This advanced course in counseling theory and practice provides an in-depth examination of the core principles and applications of major counseling approaches, including analytic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, constructivist, and integrative frameworks. The course emphasizes a critical evaluation of the underlying assumptions, techniques, and cultural relevance of each theory. Students will engage in both theoretical discussions, in-class activities, and experiential learning through counseling labs, where they will practice the application of key concepts and techniques from each approach. Special focus is placed on the role of empirically supported treatments and common factors in therapeutic outcomes, with attention to how these can be integrated into evidence-based counseling practice. This course also guides students in reflecting on their own emerging professional identity and supports the development of a personal integrative theoretical orientation to counseling.
- Faculty: Ayla Ludwig
This course will provide in depth exploration of knowledge, skills and tools needed effectively to facilitate career exploration, vocational planning, and career decision-making for clients. Course content includes:
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A study of the world of work as it impacts the psychological and sociological life of the individual
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An examination of career development theory, decision- making, and the application to counseling and psychotherapy
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The identification of informational resources related to career choice
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An exploration of the needs and concerns of clients from a variety of diverse backgrounds
- Faculty: Ayla Ludwig
This course represents Part 1/2 of the capstone experience for the program by providing the candidate with the opportunity for advanced practice and application of clinical counseling principles with clients in an agency or human services setting under supervision by a professional counselor. In class, emphasis will be placed upon examining and developing case conceptualization, improving counseling skills and implementing intervention strategies within a diverse society. Internship 1 allows for the initial accumulation of a minimum of 300 clock hours (120 clock hours of direct service) toward the minimum 600 total clock hours of internship required for state licensure. Professional identity as a counselor will also be emphasized. Counseling skills will be critiqued through the use of live and/or taped observations in class, in the field, and in the Counseling Laboratory. COU-702 may be taken for 1-3 hours up to two times for a total of 3 semester hours.
- Faculty: Ayla Ludwig
This course introduces candidates to the field of abnormal behavior with emphasis on psychopathological conditions, their diagnosis, and treatment strategies throughout the life cycle. Personality theories and counseling approaches will be matched with appropriate psychopathologies. Emphasis will be on the use of the DSM 5 of the American Psychiatric Association with a focus on differential diagnosis and acquaintance with associated disorders of the primary diagnoses via case studies.
- Faculty: DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the issues and implications of dying, death and loss in their own lives and in the lives of their clients. Death and loss will impact each of us personally and professionally throughout our lives. Counselors must be prepared for this impact both because of its importance with regard to "self-care" and because regardless of whether or not you specifically serve the terminally ill and the bereaved, you will encounter clients facing death or loss during the course of your career. This seminar presents an overview of the basic historical and cultural issues related to our efforts to grapple with dying and death and explores the social processes by which we recognize, understand, and allow grief in our culture (and others). This seminar will present opportunities for self-exploration and reflection on this difficult topic so that candidates can gain a better understanding of how best to work with people who are dying and/or grieving. Theories on loss and grief processes will be explored as well as established best practice models for evaluating, assessing and treating clients with terminal illness, their family members, and the bereaved.
- Faculty: DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS
This course will facilitate the study of the psychological dynamics of small groups, including the stages of group development and variables that affect leader effectiveness; practice with a variety of active group techniques. Emphasis will be on the development of effective counseling practices in a variety of small group settings. Candidates will participate in a counseling group and facilitate at least one group session.
- Faculty: Ayla Ludwig
In this course, candidates begin their field experience by working in an approved mental health setting under the supervision of an LPC in the field and the instructor. The focus of this course is on further development of individual and group counseling skills. Candidates will begin to work directly with clients, and under supervision, gain experience with the activities that a regulatory employed staff member in the setting would be expected to perform. Candidates also will meet in class for group supervision and instruction. Counseling skills will be critiqued through the use of live and/or taped observations. Candidates must complete a minimum of one hundred contact hours of service under clinical supervision.
- Faculty: Ayla Ludwig
Candidates will be guided in using assessment procedures to evaluate and diagnose mental and emotional status and formulate appropriate treatment plans. Focus will be on the administration, scoring, interpretation, and write up of individual and group standardized tests of mental ability, personality, interest, achievement, and aptitude. Special emphasis will be given professional consultation in mental health and forensic settings based on evaluation outcomes. (Prerequisites COU 604)
- Faculty: DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS
The comprehensive examination is intended to be one of the culminating experiences of the graduate program. The exam is offered in January for May graduates, in September for December graduates, and in June for August graduates. MAC Candidates must register for COU 750 Comprehensive Examination in the term prior to their expected graduation. Candidates who fail to register for COU 750 by the Last Day to Add listed on the Graduate Studies Calendar will be ineligible to take the exam and unable to graduate by their expected date. The Comprehensive Examination is a 200 question, multiple choice exam designed to evaluate accrued knowledge across the eight CACREP core areas. The exam consists of eight subtests of 25 questions each. Candidates have thirty minutes to complete each subtest and a total of four hours to complete the entire exam. Candidates will not be considered for graduation until they have passed the comprehensive examination with a minimum score of 70% in each of the eight subtests. Candidates who fail any section of the examination will have 30 days to prepare for a second attempt at which time they will retake only those sections failed. If a candidate fails the exam a second time, he/she may not retake it until the next offering. If a candidate fails the exam a third time, he/she may be dropped from the MAC program or required to retake courses at the discretion of the Program Director.
- Faculty: DANIEL CRUIKSHANKS