Counseling Theories (REH 6200) Utah State University Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Counseling Program Fall, 2007 Instructor: Jared C. Schultz, Ph.D., CRC Phone: (435) 797 - 3478 Email: jared.schultz@ usu.edu (Please do not email me in Blackboard Vista. I do not check that email. Use the email above.) Office Hours / Availability: Mondays 3:00 – 4:30 or by appointment Time: Thursdays 5:00 – 7:30 pm MST Place: HSRC 105, Online Course Overview Counseling theories play a large role in what we do as rehabilitation counselors. What separates rehabilitation counselors from other rehabilitation professionals is that we operate from a counseling modality. We use counseling theories and techniques to effect change in the lives of our clients. At any point in the services you provide for a client, you should be able to identify the theoretical basis for what you are doing. That ability is dependent upon your understanding and knowledge of the counseling theories. Every counselor should develop a theoretical orientation (and you will as one of the required papers is designed for that purpose). There are two major factors that you will need to consider as you begin to develop your own theoretical orientation: 1) Your awareness of yourself 2) Your personal philosophy of behavior Each theory offers an approach that is different, and techniques that are applied for a variety of reasons. You will be looking for the best match of theory to who you are. To do this, you must know who you are. You will also be attempting to find the best match between theory and how you believe people develop and change. This is where yourphilosophy comes into play. For example, if you concur with John Lennon that “all you need is love”, then your approach to counseling will be much different than if you think, “people just shouldn’t act so dumb”. This course will be a process of learning both new theories, as well as learning about yourself. Regardless of how much you know about one, you can’t be an effective counselor without knowing both. In addition to the more common theories of counseling, we will spend some time exploring other notable theories of personality. The purpose of doing this is to broaden your ability to conceptualize the developmental processes of your clients. Course Objectives 1. Gain exposure the variety of counseling theories from which rehabilitation counselors operate. 2. Gain a more diverse view of human behavior and change. 3. Obtain a working knowledge of the theoretical constructs that guide counseling practice. 4. Understand the role of counseling theory in the rehabilitation counseling context. 5. Engage in the process of self-exploration, and gain an appreciation for the influence a counselor’s personal history, attitudes, and beliefs may have on the counseling process. 6. Develop a theoretical orientation from which to practice counseling. 7. Explore ethical and professional development issues in relation to counseling practice. Required Text Corey, G. (2005). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Thomson Publishing. American Psychological Association (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th Ed.). Washington, D.C. Each student will be required to read one of the following books and write a reaction paper. It is up to you to decide which book to read. However, at least one book is required, and you are not allowed to read a book you have read before. So for example, if you have read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning before you have to choose another book. I would recommend a book that focuses on a topic you are not familiar with at this point in time. Cliff notes or abridged summaries are not allowed.Ansbacher, H.L. & Ansbacher, R.R. (1956). The individual psychology of Alfred Adler: A systematic presentation in selections from his writings. New York: Harper & Row. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company. Beck, A.T. (1999). Prisoners of hate: The cognitive basis of anger, hostility, and violence. New York: Perennial. Ellis, A.E. & Harper, R.A. (1997). A guide to rational living. Hollywood, CA: Wilshire. Enns, C.Z. (1997). Feminist theories and feminist psychotherapies: Origins, themes, and variations. New York: Haworth Press. Frankl, V.E. (1986). The doctor and the soul: From psychotherapy to logotherapy. New York: Vintage Press. Horney, K. (1987). Final Lectures. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. (Edited by D.H. Ingram, M.D.) Glasser, W. (1975). Reality therapy: A new approach to psychiatry. New York: Harper Row. Kirschenbaum, H. & Henderson, V.L. (1989). The Carl Rogers reader. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Maslow, A.H. (1999). Toward a psychology of being (3rd Ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons. Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and Family Therapy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. May, R. (1983). The discovery of being. New York: W.W. Norton & Co. Skinner, B.F. (1976). About behaviorism. New York: Vintage Press. There will also be articles and readings assigned that will be available on the RCE 6200 Course Page. Additional articles and reading materials will also be available. Learning ActivitiesThe following are the learning activities for which you will receive a grade. Please read each very carefully. Additional information for each assignment will be provided. 1. Participation (0 points) – Each student will be expected to attend class, having read the chapters and materials to be covered that day. Students will also be engaging in group exercises and will be working on case studies. 2. Self-Reflection Paper (25 points) – Each student will write a five page paper (not including title page) that is self-reflective in nature. It is to focus on two primary areas: 1) Your self awareness, and 2) your personal philosophy about how people learn, live, adjust, etc. 3. Reaction Paper (35 points) – You will be expected to read a book written by one of the original theorists, and write a three page (not including title page and references) reaction paper. This paper should not be an accounting of what the author says, but one of your reactions to it. I want to know that you thoughtfully read the book. What interested you? What was confusing? What was inspiring? A list of the books you can