Counseling Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Please use the following key to determine requirement satisfaction for each course.
C = required for Clinical Mental Health
M = required for Marriage, Couples and Families
S = required for School Counseling
E = Elective

Note: Available courses from any track may be taken as electives as long as any pre-requisites have been met

HDCN 6301. Counseling Theories*
This course is an advanced study of the major theories in the field of counseling, as well as an exploration of the historical perspectives and philosophies upon which they are based. Theories to be addressed include the Psychoanalytic theories, Individual Psychology, Family Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Multicultural Theory, and Existential Therapy. A special emphasis will be place on the axiom, “know thyself.” CMS

HDCN 6302. Basic Clinical Methods for Individuals, Couples and Families*
The goal of this course is to teach you the personal characteristics and process skills that are the basis of an effective counselor for individuals, couples, and families. This class will provide you with an overview of basic skills that are employed in a counseling setting. è��Ƶapp will be able to demonstrate basic characteristics of effective communication, and general counseling skills. Evaluation will be based on several factors, including strengths and deficits in intrapersonal and interpersonal counseling skills as demonstrated in videotapes, role-play and/or written assignments. Adjusting counseling for various individuals and groups to reflect their diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, etc. is emphasized, as well as students developing their own personal approach to communication, counseling, and personal awareness. Professional identity and interpersonal development on the person of the counselor will be greatly focused on throughout this course. This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. CMS

HDCN 6303. Group Counseling*
The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the study of group dynamics and the major approaches to group modalities. è��Ƶapp will study various group modalities, including group guidance, task-groups, group counseling, and group psychotherapy. Various theoretical approaches to group counseling will also be reviewed. Emphasis will be on how to effectively start, lead, terminate, and evaluate a therapy group process. è��Ƶapp will work on developing an understanding of the skills requisite to group membership and leadership. è��Ƶapp will examine their approach to group counseling exploring the dynamics of relationships unique to a group setting. As a result, group skill development opportunities, observation experiences, and mandatory laboratory group experience will occur each week. Group counseling will highlight a variety of different groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric group work spanning across diverse settings. Evaluation will be based on several factors, including strengths and deficits in intrapersonal and interpersonal group counseling skills as demonstrated via role-plays, class exercises, examination, and/or written assignments. Pre-requisite: HDCN 6302 Basic Clinical Methods for Individuals, Couples and Families. This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. CMS

HDCN 6304. Counseling Diverse Communities*
In this course, students become familiar with culturally competent, socially just counseling practices through an examination of contexts including culture, class, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and differing life styles. This course is designed to foster cultural competence through education, training, self-awareness, and experiential learning. Cultural competence involves awareness and sensitivity to the political and pragmatic effects that contexts of personal, community, and popular culture have on lived experience. These contexts will be examined as they apply to individual, familial, and social interactions and functioning and to the counseling process. Course goals include promoting awareness of marginalizing discourse, exploring implications of minority or marginalized group membership, acknowledging power and privilege, and considering social justice issues in a counseling context. The content of this course is intended to promote self-reflection and examination of personal and professional assumptions regarding culture, class, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ability. CMS

HDCN 6305. Advanced Clinical Methods for Individuals, Couples and Families*
This course is a continuation of the first Basic Counseling Methods: Individuals, Couples, and Families class with an emphasis on practicing counseling skills. The major methods and techniques used in counseling individuals, couples and families are examined with a focus on applicability to different client(s) needs in a variety of settings. The relationship between specific individual and systemic theories and their counseling applications will continue to be assessed. Evaluation will be based on several factors, including strengths and deficits in intrapersonal and interpersonal counseling skills as demonstrated in role-play and/or written assignments. Adjusting counseling for various clients and counseling settings to reflect their diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, systemic dynamics, etc. is emphasized, as well as students developing their own personal approach to counseling. Personal growth continues to be a focus. Pre-requisites: HDCN 6301, 6302, 6303, 6316, and 6318. This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. CMS

HDCN 6308. Counseling: Elementary School
Required for school counselor certification, skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate a developmental guidance program according to Texas statute, and assume a è��Ƶapp leadership role. S

HDCN 6309. Counseling: Secondary School
Required for school counselor certification, skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate a developmental guidance program according to Texas statute, and assume a è��Ƶapp leadership role. S

HDCN 6311. Couples Therapy: Theories and Treatment
This course will address the principles and techniques of effective therapy with couples primarily utilizing the approach of John Gottman. Various other models will also be explored with a focus on applicability to different client needs in a variety of settings. Relevant topical issues will be intertwined with class assignments, class discussions, and role-plays. Evaluation will be based on several factors, including strengths and deficits in intrapersonal and interpersonal counseling skills as demonstrated in role-play and/or written assignments. A special emphasis will continue to be placed on the axiom, “know thyself.” M

HDCN 6314. Sexual Counseling - Therapy
The focus of this course will be on sexual experiences as a part of life experiences and the development of the skills and tools necessary to strengthen a client’s positive relational and sexual functioning in a therapeutic setting. This course is designed as a study of sexual issues, positive sexual functioning, sexual problems, and sexual disorders that confront the counselor or therapist. This is a “how to” course, with the expectation being that each student will develop the knowledge and skills needed to orchestrate counseling sessions when the topic is sexuality. The student will work on understanding his or her own sexual attitudes and beliefs in order to bring as much congruence as possible into the therapy room. Thus, personal values clarification, sex education, cultural messages, gender role development, and relational patterns will be examined throughout the course. M

HDCN 6316. Family Therapy I: Intergenerational Theories and Treatment
The purpose of this course is to provide a theoretical and clinical foundation for counseling with individuals, couples, families, and other groups from systemic, relational, and contextual perspectives. è��Ƶapp will become familiar with foundational models of family therapy (FT), the history and development of family therapy models, and the application of these models to clinical situations. The emphasis in this course is on traditional FT models whose focus is on family of origin functioning and intergenerational dynamics. Strong emphasis will be placed on viewing the family as an emotional unit, on understanding the individual client within the context of his or her family of origin, and on strategies for applying this knowledge in a clinical setting. CMS

HDCN 6317. Affirmative Theories and Practices in Couple and Family Counseling
This course offers theoretical and clinical foundations for counseling with individuals, couples, families, and other systems from the perspective of affirmative, social-justice oriented systemic models. Particular emphasis will be placed on clinical applications with traditionally marginalized populations, with specific focus on LGBTQ+ couples and families as well as other intersectional contexts. The dynamics of power as they affect clients inside and outside the therapy room will be explored in detail. è��Ƶapp will become familiar with the influences of social constructionist and postmodern philosophies, as well as the historical development of contemporary theories and the application of these theories to clinical situations. Pre-requisite: HDCN 6316 Family Therapy I: Intergenerational Theories and Treatment. ME

HDCN 6318. Ethics I and Professional Orientation*
Presents fundamental ethical principles and their application to legal and related professional issues in the field of counseling. Reviews ethical rules, standards of conduct, and the law. Examines ethical cannons and guidelines promulgated by the American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and American School Counselor Association. CMS

HDCN 6319. Ethics II and Mental Health*
Prepares students for Texas state licensure or certification and practice consistent with federal and Texas rules and laws. Designed to meet the content requirements for the second ethics class required for licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Examines ethical cannons and guidelines promulgated by Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, Texas State Chemical Dependency Counselors Program, and Texas State Board of Education. Pre-requisite: HDCN 6318 Ethics and Mental Health CMS

HDCN 6320. Life Span Development*
Examines physical, cognitive, communicative and linguistic, and social and emotional development processes of individuals and families through the life span. Topics are addressed within the context of the major theories of development with a focus on chronological and developmental age and cultural and socioeconomic diversity. è��Ƶapp learn appropriate developmental and systemic practices useful in interventions across the life span. CMS

HDCN 6321. Lifestyle and Career Development*
The major theories of vocational choice, career decision-making, and lifestyle development are examined from the perspective of individual development within the context of culture and family. Sources of occupational and educational information and career decision-making processes are explored. Consideration of the interrelationships among and between work, mental well-being, relationships, and other life roles and factors are integrated throughout the course. This course has a $40 assessment usage fee. CMS

HDCN 6323. Pre/Adolescent Counseling: Play Therapy
The cognitive, emotional, moral, physical, and psychosocial development of the pre/adolescent advises mental health professionals and is foundation of this course. Typical development will be presented in contrast to emotional distress, disorders, cultural factors, special issues and populations. Developmentally sensitive individual and group play therapy modalities will be presented in response to pre/adolescent presentations. Topics explored will include trauma, grief, sexuality, substance abuse and legal and ethical issues in working with minors. This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. E

HDCN 6325. Therapeutic Parenting: Family Play and Child/Adolescent Parent Relationship Therapy.
This course focuses on child, adolescent, and parent relationship development using play and activities. Emphasis will be on teaching students how to actively work with families involving children and teenagers in a counseling context using play and activities. This course is designed to (1) help students to learn the clinical benefit of relating to and working with families through play and activities; (2) assist those who work with families in obtaining an understanding of the various dynamics to observe with families in a play and activity therapy context; (3) teach basic family play therapy skills imperative for building a relationship with families with children and teenagers; and (4) learn how to engage and empower parents to be equipped as the agent of change for their children through learning therapeutic skills that are culturally based. A variety of parenting approaches will be explored, with heavy emphasis on Landreth's 10-week filial/play therapy modality, entitled Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. E

HDCN 6328. Family Violence
This course explores family violence with primary emphasis on the problems of spouse abuse and child abuse. Analysis of each of these areas of family violence focuses specifically on the epidemiology of the problem, characteristics of the families, etiological theories, and treatment approaches. *This class may be taken by individuals who do or do not have knowledge about family abuse. The class will not act as a counseling session for anyone. However, due to the sensitive nature of family violence, assignments and classroom activities or discussions may be disturbing for those who have experienced domestic abuse or know someone who has. The National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential crisis counseling and referral is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-7233. E

HDCN 6330. Psychopathology: Adult*
This course covers the domain of psychopathology as it is represented in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5, 2014). The scientific bases of contemporary theories and research of major psychological disorders will be studied. The societal implications of mental disorders will be explored. è��Ƶapp will be educated about the types and causes of mental disorders, their assessment, treatment plans, referrals for services, prognosis, related research in psychotherapy, and prevention. The legal, ethical, and cultural issues related to psychopathology, behavior of mental health professionals, and society will be deliberated. CMS

HDCN 6331. Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent
Abnormal behavior in children and adolescents is examined. Psychopathology is presented using an integrative approach including the biological, psychological, social, cultural, familial, and political forces that currently define abnormal behavior. The history, theories, research, DSM-5 diagnostic categories, and psycho-pharmacological treatments are covered. CMS

HDCN 6338. The Science of Interpersonal Neurobiology & Trauma Counseling
This course covers concepts in interpersonal neurobiology and trauma, including research, culture, wellbeing and treatment considerations. The nature and role of trauma in impacting mental health, as well as treatment interventions, will be examined through a cross-cultural perspective. Essential neurobiological and mind-body processes will be of focus in this course, including sleep, hydration, nutrition, exercise, attachments, relationships, habits, mindfulness, stress, and neuroteratogens. E

HDCN 6340. Assessment of Individuals, Couples and Families*
Instruction on basic appraisal terms, concepts, instruments, procedures, methods, and interview techniques used for developmental, behavioral, cognitive, and personality assessment for individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families. Emphasis on evaluation and selection of appropriate instruments and use of assessments in the counseling setting. This course has a $40 assessment usage fee. Pre-requisite: HDCN 6349 Research Design & Statistics. CMS

HDCN 6342. Cognitive, Career and Educational Assessment
Required for school counselor certification to develop skills and knowledge to assist students individually or groups for academic success and K-12 exploration of careers/interests based on individual aptitude and test results. S

HDCN 6343. Child Counseling: Play Therapy
This course is designed to (1) help students to learn the clinical importance of relating to and working with children through play; (2) assist those who work with children in obtaining an understanding of the major theories of play therapy; (3) develop an awareness of the child’s world as viewed by the child; (4) increase students’ understanding of children and their behavior; (5) engender students’ facility in working with caregivers of child clients; (7) help students develop a philosophy of and approach to play therapy that is effective; and (7) promote self-exploration and self-understanding. The intent is to make this course informative, challenging, and worthwhile in helping you learn how to work with children in counseling. This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. E

HDCN 6344. The Art of Trauma Treatment: Expressive, Somatic & Experiential Methods (beginning Fall 2023)
è��Ƶapp will engage in expressive arts and experiential methods focused on the treatment of psychological trauma. Specifically, students will identify individual and relational effects of psychological trauma on diverse populations as well as the neurological processes involved in psychological trauma and its treatment. In addition, students will comprehend expressive arts therapies through a neurobiological lens, and apply a variety of expressive and experiential therapy practices/interventions for the treatment of trauma with children, adults, individuals, couples, families, and groups in mental health settings. è��Ƶapp need not have an arts background or particular artistic aptitude to succeed in this course.

HDCN 6349. Research Design and Statistics*
Examines methods and types of research design and statistics commonly used in social science research with emphasis on the process, ethics, and statistics required to conduct and read research critically. CMS

HDCN 6352. Psychology of Addictions*
In this course, students become familiar with the etiology of addiction and addiction theory. This course is designed to foster the ability to understand and communicate in the language common to addictive behaviors, dual-diagnosis, and the impact of addiction on families and society. è��Ƶapp will develop competency in screening for addictive behavior, appropriate treatment of addiction, and an understanding of culturally-specific vulnerability to addictive behaviors. CMS

HDCN 6353. Treatment of Addictions: Counseling Methods and Psychopharmacology
The focus on this course is the treatment of substance use disorders, process addictions, and co-morbidity. Treatment considerations will address both counseling methods and psychopharmacology. This course will examine the pharmacological, psychological, and sociological treatment, including reviewing psychotropic medications relevant to substance use disorders, process addictions, and common comorbid disorders and identifying the continuum of care and various counseling and pharmacological treatment approaches utilized in the field. Assessment, case management, documentation, and legal concerns regarding substance use disorders are also addressed. E

HDCN 6355. Affirmative Therapy with LGBTQ+ Individuals: Advocacy Across the Lifespan
The central focus of this course is the development of affirming professional competency in assessment and intervention with sexual minorities. Cultural context and practice implications of heteronormativity in therapists and clients will be examined. Further, skills and practices with consideration to external factors and internal processes that can impact the lives and mental health of LGBTQ+ persons will be addressed. Current understandings of micro-aggression and minority stress will be reviewed. Additional implications of intersecting identities of race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status and religion on the development of sexual orientation and identity integration will be highlighted. The course will also examine affirming and culturally responsive strategies for addressing co-occurring mental health and physical diagnoses. E

HDCN 6356. Affirmative Therapy with Transgender and GN-C Clients
This course will focus on the development of affirming professional competency to support and assist transgender and gender diverse clients. The diversity of ways of being a gender and the importance of language for those that are gender diverse, transgender, and intersex will be explored. Trans-positive practices to assist with the effects of biological, familial, social, cultural and psychological factors in shaping gender experiences and self-understanding throughout the life span will be highlighted. Gender dysphoria and gender diversity will be distinguished from sometimes co-occurring major mental health or substance misuse diagnoses. The evolving role of the therapist in coordination of care with medical needs and services related and unrelated to transition, standards of care, and the medical options available that are specific to transition will be reviewed. Understanding the disproportionate rates of homelessness, HIV, substance misuse, abuse, domestic violence and other social and health care disparities in the context of the gender minority stress framework will be a part of this course. E

HDCN 6391. Selected Topics: Counseling - Various topics in counseling are selected for advanced study. è��Ƶapp may choose a specific interest area in which he or she wishes to pursue additional expertise. Course may be repeated.

HDCN 6392. Selected Topics: Marriage and Family
Various topics in marriage and family therapy are selected for advanced study. è��Ƶapp may choose a specific interest area in which he or she wishes to pursue additional expertise. Course may be repeated.

HDCN 6395. Supervised Clinical Practicum*
Practicum is designed as a beginning clinical experience to build your knowledge and skills as a counselor through opportunities in an applied setting under supervision where you will demonstrate your clinical skills prior to moving onto an off-site internship. Practicum allows you to gain experience with actual clients, develop the ability to handle a variety of clinical issues and responsibilities, evaluate your practice and observe others in a constructive manner, develop a healthy mastery of ethical practice, and establish professional relationships with co-practicum students, clients, supervisors, and professionals in the field. Content areas include: counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence helping processes including gender and ethnic differences, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, personal characteristics, orientations and skills; client characteristics and behaviors that influence helping processes including gender and ethnic differences, verbal and nonverbal behaviors and personal characteristics, traits, capabilities and life circumstances; factors that influence helping processes including environmental and social factors, relationships external to the helping process and commitment to change. This course has a $20 clinic usage fee. CMS

HDCN 6398. Internship I*
Prerequisite: HDCN 6395 Supervised Clinical Practicum. The purpose of off-site practicum/internship includes practicing specific skills and providing services in order to prepare to work as a professional in the field and to understand professional roles by experiencing the milieu in which they are performed. Fieldwork experiences serve as a transition to professionalism between classroom theory and everyday reality for those entering the field. CMS

HDCN 6399. Internship II*
Prerequisite: HDCN 6398 Internship in Counseling I. Refines counseling skills in real-world settings under close supervision. Qualified supervisors at the student-selected internship site provide direct supervision. Types of direct and indirect service hours vary according to LPC, LMFT, LCDC, and school counseling requirements and populations served at the internship site. The curriculum is focused on group supervision and professional development. CMS

Southern Methodist University (è��Ƶapp) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. è��Ƶapp's commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

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