Counseling (COUN) Course Descriptions

• COUN 5309 Counselor Professional Identity and Function

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course is designed to provide students with didactic and experiential training as a general orientation to the helping relationship and the broader counseling profession, including the basic counseling skills and spiritual orientation used in the relationship between a counselor and the person(s) seeking help. A multi-level focus looks at the roles and characteristics of the counselor and counselee, including one’s worldview and belief system. In addition, attention is given to understanding the ethical and personal nature of the helping relationship, as well as available resources, which may be mobilized as growth producing and change agents.

• COUN 5310 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course introduces students to concepts and principles regarding ethical, legal, and liability related issues and responsibilities encountered by students, residents, and licensed professional counselors, including professional codes of ethics, ethical and legal aspects of practice, and the impact of values, beliefs, and cultural norms on ethical dilemmas and decision making.

• COUN 5311 Advanced Ethics and Practice Management

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5310

  This course builds on COUN 5310 in the development of counselor ethics and understanding of state law specific to the counseling profession. Topics include but are not limited to: medical records management, an overview of business/family law, professional practice issues and guidelines, and the study of current regulatory board rules. This course is required by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (TSBEPC)

• COUN 5312 Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Theories

  Prerequisite(s): None

  this course is an introduction to the field of couples and family therapy. It will feature theory and practice in the treatment of dyadic relationships, marriages, and families (including families with children). Students will develop an understanding of the prominent theories, including emphasis on systems theories that form the basis of relevant therapy approaches. (Offered also as PSYC 5312.)

• COUN 5313 Methods and Techniques in Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course will introduce the student to those counseling skills which communicate the qualities of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard, and which facilitate building the foundation of the therapeutic working alliance. The course will include extensive skills-practice, role-playing, and videotaped exercises. Intake skills and additional counseling techniques will be introduced didactically and practiced in class. Course is offered only in residential format. (Offered also as PSYC 5313).

• COUN 5314 Methods and Techniques in Christian Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course is designed to introduce graduate students to basic techniques, methods, and theories behind the practice of Christian counseling and to integrate established psychotherapeutic techniques into the practice of Christian counseling. The course will include extensive skills-practice, role-playing, and videotaped exercises. Intake skills and additional counseling techniques will be introduced didactically and practiced in class.

• COUN 5316 Human Growth and Development

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course provides intensive study and examination of literature and theories of individual and family development across the lifespan from infancy through adulthood. Social and personality development, intellectual development, language acquisition, learning theories, and developmental expectations are emphasized, including biological, neurological, and physiological factors that affect human development, function, and behavior.

• COUN 5317 Multicultural Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course addresses social and cultural diversity, as well as the need for multicultural awareness and competency among counselors and other mental health providers. Included in the study are theories of multicultural counseling, dimensions of spirituality and worldviews, racial/cultural identity development, social justice and advocacy, counseling ethnic minorities, and other various sociocultural minorities. Students will gain practical knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with ethnically and culturally diverse clients, their attitudes, beliefs, and acculturative experiences both nationally and internationally.

• COUN 5318 Counseling Skills and Techniques

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 and COUN 5310 and COUN 5320 (if required for degree plan)

  This course introduces students to those counseling skills and techniques, which communicate the qualities of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard, and which facilitate building the foundation of an effective therapeutic working alliance. The course includes videotaped exercises along with an intensive supervised counseling experience on campus designed to enhance self-awareness and promote personality exploration. Intake skills, extensive skills-practice, role-playing, and additional counseling techniques will be introduced didactically and practiced during the residency portion of the class. (This course includes both long distance and residential components.)

• COUN 5320 Theories of Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course provides a comprehensive and intensive study of major personality models and theoretical orientations used in counseling and psychotherapy, stressing implications for research and practice. Various psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive, and family systems theories are summarized and evaluated. Students will have an opportunity to compare the compatibility of these theories with the Christian tradition and to begin an integration of these theories in clinical practice.

• COUN 5321 Group Counseling and Psychotherapy

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 and COUN 5310 and COUN 5320 (if required for degree plan)

  This course is designed to provide students with a conceptual and practical overview of group dynamics including the role of group leadership, tools for forming and facilitating a group, and orientation of members. Emphasis will be given to leadership techniques used at various stages of the group process, as well as applicable ethical issues. Students will be provided with an intensive supervised group experience on campus during the residency portion of the class to promote self-awareness, develop interpersonal and facilitator skills, and explore biblical principles relevant to the group process. (This course includes both long distance and residential components.)

• COUN 5326 Psychology of Dying, Bereavement, and Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  A course dealing with the process of dying and grief of the survivors. The psychological adjustments of the individual, family, and professional are examined. How to facilitate grief as well as therapeutic issues are discussed.

• COUN 5327 Christian Psychology and Counseling Theory

  Prerequisite(s): None

  Christian psychology and counseling are rooted in biblical revelation, and relevant Christian theological and philosophical, as well as the pastoral and spiritual formation practices of the Christian traditions. This class summarizes those influences, while engaging with contemporary psychology to develop a therapeutic framework that is grounded in a Christian worldview, as well as informed by the best contemporary research and theory. The history of Christian and modern psychology will be explored.

• COUN 5328 Biblical and Theological Foundations for Psychology and Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This class explores the therapeutic value of the main teachings of the Christian faith, including the nature of God; the metanarrative of human life; the nature of human beings, including their created goodness, as well as the main aspects of human psychopathology; the role of Jesus Christ in the preparation of the human condition; the mental health value of the local church; redemptive differentiation and integration; and the Christian future as a source of hope. The application of these teachings in clinical work will be discussed.

• COUN 5335 Christian Spiritual Formation for Therapists

  Prerequisite(s): None

  An investigation of the history, traditions, and process of spiritual formation. Emphasis is on the knowledge and practice of the spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, meditation, study, solitude, fasting, and so on. Consideration will be given to their application to Christian psychotherapy, counseling, and spiritual direction.

• COUN 5363 Principles of School Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  Introduction to the philosophical and historical foundations of guidance and counseling, stressing practical problems of organizing and implementing guidance programs in the secondary and elementary schools. Consideration is given to professional issues, present and future, as they impact the role and function of the counselor. Includes the design of guidance and counseling programs for an elementary, secondary, or postsecondary institution.

• COUN 5381 Special Topics

  Prerequisite(s): None

  Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

• COUN 6197 Licensure Standards Review

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309, COUN 5310, COUN 5316, COUN 5317, COUN 5318, COUN 5320, COUN 5321, COUN 6309 or 6353, COUN 6310, COUN 6320, COUN 6321, and COUN 6322; overall GPA 3.0 or higher

  This preparation course is a self-modulated course where the student will view professor developed material. This course reviews national standards, study strategies, and assess students’ base knowledge in each area covered on the CPCE and/or National Counselor Exam. Students must pass this class with a B or better, and they may not score lower than 80% on more than two individual exams. In this case, they are required to retake the course before becoming eligible to sit for the comprehensive exam in the licensure-based graduate programs in counseling. Students with a GPA of 3.75 or higher are not required to take COUN 6197.

• COUN 6281 Special Topics

  Prerequisite(s): None

  Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. Laboratory may or may not be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

• COUN 6291 Counseling Practicum

  Prerequisite(s): PSYC 5310, COUN 5312, COUN 5313, COUN 5323, PSYC 5360, PSYC 6301, PSYC 6302, COUN 6306, 6308, PSYC 6310, PSYC 6320, and successful completion of Oral Comprehensive Exam

  Supervised laboratory experiences in individual and group counseling with emphasis upon methods and techniques. Competence in counseling with varied types of human concerns is developed. All practicum students must be involved in counseling activities. Continued communication with on-campus supervisor through class activities and consultation. Course is offered only in residential format. May be repeated for credit.

• COUN 6304 Gender Issues and Differences

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course examines the most common problems women and men bring to counseling, including both developmental and situational crises. It explores biblical perspectives and the most effective treatments for these situations.

• COUN 6306 Career Information and Career Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course is focused on methods and processes of collecting, organizing, evaluating, and interpreting educational, occupational, and personal-social information for the purpose of helping others to engage in meaningful, satisfying vocations. The major theories of career development are emphasized. (Offered also as PSYC 6306)

• COUN 6309 Assessment and Testing

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 6310

  This course is an introduction to psychological and counseling assessment and appraisal techniques used in the evaluation of people exhibiting mental, emotional, and/or behavioral disturbances with an emphasis on the therapeutic analysis, synthesis, and utilization of assessment data as part of the treatment process. Standardized and nonstandardized data information gathering methods, validity, reliability, psychometric statistics, factors influencing appraisals, use and interpretation of appraisal results, and report writing with a variety of populations are explored. Aptitude, achievement, interest, behavioral, and personality instruments are presented, as well as ethical, legal, and cultural implications.

• COUN 6310 Clinical Psychopathology

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 and COUN 5320 (if required for degree plan)

  This course addresses the principles of understanding dysfunction in human behavior and systemic organization as well as an in-depth review of a broad spectrum of psychopathological conditions as defined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The course addresses the etiology, prevalence and incidence, signs and symptoms, and criteria for differential diagnoses, utilizing diagnostic, preventive, and remedial methods and interventions. Emphasis will be given on comparing and contrasting different theoretical perspectives and reviewing the empirical literature for various disorders.

• COUN 6320 Research Design and Program Evaluation

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course provides an understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and design, statistical analysis, needs assessment, implementation, ethical and cultural considerations in human subject research, and program evaluation relevant to the field of professional counseling and other mental health providers.

• COUN 6321 Career Counseling and Lifestyle Development

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course examines major theories and models of career development, lifestyle and vocational assessment, and career counseling. Emphasis is given on methods and processes of collecting, organizing, evaluating, and interpreting educational, occupational, and personal-social information for the purpose of helping others engage in meaningful and satisfying vocations, including spirituality and calling.

• COUN 6322 Marriage and Family Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5320 (if required for degree plan)

  This course is an introduction to the field of couple, marriage and family counseling. It will integrate theory and practice in the treatment of dyadic, marital, and familial relationships (including blended families and families with children). Students will develop an understanding of the prominent theories, including emphasis on family systems theories that form the basis for relevant therapeutic approaches.

• COUN 6323 Crisis Response and Trauma Care

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course is designed to prepare students to understand the nature of crises, traumatic events, and natural and human disasters, including the efficacy of community-based strategies and psychological first aid. Students will also learn how to work with clients who have experienced trauma and/or interpersonal violence; utilize crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies; introduce counseling roles and responsibilities as members of an interdisciplinary emergency management response team during local, regional or national crises, disaster or other trauma-causing event; and to address burnout, compassion fatigue, and counselor self-care.

• COUN 6324 Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course examines a variety of models for the etiology and treatment of substance use, abuse, and dependency, as well as other addictive disorders using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective. While substance use is emphasized, process and behavioral addictions are also covered, including relapse triggers and prevention. Spirituality is highlighted as a protective factor and part of the overall treatment and recovery process.

• COUN 6325 Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 and COUN 5310 and COUN 5316 and COUN 5317 and COUN 5320 and COUN 6309 and COUN 6310 and COUN 6322 and COUN 6323 and COUN 6324 (if required for degree plan)

  This course includes criteria for psychiatric diagnoses, proficiency with the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and theories of psychopathology. The course also provides an introduction to psychopharmacology, including basic neurobiology, pharmacokinetics, assessment, history taking, and drugs as they relate to the treatment of various disorders. Case conceptualization, presentation, and management is incorporated into an intensive supervised counseling experience on campus designed to incorporate role playing and enhance critical treatment planning skills during the residency portion of the class. This course is required by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (TSBEPC). (This course includes both long distance and residential components.)

• COUN 6326 Human Sexuality

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course provides an introduction to human sexuality and surveys biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors and influences. Information about human sexuality across the lifespan is examined, including sexual identity, sexual orientation, and how changing sexual attitudes are influencing the culture. The prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and diseases is also addressed.

• COUN 6328 Premarital Counseling and Marital Enrichment

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 6322

  This course provides an in-depth study of premarital/pre-engagement counseling models and assessments, as well as marital enrichment programs and principles. Dating and single adult lifestyle issues are also reviewed.

• COUN 6329 Assessment and Counseling with Couples and Families

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 and COUN 6322 and COUN 5320 (if required for degree plan)

  This course examines issues in research and the clinical assessment of couples and families utilizing family systems models and other contemporary approaches. Specific assessment techniques are discussed, evaluated, and practiced, impacting marriage and family structure, psychopathology, communication, decision making, conflict resolution, and spiritual factors.

• COUN 6331 Grief and Loss Counseling

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course is an introduction to grief and loss work, the dynamics and specific factors related to grief and loss issues across the lifespan, concepts of bereavement and mourning, disenfranchised grief, neurological and sociocultural factors, and the role of faith and spirituality in the counseling process.

• COUN 6341 Counseling Children, Adolescents and Families

  Prerequisite: None

  This course examines the development of children and adolescents’ developmental and relationship factors that can lead to counseling issues. Techniques and practices for working with children, adolescents, and families are explored. Psychopathology diagnoses are discussed.

• COUN 6365 Advanced School Counseling and Leadership

  Prerequisite(s): 36 graduate hours which must include COUN 5363 and COUN 5310 and COUN 5318 and COUN 5320 and COUN 5321 and COUN 6309 and COUN 6321

  This course is an advanced study of the philosophical and historical foundations of school counseling, stressing practical problems of organizing and implementing guidance programs in the secondary and elementary schools. Topics addressed include the intricacies of designing and implementing a comprehensive school counseling program including the leadership role of the school counselor, collaboration, program design, implementation and management and professional issues as they impact the role and function of the counselor. The course includes a review of the 5th edition of the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.

• COUN 6381 Special Topics

  Prerequisite(s): None

  Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. Laboratory may or may not be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

• COUN 6391 Counseling Practicum

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 (if required for degree), COUN 5310, COUN 5316, COUN 5317, COUN 5318, COUN 5320, COUN 5321, COUN 6309 OR 6353, COUN 6310, COUN 6320, COUN 6321, COUN 6322 (if required for degree plan)

  This course represents an initial field experience in professional practice and provides for the application of theory and ongoing development of basic counseling skills in various mental health settings under direct supervision. Students will work with clients who represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of their community and complete a supervised counseling practicum experience that totals a minimum of 100 clock hours (40 direct service hours) with actual clients.

• COUN 6392 Counseling Internship I

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 6391 and successful completion of the CPCE

  This course provides an opportunity for ongoing field experiences in professional clinical practice and in the application of counseling theory and the development of advanced counseling skills under direct supervision. These experiences allow students to counsel and provide services to clients who represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of their community. Students complete 300 clock hours (120 direct service hours) of supervised counseling internship in roles and settings with clients relevant to their specialty area. By taking this course and COUN 6393, students will gain a total of 600 clock hours with 240 direct service hours.

• COUN 6393 Counseling Internship II

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 6392

  This course provides an opportunity for ongoing field experiences in professional clinical practice and in the application of counseling theory and the development of advanced counseling skills under direct supervision. These experiences allow students to counsel and provide services to clients who represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of their community. Students complete 300 clock hours (120 direct service hours) of supervised counseling internship in roles and settings with clients relevant to their specialty area. By taking this course and COUN 6392, students will gain a total of 600 clock hours with 240 direct service hours.

• COUN 6394 Study Abroad Internship

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5310, COUN 5316, COUN 5317, COUN 5320, COUN 5318, COUN 5321, COUN 6310, (COUN 6309 or 6353), COUN 6320, COUN 6321, COUN 6322 (if required for degree), COUN 6391, and successful completion of the CPCE

  This course provides an opportunity for ongoing field experiences and the application of counseling theory and the development of advanced counseling skills under direct supervision in a country overseas. These experiences allow students to work directly with an NGO (non-governmental organization) to meet the needs of people groups who have experienced traumas due to wars or other atrocities. By taking this course, students will learn how to obtain grants, work with 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, as well as train nationals to meet the needs of their own when we are unable to travel.

• COUN 6395 School Counseling Internship

  Prerequisite(s): COUN 5309 and COUN 5310 and COUN 5316 and COUN 5317 and COUN 5318 and COUN 5320 and COUN 6309 and COUN 6310 and COUN 6325 and COUN 6391

  This course provides an opportunity for ongoing field experiences in a professional school setting and in the application of counseling theory and the development of advanced counseling skills under direct supervision of a TEA Certified School Counselor. These experiences allow students to counsel and provide services to students who represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of their community. Students complete 300 clock hours (160 direct service hours) of supervised counseling internship in roles and settings with clients relevant to their specialty area.