This course examines the basic tenets and therapeutic processes that characterize various theoretical approaches to counselling/psychotherapy. The models are clustered according to the four major forces in psychology: Psychodynamic (Psychoanalytic, Adlerian); Behavioural and Cognitive-Behavioural (Behavioural, Cognitive-Behavioural, Reality); Humanistic (Existential, Person-Centred, Gestalt); and Contextual/Systemic (Feminist, Family Systems, Multicultural). Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of the various approaches as well as self-reflection in relation to values, beliefs, assumptions about human nature, and worldview.
Outline
Section I: Basic Issues in Counselling Practice
Unit 1: Introduction and Overview
Unit 2: The Counsellor: Person and Professional
Section II: First Force: Psychodynamic Theories and Techniques
Unit 3: Psychoanalytic Theory
Unit 4: Adlerian Theory
Section III: Second Force: Behavioural and Cognitive-Behavioural Theories and Techniques
Unit 5: Behavioural Theory
Unit 6: Cognitive-Behavioural Theory
Unit 7: Control Theory/Reality Therapy
Section IV: Third Force: Humanistic Theories and Techniques
Unit 8: Existential Theory
Unit 9: Person-centred Theory
Unit 10: Gestalt Theory
Section V: Fourth Force: Contextual and Systemic Theories and Techniques
Unit 11: Feminist Theory
Unit 12: Family Systems Theory
Unit 13: Multicultural Theory
Section VI: Integration and Application
Unit 14: An Integrative Perspective
Evaluation
To receive credit for PSYC 406, you must satisfactorily complete the midterm assessment and final exam, submit all the course assignments, and participate in the social networking activity. You must achieve a grade of 50 percent or better on the final exam and a course composite grade of 50 percent or better. The passing grade for the course is D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Mid-term Assessment
25%
Case Study
25%
Social Networking Activity
5%
Personal Reflection Paper
15%
Final Exam
30%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Corey, G. (2011). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (7th ed.). Scarborough, ON: Brooks/Cole. (Print)
Corey, G. (2009). Student manual for theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (7th ed.). Scarborough, ON: Brooks/Cole. (Print)
Corey, G. (2013). Case approach to counseling and psychotherapy. (8th ed.). Scarborough, ON: Brooks/Cole. (eText)
All other materials can be accessed online via the course website.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PSYC 406 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the final exam and a composite grade of D (50 percent).
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.