HSC - Human Services Core/Counseling

This course presents an overview of principles, techniques, and methods essential in establishing an effective counseling relationship. Specific skills, competencies, and concepts related to counseling are studied and an ongoing experiential component provides opportunity to practice these developing skills. In addition to basic skills and techniques, there is a focus on self-awareness and insight. Students learn to better understand themselves as individuals and how to use that awareness when working with clients. As students gain more self-awareness, increased insight, and counseling skills, they are better prepared to become effective counselors. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Master of Science in Counseling, either the School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis, or consent of the department. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course examines counseling in the context of a multicultural society. The dynamics of human development, interpersonal interactions, communities, and institutions are explored through the lens of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and other areas of diversity. Students explore how the differences between and within groups of people have implications for impeding and enhancing the quality of life, resources, and experience of clients. Students develop insight into how to use culturally derived and informed assessments and interventions as they investigate the social justice and advocacy issues pertaining to counseling. Over the duration of the course, students reflect on how their own cultural identities and worldviews can impact clients, the profession, and society-at-large. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course expands interviewing skills and techniques through extended practice sessions with one client, relevant readings, examination of case materials, and written exercises. The focus is placed on advanced skills of interviewing, with emphasis on development and integration of individual style and technique. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501 and HSC 510. Co-requisite(s): None.

This course will provide an overview of the DSM V and how it can be used for purposes of assessment and diagnosis of the individual client. The student will learn the characteristics of various personality disorders and how to assess these disorders within the parameters of the helping interview. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501, HSC 510. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course explores the theoretical models and concepts of family therapy. The systemic dynamics and developmental stages of the family are examined within the context of cultural and societal factors. Students reflect on how the historical and current experiences in their own families influence their perspective on the structure and functioning of families in our society. Students use case studies and simulated family scenarios to apply various approaches to family therapy. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course introduces and examines several theories of human growth, development, and regression, exploring the entire lifespan. Students examine various philosophical perspectives as to their implications for counseling. They further analyze developmental behaviors associated with stages of development, environmental and disruptive influences upon development, and responses of mental health services and practitioners. Other topics covered in this course include normal and abnormal human behavior and development, including psychological, sociological, moral, and physical factors. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the M.S. in Counseling program; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Theories of counseling and psychotherapy will be introduced and explored. Students will examine philosophical stance, therapeutic assumptions, and strategic interventions relative to the major schools of thought. Effective characteristics of helping relationships in a multicultural society will be explored. The relationship between counseling theories and evidence-based outcomes will be highlighted. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Science in Counseling, either the School Counseling or Community Counseling Emphasis, or consent of department. 3 semester hours

This course is an orientation to the issues and ethics in the field of professional counseling. Students learn about the different types of counseling settings including public schools and a variety of clinical mental health agencies. The course also focuses on learning and applying the American Counseling Association's Standards of Care and Code of Ethics. Case samples of ethical decision-making, role plays, and personal reflection are emphasized. The requirements for national certification and state licensing are also covered during the course. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Master of Science in Counseling, either the School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis, or consent of the Program Chair. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides an overview of group types, dynamics, leadership, theories and techniques in group counseling. Specific skills, competencies and concepts related to group counseling are applied through an on-going experiential component. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501 and HSC 510. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course presents an overview of the concepts, theories, history, practices and techniques of career counseling as applied in various settings. In addition, the course reviews the use of occupational classification systems, tests and computer technology in counseling. Counseling special populations, diversity issues, ethical practice, and career counselor identity are woven throughout the course. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 511, HSC 510, HSC 501, HSC 512, HSC 543, HSC 506. Co-requisite(s): None.. 3 semester hours

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of psychological assessment for the counseling field. Students review the history, principles, and current methods of psychological assessment with a focus on their applied use in counseling practice. Students explore selected psychological instruments and their basic relevant statistics, reliability, validity, and use of norms. They further discuss the role of the clinical interview and psychological testing (construction, administration, and interpretation), as well as ethical practices in assessment. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501, HSC 510 and HSC 511; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course explores the various aspects of human sexual behavior and counseling issues related to sexuality. The biological, psychological, social, emotional, and developmental aspects of human sexual behavior are studied. Specific techniques and approaches to sexuality counseling are applied to case studies. The complexity of sexual behavior is emphasized, and other dynamics and related factors are also explored. Special topics, including sexually transmitted disease, cultural influences, societal norms, ethical issues, family planning, substance abuse, aging, sexual disorder and sexual deviancy, are considered. The expected student outcome is the ability to apply knowledge about sexuality counseling to a variety of case studies, to analyze the case studies fully, and to recommend appropriate treatment plans. Pre-requisite(s): None, Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course will introduce students to clinical mental health counseling by familiarizing them with the roles of the clinical mental health counselor, program development, and clinical mental health counseling models and processes. Students will learn about counselors as changes agents, client advocates, outreach specialists, consultants, and preventative educators, and they will review the effects of public policy, managed care, and other social issues on counseling practice. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 501, HSC 510, HSC 511, HSC 512. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

The Counseling Practicum class is a combination of individual and group supervision as students begin on-site placement. This course requires 100 hours of field placement in an approved setting, a minimum of 40 hours of direct student/client contact, over a minimum of a ten-week academic term, integrating knowledge and competencies developed in the counseling program. Students participate in program-appropriate audio/video recordings, live supervision of interactions with clients, critique other students' counseling skills sessions, write process notes, and develop a counseling approach specific to CACREP and NLU Counseling Program policy. Counselors-in-training are evaluated by the site supervisor and university practicum supervisor. Prerequisite(s): HSC 504, HSC 505, HSC 511, HSC 512, HSC 514, HSC 534 for School Counseling students or HSC 524 for Clinical Health Counseling students; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course develops knowledge and skills in the application of counseling theory and techniques in a school setting. Focus is on developmental counseling curriculum, academic program planning, motivation, consultation, collaboration, and referral. Current issues and practices are highlighted. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 511, HSC 510, HSC 501, HSC 512, HSC543, HSC 506, HSC 503, HSC 514, HSC 505, HSC 504, HSC 509, HSS 534. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course will present counseling theories and approaches which effectively address crises and trauma. The course will examine the impact of trauma and crisis and potential neurobiological responses. Students will gain knowledge and skills useful in assessing and intervening in crises and explore the application of these skills in addressing specific situations such as: suicide, homicide, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, natural disasters and terrorism in both community and school settings. Self-care strategies will also be presented. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides an introduction to the basic neurobiology of psychopathology and how psychotropic medications treat such conditions. An understanding of the basic classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications will be identified. An emphasis is placed on the role of the counselor as a member of a treatment team who helps facilitate client treatment compliance and monitors the efficacy and side effect manifestations of psychotropic treatment, while helping to integrate that treatment with other nonpharmacological modalities. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides specialized knowledge and skills training in counseling individual children and adolescents through examination of theoretical, behavioral, and play therapy techniques. A strong emphasis will be on helping students understand how the developmental stages of children and adolescents relate to counseling approaches, appropriate assessments, and interventions. Throughout the course, the students will discuss the influence of multiculturalism on individual development, assessment, counseling interventions, and other contextual relationships. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course will assist students in learning how to successfully develop and maintain a psychotherapy private practice. Topics covered will include creating a business plan, marketing strategies for private practice, clinical forms, insurance billing and HIPAA requirements. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is designed to increase understanding of counseling work with children utilizing various Play Therapy models. The course will assist those who work with children to understand the relationship of toys and play to language and therapy, explore the major theories of play therapy, develop skills and techniques to use in a play therapy setting, develop an awareness of what children see and experience from their perspective, gain expertise in responding to children, enhance the child's self-awareness and self understanding, and develop understanding of selection of specific toys and room set-up for play therapy. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is designed for the study of grief and loss counseling. Though loss is a normal part of living, many clients may be unaware that their symptoms are related to unresolved loss. This course will help counseling students to identify the potential connection between a client's symptoms and unresolved loss and to provide effective treatment. The process of mourning, models of grief counseling and grief therapy will be presented and analyzed to promote greater understanding of how to facilitate bereavement in uncomplicated grief and how to conduct psychotherapy with clients with complicated grief. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is an overview of the field of Geriatric Counseling. The course provides students with information on adult development and the aging process. The course explores ways professional counselors can help the elderly and their families. This course immerses students in a biopsychosocial perspective of adult development and aging. It orients them to mental health issues of the elderly, diagnosis and treatment planning and unique counseling strategies for this population. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 509 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides an overview of the various models of spiritual and religious development that can be integrated into the counseling setting. Students learn the difference between spiritual and religious beliefs and teachings and their influence on the counseling process. A broad range of views are explored in order to be effective with diverse religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. Students develop an understanding of how to work competently and ethically within the spiritual and religious domain. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Students may enroll in Comprehensive Exam when they complete all coursework required to take the Comprehensive Exam as defined by their program of study. No credit hours are earned, but enrollment allow students to maintain a less than half-time active enrollment status for up to one quarter while taking Comprehensive Exams. It also creates a transcript record, reflecting enrollment for the Comprehensive Examination and the ultimate outcome of all attempts with a final grade of "Credit" or "No Credit." Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 0 semester hour

The internship reflects the comprehensive work experience of a professional counselor appropriate to the student’s program area. The internship consists of 600-clock hours, with at least 240 direct service hours. The internship experience follows successful completion of the practicum. HSC 581 consists of the first segment of the internship experience. Students integrate classroom theory and l learning with application of counseling skills. This placement is under the supervision of a qualified supervisor who is onsite and provides a one-hour weekly, face-to-face supervision. Placements are individualized according to the student’s area of concentration, learning needs, and interests. Students also participate in a supervisory seminar at the university under the supervision of a counselor educator supervisor. Counselors-in-training are evaluated by the site supervisor and the university supervisor. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 533 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

The internship reflects the comprehensive work experience of a professional counselor appropriate to the student’s program area. The internship consists of 600-clock hours with at least 240 direct service hours. The internship experience follows successful completion of the practicum. HSC 582 consists of the second segment of the internship experience. Students integrate classroom theory and learning with application of counseling skills. This placement is under the supervision of a qualified supervisor who is onsite and provides a one-hour weekly, face-to-face supervision. Placements are individualized according to the student’s area of concentration, learning needs, and interests. Students also participate in a weekly supervisory seminar at the university under the supervision of a counselor educator supervisor. Counselors-in-training are evaluated by the site supervisor and the university supervisor. Pre-requisite(s): HSC 581; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None

A required in-person residency experience focusing on student engagement and deep interaction in applying learning concepts. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 0 semester hours