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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Counseling Professions

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

PSRT5323 - Theories of Counseling and Personality

Course Description

This course focuses on the study of the principles of the major theories of counseling and personality and their practical applications in counseling. Major therapeutic approaches are reviewed with regard to key concepts, the therapeutic process, and applications. The effectiveness, limitations, and appropriateness of these theories for helping diverse populations will be examined. Students clarify their personal philosophies and approach to counseling from their understanding of the established theories of counseling and personality.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

Modes of instruction include lecture, classroom-based activities, and discussion. This course is offered in both on-campus and online formats.

Prerequisites

None

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

Develop knowledge of the basic principles of major theories of counseling and personality.
Understand the relationship between theoretical concepts of human behavior and the selection of counseling techniques.
Identify evaluation techniques used in each major theory.
Increase awareness of the applications of various theories in counseling practice including applications to individual and group counseling.
Increase understanding of major ethical issues in the practice of counseling.
Articulate a personal philosophy of counseling based on understanding of the key concepts, therapeutic process and applications of established theories of counseling and personality.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Identify basic assumptions and tenets of major theories of counseling and personality including affective, behavioral, cognitive, and systems theories.
Define key terms related to each major theory studied.
Name the key figures involved in the development of the major theories and describe the philosophy and contributions of the major theories.
Describe evaluation and assessment techniques employed in each of the major theories.
Identify the goals of therapy of each major theory, the role of the counselor, and the nature of the therapeutic relationship from the perspective of each theory.
Discuss the utility of the major theories for counselors in their work with diverse populations (persons with disabilities; age, gender, and ethnic differences) including applications in individual, family and group counseling.
Apply concepts from major theories of counseling and personality to case examples.
Identify and discuss ethical issues in the practice of counseling.
Describe a personal philosophy of counseling based on understanding of key concepts, therapeutic process and specific applications of established theories of counseling and personality.