HMS 122 Theories of Counseling

This course is an introduction to basic counseling theories and techniques as it relates to the helping profession.  Students completing this course will understand the terms and various approaches related to the client-human services professional relationship.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: HMS 121 and PSY 121 and (ENG 101 or higher)

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

HMS 122 Theories of Counseling

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

202352

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: HMS 121 and PSY 121 and (ENG 101 or higher)

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is an introduction to basic counseling theories and techniques as it relates to the helping profession.  Students completing this course will understand the terms and various approaches related to the client-human services professional relationship.

Additional Materials

NA

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

NA

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Explain what characteristics make an effective human services professional. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 2, 4).
  2. Describe general counseling practice issues and guidelines related to a human service professional’s ethical behaviors, managing values, using power, and handling self-disclosure. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 4, 5, 6)
  3. Explain the appropriate therapeutic response of the human services professional to client behavior. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 4, 5, 6) 
  4. Discuss characteristics of burnout and self-care in the human services field. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 4, 5, 6) 
  5. Discuss primary concepts and key techniques for foundational counseling theories such as psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, experiential and relationship-oriented, cognitive behavioral, and systems/postmodern approaches.(CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 6)
  6. Construct a personal philosophy of counseling using select foundational theories such as psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, experiential and relationship-oriented, cognitive behavioral, and systems/postmodern approaches used in the helping profession. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Explain what characteristics make an effective human services professional.
    1. Describe characteristics of an effective human services professional.
    2. Discuss characteristics of an ineffective human services professional.
  2. Describe general counseling practice issues and guidelines related to a human service professional’s ethical behaviors, managing values, using power, and handling self-disclosure. 
    1. Describe appropriate ethical behavior of a human services professional.
    2. Explain the importance of managing values as a human services professional.
    3. Explain the importance of managing power differentials in the client/human services professional relationship.
    4. Explain the implications of self-disclosure in the helping relationship for a human services professional.
  3. Explain the appropriate therapeutic response of the human services professional to client behavior. 
    1. Discuss the appropriate human services professional response to mental crisis.
    2. Identify the appropriate human services professional response to physical crisis.
    3. Describe the appropriate human services professional response to a client in substance abuse crisis.
  4. Discuss characteristics of burnout and self-care in the human services field.
    1. Describe characteristics of burnout as it relates to the human services profession.
    2.  Identify the effects of burnout on the human services professional/client relationship.
    3. Discuss effective methods to prevent and/or address burnout. 
    4. Explain your personal plan for self-care related to burnout.
  5. Discuss primary concepts and key techniques for foundational counseling theories such as psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, experiential and relationship-oriented, cognitive behavioral, and systems/postmodern approaches. 
    1.  Identify the primary concepts and key techniques for select theories.
    2. Discuss theories and their importance and/or impact on the helping relationship.
    3. Recognize the differences between select theories.
  6. Construct a personal philosophy of counseling using select foundational theories such as psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, experiential and relationship-oriented, cognitive behavioral, and systems/postmodern approaches used in the helping profession. 
    1. Identify theories to use in the development of a personal philosophy of counseling.
    2. Discuss the theoretical method, primary concepts, and key techniques for the theories selected in the development of a personal philosophy of counseling. 
    3. Describe the responsibilities of each role as it relates to the client/helper relationship. 
    4.  Relate personal connections to select theories in the construction of a personal philosophy of counseling. 

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

2-4 Exams (Summative - Equally weighted)

35%

Integrative Philosophy Paper (Summative)

35%

Formative (Quizzes, discussion boards, journals, case studies/scenarios, class participation activities)

30%

Total

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

 

  1. Create and maintain effective and professional documents relevant to Human Services agencies.
  2. Interact ethically and professionally within the Human Services field.
  3. Apply information to identify client’s strengths, weaknesses, and resources to create a treatment plan.
  4. Provide effective client services at an entry level by utilizing professional Human Services principles and practices.
  5. Establish effective working relationships within the Human Services arena.
  6. Apply basic management and leadership skills in Human Services environments, including time management, organization, and the ability to follow directions.
  7. Utilize feedback to assess the effect of oneself on Human Services outcomes and make adjustments accordingly.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.