Psychology 5400: Syllabus

Psy 5400: Theories of Counseling

Fall Semester, 2009

Instructor:  Stuart B. Bonnington, Ed.D.

Office:  Clement, 215D

Phone:  931-221-7234

Email:  Bonningtons@apsu.edu

Office Hours: MWF: 9:00-10:00 AM, T/TR: 10:00-11:00AM, other times by drop in or appointment

Text: Corsini, R.J. & Wedding, D. (2008) isbn#0-495-09714-4

Course Focus:  This course will explore various theoretical approaches used in the helping professions.  A particular emphasis will be placed on the application of these theories to current practice and current issues.  As this is a first course for many graduate students it will serve in part as an introduction to the field.

Objectives:  Each student successfully completing this course will:

    1. demonstrate a knowledge of the major theories underlying modern counseling practice (CACREP Standard K-5-c),

    2.  demonstrate a knowledge of the strategies for facilitating change that grow out of these theories (CACREP Standard K-5-a),

    3.  learn the characteristics of effective counselors in a multicultural society (CACREP Standard K-2-a).

Evaluation:  Your final grade will be based on the following:

Book Report    10%

Paper               25%

Quizzes            45%

Final                20%

Book Review:  There are a vast number of books on psychotherapy/counseling published every year.  Pick a recent book (last ten years or so) and review it.  I am particularly interested in your reaction to what you have read. Suggested length: five pages.  Due: 9/21

Paper:  Some options:  1. Choose a theoretical approach and review the current writings on this approach.  2. Compare two therapeutic approaches.  3. Investigate a particular situation (i.e., domestic violence, depression,) and discuss various approaches to dealing with it.  Whatever option you choose you should discuss multicultural aspects.  Suggested length: ten pages.  A one page abstract of what you intend to do is due 110/05.  Paper due: 11/16.

Quizzes:  Class periods will usually begin with a quiz based on the current week's reading.  Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.  If you miss a quiz it will be counted as your lowest grade.  In order to take a quiz other than at the scheduled time you must have made a prior arrangement with me.

Attendance Policy:  While you will not be graded on attendance, you cannot afford to miss many class sessions as material not in the text/readings will appear on the quizzes and final exam.

Note: Any student who has a condition that may affect their academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me or the Director of Disability Services (648-6230) to discuss this matter.

I was instructed to add the following to this syllabus:

Minors on Campus: According to APSU policy #3:032, minors (defined as those under the age of 18) are not allowed in classrooms.  While I recognize that extenuating circumstances occur and make it difficult for some students to attend without bringing children with them on occasion, I must enforce University policy and thus will deny any request for a child in my classroom.  You should also be aware that minors are not allowed in academic labs, computer labs, science labs, or the library.  Further, children cannot be left in halls outside classrooms. Please be aware that the policy on unattended minors is for the purpose of ensuring that our classrooms are conducive to learning and for the safety and protection of minors.  For additional information on minors on campus, contact the Office of Student Affairs in the Morgan University Center.

Tentative Schedule

August

31.  Introduction and Common Factors

September

7.     Labor Day Holiday

14.   Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapies

21.  Adlerian Therapy

28.  Gestalt Therapy (Emotion Focused Therapy)

October

5.   Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

12.  Client Centered Therapy (Rogers)

19.  Fall Break

26.  Motivational Interviewing

November

2   Feminist Therapy 

9.  Family Therapy  

16.  Paper presentations

23. Solution Focused Brief Therapy

30.  Contemplative Psychotherapies

December

7.     Energy Psychology/ Meridian-based therapies

14.   Final Examination