1 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PCP 550 Interpersonal Techniques in Helping Relationships Tuesdays 1:30-4:14 PM Melody Palm, Psy.D. Spring 2009 Office phone 268-1071 e-mail [email protected] COURSE SYLLABUS “…You can strive on your own. You can grow strong on your own. You can even prevail on our own. But you cannot become human on your own. “ --Frederick Beuchner COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to be a study of interpersonal techniques in the counseling or therapy relationship. This is a helping relationship and therapy techniques class designed for professional counselors, clergy and other mental health professionals. Personal cognitive-emotional awareness and theological-psychological balance will also be promoted through the study of individual functioning in interpersonal relationships. OBJECTIVES The student will: 1. Identify terminology and techniques used in the key schools of therapy. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the helping process from exploration to awareness and then onto action. 3. Explain the importance of the therapist’s awareness of the self as an enhancement to the art of counseling. 4. Analyze his/her own blind spots and biases that may negatively affect the counseling outcomes. 5. Formulate a personal therapy style. 6. Integrate new therapy skills and techniques into their skills repertoire. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: Hill, C. (2004) Helping Skills: Facilitating Exploration, Insight, and Action. American Psychological Association, Washington, DC. Manning, B. (1990) The Ragamuffin Gospel: Embracing the Unconditional Love of God. Multnomah, Publishers, Inc. Sisters, Oregon. Small, J. (1990) Becoming Naturally Therapeutic: A Return to the True Essence of Helping. New York, Bantam Books.PCP 550 Interpersonal Techniques in Helping Relationships 2 Melody Palm, Psy. D. Note: Recommended and required readings reflect a diversity of disciplines and perspectives. Professor does not expect students to necessarily agree with nor embrace the perspectives of all authors. Professor does reserve the right to expect graduate students to expose themselves to a variety of readings: devotional, scholarly, and practical/professional. Critical discussion of material in class is always welcomed. BASIC COURSE OUTLINE: 1. Course Lectures and Assignments 2. Midterm Exam 3. Completion of Assigned Role Plays 4. Attendance and Active Participation with Counseling Laboratories 5. Reflection Papers 6. Final Exam METHODOLOGY: The class will be conducted in a combination of lecture, group learning seminar, and counseling laboratory utilizing a participant-learner method, and multimedia presentations, including videos and power points. EXPECTATIONS: 1. Due to the nature of this course, consistent attendance is essential. Unexcused absences will influence the course grade. Course work is due at the assigned time unless prior arrangements have been made. 2. All written work is expected to be master’s level quality. Be sure your papers are well-written and proofread. Double space all work, use 12 point Times New Roman font, right margin justified only. Poor spelling and grammar reflect a lack of reflection and student respect for one’s own work as well as the professor. Papers will be expected to be the original work of the student and to be properly documented. Adherence to APA or Turabian style is required. 3. Participation by everyone is expected. During this course, you will be invited to self-examine and self-disclose. The goal is that our learning should not be compartmentalized in the intellectual corner of our lives. We will attempt to establish a collaborative environment in which you will be invited to share openly with your peers from your own experience and your own developing theoretical perspectives. The efficacy of this learning experience, therefore, will directly depend upon your honesty, openness and respect for your peers. 4. Academic integrity. Any form of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism will not be tolerated. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Assignment 1: Active Participation - Each student will be expected to read assigned texts and articles prior to the class period they will be covered. Instructor reserves the right to assign homework from the text, with the expectation that assignments will be completed before the following class. Completion of these assignments and active participation in class discussions isPCP 550 Interpersonal Techniques in Helping Relationships 3 Melody Palm, Psy. D. expected. Points will be assigned each day the required reading is met. Class will gradually transition toward active involvement in techniques learned via lecture, video, and reading assignments. Assignment 2: Midterm Exam - A midterm exam will cover the lecture materials, reading materials, handouts, and videos. Assignment 3: Role Play and Growth Plan - Student will be expected to participate in a counseling laboratory outside of the class period. Each student will be required to demonstrate the “Joining” techniques and “SOLER” model learned in class to two other students. Student will then meet with the two other students and critique each others role play. These students will review the role play with the student and tender “Feedback Sheets” as part of the learning and improvement process. The student will then be expected to tender a “Growth Plan” to incorporate peer suggestions. The goal is to gain practical experience in connecting with a client, conveying warmth, assessing one’s strength and weaknesses, with an eye toward continued growth and improvement. Assignment 4: Student is to read and write a three to four page critique/review/interaction paper for the text, Naturally Therapeutic. While reading this book, student is to assess one’s own style of interaction with others and to evaluate whether or not any of the interpersonal modes of operation described by the author, can be seen in their styles of relating. Part of the goal is to read with a discerning, yet teachable spirit, to assist the student in their integration process. Assignment 5: Student is to read and write a three to four page critique/review/interaction paper for the text, The Ragamuffin Gospel. While reading this book, student is to assess their own experience with