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Psychology 6010: Syllabus

Psy 6010: Professional Seminar: Counseling

Spring, 2009

 

Instructor:  Stuart B. Bonnington, Ed.D.

Office:  Clement, 215D

Phone:  931-221-7234

Email:  Bonningtons@apsu.edu

 

Office Hours: M-F 9:00-10:00

I am available at other hours by appointment or drop in.

 

 

Course Focus:  This seminar is designed to expose students to the field of professional counseling.  Ethical, legal and professional issues will be a central focus of this endeavor. 

Method of Instruction: Most sessions will be a discussion format with the instructor presenting some material to complement the texts and discussions. All members of the class share the responsibility for this group learning experience. Make sure you come to class prepared to discuss the material every week!

 

Objectives: A major objective of this course is to stimulate your thinking about ethical issues and decision-making. You will quickly see that many ethical situations are fraught with ambiguity. An important skill is to be able to tolerate ambiguity. Some other objectives are to :

 

  •   Familiarize you with the main ethical, legal, clinical, and professional issues involved in the counseling profession
  •   Familiarize you with ethical decision making models
  •   Examine the role of ethics and values in the counseling process
  •   Acquaint you with various counselor roles and the potential for the development of ethical dilemmas
  •   Develop your ability to think critically and creatively about cases and to articulate how you might deal with ethical issues involved in specific case vignettes
  •   Enhance your development of professional identity and its associated responsibilities
  •   Examine ways to establish appropriate boundaries and to develop a framework for evaluating and managing multiple relationships
  •   Develop the ability to function effectively in presenting your ideas pertaining to ethical and professional issues in group situations
  •   Assist you in examining, critiquing, and articulating your own ethical posture
  •   Become aware of the current literature in the field of ethics in textbooks and selected professional journals  (the above listed taken from info supplied by Corey)
  •   Familiarize you with the rules and regulations related to the practice of professional counseling in Tennessee

CACREP standards: This course is designed to address the following CACREP  core area:

             1. Professional Identity (A,B,D, F,H) (see http:www.cacrep.org)

 

 

Text:              Corey, G., Corey, M & Callanan, P. (2007).  Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions, 7th Ed. 

Herlihy, B. & Corey, G. (2006).  ACA Ethical Standards Casebook

 

 

Professional Interview: You are to identify a professional working in a setting similar to that which you would like to work in. Your task is to interview this person so that you can gain from their experience and then share this information with the class. Topics could include (but not limited to): professional development (history) of the interviewee, pro and cons of the particular work setting, how the person actually spends their work time, professional affiliations, what school doesn’t teach you, etc. This paper should be at least five pages in length.  Due: 3/31/09

 

 

Reaction Papers: It is important not only that you read the material each week but that you also immerse yourself in the readings. This material will be of utmost importance in your professional life.  Each week you are to turn in a written reaction to the chapters to be covered in class. Your reactions should include what stands out as the most interesting/relevant points, your sense as to quality of the material and ideas as to what you would like to discuss in class related to the material.  You should also indicate where you stand on the issues brought up in each chapter. You should be able to demonstrate through your writing and class participation that you  continue to engage in self reflection throughout this course. I expect you to go beyond just the chapters and delve into material in other sources that you find related to these chapters. An average length should be about two pages.

 

Grading:       Midterm:         25%

                        Final:               30%

Interview         20%

                        Reactions       25%

 

Attendance: As we just meet once a week, missing a class becomes a serious issue. Perfect attendance is an expectation for this course.

 

Schedule

 

1/20/09    Introduction to Seminar. A brief history of counseling (Bonnington)

1/27/09     Introduction to Professional Ethics (Corey 1), (Herlihy Intro)

2/03/09     The Counselor as a Person and as a Professional (C2)

2/10/09      Values and the Helping Relationship (C3

2/17/09     Multicultural Perspective and Diversity Issues (C4), (H2)

2/24/08     Client Rights and Counselor Responsibilities (C5), (H1and 6)

3/03/09      Confidentiality: Ethical and Legal Issues (C6), (H3 and 8); MIDTERM EXAM

3/10/08    Spring Break

3/17/09       Managing Boundaries and Multiple Relationships (C7)(H7)

3/24/09    Professional Competence and Training Issues (C8), (H4) (Lowell Roddy, D.Min.)

3/31/09    Issues in Supervision and Consultation (C9). (H9) Interviews 

4/07/08   Issues in Theory, Practice and Research (C10), (H10)

 4/14/09  Licensure (Health Related Boards);  Counselor Education and Supervision (H9)

4/21/09   Issues in Couples and Family Therapy and Group Work (C12), (H5)

4/28/09  Panel Discussion: Is There Life After Graduate School??.  Ethical Issues in Community Work (C13)

5/05/09   Final Examination. 

 

 

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.

 

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 (221-6230) to discuss this matter

 

 

 

(last update: 1/10/08)

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