8000

The sacred texts of the world’s religions are a fascinating mix of history, advice, rules, mythology and ritual and are used for guidance, encouragement, healing, and inspiration. Familiarization with these writings provides the student with a broad overview of their origin, form, and content especially as they impact the lives of their clients’ beliefs in the purpose of life and the existence of an afterlife. Understanding how these texts convey spiritual truth, establish a connection with the divine, and align with a life span/developmental perspective provides the groundwork for counselors to utilize skills that help clients to internally process issues that can shake their faith. Integrating hermeneutical skills, to interpret and understand sacred texts through an objective, social and subjective approach, can also assist beginning counselors in their development of microskills such as reflection, attending and observing, and empathy.

As a preparation for Clinical Internship, students will expand their knowledge of the multi-axial system, DSM-IV/DSM-IV-TR diagnostic categories, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Emphasis will also be placed on the clinical interview and other initial assessment techniques, as well as skills critical to selecting and evaluating treatment options.

Introductory course presenting an integrated view of effects on personality development of childhood trauma, abuse and deprivation. Therapeutic interventions examined. Cross-listed with ACG 8400.

Exploration of ways to integrate science and ethics of psychology with social, cultural and faith contexts of the Christian mental health professional. Emphasis on historical, philosophical, and theological perspectives of spiritual formation and growth. Prerequisite: 15 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.

In a complex world, people are struggling to nurture and maintain their mental well-being, self-fulfillment and hope. Counseling practices which include positive states and traits assist a person’s spiritual belief formation regarding life and fulfillment of his/her purposes and goals in life. This course examines the relationship between religious faith and optimal psychological functioning. By the strengthening of bonds between positive psychology and the science of religion and spirituality, there is evidence that by focusing on positive emotions, an individual’s spiritual practices can influence their physiological as well as psychological wellbeing.

Examination of traditional and contemporary theories of family systems and approaches to marriage and family counseling. Prerequisite: 15 semester credit hours of PYC/PYF courses.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of the spiritual domain in the counseling process and the need for training materials and strategies for integrating the ASERVIC competencies into the field of counseling. The Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling are the groundwork for professionals to effectively and ethically communicate with their clients on religious and spiritual questions and issues.  The competencies include such topics as: counselor self-awareness by exploring attitudes, beliefs, and personal values; various models of spiritual and/or religious development and their relationship to human development; and, diagnosis and treatment recognizing the client’s spiritual and/or religious perspectives.  This course is grounded in a spiritually-based application through a multi-modal approach of theories and competency-based strategies and interventions for ethical practice – honoring the sacred in the lives of those seeking spiritual counseling.

Course provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to understand issues related to human sexuality. The course will explore the application of major human sexuality models in different cultures and worldviews.

Examines theories, techniques and applications of play, art, music, dance and other expressive therapeutic approaches. Prerequisite: Minimum of 15 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.

Introduction to patterns, causes, assessment and treatment of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. 

Covers biopsychosocial components of addiction, such as risk factors; physiology of cravings, withdrawal, detox; physical effects of substance abuse and other patterns of addiction; dual diagnoses; psychopharmacology and treatment options.  Prerequisite: PYC 8142.

Course provides a multidisciplinary/multidimensional discussion. Topics include risk factors, outreach services, pretreatment, community education, referral networks and prevention activities in schools, the workplace, community groups, health care delivery organizations and others. Information is presented on best practices and care for select populations.  Prerequisite: PYC 8142.

Integration of counseling foundation coursework and art applications and approaches. Content from individual and group counseling, human development, multicultural awareness, abnormal behavior, assessment and professional ethics and practice. Multi-arts expressions include, but are not limited to, art, play, music, dance/movement, drama, and writing. Prerequisite: Minimum of 15 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.

Course provides knowledge and understanding of the ethical principles, laws, and regulations relating to the practice of marriage, family and child therapy.

In-depth study of major systems theories underlying family and relationship therapy. Prerequisite: Minimum of 15 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.

Experiential course covering advanced assessment and therapeutic techniques used in marriage and family therapy. Prerequisites: PYC 8112 and PYC 8212.

In-depth study of systems theory applications to family and other therapy groups including brief review of traditional group counseling theories. Participation in group process is a significant part of the course. Prerequisites: PYC 7932 and PYC 8112 or PYC 8212.

Examination of sex-role stereotyping and its origins and consequences within the family, culture, and society. Includes counseling issues related to sex and gender-based prejudice and discrimination. Prerequisite: Minimum of 15 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.

In-depth didactic and experiential examination of family system-oriented therapies with children and adolescents. Prerequisite: PYC 8212 or PYC 8112.

Examines principles and techniques for clinical practice of art therapy in residential, out-patient and private practice settings. Includes potential in art for the development of emotional, social, perceptual and cognitive strengths in children and adults.

Advanced study of Expressive Arts Therapy assessment, treatment planning and techniques as applied to selected client disorders and issues in education and clinical practice. Prerequisite: Admission to Expressive Arts Therapy specialty and PYC 8312.

Strategies will be studied for understanding, assessing, and counseling adults in young to middle adulthood, with attention to social, emotional and physical stressors specific to these adult life cycle stages and the transition between stages. Emphasis is placed on the individual within a systems context (family, organization, community, culture, etc.).

Specific strategies will be studied for understanding, assessing and counseling adults in late adulthood. Emphasis placed on social, emotional and physical stressors specific to this adult developmental stage and related transitions, as well as on understanding the individual within a systems context.

This course incorporates the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions. Behavioral and non-behavioral methods and strategies are explored. Other topics include sexual abuse treatment with children and adults, medical factors related to sexuality and sexual functioning, and dynamics of interpersonal intimacy.

This course delineates theoretical and practical integration of eco-developmental approaches to psychological trauma. Consequences of early traumatic experience are mapped in the context of psycho-social developmental processes, including attachment, social interaction, emotional expression, and cognitive construction of worldview. The impact of repeated trauma in the lives of children and adolescents is explored in the context of developmental transformations and in relationship to psychopathology, gender, and bio-physiology.

Examines techniques for assessing emotional health, pathology and dysfunction and time-sensitive techniques for treatment. Includes student observation and participation. Prerequisite: Admission to Trauma, Abuse and Deprivation specialty.

This course prepares the student to carry out complex assessment and interventions within a family setting and with children. The primary focus is to stimulate reflection on and discussion of clinical work with traumagenic families, gain experience of and confidence in formulating and facilitating constructive clinical interventions. Topics also include strengthening the theory-practice link and increased skill in effective traumagenic family collaborative recovery.

Focus on advanced techniques and resources for assessing and treating the effects of trauma, abuse and deprivation on children and adults. Emphasis on holistic approach to recovery and growth. Prerequisite: Admission to Trauma, Abuse and Deprivation specialty.

Course examines health promotion models, preventive management techniques, and models and techniques for behavior change. Comprehensive inquiry focusing on psychological processes, and individual behaviors and lifestyles which affect a person's physical, emotional and social health. Topics include stress and illness, personality and disease, high-risk populations and behaviors, and gender and cultural issues.

Exploration of issues, policies and practices related to employee assistance programs in business, education, health care, and other settings. Includes consideration of counseling theories and relevant counseling techniques for employee assistance programs.

Advanced elective graduate topics in the field of Counseling.