Online Class: Introduction to Counseling Psychology

If you are seeking a program to enhance your skills, or just want to learn more about the career, this Introduction to Counseling course will give you great insight toward reaching your educational goals.

COURSE CLOSED

We're sorry, this course is no longer open for enrollment.
 
  • 14
    Lessons
  • 18
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,812
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Introduction to Counseling: Crafting a Compassionate Professional Path

In today's fast-paced world, emotional and psychological well-being is a priority that often takes a backseat. The escalating numbers of people seeking mental health support underscore this fact, with a recent study indicating that approximately 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year. It is within this landscape that the role of professional counselors becomes crucial.

If you are passionate about facilitating emotional and psychological healing or are intrigued about the realms of the counseling profession, the Introduction to Counseling course stands as a comprehensive primer. Whether you aim to enhance your existing skills or are laying the first stone in your counseling journey, this course promises a detailed, insightful exploration of the subject.

Course Overview:

The multifaceted world of counseling goes beyond merely offering advice. It delves deep into understanding the intricacies of human behavior, dynamics of interpersonal relationships, and the nuances of psychological disorders. This course is tailored to provide a panoramic view of the life and challenges of a counselor.

  • A Day in the Life: Dive deep into the roles and responsibilities of a counselor. Understand the complexities and rewards that a typical day holds for these professionals.

  • Ethics in Practice: Delve into the significant role that personal and professional ethics play in the delicate balance of the counselor-client relationship. With case studies and real-world scenarios, grasp the implications of ethical considerations in practice.

  • Dealing with Diverse Disorders: Equip yourself with knowledge about various psychological disorders and challenges, ranging from addictions and eating disorders to bereavement and marital strife. Learn how to support individuals to lead empowered lives, breaking free from the chains of their challenges.

  • Mastering Counseling Skills: At the heart of effective counseling lies a set of core skills. Discover the top ten essential skills that facilitate a constructive and therapeutic client-therapist relationship, aiding clients in ushering positive transformations in their lives.

  • Diversity in Counseling: In an increasingly globalized world, understanding client diversity is paramount. Equip yourself with strategies and insights to offer empathetic, tailored counseling that caters to diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Throughout the course, learners will be exposed to a wide spectrum of counseling environments, from private sectors to diverse settings, shedding light on the adaptability and flexibility required in this profession. In addition, the importance of self-care for counselors, ensuring they remain rejuvenated and effective in their roles, will also be a significant highlight.

Module Highlights:

  1. What is a Counselor? - Unraveling the Role.
  2. Developing Basic Counseling Skills - Building the Foundation.
  3. Are You a Candidate for a Counseling Career? - Self-Assessment and Insights.
  4. Counseling in Private Sector - Opportunities and Challenges.
  5. Mastering Counseling Techniques - Advanced Tools for Effective Therapy. ... [continued for each lesson]

Why This Course?

Counseling is not just a profession; it's a calling. It requires a delicate blend of compassion, understanding, and knowledge. If the realm of mental health beckons you, this course is the perfect springboard.

Embrace this opportunity to deeply understand the transformative power of counseling. Engage with a community of like-minded peers, passionate educators, and expert counselors, and pave your path towards becoming a beacon of hope and healing in the world of mental health. Join us, and let's journey together into the heart of counseling.

 
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1. What is a Counselor?

12 Points
Counseling is a place to get support with indecision, stress, job opportunities, marital problems, learning disabilities and the list goes on and on.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Counseling Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 What is a Counselor

Lesson 2. Developing Basic Counseling Skills

12 Points
Studies are increasingly finding that the type of specialty therapy used is not as important to actual outcomes as the specific counselor behavior such as confidence, enthusiasm, and the belief in the ability of the client/patient to change.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Developing Basic Counseling Skills

Lesson 3. Are You a Candidate for a Counseling Career?

10 Points
By now, you are probably asking yourself, "How do I get ready? Where do I start?" Education and training requirements for counselors are detailed, and vary by state and specialty.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Counselor Characteristic
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Are You A Candidate For A Counseling Career?

Lesson 4. Counseling in Private Sector

8 Points
It is no secret the squeeze is on to promote better physical and mental health through the workplace. Individual counseling in the workplace shows great potential for helping employees with poor health to become more physically active and fit.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Counseling In Private Sector

Lesson 5. Mastering Counseling Techniques

7 Points
Role playing is an effective tool in any group counseling setting. Acting out scenarios may be used for training professionals or in a classroom setting for the understanding of certain curriculum.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Mastering Counseling Techniques

Lesson 6. Legal and Ethical Issues

9 Points
Have you ever found yourself involved in an ethical dilemma? Chances are good that you have.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Legal and Ethical Issues

Lesson 7. Popular Counseling Specialties

7 Points
It is not necessary to choose a specialty before you begin your master's program in counseling, although many students enter into counseling programs with one in mind. Choose a counseling degree that offers a range of options.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Popular Counseling Specialties

Lesson 8. Counseling Arrangements

10 Points
One-on-one counseling or individual counseling generally focuses on the concerns the client has raised. The counselor and client work together to develop strategies to address client goals and decide the length of time needed to resolve client concerns.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Counseling Arrangements

Lesson 9. Counselor Self Care Strategies

10 Points
Self care is an intrinsic, ongoing, and highly important responsibility that should be practiced by everyone, particularly those in health care. Its goal is to ensure that the professional's mental and physical wellbeing is in good shape.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Counselor Self-Care Strategies

Lesson 10. The Social Worker

8 Points
Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve people's lives. They assist people by helping them cope with everyday issues, deal with their relationships and solve personal and family problems.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 The Social Worker

Lesson 11. Counseling In Diverse Environments

10 Points
For the counselor, information is power. In recent years, the work of counselors and psychologists has expanded beyond traditional environments from classrooms to courtrooms and from public safety offices to prisons.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Counseling Sites
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Counseling In Diverse Environments

Lesson 12. Business Aspects of Counseling

10 Points
Many beginning counselors and therapists thirst for realistic instruction, training, and specific guidelines to help them to meet the challenge of counseling in group settings.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Business Aspects of Counseling

Lesson 13. Record Keeping and Ethical Guidelines

8 Points
"Licensed counselor" means a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, licensed advanced social worker, or regulated licensed independent social worker.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Record Keeping And Ethical Guidelines

Lesson 14. Counseling Based Communication Skills

75 Points
Counseling incorporates a vast variety of areas that apply to many different environments and circumstances. Understanding human behavior and improving communication are essential when interacting positively with others.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Course Completion Poll: Your Thoughts; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Counseling Based Communication Skills
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
196
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define what a counselor is.
  • Summarize the basic skills needed to be a successful counselor.
  • Evaluate whether or not you could be a counselor.
  • Describe career options for counseling in the private sector.
  • Summarize the major counseling techniques.
  • Describe the law and legal issues behind counseling.
  • Summarize counselor self-care strategies.
  • Summarize what counseling skills a social worker needs.
  • Compare and contrast counseling techniques in diverse environments.
  • Summarize ethical guidelines a counselor needs to follow.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Student Testimonials

  • "I found this course was really good and helpful. I found the lesson on ethics to be helpful as I didn't know some of this stuff before. I didn't know how closely related social work and counselling psychology is. It was interesting learning about that." -- Daniel D.
  • "I have completed courses with this Instructor previously and would happily undertake his future courses." -- Mary M.
  • "This Course was excellent learning experience for me, THANKS." -- Krishan A.

Related Courses