Houston Christian University Catalog

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 5315 Christian Integration Seminar I

    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. This course is also designed to help students effectively integrate their Christian faith with principles of psychology and counseling. Theological backgrounds of counseling, major theories of Christian integration with counseling, and the role of the Christian counselor in society will be examined. Students will formulate their own Christian integration perspectives.

  • 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 5319 Spirituality, Theology, and Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course is designed to help students effectively integrate their Christian faith with principles of psychology and counseling. Theological backgrounds and historical foundations of faith-based counseling, major theories and models of Christian integration with counseling, and the role of the Christian counselor in society will be examined. Students will formulate their own Christian integration perspectives. (Offered also as MAPC 5301)

  • 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 5323 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 5313 or COUN 5314

    Comprehensive and intensive study of major theoretical orientations in counseling and psychotherapy, stressing implications for research and practice. Includes experiences in micro-counseling and other simulations to develop counseling skills. Course is offered only in residential format. (Offered also as PSYC 5323).

  • 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 is 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 & Theological Foundations for Psychology & 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 5336 Christian Spiritual Direction

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course is an extensive study of the field of spiritual direction with attention given to various traditions, strategies, and methods for helping others to move Godward. Emphasis is given to the role of spiritual direction in Christian psychology and a distinctively Christian formational paradigm. Topics such as the strategic use of prayer, holy listening, watchfulness, conferencing, confession, and more are addressed.

  • 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/Independent Study

    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.

  • COUN 6191 Counseling Practicum

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

    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.

  • COUN 6192 Advanced Counseling Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6191

    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. May be repeated for credit.

  • COUN 6281 Special Topics/Independent Study

    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.

  • COUN 6291 Counseling Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 5310, COUN 5312, COUN 5313, COUN 5323, PSYC 5360, PSYC 6301, PSYC 6302, COUN 6306

  • COUN 6301 Single Adult Issues, Premarital Counseling, and Marital Enrichment Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 5312

    This course provides an in-depth study of single adult lifestyle issues, cohabitating concerns, as well as covering premarital counseling tests, and marital enrichment programs.

  • COUN 6302 Counseling Adolescents and Their Families

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course examines the adolescent’s developmental and relationship factors that ca lead to counseling issues. Child and adolescent psychopathology diagnoses will be discussed. Techniques and practices for working with adolescents will be explored.

  • COUN 6303 Introduction to Human Sexuality

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This is an introductory course about human sexuality. It will survey a variety of topics from biological to psychological to social aspects of human sexuality. This course will provide a scientific understanding of the historical, biological, psychological and social/cultural influences on human sexuality and its expression. Information about human sexuality across the lifespan will be included. This course provides information about sexual identity, orientation, and how changing sexual attitudes are influencing the culture. This course also provides information about the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

  • 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 6305 Today’s Soldiers and Veterans: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course is an introduction to the issues specific to the military and veteran population. Students develop an understanding of military and veteran culture, as well as an introduction to common concerns such as transition to civilian life, suicide, underemployment, and relationships.

  • 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 6307 Military Families, Deployment and Reintegration

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6305

    This course examines the two primary transitions of military life: the reintegration challenges that recently deployed military members encounter as they blend back into family, community, church, and a peacetime setting; and the transition from military to civilian life and career. Students will identify strategies meant to facilitate a positive adjustment and support veterans in this transition back into family and community life as well as new careers. Specific course content will focus on the role of the caregiver or helping professional, with an emphasis on provision of resources.

  • COUN 6308 Methods of Group Process

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 5313 and COUN 5323

    This is a course in learning how to lead out-patient psychotherapy/counseling groups. The dynamics of group process are described and theories of psychotherapy are applied to groups. Students design a psychoeducational group manual. Groups are conducted and led by students for at least ten (10) hours of class time, which allows students opportunities to practice group leadership. Feedback is provided by classmates and the professor. Course is offered only in residential format. (Offered also as PSYC 6308)

  • 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 6311 Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course examines a variety of models for the etiology and treatment of addictions using a biopsychosocial perspective. Substance use is emphasized, but other problematic behaviors (e.g., gambling, sex) are covered. Spirituality is highlighted as a protective factor and as part of the treatment process.

  • COUN 6312 PTSD: Causes, Problems, and Therapy

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6330

    This course focuses on the development and treatment of PTSD, including sources of trauma such as combat stress, severe accidents, sexual assaults, etc. Adjustment problems in the physical, mental, relational and spiritual areas of life will be covered. Various types of therapy for PTSD will be discussed and practiced.

  • COUN 6313 Sexual Functioning, Dysfunction, and Treatment

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6303

    A comprehensive look at the different sexual disorders. Biological, psychological, and psychosocial factors will be included. Biological and psychological treatments will be covered.

  • COUN 6314 Infidelity, Sexual Trauma, and Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6326

    This is an advanced course which discusses counseling issues raised by childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault and trauma, and spousal infidelity, as well as their impact on intimacy and sexual relationships within a marriage. Counseling models and strategies for both perpetrators and survivors are also discussed.

  • COUN 6315 Christian Integration Seminar II

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 5315 and at least nine hours completed since successful completion of COUN 5315

    This course is an advanced survey course in the field of Christian Counseling. Students will learn how to apply the prominent theories that form the basis of Christian Counseling and the integration of theology and psychology, as well as develop a working knowledge of the special ethical and cultural considerations unique to the Christian counselor.

  • COUN 6316 Psychopharmacology and Addiction

    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 6317 Counseling Families with Addiction

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6311

    This course examines family dynamics that can encourage or sabotage an addict’s recovery. Family-of-origin and other systems theories that impact addiction counseling will be examined. The student will learn about enabling and how to confront it. Counseling techniques will be discussed. Support groups such as Celebrate Recovery or AA’s as an adjunctive to treatment will be covered.

  • COUN 6318 Transdisciplinary Foundations of Addiction

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course reflects the SAMHSA guidelines for knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for addictions counselors. Specifically, it targets the transdisciplinary foundations including: Understand Addiction, Treatment Knowledge, Application to Practice, and Professional Readiness.

  • COUN 6319 Resilience and Coping

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course will provide an in-depth review of the literature related to stress and burnout (e.g., life transitions, personal stressors, ongoing stressors), coping, and resilience with a focus on building a repertoire of healthy coping strategies to share as a helping professional. The course also promotes the self-care, coping, and well-being of helping professionals, including an emphasis on healthy relationships, spirituality, and resistance to stress burnout.

  • 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 6327 Pornography and Sexual Addiction Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course addresses sociocultural, biological, neurobiological, and spiritual factors (e.g., the role of fantasy, lust, and sinful choices) related to the etiology, treatment, and recovery of sexual addiction, including pornography, Internet-based issues, and deviancy.

  • 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 6330 Trauma and Crisis Intervention

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course is designed to prepare students to understand the nature of crisis, trauma, and disasters, including the appropriateness of diagnosis, to work with clients who have experienced trauma and/or interpersonal violence, to utilize crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies, to understand psychological first aid, to introduce counselors’ roles and responsibilities as members of an interdisciplinary emergency management response team during a local, regional, or national crisis, disaster or other trauma-causing event, and to address counselor self-care and burnout.

  • 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 6332 Life Recovery Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course examines different addiction recovery models, as well as spiritual applications that address concepts such as confession, surrender, forgiveness, meditation, and accountability. The role of relapse prevention is discussed with an emphasis on 12-Step approaches such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

  • COUN 6333 Complex Trauma and Disaster Care

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course examines traumatic grief and loss events (e.g., violence and abuse, genocide, injury and loss of children, combat, sexual assault, and disasters) and their aftermath (e.g. complicated grief, complex trauma responses, and dissociation). Counseling interventions and strategies include the role of crisis responders, disaster deployment, and the incident command system, as well as psychological and spiritual care.

  • COUN 6334 Military Resilience and Coping

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course provides an in-depth review of the literature related to stress and burnout within the military culture (e.g. pre- and post-deployment, combat environments, life transitions, personal stressors, and ongoing stressors), coping, and resilience. There is a focus on building a repertoire of healthy coping and bounce back strategies to share as a helping professional.

  • COUN 6335 Military Stress, PTSD, Combat Trauma, and Suicide

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6334 and COUN 6336

    This course focuses on combat and military related stress and trauma, as well as the aftermath (e.g. PTSD, traumatic brain injury, addiction, marital and family issues, and suicide.) Specific attention is given to suicide assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies.

  • COUN 6336 Contemporary Issues and Challenges in Today’s Military

    Prerequisite(s); None

    This course is an introduction to specific issues that impact the military and veteran population. Students will develop an understanding of military and veteran culture, as well as an introduction to common concerns such as deployment, transition to civilian life, suicide risk, underemployment, and relationships.

  • COUN 6338 PTSD: Etiology and Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6323

    This course focuses on the development and treatment of PTSD, including sources of trauma such as violence and abuse, combat stress, severe accidents, sexual assault, and disasters. Adjustment reactions and problems in physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual areas of life are also covered, including various types of therapy for PTSD.

  • COUN 6339 Sexual Functioning: Issues, Problems, and Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6326

    This course offers a comprehensive look at various sexual disorders, as well as biological, psychological, psychosocial, and spiritual factors. Biological, psychological, and spiritual interventions and counseling strategies are examined.

  • COUN 6340 Military Career and Community Transition and Reintegration

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6336

    This course examines the two primary transitions of military life: the reintegration challenges that recently deployed military members encounter as they blend back into family, community, church, and a peacetime setting; and the transition from the military to a civilian and career. Counseling strategies and resources will be discussed that help facilitate positive adjustments and support veterans in this transition back into family and community life, as well as new careers.

  • 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 6343 Assessment in Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 6302 and PSYC 6310

    This course is an introduction to psychological testing techniques used in the evaluation of people exhibiting mental, emotional, and/or behavioral disturbances with an emphasis on using assessment therapeutically as part of the treatment process. Instruments related to several subfields are included (e.g., career, personality, behavioral). Report writing skills are addressed.

  • COUN 6353 Assessment and Treatment of Couples and Families

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 5310, COUN 5312, COUN 5313, COUN 5323, and PSYC 6301

    This course provides didactic knowledge and in-depth practice and feedback in the major assessments and counseling techniques used with couples and families. Emphasis on assessment and treatment approaches specifically designed for use with a wide range of diverse adult dyads as well as children and adolescents in a family system. Sexual issues, spirituality, and lifespan development are also addressed. Course is offered only in residential format.

  • COUN 6354 Practicum in Marriage and Family Counseling

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

    Supervised laboratory experiences in counseling with emphasis on developing basic skills in working with couples and families. 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.

  • COUN 6355 Advanced Practicum in Marriage and Family Counseling

    Prerequisite(s): COUN 6354

    Supervised laboratory experiences in individual and group counseling with emphasis in developing competence in counseling with couples and families. All practicum students must be involved in counseling activities. Continued communication with on-campus supervisor through class activities and consultation. May be repeated for credit.

  • 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/Independent Study

    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.

  • 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.