COUN 5370:

Intermediate Methods in Counseling Adolescents

Fall 2006

Instructor: Gail K. Roaten, Ph.D., LPC, CSC                    Classroom: ED 1024

Phone: 512-245-6576                                                                            Meets: T 6:30 – 9:15 pm

E-mail: gr17@txstate.edu                                                                     Office: Ed. Bldg. # 4027

                                                                                                                Office Hours: T & Th 3 – 6 pm;

or by appointment

Course Description :

This course will provide an overview of the physical, social, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of the adolescent in the context of the family. Emphasis will be placed on counseling interventions utilizing current research.

Prerequisite: COUN 5369

*Special Note : This is an intermediate techniques/methods course. As such, each student will have a Professional Counseling Performance Evaluation completed. A student cannot receive below “meets criteria” on any item scored and pass the course.

                As an intermediate technique/methods course, there is a minimum skill level which must be attained in order to meet this criteria. Many students benefit from a second semester of an intermediate methods/techniques course. This should not be perceived as unusual or atypical.

Course Objectives:

By completion of the course the successful student will:

• describe and understand adolescent development as well as related developmental concerns and issues (CACREP SC: C.2.a, IIK: 3a)
• understand the unique needs, problems, and concerns of adolescents, and learn to identify such (physical, emotional, cognitive/intellectual, social, diversity, family, etc.) in adolescent clients (CACREP SC: A8, B7, C.2.a, C.2.e; IIK: 2a, 3c)
• analyze adolescent behaviors from the perspective of major theories (developmental, cognitive, behavioral, systems, etc.) (CACREP IIK: 3c, 5d)
• demonstrate an understanding of special problems of adolescents including, but not limited to, relationship issues, delinquency, attendance & school performance problems, substance use & abuse, eating disorders, sexuality, depression, pregnancy, and other at-risk behaviors (CACREP SC: B7, C.2.h)
• develop intervention strategies to assist adolescents in successfully solving developmental, emotional, social, school, and behavioral problems. (CACREP SC: A8, B7, C.2.a, C.2.d, C.2.e; IIK: 3d, 5b)
• display the ability to select theoretically grounded intervention techniques/methods appropriate to adolescent concerns (CACREP SC: B7, C.2.a, IIK: 5b, 5c)
• display the skills appropriate to research-based techniques/methods in counseling adolescent clients in either a school or clinical setting (CACREP SC: B7; IIK: 5b, 8e)
• demonstrate ability to formulate a theoretically-based case conceptualization (CACREP IIK: 5b, 7h)
• demonstrate the ability to develop a theoretically-based treatment plan and make a DSM diagnosis (if applicable) (CACREP SC: C.2.d)
• understand ethical standards of practice as well legal issues in working with adolescents (CACREP SC: A7; IIK: 1h, 2f)
• demonstrate knowledge of effective consultation and advocacy strategies with significant others of the adolescent (parents, siblings, teachers, agencies, etc.) (CACREP SC: A8, B2, B7, C.2.f, C.2.g, C.3.c; IIK: 1h)
• demonstrate proper referral process when/if necessary (CACREP SC: B7, C.2.g)

Methods of Instruction

This course will be taught using both didactic and experiential methods to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills to counsel adolescents. Developmental concerns and issues of adolescents (physical, intellectual, emotional, social) will be addressed and discussed. A variety of theory-based strategies and techniques (based on current research) aimed at meeting the unique needs of adolescents will be taught and practiced. A minimal skill level must be demonstrated by the student.

Required Texts :

Carlson, J., & Lewis, J., Eds. (2007). Counseling the Adolescent: Individual, Family, and School Interventions, 5 th Ed. Denver, CO: Love Publishing Co.

McWhirter, J.J, McWhirter, B.T., McWhirter, E.H., & McWhirter, R.J. (2007). At-Risk Youth: A comprehensive Response for Counselors, Teachers, Psychologists, and Human Service Professionals, 4 th Ed. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole~Thompson Learning.

Additional Resources:

Hitchner, K., & Tifft-Hitchner, A. (1996). Counseling Today’s Secondary Students: Practical Strategies, Techniques, & Materials for the School Counselor. San Franciso, CA: Jossey-Bass

Metcalf, L. (1995). Counseling Toward Solutions: A Practical Solution-Focused Program for Working with Students, Teachers, and Parents. West Nyack, NY: The Center for Applied Research in Education.

Prout, H.T., & Brown, D.T., Eds. (1999). Counseling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents: Theory and Practice for School and Clinical Settings, 3 rd. Ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Rapp-Paglicci, L.A., Dulmus, C. N., & Wodarski, J.S., Eds. (2004). Handbook of Preventative Interventions for Children and Adolescents. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Vernon, A., Ed. (2004). Counseling Children and Adolescents, 3 rd Ed. Denver, CO: Love Publishing Co.

Course Requirements:

• Out-of-Class Preparation and In-Class Participation
• Assigned reading must be completed prior to class meetings; students must be prepared to discuss content & participate in class discussion
• Class attendance and participation are mandatory; absences must be cleared through Dr. Roaten prior to day/date of absence either in person or via phone call (no e-mails)

• Clinical Experience
• Minimum of 6 counseling sessions, videotaping required
• After session & before class, review video and complete:
• Counseling Skills Self-Evaluation Form (CSSEF)
• Tape Transcript Analysis
• Turn in completed case conceptualization & treatment plan for client after first tape (see calendar)
• In-Class staffings*
• Be prepared to present your video (cued to interaction you have       written up in “Tape Transcript Analysis”)
• Turn in CSSEF and Tape Transcript Analysis
• Be prepared to turn your tape in (if selected)

• Class Presentation

Each student will select an theoretically-based intervention that is appropriate for use with developmental issues of adolescence and present a 10-15 minute presentation in class (see sign-up sheet for topics & dates)

• Final Project

Turn in completed client file:

• All appropriate client forms
• Session notes
• Client summary report
• Evaluated treatment plan
• Other (portfolio type documents such as artwork, drawings, journal writings, etc.)

* May be at the beginning of the next class, but prior to seeing client again

Evaluation:

1.   Out-of-class preparation & in-class participation

2.   Clinical Experience INCLUDING Professional Counseling Performance Evaluation

3.   Class presentation

4.   Client file (Final Project)

Grading:

This course is CR/credit or F/no credit. Class attendance and participation are mandatory, and you must have accomplished the entire clinical experience component of the course

Tentative Course Schedule:

Aug. 29                                   Developmental Theories and Practical Application; The Culture of Adolescence

                                                Carlson & Lewis, Chpt. 1

Sept. 5                                     The Individual Counseling Process; Relationship and Counseling Basics

Sept. 12                                  At-Risk Youth: Facts, Causes, & Individual Characteristics of High & Low Risk Youth; Fostering Resiliency in Adolescents

                                                McWhirter, Chpt. 1-2, 5

                                                Carlson & Lewis, Chpt. 5

Sept. 19                                  Counseling Theories and Related Strategies/Techniques for Counseling Adolescents (Cognitive, Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, REBT, Adlerian); “Best Practices” for specific issues

                                                McWhirter, Chpts. 12-13

Sept. 26                                  Counseling Theories and Related Strategies/Techniques for Counseling Adolescents (Brief and Solution-Focused, Reality Therapy, Psychoanalytic, Systems); “Best Practices” for specific issues

                                                McWhirter, Chpts. 12-13

Oct. 3                                      Using Innovative & Expressive Techniques with Adolescents (Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Music, Games, Journaling, Bibliotherapy, etc.);

Oct. 10                                    Family: A Systemic Perspective; Family Problems & Interventions

                                                Case Conceptualization & Treatment Plans    

McWhirter, Chpts. 3, 15; Carlson & Lewis, Chpts. 20, 22

                                                Tape 1 Due

Oct. 17                                    Depression, Suicide, and Suicide Prevention in Adolescents

                                                McWhirter, Chpt. 11; Carlson & Lewis, Chpts. 6-7

                                                Case Conceptualization & Treatment Plan Due

Oct. 24                                    In-Class Staffing of Tape 1; Counseling Session/Videotape 2

                                                Ethical & Legal Issues in Working with Adolescents

Oct. 31                                    In-Class Staffing of Tape 2; Counseling Session/Videotape 3

                                                Presentations

Nov. 7                                      In-Class Staffing of Tape 3 ; Counseling Session/Videotape 4

                                                Presentations

Nov. 14                                    In-Class Staffing of Tape 4 ; Counseling Session/Videotape 5

                                                Presentations

Nov. 21                                    In-Class Staffing of Tape 5;Counseling Session/Videotape 6

Nov. 28                                    In-Class Staffing of Tape 6

                                                Presentations

Dec. 5                                      Final Projects Due

Texas State University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with Disability Support Services and to contact the faculty member in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.