College: Education

This major prepares students for a career in counseling, focusing on psychological theories, counseling techniques, assessment methods, ethical practices, and multicultural issues. Students develop practical counseling skills and theoretical knowledge to support individuals facing personal, educational, and professional challenges. Graduates are equipped for roles in schools, clinics, community agencies, and private practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of psychological theories and counseling techniques.
• Develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Learn individual and group counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and career counseling.
• Explore ethical practices, multicultural issues, and industry standards in counseling.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in mental health and educational environments.
• Develop empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills for counseling interventions.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Counseling and Psychological Counseling
   • Overview of basic concepts and industry trends in counseling.
   • Fundamentals of psychological theories and counseling ethics.
2. Psychological Theories
   • Major psychological theories and their applications in counseling.
   • Techniques for integrating theories into counseling practice.
3. Counseling Techniques
   • Basics of counseling techniques, including cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches.
   • Techniques for conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
4. Assessment and Diagnosis
   • Principles of psychological assessment and diagnosis.
   • Techniques for administering and interpreting assessment tools.
5. Treatment Planning
   • Basics of treatment planning and intervention strategies.
   • Techniques for developing and implementing effective treatment plans.
6. Ethical Practices
   • Understanding ethical guidelines and legal standards in counseling.
   • Techniques to ensure ethical practice and client confidentiality.
7. Multicultural Issues
   • Principles of multicultural counseling and diversity awareness.
   • Techniques for addressing cultural, racial, and social issues in counseling.
8. Practical Training in Guidance and Psychological Counseling
   • Real-world counseling experiences, including observations, internships, and practical projects in clinical settings.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical counseling sessions.
9. Graduation Project in Guidance and Psychological Counseling
   • A comprehensive project applying skills in assessment, treatment planning, or multicultural counseling.
   • Presentation of a refined counseling project or case study.

Assessment Methods:

• Counseling session plans, assessment reports, treatment plans, ethical practice analyses, multicultural counseling projects, internship reports, graduation projects, group projects, and internship evaluations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy" by Gerald Corey.
• "Counseling Techniques" by Samuel T. Gladding.
• "Psychological Testing and Assessment" by Ronald J. Cohen and Mark Swerdlik.
• "Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions" by Gerald P. Koocher and Patricia Keith-Spiegel.
• "Multicultural Counseling Competencies" by Derald Wing Sue and David Sue.
• "Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy" by Arthur E. Jongsma Jr.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge in psychology, counseling theories, and ethical practices. Suitable for students interested in counseling, psychology, and mental health fields.

Duration of the Major:

Typically 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Certificate:

Graduates can earn a degree in guidance and psychological counseling and pursue professional certifications or licensing in counseling, such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or related fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring counselors, psychologists, mental health professionals, and individuals seeking to work in guidance, psychological counseling, and related fields. This major provides students with practical, theoretical, and ethical skills necessary to excel in counseling and supporting careers in mental health, education, and related fields.