This course provides an overview of the major theories of counseling with a special focus on gender, culture, counselor preparation, and common theoretically-based assessment and case formulation strategies. Because the purpose of counseling is to help individuals make personally meaningful changes in their lives, candidates will examine the means by which counseling theories attempt to produce such changes. Candidates will explore the historical and intellectual foundations of major counseling theories, while at the same time, observing skills and techniques employed by practitioners using those theoretical perspectives. Candidates will apply theories to case studies to practice the application of various models to cases. Overall, candidates are encouraged to explore the major theoretical orientations as well as their personal beliefs and values in an effort to develop and deepen their understanding of counseling process and outcomes.
- Faculty: Wade Stitt