Psy 473: Theories & Techniques of Counseling: Children and Adolescents
Sylabus Spring 2008

Spring semester, 2008.......... 12 to 1:15 a.m., Mon & Wed.......... DeG 48
Dr. House DeGarmo 419
(309) 438-8508
aehouse@ilstu.edu
office hours: 10-12 MW, 2-4 M, and by appointment
http://www.psychology.ilstu.edu/aehouse/
Graduate Assistant: Kristen Braun
GA office hours: 8:30-12 & 2-4 MW

Textbooks:

Brems, C. (2002). A Comprehensive Guide to Child Psychotherapy. (2nd edition) Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.

Friedberg, R.D. & McClure, J. (2002). Clinical Practice of Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents: the Nuts and Bolts. Guilford Press.

Prochaska, J.O. & Norcross, J.C. (2007). Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis. (6th edition). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

You also need a steno notebook for your class journal (see Journal link on web page)

Recommended Reading

Overall structure of course:

Mondays will typically be devoted to discussion of theoretical perspectives

Wednesdays will typically be devoted to discussion of applied and technical issues

approximately one hour a week will be necessary outside of class for practice Role Play experiences

Course outline:

wk 1
Mon orientation, change
Wed interviewing I--structure & form; read B ch 5

wk 2
Mon Holiday--no class
Wed confidentiality, rules of therapy, limits; read B 2

wk 3
Mon models of change; read PN 1
Wed interviewing II--crisis; read B 7 & 8
discuss interview with Ann

wk 4 Mon relationship therapies; read PN 2
Wed interviewing III--attitudes; read B 9 & 10

wk 5 Mon relationship therapies; read PN 3
Wed interviewing IV--support & clarification; read B 10
discuss interview with Holly

wk 6 Mon relationship therapies; read PN 4 & 5
Wed psychotherapy; read B B 12 & 13

wk 7 Mon psychotherapy; read PN 7
Wed psychotherapy; read B 14
discuss interview with Joy

wk 8 Mon exposure; read PN 8
Wed CBT; read FM 1, 2, 3
discuss interview with Carol

spring break

wk 9 Mon behav therapy; read PN 9
Wed CBT; read FM 4, 5, 6
discuss interview with Emily

wk 10 Mon CBT; read PN 10
Wed CBT ; read FM 7, 8, 9
discuss second interview with Ann

wk 11 Mon family therapy; read FM 11
Wed CBT; read 10 & 14
discuss second interview with Carol

wk 12 Mon context sensitive therapy; read PN 12 & 13
Wed CBT; read PN 12 & 13
discuss second interview with Emily

wk 13 Mon narrative therapy; read PN 14
Wed CBT; read FM 12
discuss interview with Ms. Fray

wk 14 Mon compare and contract; read PN ch. 15 & 17
Wed CBT; read FM 13
discuss interview with Ms. George

wk 15 Mon compare and contract; read PN ch. 16
Wed setting up practice; read B 1

wk 16 final exam period: during this week you will interview Very (Al)
Mon 1 p.m. wrap-up; final examination essays due

Discussion of reading assignments:

Students will lead discussions of the reading assignment for the class for approximately 15 minutes each period beginning the third week of class. Assignment of dates will be made during the first class period.

Practice Sessions

For ten weeks you will be meeting with an advanced graduate student to role play your initial session with a number of clients. The interviews will last approximately 20-25 minutes, the advanced student will given you feedback on your performance. You need to turn in a final copy of your progress note to me.

Once you will interview me, as the client Very. This interview will also be brief, 15 to 20 minutes. This is not an initial session and you should prepare a treatment plan prior to your session. You will turn in your treatment plan and progress notes to me.

Grading:

journal 10%
final examination 30%
role play activities 30%
class participation 30%


Class attendance is necessary baring extraordinary circumstances and is an element in the 30% class participation grading.

Case study material will be used through out the course. While this material has been altered to maintain the confidentiality of clients, it appears to be actual case material and will be treated as if it were case material. Students are expected to maintain close personal control of any case material taken from the class. Failure to do so may result in removal from the class and a failing grade.

Psychology 473: Theories and Techniques of Counseling in Children and Adolescents provides an overview of theories of psychological treatment and change, as well as practical preparation to assume counseling roles in human service careers. Educational objectives include:

1. understanding commonalities in theory and practice among counseling practitioners
2. understand differences/unique elements in theory and practice among counseling practitioners
3. develop familiarity with the basic theoretical concepts/vocabulary of contemporary psychotherapy models
4. develop familiarity with the basic standard of practice of contemporary psychological therapists
5. review our current knowledge and practice with respect to indications, counterindications, and the role of subject/psychopathology/cultural variance in influencing outcome in counseling and psychotherapy

Students in this course are expected to take an active role in their education and preparation for professional practice in human service careers. Please have the reading assignment(s) completed before the week the material is being covered in class, so that you can take a meaningful part in the course.

Participation in this course may entail some degree of self-disclosure regarding personal and/or family history. Students should feel free to withhold, distort, confabulate, or lie about any personal information that might make them feel uncomfortable or which they do not wish to share for any reason--please see the web page, "journals" for further discussion of this issue. At the same time, I expect all students to respect the privacy of their classmates and the confidentiality of any personal information (real or simulated) apparently disclosed in class. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade and a letter of explanation sent to the chair of your graduate program area.

You may wish to review my philosophy of education on my web page.

Any student in need of a special accommodation should contact 438-5853 or 438-8620 (TDD).

Dr. House