Pre-Requisite(s): None
Course Description
This course is suitable for:
| • | Those already working with organizations involved in social development, the provision of social services and the helping professions. |
| • | Those considering a career in the helping professions or education sector. |
| • | Those who have an interest in providing support and guidance to others. |
| • | Persons employed by NGOs and Social Volunteer organizations. |
| • | Students pursuing Social Work programmes. |
| • | Student Nurses/Nurses. |
| • | Student Teachers/Teachers. |
Students will be introduced to major counselling theories and their origins, in order to provide them with a basic understanding of the counselling process. Through self-discovery, students will identify their strengths, weaknesses and biases, and gain an understanding of how these affect their interaction with others.
Through discussion, case studies, role-play, group exercises, individual and group presentations and field visits, participants will be provided with an orientation into the counselling profession and the key attributes and skills related to the profession.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to:
| • | Define terms commonly used in the counselling profession. |
| • | Understand the counselling process. |
| • | Identify the qualities and characteristics of an effective counsellor. |
| • | Identify the goals of basic counselling. |
| • | Identify the roles/tasks of the effective counsellor. |
| • | Understand the ethical considerations involved in counselling. |
| • | Understand the importance of personal growth and development to the counsellor. |
| • | Employ basic counselling skills and techniques. |
| • | Understand and discuss the following concepts: human sexuality, interpersonal skills, physical wellness, values clarification, social issues in society. |
Content
The Meaning and Process of Counselling
Counselling Theories and the Nature of the Human Personality
Qualities, Characteristics, and Role of an Effective Counselor
Ethical Considerations in Counselling Practices
Goals of Basic Counseling
The Counselling Environment
Essential Counseling Skills and Techniques
Role Plays
Multi-cultural Approaches in Counselling
Case Studies
Exploring Critical Social Issues in Society
Human Sexuality
Personal Development: Physical Wellness, Self-esteem and Decision Making
The Value of Interpersonal skills in Relationships
Values Clarification
Referrals and Resources
Field Site Visits (at least two)
Methodology
Class presentations, class discussions, case studies, role-plays, group exercises, and field visits.
Delivery methods used include the of power point presentations, handouts and videos.
Assessment
All assessment instruments are marked out of 100. Sixty percent (60%) of the coursework and course assignments go towards the final course mark.
1. Course Work and Assignments:
| • | Class Participation | |
| • | Individual Presentation | |
| • | Course Journal (daily) | |
| • | Major persons of influence in your life and their role in shaping who you are today | |
| • | Group Exercise: Case Studies (2) |
2. End of Course Assignment (40%)
Required Reading
Reference texts for the course:
1. Practical Counselling Skills Training: An Integrative Approach – David Geldard and Kathryn Geldard
2. Theory and Practice of Counselling and Therapy – Richard Nelson-Jones
(Other Counselling texts may be used as additional reference.)
Duration 40 Contact Hours
Venue UWI Open Campus: Morne Fortune, Saint Lucia
