This course familiarizes the student to a variety of techniques commonly used by interviewers and counselors. Students will be introduced to basic communication and counseling skills within a problem-solving framework. This is a practical course that emphasizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practice in the Social Service Work field.
This course is cross-listed with PSYC 220 and students are only granted credit for either course.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours: 15)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Introduction to helping
- Overview of the helping model
- The helping relationship: Values in action
- Introduction to communication and micro helping skills
- Interviewing skills
- Active listening
- Sharing empathetic highlights
- Probing and summarizing
- Stage I and II of the helping model
- Reluctant and resistant clients
- Challenging skills
- Counseling theory
Learning Outcomes:
After successful completion of SSWD 215 students will:
- Describe the literature on current counseling theories in psychology.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and strategies in a counseling setting.
- Recognize and practice a personal commitment to the underlying values of interpersonal communication.
- Demonstrate the use of effective communication skills in the helping process.
- Discuss personal styles in interpersonal relationships.
- Identify a theoretical paradigm for their counseling perspective.
- Plan and conduct beginning interviews using a broad range of communication skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide constructive verbal feedback to others.
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: C+ (65%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 70
Percentage of Group Work: 30
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.