructor.

Group Work and Leadership in School Counseling

PSY 8705 3 cr.

This course examines the theories and models of group counseling, with an emphasis on group leadership skills, utilized by school counselors. The course examines utilization groups as a modality of intervention in working with the school age population.

Prerequisites: PSY 7010 and PSY 7020.

Family and Systems: Models and Interventions

PSY 8710 3 cr.

This course focuses on family dynamics, personal and systematic change in the therapeutic relationship and treatment/ intervention for various clinical issues related to children and families. Consideration is also given to theoretical models of development and psychopathology with regard to treatment planning, referrals and consultation. Experiences are offered to learn appropriate professional and ethical strategies of family intervention.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, PSY 7010, PSY 7020, or permission of Instructor.

Helping Parents Help Their Children

PSY 8730 3 cr.

This course provides strategies and skills for workers who offer guidance, counseling and/or therapy to parents of children or adolescents. Parenting issues such as enhancing self-esteem, developing and accepting responsibility, adjusting to families in transition, dealing with issues related to divorce, blending families, disciplining, sharing quality time and becoming meaningfully involved in a childs education are explored.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350, PSY 7010, PSY 7020, or permission of Instructor.

Family Models: Organization, and Process I

PSY 8750 3 cr.

Through an integration of experiential and cognitive learning approaches, this intensive process seminar builds a thorough and systematic understanding of the dynamics of family systems. The theoretical frameworks include those of Kantor-Constantine, structural and systematic family therapy. This course emphasizes developmental processes in families, especially individuation in relation to family organization and style. It is organized as a weekly process seminar supplemented by all day workshops.

Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2350 and PSY 7005, or PSY 8710, or PSY 8740, or permission of department.

Family Models: Organization and Process II

PSY 8755 3 cr.

This course continues the understanding of the dynamics of a family system through integrating the models of family learned in Family Models, Organization and Process I, with those models of Olson and Beavers. Emphasis is also given to constructivism and how this school of thought applies to family process.
Prerequisites: PSY 8750 or permission of department.

Advanced Systemic Intervention I

PSY 8770 3 cr.

This course focuses on the process of family systems therapy by translating various systemic schools of thought into well defined treatment approaches. Students explore the therapeutic constraints of the model, the context, the therapist and the family through role play, video and live supervision.
Prerequisites: PSY 8755 or permission of department.

Advanced Systemic Intervention II

PSY 8780 3 cr.

This course follows Advanced Systemic Intervention I with an increased emphasis on the therapists personal model for change and its integration with the more traditional schools of family therapy. Students personal boundary profiles are identified and developed as they relate to students' preferred "model for change." Role play, video, and live supervision are used extensively.

Prerequisites: PSY 8770 or permission of department. (offered every two years)

Independent Study

PSY 8910 1 cr.
PSY 8920 3 cr.
PSY 8930 6 cr.

The content of these courses is designed by a student with the guidance of a faculty member to provide in-depth exposure to a topic for which no regular course is available. A plan of study must be submitted to the Behavioral Sciences Committee on Graduate Programs and the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education during the semester preceding the term of the proposed course. Independent study is available by permission of the instructor only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100 and as determined by instructor.

Research and Program Evaluation

PSY 8950 3 cr.

This course provides students with an overview of the design and methodology of social research and program evaluation as applied to mental health counseling and education. Topics of study include critical analyzing and evaluating of research literature, experimental research design, survey research, program evaluation, treatment strategies evaluation, needs assessments, participant observational research and ethics in research evaluation. Students learn how to plan, conduct and document a research and/or evaluation study in a field setting.
Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 2120 or PSY 5530.

Topics in Counseling

PSY 8971 1 cr.
PSY 8972 3 cr.
PSY 8973 6 cr.

Course content varies from semester to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline and depending upon student and faculty interest.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100 and as determined by instructor.

Internship in Counseling

PSY 9062 3 cr.

Students are placed in agencies for supervised contact with clients. Each student maintains a case load, participates in the operation of their agency, and meets regularly with their on-site supervisor to discuss case planning and counseling techniques. Students meet at the college for group supervision and conferences and to present one of their client cases in detail. The faculty supervisor visits each internship site during the semester to confer with students and their on-site supervisors. The internship requires a minimum of 150 hours of on-site experience.